A Blessing for the New Year – John O’Donohue

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On the day when
the weight deadens
on your shoulders
and you stumble,
may the clay dance
to balance you.

And when your eyes
freeze behind
the grey window
and the ghost of loss
gets into you,
may a flock of colours,
indigo, red, green
and azure blue,
come to awaken in you
a meadow of delight.

When the canvas frays
in the currach of thought
and a stain of ocean
blackens beneath you,
may there come across the waters
a path of yellow moonlight
to bring you safely home.

May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
may the clarity of light be yours,
may the fluency of the ocean be yours,
may the protection of the ancestors be yours.

And so may a slow
wind work these words
of love around you,
an invisible cloak
to mind your life.

Here is a video to this poem spoken by the poet himself.  If you are getting this by email you will have to go the blog to see the video and hear his wonderful Irish brogue.

May 2021 overflow with blessings for you!

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Comments

  1. blankLisa notes says

    I accept this blessing, Jean. Thank you, friend! “And so may a slow
    wind work these words
    of love around you,
    an invisible cloak
    to mind your life.”
    Beautiful.

  2. blankNancy Ruegg says

    Thank you, Jean, for sharing the poem and the video. You’re right: hearing it read out loud in the Irish brogue adds to its delight. The line about a path of yellow moonlight coming across the waters reminds me of our years in Florida. Indeed, a straight shaft of light across miles of water does look like a pathway home–to heaven!

    • blankJean Wise says

      David Whyte is so inspiring to read and listen to. yes he paints beautifully with words! Happy New Year, Nancy!