Ailish NicPhaidin

Ailish was born in Donegal, Ireland and emigrated to the U.S. in 1997 with her then 9-year old daughter, Alannah. She began writing poetry over twenty-five years ago and has had some success. She has been published in national and international literary magazines, won awards, zine publication, been short and long-listed, has received honorable mentions and has given poetry readings.

“Defining Divinity,” “Gallop Arrested,” and “A Journey – Steering to the North”

Deep in the heart of the countryside
The tiny sturdy two-teacher school stood
Hidden between the tall trees and fading footsteps.

Many years ago, it finally closed its doors,
To all except for the traveling vagrants
Scurrying mice, spiders, wasps and black crows.

“Thran,” “Janus Stood Aside,” and “Screaming Eagle Uncorked”

Romania is a different culture
It has high mountains
Low valleys
And Roma wandering the roads
Byways and small lax villages.

“4 + 18 = 5,” “Posse Comitatus,” “The Rape and the Lock”

Gerald awakens to a shrill alarm
Gouging out his eardrums at 4:30 each morning
Rousing from a delicate slumber
He slinks into the bathroom to prepare his wan body for the day.

Rose arrives from work at 7:30 a.m. as she does six days every week
Like an invisible shroud of gossamer her soulless fragility moves…

“Desecration of a Statue,” “Always Have Food in Your Pocket” and “The Spectator”

She stood tall and strong and willowy
She matched the grace of Leonardo
The clarity of Picasso
The lyrics of Wordsworth
The intensity of Milton
And the power Merit Ptah