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From: "Jean R." <>
Subject: "Harebells over Mannin Bay" (Galway) - Laois-born C. DAY-LEWIS (1904-72)
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 2004 12:23:52 -0800

HAREBELLS OVER MANNIN BAY

Half moon of moon-pale sand.
Sea stirs in midnight blue.
Looking across to the Twelve Pins
The singular harebells stand.

The sky's all azure. Eye
To eye with them upon
Cropped grass, I note the harebells give
Faint echoes of the sky.

For such a Lilliput host
To pit their colours against
Peacock of sea and mountain seems
Impertinence at least.

These summer commonplaces,
Seen close enough, confound
A league of brilliant waves, and dance
On the grave mountain faces.

Harebells, keep your arresting
Pose by the strand. I like
These gestures of the ephemeral
Against the everlasting.

-- Cecil-Day Lewis (1904-72), born in Ballintubbert House, Co. Laois (Queen's), Anglo-Irish Poet Laureate England.

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• "Harebells over Mannin Bay" (Galway) - Laois-born C. DAY-LEWIS (1904-72) by "Jean R." <>