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Velsignelse: En Velsignelse for Det Nye år

Til Josie

På dagen hvor
Vægten aftager
På dine skuldre
Og du snubler,
Må leret danse
For at balancere dig.

Og når dine øjne
Frys bagved
Det grå vindue
Og tabets spøgelse
kommer ind til dig,
Må en flok farver,
Indigo, rød, grøn,
Og azurblå,
Kom for at vågne i dig
En eng af glæde.

Når lærredet flosser
I tankegangen
Og en plet af havet
sortner under dig,
Må der komme over vandet
En sti af gult måneskin
For at bringe dig sikkert hjem.

Må jordens næring være din,
Må lysets klarhed være din,
Må havets flydende være din,
Må forfædrenes beskyttelse være din.

Og så kan det gå langsomt
Vind arbejde disse ord
Af kærlighed omkring dig,
En usynlig kappe
At passe på dit liv.



[Bemærk: "Beannacht" er det gæliske ord for "velsignelse." En "currach" er en stor båd, der bruges på den irske vestkyst.]

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COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

13 PAST RESPONSES

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Roberta MacKenzie Jan 14, 2026
John O’Donoghue wrote this poem for his mother Josie. When I first bought his book ANAM CARA the first thing I read was this BEANNACHT and I wrote in my book the most beautiful poem I have ever read and that was at least 30 years ago wonderful to hear John’s voice. I read some of his books every day, just to comfort me in the knowledge that he is near and still helping me make it through the night.
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Pamela Jan 1, 2026
Thank you for these beautiful words! The lovely heart warming imagery is inspiring.
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Pamela Jan 1, 2026
Thank you for these beautiful words! The lovely heart warming imagery is inspiring.
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Ed Loftus Jan 1, 2025
That really is just what I needed to hear this AM. Thank you for your words, & for the blessing
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Geraldine Elizabeth Jan 1, 2025
On this grey UK morning, the first day of 2025, I thank John O Donoghue for his beautiful New Year Blessing. May it bring comfort to those in despair and many blessings to those who reflect on these beautiful words.
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Holy Roller Dec 31, 2019

Very inspirational - No matter what our circumstances may be, may we focus on the wonders of God's creation to bring peace, joy and love to our hearts and minds! St. Francis of Assisi pray for us, Amen

Reply 1 reply: Vap
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VAP Oct 16, 2024
Yes! So beautiful.
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manganyi solomon Jan 5, 2016

What a lovily poem. great stuff. thank for thought giving and blessing to start the new year for 2016. "WoW". That `s Solomon Manganyi.

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Tam Jan 2, 2016

Movingly beautiful. I will return here...again, and again.

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Joanna Jan 1, 2016

I've been waiting, playing in clay...for this blessing. I am complete now! THANK YOU!

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Modrek Jan 1, 2016

Thank you for sharing,
Deep words.

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Cynthia Jan 1, 2016

Thank you for sharing this beautiful blessing to start the new year and thank you for all you do to spread light, dear Daily Good folks.

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Satya Arora Jan 1, 2016

Beautiful poem. Thank you for the blessings. Satya Arora, Toronto, Canada