IN MEMORY OF NESSA

Kingfisher Sister

In the halcyon hours of winter solstice,

you loosened your grip

for the slip towards death.

You had no mate to hoist you on his back

and fly over the flat-calm sea,

mourning you with his cries.

But in your last storm, a thaisce, never fear,

our sorrow saw you safely

into the blue, in a blaze of red.

(For Nessa who died the 23rd December 2001.)