a little hopeful song

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.