That’s interesting - I live in Manchester, England (a very short hop from Dublin so I don’t quite know why it took me so long to get there). Love it dearly but there’s a feeling of deep connection and belonging that keeps pulling me back to Cornwall, even though my ancestors left it behind four generations ago
I have an ancient pull towards Scandinavia for some reason. That corner of the globe has always called me. Maybe I am a descendant of Viking invaders, who knows?
There is so much I love about this essay that I hardly know where to begin. It’s soaked through with the indefinable magic of a thousand years of Irish poetic expression, music and culture. I visited Dublin for the first time a few months ago and it really impressed me how much the Irish people value and celebrate their past, even the difficult aspects of it (I’m thinking of the Famine statue in a park that knocked me for six). Also you capture the very powerful, sometimes visceral experience of being in precisely the right place to grieve for someone who meant a great deal to you and to others. I’ve had similar experiences and they really do stay with you.
Miranda, what a lovely comment and thank you so much for reading my piece and your thoughtful words. I miss Dublin every second I'm not there, but I visit whenever I can go back. Mainly I miss the feel of belonging I have when I'm in Ireland. I love Canada, but never sure I've felt I belong here. I'm glad you got to Dublin! ❤️
That’s interesting - I live in Manchester, England (a very short hop from Dublin so I don’t quite know why it took me so long to get there). Love it dearly but there’s a feeling of deep connection and belonging that keeps pulling me back to Cornwall, even though my ancestors left it behind four generations ago
I have an ancient pull towards Scandinavia for some reason. That corner of the globe has always called me. Maybe I am a descendant of Viking invaders, who knows?
There is so much I love about this essay that I hardly know where to begin. It’s soaked through with the indefinable magic of a thousand years of Irish poetic expression, music and culture. I visited Dublin for the first time a few months ago and it really impressed me how much the Irish people value and celebrate their past, even the difficult aspects of it (I’m thinking of the Famine statue in a park that knocked me for six). Also you capture the very powerful, sometimes visceral experience of being in precisely the right place to grieve for someone who meant a great deal to you and to others. I’ve had similar experiences and they really do stay with you.
Miranda, what a lovely comment and thank you so much for reading my piece and your thoughtful words. I miss Dublin every second I'm not there, but I visit whenever I can go back. Mainly I miss the feel of belonging I have when I'm in Ireland. I love Canada, but never sure I've felt I belong here. I'm glad you got to Dublin! ❤️
Nancy, Best wishes with your MFA. Your book topic sounds fascinating. I loved Annie Proulx's Fen, Bog and Swamp.
Thanks, Pamela! Here's hoping! xo