The Uilleann Piper: A new poem in memory of Paddy Moloney

(i.m. Paddy Moloney)

Hard timber, soft leather and banter
bellows under arms pumping air,
at the heart of this instrument the chanter;

a pipe through which music meanders
surrounded by an apparatus of blare.
Hard timber, soft leather and banter,

bold as bold brass – coppering no scanter –
contraptioning music with dare.
At the heart of this instrument the chanter.

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His limbs like an octopus in canter
stretch octaves out long as they'll bear.
Hard timber, soft leather and banter

lead a trio of drones out for dander,
add bass with precision and flair.
At the heart of this instrument the chanter.

It's not easy on the eye all this blather,
such deep, full-throated glare.
Hard timber, soft leather and banter.
At the heart of this instrument, the chanter.

Eileen Casey’s sixth collection, Bog Treasure (Arlen House), formed part of an exhibition, The Strange Case of The Irish Elk, in collaboration with Canadian sculptor, curator, and anthropologist Jeanne Cannizzo. Bogmen First and Last (Fiery Arrow Press ) received a Creative Ireland Award, 2021