Rita Ann Higgins

1955 / Galway

Edict

Go to Tuar Beag and sing for her
take only left turns
pass out the whitethorn
but remember to pay homage
admire it as it should be admired
pay no heed to the piseog brigade.

Stay with her lon dubh, perch and be ready.
Watch out for straws in the wind
egg shells, a lone magpie
a wendy goat, mistletoe out of season.

Keep an eye on Regret
jaywalker by day, shape shifter by chance
and Despair, a weasel waiting to lunge.
Settle and sing blackbird, sleep not.
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