“History says, Don’t hope
On this side of the grave.
But then, once in a lifetime
The longed-for tidal wave
Of justice can rise up,
And hope and history rhyme.
So hope for a great sea-change
On the far side of revenge.
Believe that a further shore
Is reachable from here.
Believe in miracles
And cures and healing wells.”
Seamus Heaney, The Cure at Troy. Spoken by the Chorus.
Seamus Heaney is the best poet working in English today. Possibly the best poet alive, full stop. He understands words like no one I’ve ever read. He may also be actually a wizard.
