Emigration Comes Full Circle

I left Ireland in the 80's with my husband and two babies for Holland. In 2003, we returned so that our children could have an Irish University education. Dublin was buzzing with life at the time, it was very expensive but we were home. Now in 2011, my daughter is emigrating, back down the old ancestral path, she is going to Madrid to teach English there. Our country has collapsed so badly, there is no employment here so we are exporting our young, educated children by the day. A sad day for me as my daughter leaves tomorrow. I wrote her this poem. To Sarah On the wave of emigration I want you to know That I see you, a fellow female An equal on every level Not just my daughter My little pink princess I see you as a woman A power within this world With oceans to offer A lifetime still to learn Go to your new life A teacher in Madrid Be free and fearless Spread your wings and fly Take the opportunities Shape them to your dreams You have all the tools You can use them now. Your analytic mind Will help you make good decision Fair and just rewards will ensue. Your radiating heart Will gift you new friendships Maybe even a new love All in good time You will never be alone Because you have a deep sense of self This will be fortified With this new tide Your feet firmly planted Will always serve you well Balancing the ups and downs of Libra Always true to yourself Life will be true to you too. We live in a new age today This global world is small As we email and skype Fly back and forth to visit We will continue to love As mother and daughter Our journeys through life Shared Forever together My love I will hold you safe In my heart.