Manatita is an esteemed author living in London, UK. He writes spiritual books, flash fiction and esoteric poetry, his favourite genre.

O’Donnell Has Tea On St Patrick’s Day

The beige wooden table is covered

With an elegant green tablecloth.

There’s a grey and white toaster to the left,

And a large vase of charming flowers to his right.

It is St Patrick’s Day and O’Donnell looks approvingly,

At the set table: The large floral china teapot sits invitingly,

Whispering to the teacup, milk and sugar, amidst the four

Ornaments of the same hue. The toast is ready and the

Maid O’Malley, butters the bread with her knife, placing

It on a small white plate. O’Donnell is now a happy man.

He looks at his larger plate of Irish breakfast: Two fried eggs,

Two sausages and beans; mushrooms and tomatoes.

His eyes scan the table, taking in the exquisite green towel

For his lap, laced neatly in the middle … he sees the knife and fork;

The Irish Tribune, deftly positioned next to the vase of orchids on

His right. O’Donnell rubs his hands together with a smile,

Envisions the maestros melodies, as he sits and begins to eat.

The décor and ambience are superb! The two drawn kaleidoscopic

Blinds, are a tapestry of beauty, and the drizzling rain seen through the

Translucent window, enhances the serenity, as O’Donnell

Eats his delectable meal. Peeping through the window,

The white sky kisses the undulating peaks and two smaller barns

Outside, as O’Donnell eats, Tchaikovsky reminding him of Paradise.

-Manatita, The Lantern Carrier. 17^th March, 2020

Story of St Patrick's and Holiday

March 17^th is the day of St Patrick’s, patron Saint of Ireland. It is known as St Patrick’s Day or Feast Day.

He was born in Roman Britain, around the 4th century, and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. Francis is said to have escaped but returned around 432, bringing with him a zeal and passion for Christianity.

Francis established many institutions, to include monasteries, schools and churches, and by the time of his death on March 17, 461, Ireland was celebrating his Day with religious services and feasts.

The early emigrants to America, transformed St. Patrick’s Day into a significant holiday of celebration of all things Irish. This was particularly welcomed by those of influence and power and their money helped to create elaborate parades.

One of the earlier Parades in America, was held in Boston in 1737 and this was followed by New York in 1962. Blue was the initial colour to mark the holiday, as it was associated with the Saint, but green is now commonly connected with the day. One does not have to be Irish to participate in wearing the colours.

Any item of green clothing or a shamrock, the Irish national plant, can be worn on the lapel. St Patrick’s Day, is a bank Holiday in all Ireland and includes revelry and various celebrations, as well as worship.

References: Wikipedia.com

St Patrick's Day

© 2020 manatita44

Comments

manatita44 (author) from london on March 22, 2020:

Chuckle. I like breakfast too, Bro. Already had it! Glad that you have learnt something about St. Patrick. Om Shanti!

MG Singh emge from Singapore on March 22, 2020:

That's a nice poem. Reminded me of my breakfast which is my favourite meal. Great info on St Patrick I didn't know anything about him except the name.

manatita44 (author) from london on March 21, 2020:

Thank you, Linda.

Tea for a gentleman indeed!!

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on March 21, 2020:

I enjoyed reading your poem very much, Manatita. The description of the breakfast and the man's happiness is lovely.

manatita44 (author) from london on March 19, 2020:

Thank you, Brenda.

Of course this popular cultural and spiritual festival, is celebrated around the world. No Irish connections? Thanks.

BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on March 18, 2020:

Nice write. I am certain it is appreciated by the ones you dedicated this one to, and of course by the rest of us.

Your talent is good as always.

Thanks for the share.

manatita44 (author) from london on March 18, 2020:

Quarter Irish.

I once heard an Irish poet do a very beautiful poem. He was basically saying that we are all refugees ... immigrants. He did it so well!

Ruby sent me a card and I was so inspired, I composed the poem to the card in great detail. This is a different pic. Gratitude.

Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on March 18, 2020:

Manatita, I'm 1/4 Irish (some people think I'm part leprechaun). I love a full English and the table you set for us was lovely. Thank you for taking the time to present a history lesson on St Patrick. My dad's mum would be pleased.

manatita44 (author) from london on March 18, 2020:

Why Devika,

You like tea or the Irish, perhaps? Or maybe the decor? Really cool!

OH! Croatia is full of pageantry and culture, I remember and so is St. Patrick's Day. Thank you so much!

