We're delighted to present our Poem Of The Day, presented in association with Poetry Ireland.
Today's poem is The Weight of an Umbrella by James Ragan - read it below.
Before its slick vinyl could wing its carapace
out above the body's width of shoulders,
before the tin ribs could arch to challenge the air
it had displaced in the sudden lift of sky,
before the knobbed handle could power-up
the palm’s easy grip of manipulation
to deflect the assault of an Arctic wind
or the full force of a child’s fisted sword,
it had been a thing of furniture, hanging
as adornment off the carved oak stair
or the hook of a hat tree-rack.
Before I could legislate the crowning of a cap
on the hard breathing of my balding scalp,
it had grown to be a thing of need
like a walking cane or a tent restraining
the elements of a cloud’s quick temper.
It had never denied its role in knowing
what history of wind or sun it had rejected,
what weight in swallowed drops it had to pay
to save the ground from the deep soak of grime.
You would think it might find a greater need
than saving such a brainless head as mine.
