nighean ruadh

it came as no surprise to me then

and yet i delighted in the sight

of you standing beneath the great tree

still gathering sparkles of sunlight

jealously shielded by the canopy above

 

the sun could not bear to part from you

 

delighted at your gentle touch

along the bark of this ancient weaver

entwining emeralds in the air about you

bobbing lightly through the shadows

wanting only to be close to you

 

the finest jewels suffer at your sight

 

how can i express the joy i felt

seeing you there, your lovely hair

gleefully glancing here waving there

nothing could i even now compare

to the serenity in your face

 

peace itself bows reverently before you

 

that moment belonged to you, m’eudail

mind you the music across the park

the pipes had begun to play and all would say

that the melody so fair was like the song

that flows from your sweet lips

 

music adores thee as well, my love

 

i will always mind that tree in Hyde Park

and how you glowed even in the shadows

for the truth of your very being is such

that no darkness could ever shroud the beauty

of my beloved nighean ruadh*

* “Nighean ruadh” translates as “red-haired lass”.