Richard C. Cook comments: I have loved this poem since first reading it in college days. “Based on an old Irish legend, Fergus was a king who gave up his crown and power to live a free, wandering life in the wild.”
Who Goes with Fergus?
Who will go drive with Fergus now,
And pierce the deep wood’s woven shade,
And dance upon the level shore?
Young man, lift up your russet brow,
And lift your tender eyelids, maid,
And brood on hopes and fear no more.
And no more turn aside and brood
Upon love’s bitter mystery;
For Fergus rules the brazen cars,
And rules the shadows of the wood,
And the white breast of the dim sea
And all dishevelled wandering stars.
One day people will see their own enslavement wholesaled as freedom.
O, Fergus, free is your path.
Book of Sirach 31,8-11.
Blessed is the rich man that is found without blemish: and that hath not gone after gold, nor put his trust in money nor in treasures.
Who is he, and we will praise him? for he hath done wonderful things in his life.
Who hath been tried thereby, and made perfect, he shall have glory everlasting. He that could have transgressed, and hath not transgressed: and could do evil things, and hath not done them:
Therefore are his goods established in the Lord, and all the church of the saints shall declare his alms.
Meetings And Stories Chapter 9, Michael Yeats
You’re An Irish Poet
by Mark R. Elsis
https://MeetingsAndStories.com/Michael-Yeats-by-Mark-R-Elsis