Poem of the Week: “Glaciers” by Sinéad Morrissey

As we approach our publication date for Volume IV of The Wake Forest Series of Irish Poetry, we continue with poetry from previous volumes. This week’s poem by Sinéad Morrissey can be found in Volume I. The simple language reflects the naturalistic and somewhat sinister undertones of the poem, which highlight the connection between humanity, earth, and the divine. As the preface to this volume states, “Gods have their messages as well as their messengers, and the poet is listening.”

Glaciers

There is no sea in my blood.
There is nothing that cannot be stopped.

God’s wand is absolute.
Looking at glaciers

Jinxed into stillness –
I miss oceans in my head.

– Sinéad Morrissey, The Wake Forest Series of Irish Poetry, Volume I (2005)