In honour of Pat Kelly
As the seasons swap their radiant glow, and spring awakens with green vibrancy, the once adored blossom is scattered by the wind. So too, did your life dignify its own end, surrendering to eternal rest. Oh Pat, we are unprepared for an existence devoid of your presence.
Despite your quiet teachings of leaving’s ways, none of us are versed in the art of farewell. Will you now raise the sails of your spectral-vessel, revealing a limitless blue as the clouds part – smiling at the absurd thought of mapping unknown territories?
Even while bereavement tugs at our hungering spirits, pulled tight by the moments and rhythms of your being – it births a melody. It’s a symphony of silence and sound, resonating with powerful echoes – but also consists of buoyancy, as each recalled memory strikes the chord of joy, and endurance.
The third collection of poetry by Eleanor Hooker, ‘Of Ochre and Ash’ (published by Dedalus Press), has been distinguished with the Michael Hartnett Award.