Greetings Francis,
Leader of the humble Roman clan,
Micheál D, Leader of the noble Irish clan
bids you come in peace.
May your visit transform you,
as the salmon transformed Mac Cumhaill
Your arrival has been expected,
as the swallows of summer
and the floods of winter.
We thank you for your prayers
We are grateful for your confession
as ever we are when a bold child seeks forgiveness.
We are moved by your contrition.
As you begged for mercy from survivors
we celebrated your sincerity.
We greet you with the proud heart of a wounded dog.
May your stay be sweet
May your sleep on sheets be bitter sweet
May you dream the dream of a injured stallion
that will never again win a race.
We offer you courage to change
the shape of your smile
the tone of your tongue
the breath of your benediction.
The noble Irish clan
so squashed and squandered
by scourge of Vatican
worships no more
at the feet of any vicar,
nor any bishop in sheep’s clothing.
We have made ready for you Franciscus
Ireland will have its way with you.
What news do you bring?
What song shall we sing?
Friend.
From Bath to Cork with baby Grace 