Rhythm of the Sea

It took a day and night
to arrive in Ireland by plane.

My spirit, however, lagged behind,
gliding slowly over land and ocean.
It was carried in by the tide
to the Antrim Coast
where we met up.
“Oh, there you are,” I said.
“I have missed you.”

Together,
we watched water
crash against rocks,
flow over sand.

I am back home now,
but my spirit still lingers
at the cliffs of County Clare,
transfixed by the swirling splendor.

Take your time, spirit.
Come back to me when you are ready.

Then we will settle down together
on a bitter winter night
and recall
the rhythm of the sea,
wild and mesmerizing,
powerful and constant.

By Maria Brady-Smith

Photo by Grace Smith