To coincide with the 1916 centenary celebrations in Ireland, I thought it would be interesting to post something political... Maybe it's time to demonstrate my views, only a little.
I'm not strong willed when it comes to politics, but I do have one strong feeling about it all... And that's that Ireland is in a different time to what it once was, back in Easter 1916.
I know many people still yearn for a united Ireland.. But I don't understand what more they could possibly want. In my opinion, we reap many benefits from being in the state that we currently are.
For those unaware of Irish history, I'll give you a brief explanation. There are six counties in Northern Ireland, that Michael Collins signed off to the United Kingdom back in 1921. There was an agreement drawn up to allow the Irish to have their own home rule, instead of being governed from London. In this agreement, Northern Ireland (the six counties) were given the opportunity to either stay part of the UK or join the Irish Free State, which is now known as the Republic of Ireland (ROI).
A committee was set up, called the Irish Republican Brotherhood, which consisted of seven main members. These included Thomas Clarke, Sean McDermott, Padraig Pearse, Eamonn Ceannt, Joseph Plunkett, James Connolly and Thomas MacDonagh.
All of these seven members had their own individual stories.. But they all had the same ending.
The entire committee was executed during the Easter Rising in 1916 when a battle between the Irish and the English commenced.
All of that is only relevant now, because there are people amongst us who still hold a grudge against the English. There are still those around us here in Ireland who have never acknowledged the finale of that battle happened there and then. They are still in battle.
But I disagree, and I know it's just my humble opinion... But honestly, I think if them same people actually took a look around themselves and seen the same people I see.. They would understand that no one actually cares anymore.. They have long forgiven the conflict between Ireland and the United Kingdom. And they should too.. Instead of wasting their breathes.
This is Easter 2016.. I've realised recently that a lot of my more political poems are similar to Yeats' poems.. Only, reflecting more modern day politics instead.
I understand some things I say may be taken controversially.. But I have a right to my own opinion, and if you disagree, I understand. Because that's just your opinion.
Easter 2016
'Is forgiveness possible?' You ask.
Come here for a moment, and I’ll tell you what I think.
Look around and see it all from my eyes,
You might miss something if you blink.
You’re asking a society in isolation,
If they wish to revolutionise their peace,
By bringing up their ancestors from their graves,
Just so six counties can be released.
Can you hear yourself, and your foolish words?
Can you not see the same people I do?
What on Earth are you actually expecting to achieve,
When I’m not sure our ancestors even knew.
Isolation is a fairly heavy word.
It says more than any other.
But it’s true, look at them sitting there,
Texting, and ignoring each other!
That device they’re holding in their hands,
Connects them to a world far wider than Earth;
All they care about are the people they know,
They consider their location to be nothing but dirt.
I live in this isolated time.
I feel loneliness while I sit amongst the crowd.
At times I feel the need to speak,
But then I fear my voice will be too loud.
Let them go, let them go their ways,
You’re the only one who cares anymore.
We once wanted unification, we once stood as brothers..
But that was all before.
It haunts me that innocents died for no worthy cause,
While laws passed under tyrant rule.
But you must accept that history is unchangeable,
And that the truth is, this world is cruel.
When I seen your question, I asked myself,
What on Earth is to be forgiven?
That was 100 years ago, a different time altogether
To the one that we’re now living!
You’re asking an anti-social society, who would protest that label,
To forgive people they didn’t, and will never, know.
From day one, 1916 has been a legend for us,
One we had to accept as reality. And let it go.
I think we’ve all gotten on in the present tense,
Despite our constant struggle to adapt to change.
There are dreamers amongst us, who think like the rebels did,
But in this society, they’re considered to be strange.
I’d say the majority would now oppose home rule.
As they can see our government stands for everything but respect,
With empty promises being made just to gain the necessary voting quota,
So they can make negative impacts to our lives and economy once they’re elected!
We’re all thankful for the seven members of the IRB Military Council,
Who fought, and died, in the hope of our fate.
But I think Yeats was right making reference to beauty,
When he encapsulated our current state.
We have all found our ways through the darkness,
Without following in the footsteps of Plunkett’s eight-hour wife,
Who proved Plunkett and all his friend’s died in vain,
As she let the dark encase her for the rest of her life.
I hope my opinion is more than just my own,
And you may one day see it as yours too.
Because forgiveness is no longer necessary,
Now that, as you see, we’re surrounded by a generation anew.
We are united, even though it may not be as our ancestors hoped.
Forgiveness is possible, you should be asking if acceptance is, though.
Because if you took a look around, to see what I see,
You wouldn’t need me to answer you. Because you too, would let go.
26 February 2016
*In case you're wondering, the "Is forgiveness possible" question that I've mentioned in the poem is based upon some form of slogan used for the 1916 Commemoration Events.. I seen it on a poster in my local shop window.
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