On my recent trip to Ireland, I visited the National Museum and viewed an exhibit of Bog Bodies. These were individuals who had been discovered buried for centuries within the bogs throughout the country. I was struck by my own emotions to viewing these remains. At one point, I just wanted to place a warm blanket over their leathered remains and wish them a safe journey to the hereafter.
I took this photo of the National Museum of Ireland on my last full day in Dublin,
whilst sitting on a bench just outside the National Library.
Upon Viewing the Bog Bodies of Ireland
Inside
the exquisitely sculpted rotunda,
behind exhibits of gold and amber adornments,
exposed in tombs of plexiglass,
lay remains of people
who once held hands and
kissed softly on moonlit nights;
centuries pass
and as her silent witness meets theirs,
she senses a tear's warmth
and whispers a prayer
that their spirits are far away
and at peace.
Jeanne I. Lakatos 2011
Inside
the exquisitely sculpted rotunda,
behind exhibits of gold and amber adornments,
exposed in tombs of plexiglass,
lay remains of people
who once held hands and
kissed softly on moonlit nights;
centuries pass
and as her silent witness meets theirs,
she senses a tear's warmth
and whispers a prayer
that their spirits are far away
and at peace.
Jeanne I. Lakatos 2011
I think I'd feel the same way. Well said!
ReplyDeleteYes, Dana. It was the most poignant exhibit I've ever viewed. I'll never forget it. Thank you for dropping by.
ReplyDeleteWow. How did they get there? Of what did they die? Was there a struggle? You've written a provocative piece.
ReplyDeleteChris, Over the centuries many bodies have been discovered in bogs around the world. These particular ones were found in Ireland and are on exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin. Seamus Heaney wrote a series of poems dedicated to some of the women found in the bogs. Here's the museum's website with more details:
ReplyDeletewww.museum.ie/en/.../exhibition-details-kingshipsacrifice.aspx
can not imagine the feelings evoked in seeing those bodies...effective verse as you probably came close in your words...smiles. nice jam piece...finally got mine up
ReplyDeleteThank you, Brian. I'm going to try to get to the other sites tomorrow. Have been deluged with some personal/bureaucratic issues the past week. Thank you for dropping by.
ReplyDelete