Wisdom's

[Ireland. September 5/1561]

Summer after celibacy oath
The Cistercian monk in patched undyed tunic
topples the crown
off the head of woman
and finds it befitting
for the brow of poetry.


[Ireland. June 8/1578]

Brothel vomits warlords
after failed battle against Loch Foyle
on the doormat of his monastery.


Wisdom adopts sons
to her breast

Her lullabies washes their scars
into maps of hidden treasures.

They'll sail no more.