Derek Mahon - Rathlin Island lyrics

A long time since the last scream cut short - Then an unnatural silence; and then A natural silence, slowly broken By the shearwater, by the sporadic Conversation of crickets, the bleak Reminder of a metaphysical wind. Ages of this, till the report Of an outbound motor at the pier Fractures the dream-time, and we land As if we were the first visitors here. The whole island a sanctuary where amazed Oneiric species whistle and chatter, Evacuating rock-face and cliff-top. Cerulean distance, an oceanic haze - Nothing but sea-smoke to the ice-cap And the odd somnolent freighter. Bombs doze in the housing estates But here they are through with history - Custodians of a lone light that repeats One simple statement to the turbulent sea. A long time since the unspeakable violence - Since Somhairle Buidh, powerless on the mainland, Heard the screams of the Raithlin women Borne to him, seconds after, upon the wind. Only the cry of the shearwater And the roar of the outboard motor Disturb the singular peace. Spray-blind, We leave here the infancy of the race, Unsure among the pitching surfaces Whether the future lies before us or behind.