Ancient Ghosts

Many years ago I prayed.  I asked my grandparents and ancestors to pray for me... to pray I could express what was in my heart, all that they had passed to me.  Suddenly, while still praying I began to sing this song.  The words and music just came and I had to jump from my chair to write them down and record the melody--before it escaped me.  Since that day the music has just flowed naturally.  I am very grateful.

I am encouraged by those all around me, those...

"Ancient Ghosts"

 Ancient ghosts who haunt my heart

 are with me night and day.

 We're never very far apart

I know their every way.

·          

 We're tied by bonds of flesh and blood

  'tho their flesh can't bee seen.

 They lie beneath the earth and mud

 'tho ancient king or queen.

·          

 The haunting that has taken place

  began within the womb.

 While I was in that sacred space,

 they called from grave and tomb:

·          

·          

"You are our seed and while you live

 not one of us shall die.

 With all the love you have to give

 you'll know the bonds that tie.

·          

For you are of the bardic race

 and song shall fill your soul,

 and God will shine upon your face

your music will console.

·          

 For ancient memories are in you

that others can't recall

 and Irish hearts you shall renew

 as once in Tara's hall.

·          

And as your heart is red with blood

 that races through your veins

 that heart is green and knows a flood

of passions, joys and pains.

·          

 Our people who have lived and died

 for ages until now

 have passed to you their shame and pride

 be humble then, and bow.

·          

 Rekindle in the Irish heart

at home or in exile

 that flame of love that had its start

 in ancient Erin's isle.

c. 1995 Cait Finnegan