Wheatear

Poem beginning with a Line of J. M. Synge

Brown lark beside the sun

Supervising Carrigskeewaun

In late May, marsh marigolds

And yellow flags, trout at the low

Bridge hesitating, even

The ravens' ramshackle nest -

Applaud yourself, applaud me

As I find inside the cottage

A wheatear from Africa

Banging against the windowpane

And hold in my hands her creamy -

Buff underparts and white rump

And carry her to the door

And she joins you beside the sun

Before skimming across the dunes

To mimic in a rabbit hole

Among silverweed and speedwell

My panic, my breathlessness

Michael Longley, Snow Water, Cape Poetry, 2004