Thomas Moore | The harp that once through Tara’s halls
In light of the upcoming day of remembrance, I thought I’d share a poem pertaining to the events of September 11, 2001. I found this particular poem amidst a list of poems written specifically in response to 9/11. This particular poem, however, was written by Thomas Moore, an Irish lyricist who lived over 200 year ago. Even though this poem was composed long before 9.11.01, it still speaks to the nature of loss we all felt that day as well as the hope we still hold dearly in our hearts — which is why I think it bears repeating today.
The harp that once through Tara’s halls
The harp that once through Tara’s halls
The soul of music shed,
Now hangs as mute on Tara’s walls
As if that soul were fled;
So sleeps the pride of former days,
So glory’s thrill is o’er;
And hearts, that once beat high for praise,
Now feel that pulse no more.
No more to chiefs and ladies bright
The harp of Tara’ swells;
The chord alone that breaks at night
Its tale of ruin tells:
Thus freedom now so seldom wakes;
The only throb she gives
Is when some heart indignant breaks
To show that she still lives!
–Thomas Moore (1779-1852)
Tags: 9/11 grief, memorial poetry, September 11, Thomas Moore
