Ann Moriarty
Dromkeen, Co. Limerick, Ireland

Ann Moriarty was a founder member of the Killaloe  (reland) Writers' Group in the mid '90's and her poetry appeared in many editions of it's annually published "Creel" Anthology and also in Wexford (Ireland) Poetry Publication entitled "Womens' Work" in 1995.

She won first prize in the Syllables Poetry Competition in 1991 followed by Certificates of Merit in several succeeding years.  She won second Prize in the Hokpins Society of Ireland Annual International Summer School Poetry Competition in 1993 and first prize in the Francis Ledwidge International Poetry Competition in 2014.  Ann Moriarty lives in Dromkeen, Co. Limerick, Ireland with her family and two cats. 

Written on 10th June 2020 during a rare and brief break-out from Covid-19 Lock-down incarceration on her birthday!




       Survival

        A time of pilgrimage,
        limitations, virtual visitations,
        empty restaurants and stores,
        churches, holy-water fonts.
        Hearts not empty, Faith not suppressed,
        lives laid down so
        the virus-stricken might yet live
        - no greater love than this.
        Muted conversations through
        and over hedgerows.
        Wildlife emerge to
        streets and highways
        to share a new, hushed world.
        Birds sing louder than before
        in praise of a new Springtime.
        One pilgrim, in gorse-yellow,
        walking-pole-assisted
        does her village Camino
        dispensing cheer to
        those who must stay distanced.

        In Italy, untouched by Covid,
        Angelina falls asleep,
        Life's long pilgrimage completed.