Translated from the Gaelic of Anthony Raftery (1784-1835)
I am Raftery the poet,
Full of hope and love,
My eyes without sight,
My soul without torment,
Going westward on my journey
By the light of my heart,
Weary and tired
To the end of my road.
Behold me now
With my back to the wall
Playing songs
To empty pockets.
******
Is Mise Raifteirí an file,
Lán dúchais is grádh,
Le súile gan solas,
Le ciúnas gan crá.
Ag dul síar ar m'aistear
Le solas mo chroí
Fann agus tuirseach
Go deireadh mo shlí
Féach anois mé
Is mo chúl le bhfalla
Ag seinm ceoil
Do phócaí folamh.
For "Tuesday Poem" based in New Zealand.
