Monday, 30 April 2012
On Raglan Road_Patrick Kavanagh
On Raglan Road on an autumn day I met her first and knew
That her dark hair would weave a snare that I might one day rue;
I saw the danger, yet I walked along the enchanted way,
And I said, let grief be a fallen leaf at the dawning of the day.
On Grafton Street in November we tripped lightly along the ledge
Of the deep ravine where can be seen the worth of passion's pledge,
The Queen of Hearts still making tarts and I not making hay -
O I loved too much and by such and such is happiness thrown away.
I gave her gifts of the mind I gave her the secret sign that's known
To the artists who have known the true gods of sound and stone
And word and tint. I did not stint for I gave her poems to say.
With her own name there and her own dark hair like clouds over fields of May
On a quiet street where old ghosts meet I see her walking now
Away from me so hurriedly my reason must allow
That I had wooed not as I should a creature made of clay -
When the angel woos the clay he'd lose his wings at the dawn of day.
That her dark hair would weave a snare that I might one day rue;
I saw the danger, yet I walked along the enchanted way,
And I said, let grief be a fallen leaf at the dawning of the day.
On Grafton Street in November we tripped lightly along the ledge
Of the deep ravine where can be seen the worth of passion's pledge,
The Queen of Hearts still making tarts and I not making hay -
O I loved too much and by such and such is happiness thrown away.
I gave her gifts of the mind I gave her the secret sign that's known
To the artists who have known the true gods of sound and stone
And word and tint. I did not stint for I gave her poems to say.
With her own name there and her own dark hair like clouds over fields of May
On a quiet street where old ghosts meet I see her walking now
Away from me so hurriedly my reason must allow
That I had wooed not as I should a creature made of clay -
When the angel woos the clay he'd lose his wings at the dawn of day.
A Laneway 1824
Grafton Street was once a laneway to access the square (St. Stephens Green) which was the grazing field for Lord Major's Cattle 1824
Saturday, 14 April 2012
Friday, 13 April 2012
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
The character of Grafton Street is largely influenced by the
businesses that occupy its buildings. A new shop may completely change the
facade, at the very least the shop front, signage and window display will
change.
An example of this kind of transformation on the street and
the affect this has on people: the closure of the Grafton Street branch of
Laura Ashley in 2010.
You can watch a video of the resulting strike action of Laura Ashley
workers here. Can you recall other instances of strikes or protests on Grafton Street? Or a change in the shops on the street? Let us know in a comment.
And we’re off!
Grafton Street has been in consistent in its importance in
the city; as a route, a commercial centre, a meeting place, an icon of Dublin.
However, it is fundamentally ephemeral in its nature; businesses come and go,
shop fronts and signage are in constant flux, people move through, pavement is
torn up and re-laid.
Every Irish person, indeed every visitor to Dublin, can
reminisce about Grafton Street, about buskers, Christmas windows, sales,
strikes, shop fronts... Whether your memory is specific to you and your life or
has a greater cultural or social significance, we want to hear it. Ask your
friends. Leave a comment. Images are also welcome.
Thank you for your contribution.
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