LatinosUSA

My thanks to poet and photographer, Nicole Sara, for this contribution of the Patrick Kavanagh Mural in Carrickmacross. You can find Nicole on her beautiful blog here: https://starrysteps.wordpress.com/2025/11/14/soothing-blues-for-tankatuesday-poetry-challenge-38-visualize-your-joy-11-11-2025/

Nicole has an etsy shop where you can find her gorgeous photographic digital designs: https://www.etsy.com/shop/StarryStepsShop/

I took this photo of a mural in Carrickmacross, Ireland when visiting there in August 2022. I caught a glimpse of it during a stroll, as we were passing by and I was immediately impressed by the sharp contrast between the black and white portrait of a smiling man in the middle and the colorful parts behind it – the grassy field landscape above and the fiery flames below, all against a beautiful bright blue background. I thought the mural was both cheery and elegant, but also felt that it had a certain depth about it. Upon later exploration, I found that the inspiration for this mural was a photograph by a legendary press photographer, Colman Doyle, taken in the mid 60’s of Patrick Kavanagh, one of Ireland’s greatest poets. Patrick Kavanagh found inspiration in nature for his poetry, and also touched on the universal themes of love, beauty and the soul. If you wish to read more about Patrick Cavanaugh Mural, you can also visit here: https://monaghan.ie/museum/patrick-kavanagh-mural-carrickmacross/

Here is a lovely poem by this Irish poet.

Primrose

Upon a bank I sat, a child made seer
Of one small primrose flowering in my mind.
Better than wealth it is, I said, to find
One small page of Truth’s manuscript made clear.
I looked at Christ transfigured without fear–
The light was very beautiful and kind,
And where the Holy Ghost in flame had signed
I read it through the lenses of a tear.
And then my sight grew dim, I could not see
The primrose that had lighted me to Heaven,
And there was but the shadow of a tree
Ghostly among the stars. The years that pass
Like tired soldiers nevermore have given
Moments to see wonders in the grass.

About Robbie Cheadle

South African author, photographer, and artist, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated seventeen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, written and illustrated four poetry books and written and illustrated one celebration of cake and fondant art book with recipes. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.

Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.

You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/

Social Media Links

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/robbiecheadle.bsky.social
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVyFo_OJLPqFa9ZhHnCfHUA
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15584446.Robbie_Cheadle
TSL Publications: https://tslbooks.uk/product-tag/robbie-cheadle/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Robbie-Cheadle/author/B01N9J62GQ
Unsplash profile: https://unsplash.com/@r_cheadle