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Baraka: Baraka Kwa Mwaka Mpya

Kwa Josie

Siku ambayo
Uzito unakufa
Juu ya mabega yako
Na unajikwaa,
Acha udongo ucheze
Ili kusawazisha.

Na wakati macho yako
Kufungia nyuma
Dirisha la kijivu
Na roho ya hasara
Inaingia kwako,
Acha kundi la rangi,
Indigo, nyekundu, kijani,
Na bluu ya azure,
Njoo kuamka ndani yako
Meadow ya furaha.

Wakati turubai inaharibika
Katika msururu wa mawazo
Na doa la bahari
Nyeusi chini yako,
Acha kuvuka maji
Njia ya mwanga wa mwezi wa manjano
Ili kukuleta nyumbani salama.

Lishe ya dunia iwe yako,
Uangavu wa nuru uwe wako,
Ufasaha wa bahari uwe wako,
Ulinzi wa mababu uwe wako.

Na hivyo inaweza polepole
Upepo fanya kazi maneno haya
Upendo karibu na wewe,
Nguo isiyoonekana
Kujali maisha yako.



[Kumbuka: "Beannacht" ni neno la Kigaeli la "baraka." "currach" ni mashua kubwa inayotumiwa kwenye pwani ya magharibi ya Ireland.]

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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