glory be to the näckros, naked rose,

open rose, white flower of water.

 

glory be to water, held in droppedstone-

ripple, thickened to the green

 

pad of a leaf. & in time

let us praise the spread

 

of all anchored things.

praise to the long pale roots

 

& the chain of water. & let us

take this flower, its quiet face

 

on the surface & its searching

root as the mystery of faith.

 

glory be to the work of the pond

& to silt, to the white

 

open flower which is an offering

& will be given up for us.

 

Seán Hewitt