Song of the Aran Wife
I see the sails on the horizon
I stand on the cliff over the sea
The wind that blows my dress about me
Blows my lover home to me
By night the north star leads him
By day the sun is his guide
But in his soul I am his compass
In his heart I am by his side
Sail on, then, sails of silver
May he come to no harm
Let billowing winds caress you
And blow him back to my arms
He speaks his dreams to the far flying kestrel
To his brother, the selkie, of love
He murmurs to the sea below him
Sings his heart to the sky above
At night I walk the beach and hear him
By day I pace the cliff and watch
Until I see the sails on the horizon
Bringing him back to my heart
So sail on sails of silver
Bring him home quick and fast
Let the billowing winds caress you
Until he's safe in my arms at last
Copyright 1998 Caitlin Mansell
Painting: Miranda-The Tempest by John William Waterhouse