02/09/2013 (Mon)

We were very sorry to hear of the death of the great Irish poet Seamus Heaney, at the age of 74. Many alumni may remember the inspiring public talk and reading he gave in Loke Yew Hall when he visited Hong Kong in 2006. Here is a little poem of his about Saint Francis, who preached to the animals and birds.

SAINT FRANCIS AND THE BIRDS

When Francis preached love to the birds
They listened, fluttered, throttled up
Into the blue like a flock of words

Released for fun from his holy lips.
Then wheeled back, whirred about his head,
Pirouetted on brothers’ capes.

Danced on the wing, for sheer joy played
And sang, like images took flight.
Which was the best poem Francis made,

His argument true, his tone light.

            Seamus Heaney, 1939-2013