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Three Steps, And One

Three Steps, And One

A young man brandishing a spear and crying out, he raises a shield in his left hand and a raven flies alongside him

(For Patricia)

4 Bacon sandwiches,  Pots of tea, well-wrapped biscuits.  Mighty Cú Chulainn  Fought with a great, snarling hound;  You brandish a tireless heart.   3 Travelling secrets.  You. Patient behind the scenes:  Opening blinds wide;  Welcoming back. Bitter breath  Making a mess of windows.   2 Up! To encounter  Our ancient burial cairns,  Cú Chulainn’s childhood  Home. Esoteric; solid As a long-eared owl guarding   1 5am, fixed for  The hallowed ascent. Dawn on  A knife-edge, sliced the Stout autumn morning vapour.  Pilgrims seek the summit’s lips.

Cú Chulainn is thought to be one of Ireland’s greatest heroes. He was a dangerous warrior to friends and foes; with supernatural powers, Celtic weapons, and a ferocious hound at his disposal. He is said to have died in battle defending the Ulster province. According to folklore, he resided in the slopes of Slieve Gullion.