Thetis

verse

Thetis of Dublin

Between Bull Island and the shore

at Dollymount, and the worn concrete,

a haunted salt-marsh whispers lore,

of cycles, by divine mandate

***

When tide is in, there dogfish prey,

on flitting minnows, crabs and things,

that when the waters draw away

go too, or hide from gullish wings

***

Rising from the ringing grass,

at dusk, or over muddy meres,

the voice of that which does not pass,

in goddess form, and grave, appears

***

“My name is whirling ocean, great

My forms are breath, and dark, and light

My life is will that alternates,

perpetually day and night”