Begin Again
Home schooling starts today again after the Easter break. Structure of course is great, but a slow start today. On Friday, I was so delighted to hear of President Higgins commending the children in their efforts at engaging with home schooling. These are such necessary positive words that encourage us all to continue until the restrictions are reduced.
Homes have become multifunctional spaces – one function is art gallery and installation space for Viking and other projects. I learned this morning, that the Vikings from the Scandinavian countries began raiding Ireland just before 800 AD and continued for two centuries before Brian Boru defeated them at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014.
I am reminded of this wonderful poem today also: Begin, by Brendan Kennelly [1], and particularly these words that help us starting back to home schooling today.
Begin again to the summoning birds
to the sight of light at the window,
………………………
These words are so important these days as we are all working together in the COVID-19 crisis when we are sometimes concerned with getting back to a type of normality again.
Let’s remember the wonderful words from Kennelly:
Though we live in a world that dreams of ending
that always seems about to give in
something that will not acknowledge conclusion
insists that we forever begin.
I’m looking forward to getting back onto the wonderful Brian Boru boat in Dublin bay soon again, to continue our plans for our Connected Smart Bay Dublin vision.
[1] The poem is copyright of the author, Brendan Kennelly.