Armagh To Oklahoma - Song of My Soul

Ireland, ancient song of my soul, a haunting melody that strains against the wind and leaves me searching for my distant pasts. Monasterevin, Armagh, Inish Mor… I hear your voices. The breeze on your emerald grass like a pennywhistle plays, while the waves on your rocky shores like boudrans pound out “Come Home” In the green fields, Roots run deep, Intertwined. Wandering trails, Armagh to Oklahoma, Endless searching for the songs of the past, Riding ancient roads, St. Mullins to Claremore , Within the Circle that always will last. Tsa-la-gi, song of my ancient soul, a lyric chant that floats across time and whispers to me to seek out Kindred Spirits of the Circle. Tennessee, Trail of Tears, Tahlequah… I hear your voices. The breeze on your bluestem like a cedar flute drifts upward, while the rain, heavy on sandstone like ceremonial drums beats out “Come Home” In the red dirt, Roots run deep, Intertwined. Familiar trails, Galway to Oklahoma, No fear of what the future will bring, River Shannon to the muddy banks of the Red, Hear the spirit chorus of the Old Ones sing. Destiny, song of all ancient souls, timeless hymn that wafts through shadow-lives and murmurs to me to grasp and keep close those with like hearts. Green Country, Panhandle, My Oklahoma… I hear your voices. Your breath on the air like pipes sings the song of forever, while your hearts full of memory burst with recognition and throb out “Come Home” From one side of the Earth, through the center to the other, Armagh to Oklahoma, Doolin to Chelsea, Green fields, Red dirt, Roots run deep, Intertwined. Boudran beats slowly, Cedar flute rings lowly, Singing the songs of the places I’ve been, From sweet Ireland’s green valleys, To Oklahoma red dirt beneath me, My soul keeps dancing around the Circle again. Note: Tsa-la-gi = Cherokee language for the name Cherokee. Italics sung to the tune of “The Bard of Armagh”, AKA “The Streets of Laredo” Adapted from the original for Oklahoma Cowboy Poetry Week, third week in April 2006