Nóirín
le Aodh Ó Domhnaill
This poem of Aodh's, celebrating the innocence of the child, and taking as an example his young daughter Nóirín, was published in 1984 in his first volume of poetry entitled Feic.
There is a strong rumour that it was read at Nóirín's wedding but confirmation is awaited, including how it was received by the assembled guests, not to mention Nóirín herself.
Máire Mac a tSaoi has said of Aodh's poetry: Talann cumasach, neamh-ghnách, Gaeilge shaibhir, thagarthach, chomhaimsireach.
The implication of this is that Aodh's work is untranslatable, but the rough translation below may give you some flavour of this poem.
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Sheasas ón tobán amach Ceithre bliana glan aici féin Ba chuma liom díriú a méir' Ar a gcrochann le fearaibh an tsaoil Go maire gan náire an taom An pléascadh sin gáire do dhein Faoina bhfaca sí sobalach fuar Faoina bhfaca sí roballach faon. Aodh Ó Domhnaill |
I stepped gingerly out of the tub. She was just turned four. I didn't mind her pointing at Everyman's dangly bits. May that fit, that roar of laughter, at the cold and sudsy thing hanging limp and tail-like, echo, innocent, through time. translation: Pól Ó Duibhir |