The School Bag




from Lament for Fergal Rua

Tadhg Óg O’Huiginn
 
Through his death, I realize
How I value poetry:
O hut our mystery, empty
And isolated always.

Aine’s son is dead.
Poetry is daunted.
A stave of the barrel is smashed
And the wall of learning broken. 

Irish - 15th century - translated by Seamus Heaney