I mostly post my poetry first on Instagram, (unless it is a patron-exclusive poem). Then, each Sunday here on the blog, I post the poem that has got the most Insta likes.

If you’re on Instagram, let’s follow each other. You’ll find my account Orna Ross.poetry here.

The poems are inspired by photographs, sometimes taken by me, sometimes by others.

My most popular poem on Instagram this week was “LOW LANDS, HIGH SKIES, SALT WATER”.

It’s about south Co Wexford where I grew up. Took me many tries and edits, but here’s the final version.

And now for this week’s poem:

LOW LANDS, HIGH SKIES, SALT WATER

The hushed waves' collapse on the salt marsh
the tidal estuary drained.
The single tree's salt-spattered branches.
Twiglets opening green fingers again.
The dinghies setting out for the fishing.
The spring mist turning to rain.

Out to sea, the billowing rollers.
On the lake's edge, a paddling swan.
And close to the back road, the dolmen,
stacked stones from an Ireland long gone.
Even stone sings for only a moment,
next moment finds it’s unsung.
Still the dolmen sends up its whispers
of what's passed under. And through. And along.

The skylark shooting up from the rushes.
The single-legged stance of the crane.
The grey light over green grasses
where overnighting otters have lain.
And the droplet glisten of dew light
ornamenting the spider’s domain.

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