Today is Aug. 15, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, according to Catholic belief, a day my mother used to say we should go to the seashore for the cure. A Jewish friend of mine also says this, but I think it’s because she has known so many Catholics over the years. I have no idea where or when the tradition started . But, certainly it wouldn’t have been too hard for my mother’s Irish ancestors in Clonmany, County Donegal, to fulfill, since the ocean washed all around them, gorgeously.

I know this, because I have been there. The first time was many years ago, in 1972, with my sister, Camilla. I remember we were both saving Ireland for last, as in the best for last. We went first to England, which we loved. We were so excited on the ferry over the channel. But, it rained, and rained, and rained, and we were at first quite low down about it all. We hadn’t planned our visit very well, just expecting wonderment all around. But, that didn’t happen until we went to Clonmany, which was unforgettable. We met relatives — so hospitable. Mary Gill, an old relative, lived on a hill in a thatched roof cottage with a goat tied up outside. All the other relatives made sure she was all right up there all by herself. And, she pulled out her little china cups to offer us tea and bread that she’d made at the peat fireplace.

I went with my daughter, Sarah, in 2005. We never connected with the relatives, but everything in Ireland looked so much more prosperous.  The bed and breakfast in Donegal where we stayed was all new — big and comfortable. The owners — friendly goes without saying — planned a vacation at their home in Spain. I was happy to see the old country so well off. And, Clonmany was even prettier than in 1972.

But, there was enough of the old still to fascinate my daughter, who loved the donkeys and goats and, in particular, the wonderful North Atlantic crashing in to shore.

So, I wrote a poem about all that. It’s in the “Introducing ….” section (see bookmark line above). If one of my poet friends decides to join in and offer an “Introducing…” contribution, I’ll put my own stuff onto a separate tag on the side or something. And, I’ll do that with each of the contributors. They can then add to it as they like.  We’ll be constantly updating and renewing our entries. So, all I need is someone to join in. Forum members? MSPS members? Give it a go!

In the meantime, if you want to see the poem that the trip to Clonmany inspired, go to the “Introducing…”

Thanks!