The river and the fire
The life lines of life
The water in the river
The turf fire burning bright
The mainstay of existence
Our sustenance and warmth
Water from the river
The fire in the hearth
The river is still running
But the fire has long since died
My mother’s home in Erris
My heritage my pride
When people ask my origins
I am more than proud to say
My family came from Erris
A place far far away
The furthest edge of Europe
A corner of the coast
Where cliffs plunge into ocean
Broadhaven is our boast
And Carrowmore is lapping
Beside the boggy shore
And childhood voices echo
Oh gra mo chroi astor
Brian Fahy
3 December 2022
Erris Poetry 