When I read Seamus Heaney's poem "Casualty" I can understand and grasp the whole poignancy of Ireland and the everydayness of it all. I haveg ood friends from the North and others, good friends too, from the South. "Casualty" does it all for me. Literature. Beauty. Magic. Would that I could ever hope to write like that. If you don't know the poem, you won't understand, but read it and you will. No, read it twice - thrice even - and you'll wonder at the majesty of the man and his output. Sadly, he's been unwell of late, though recovering now for some months, and much improved. Take care Seamus.

Can the poem be found online? I'd love to read it. May his health be restored!!

Thank you DG for the links. And thanks to honilov for responding. 'Casualty" is a very approachable Seamus Heaney poem and a true shining gem in my eyes. Heaney has links with both Ulster and the Republic. Read it as it's intended to be read - a famous writer with a close and less well-read friend (the drinker and the casualty). Feel the affinity and the warmth. I had to reas it three times before I caught it all.

Thanks for the links, Dorian.

I gotta read 'Casualty' again. I must admit, after reading it, I didn't quite get the point. I put it in my Favorites and will sure get back to it.