Bean Nighe Poem by Daniel McDonagh

The angel Neir lay her head by the stream of souls
As daylight covered her face of grief and sorrow,
She heard the sound of a song that danced in a breeze
And saw women wash the clothes of those of who would die tomorrow.
The omen of death, Neir whispered to herself
As the Mnathan Nighe smiled towards the angel’s direction,
The stream turned red from the colour of blood
That stained your soul and robbed your affection.

2006





The Bean Nighe (Scots Gaelic for 'washer woman') , is a Scottish fairy, seen as an omen of death and a messenger from the Otherworld.