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Back to Issue 3 - Fall/Spring 2013

The Isle of Man
Deborah Gerrard

Where once Vikings ruled,
Kings and Lords presided,
an Island ensnared by the frigid Irish Sea,
white horses surf the coastal rocks,
veiled in Mananan’s misty cloak.

Scale Snaefell through wild heathers and golden gorse,
take a deep breath and awaken your senses,
smell the freshness and feel the peace,
atop the mountain spy the seven Kingdoms
Man, England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Neptune and
Heaven.

Hidden secrets and mysteries prevail,
a place where Fairy legends hold true,
to speak ill of the little folk is sure to
bring suffering and misfortune.

Once majestic castle of St Patrick’s Isle,
home to “Moddey Dhoo,” ghostly black dog,
who prowls the passageways and chambers,
and guards ancestors’ pagan graves,
cross him and death they say will follow.

Thrill-seekers gather and gaze as motorbikes fly and spin
along the mountain passes,
rally cars slip and slide through glens,
others watch yachts race, as their sails catch the wind
upon the sometimes cruel sea.

Visitors climb the winding stairs of the great water wheel
the Lady Isabella,
Others take the electric tram to travel the coastline
or to the peak of mountains,
Children sit on the promenade amused by seals,
some ride the horse drawn trams.

Jewel of an Island full of beauty,
heritage so rich and full of mystique,
many secrets waiting to be told,
survived Vikings, battles and wars,
a place that holds proud and true.