My cousin Gerry, the gravedigger, was a direct descendant of the King of Inishshark, or in Irish Inis Airc. Tradition says that the now deserted island was named after an ancient king named Erc, so Gerry comes from a long and powerful line. “Oh, Shark has a beautiful graveyard all right, right on the sea,” Gerry once told me. “But not much of a harbor.”
Mary, I can see and feel the beauty and solitude of Inishshark from your writing, and the pictures are heavenly but haunting. “Not much of a harbor”—ha!
What a poignant, heart-breaking story told with the beautiful language and deep understanding of a true bard. Thank you for letting us witness with you, Mary.
Thoughtful and thought provoking especially when one can see their own ancestors in this story. Thank you, Mary.
Heartbreakingly beautiful! I would love to visit this sacred spot. Thank you for sharing Inishshark with us!
Mary, I can see and feel the beauty and solitude of Inishshark from your writing, and the pictures are heavenly but haunting. “Not much of a harbor”—ha!
Love, love, love this!
What a poignant, heart-breaking story told with the beautiful language and deep understanding of a true bard. Thank you for letting us witness with you, Mary.
Gave me tears
Perhaps because my Irish roots are a mystery to me I find myself mesmerized by these stories. Beautiful heartbreak.
Thanks so much, Claire. I'm glad you are enjoying these pieces.