|
Somerled's Final Voyage - Jane Laskey, Iona 2007
At that time when day turns to night.
When the sea holds its breath,
stills its voice,
The wind drops and keeps its peace.
A black-sailed burlin
slips into the sound, sails furled,
Sheets strumming their own rhythm,
to join the sailors' lament,
and the grey seals sing their eerie song.
Somerled sails his final voyage.
As the mighty keel comes to rest on the sand
The Lord of the Isles is carried home.
With the setting of the sun,
With a pounding of silver hooves,
With the ringing of many golden bells,
The fairies of the west come with the mist
To welcome the great hero home.
On a road paved with tears,
Somerled is borne by warriors who weep.
His fighting done, his battles won,
In Oran's chapel he lies.
A spear in hand, a sword at hip,
And a battle-scarred shield to guard his heart,
For all time he will sleep with saints,
A faithful hound to guard his rest.
|
Gaelic poem by St Columba
'Iona of my heart
Iona of my love
Instead of monks' voices
Shall be the lowing of cattle;
But ere the world come to an end
Iona shall be as it was'
Dates for the next Iona course: April 30th - 5th May 2008
'Dancing with Words' course at Rydal Hall, Ambleside, Cumbria:
to be updated
IONA 2006 was pronounced the best yet- a hard act to follow. Wonderful sunshine, lyrical colours, much fun, laughter and serious inspiration (as well as great food!) as we welcomed participants from the USA as well as Britain in a magical mystical tour of writing. Happy times…. and thank you to all those participants who said such kind things about the experience….of Iona 2006.
'I've been left with such good memories of my time on Iona. Thank you for making me feel at ease, being so encouraging and for your wonderful teaching skills. It is a great gift that you have…'
'Thank you so much for a wonderful Iona experience- the best yet!'
'I don't know what is, but when I see you, my world changes. Your encouragement, your visualizations, and your methods unlock that something deep inside that feels natural and powerful (in contrast to what I do every day). You give me the strength to follow my dreams. It only takes that one walk with you on a beach or on a path, the sharing with you. They do say, when you are ready, the "teacher" will come. And you are definitely that "teacher"!!'
THE ARGYLL HOTEL IONA
The Argyll, overlooking the turquoise sea around Iona, is justifiably celebrated for its restaurant, which combines classic French cuisine and the finest Hebridean produce, with seasonal vegetables and salads from their own organic garden, all in the classic period dining room. Many writers have stayed at the Argyll including Robert Louis Stevenson.
There is a sun lounge which looks out over the Sound of Mull. Rooms are simple but well equipped and include en-suite facilities.
The cost of the course includes five nights accommodation at the Argyll Hotel on Iona, 3 course breakfast and 3 course evening meal, and all tuition.
For full details contact Angela Locke
Click here to download the Iona Bruchure 2008
Here is a list of some of the work written on Iona for you to enjoy:
Printable version of this page
