Irish Heartbeat

“Morning Dew” by Kelly Saunders, 2022.

Last night some friends came over to the COOL HAND FRANK house to celebrate St. Patrick’s Eve (because St. Patrick’s Day was a no-go for everybody I know, myself included). Here is a series of Irish toasts I read aloud to them. Take them to your heart as I have taken them to mine.

Reflecting on happiness, especially mine: “May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more. And nothing but happiness come through your door.”

To old friends: “May the hinges of our friendship never grow rusty.”

To new friends: “There are good ships, and there are wood ships, the ships that sail the sea. But the best ships are friendships, and may they always be.”

To best friends: “The four leaves of a clover represent hope, faith, love, and luck: ‘A best friend is like a four-leaf clover, Hard to find and lucky to have.’”

To all of us: “May the luck of the Irish lead to happiest heights, and the highway you travel be lined with green lights. Wherever you go and whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be there with you.”

But wait! Last but certainly not least, an Old Irish Blessing: “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

“Sláinte!”