The Irish Connection for Anne and Me

There is an Irish connection to the subject of my latest novel, Without the Veil Between, Anne Bronte: A Fine and Subtle Spirit. Anne had Irish roots through her father Patrick Brontë (nee Prunty, Brunty or Bruntee), who was born in a two roomed cabin at Emdale in the parish of Drumballyroney, County Down, on March 17, 1777.

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Haworth folk were known for their bluntness & lore. Usually Anne welcomed the contrast to her own circumspection & realism—her Irishness might normally play along, while her Aunt Branwell conscience relished the relief.

~ from Without the Veil Between, Anne Brontë: A Fine & Subtle Spirit, by DM Denton


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As I have for many years on St. Patrick’s Day, I’m sharing the poem and illustration below, both inspired by one of three trips I made to Ireland in the 1980’s. (There are also some allusions to a couple of traditional Irish folk songs…curious if anyone knows what they are).
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Flowers of Ireland Copyright 2012 by DM Denton


I traveled there a woman


and came back a child


with my eyes full of the clouds


coming over the mountains


so I could never tell


how high they were,


the rivers going on


forever,


the irises


floating down to the sea,


the fuchsias so wild


but not really.


All along the way


cowslips lived


where meadows survived


and milkmaids didn’t mind


the rain


so sudden


as suddenly gone.


The fields were greener than any


in France


through the glass of our visit


going down to the sea,


everywhere surrounding,


only my heart brave enough


to go on


into the waves,


a lonesome boatman calling me


to come live with him


forever.


1983


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Photo of me walking on Inch Strand on the Dingle Pennisula in Ireland in the mid-80’s. Inch Strand was the beach location for “Ryan’s Daughter”,



 


March 17th is also ‘St Gertrude’s Day’, the Patron Saint Of Cats. Bless all the kitties, here and in the hereafter.

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©Artwork and writing, unless otherwise indicated, are the property of Diane M Denton. Please request permission to reproduce or post elsewhere with a link back to bardessdmdenton. Thank you.

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Published on March 17, 2018 15:35
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