Thanks for the info Tiyasha.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on March 18, 2020:

manatita44 A kind offering here for ST PATRICK'S DAY. You know how to get my attention and I enjoyed this read to all the lovely people.

Tiyasha Maitra from Gurgaon on March 18, 2020:

Manatita, Gurgaon is in Delhi NCR. My hometown however is Kolkata (Calcutta)

manatita44 (author) from london on March 18, 2020:

Thanks Rosina.

My pleasure! Stay safe!

Tiyasha,

Thank you for this special sentiment. Where is your home town? I don't recognise this place (Gurgaun) Stay safe with Ram's Grace.

Rosina S Khan on March 17, 2020:

The beautiful images, the poem, and history make it all fitting to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day. Thank you for sharing, Manatita.

Tiyasha Maitra from Gurgaon on March 17, 2020:

This is a marvelous piece Manatita. The description of food moistens the tongue and the decor is so beautifully painted that it makes me want to participate.

Hope you are doing well.

manatita44 (author) from london on March 17, 2020:

Eric,

To an extent yes. They take after any oppressed people, or should I saw people who feel that they are oppressed or have been oppressed. Yet they have a sweet country beauty ... an attitude which I have easily found to be quite similar to that of the village where I was born. Sweetness, Openness, boldness, fun-loving and daring. Thanks Bro.

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on March 17, 2020:

Cool to the the rule, jewel. Tales are told of my Black Irish biological roots. Tests bare it out. Gabe says I am the darkest white guy he ever saw. So that is that about Basque lineage.

I was told while spending a bit of two months there that Irish is an attitude.Fair 'nuf I figure.

manatita44 (author) from london on March 17, 2020:

Ha ha. Sha,

Let me know and I will join you next time. Thanks a lot!

Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on March 17, 2020:

I enjoyed having breakfast on your enchanting porch, manatita.

I'm part Irish and never knew the history of St. Paddy's Day. Not only did I have a nice meal with this post, but I learned something too!

manatita44 (author) from london on March 17, 2020:

Thank You, Peggy.

I'm an honourable Irishman, as I have been there so many times! Haha.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on March 17, 2020:

Your poetry and the bit of a history lesson is perfect for this day. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!

manatita44 (author) from london on March 17, 2020:

Thank you so much, Pamela. You're a true lady. Appreciated!

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on March 17, 2020:

The table setting and flowers make the tea sound lovely and O'Donnell is pleased. I like your poem and the bit of histroy about Saint Patrick. This is a nice tribute to all. Blessings to you Manatita.

manatita44 (author) from london on March 17, 2020:

Temperament? Many saints were very angry at times. Modern Saints are different. Anyway, the Heart is your Centre of existence and the qualities of the Heart, the psychic Heart, are not so difficult to spot.

A tree is known by its fruits, as the Christ said. You seem to be doing extremely well. Carry on! Gratitude!

P.S I did an observational or descriptive poem but the picture, which is just as adorable, is different and copyrighted.

Lorna Lamon on March 17, 2020:

Full of Irish cheer Manatita and perhaps a little bit of the blarney. The table is beautiful and I see O'Donnell has a taste for the finer things in life - there is nothing quite like the music of Tchaikovsky. I consider myself lucky as I have Italian and Irish heritage, although I'm not sure if this is a good combination as regards temperament. Thank you for this lovely article - you made my day.

manatita44 (author) from london on March 17, 2020:

Chuckle ... chuckle.

Rinita Sen on March 17, 2020:

Haha, I don't mind at all. Thanks manatita and hope all this is over soon.

manatita44 (author) from london on March 17, 2020:

Ah, Rinita, you are alive? Sorry. Hope you don't mind my tease, but it's nice to see you. Look after yourself and be safe. Thank you so much!!

Ruby,

My dear. I had no intention of posting today, but your card is so beautiful!! I just needed to respond with a descriptive piece. Much Gratitude! Much!

Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on March 17, 2020:

This is my first to learn the history of St Patrick's Day. Thank you. I have some Irish lineage on my mother's side. When I was small I talked so fast, sometimes I stuttered, so my mother called me Dutch. Thanks for the lovely dedication. Beautifully presented.

Rinita Sen on March 17, 2020:

I thoroughly enjoyed this. You painted such a warm picture. Serene thoughts during troubled times.

manatita44 (author) from london on March 17, 2020:

Ha ha. Irishman? Thanks Bro.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on March 17, 2020:

I was once a hard-drinking Irishman. Those days are gone. Now I celebrate with a jigger of love. :) Love and blessings to you on this Happy Day!