a little hopeful song
—for Sile
I give thee the sun as guarantee
and the Egyptian faience beads
and the little silver oar that was gifted once
to an English harbor master.
I give thee the silk dress
with its triple-ruffled sleeves and
the cloaks with big hoods that fall full
though some are pulled in at a central button.
I give thee the little colored goats
that go down on their knees as penitents.
I give thee the death mask
and the plaster hand of Seán Ó Riada,
for he is among the best loved of the musicians.