This is another one of the reworked ancient Irish poems I’ve been working on, this one adapted from the poem of that name found in Kuno Meyer’s Selections from Ancient Irish Poetry.
Meyer’s book is fascinating for anyone interested in Irish culture but also in human psychology. These poems reveal a very different way of thinking about life and love, men and women, good and evil to ours.
The old version of “The Deer’s Cry” is voiced by St Patrick and reveals a patriarchal Christianity that was progressive and libertarian in its day—but is very different to how a progressive libertarian thinks, and feels, in the early 21st century.
My adaptation aims to keep what’s most universal in the human emotions, and most edifying in the spiritual beliefs—remoulding it for our times while retaining its rhythm and soulfulness.
The original poem, as translated by Meyer, can be found on my Patreon page here, together with my reworked version—exclusive to patrons only for the next 90 days. Here is first stanza:
I arise today
through a mighty strength,
the invocation of three.
Belief in threeness
experience of twoness
confession of oneness.
Creation, created.