Kristin in the Stars

Crossing Seeds with Seeds

Kristin in the Stars

I think of Kristin in the kneading of bread

The way she scattered sesame seeds

Over the loaf, rising like a pillow–

While Ozzy the cat slept on the windowsill.

I think of Kristin under the apple trees,

Duvet nights at Trolghaughen.

Stumbling into adolescence

Hoping I’d be as beautiful as my sister–

I think of walking up the Little Sugarloaf

With Kristin, through gorse and heather

Past the Faery Ring of Trees–

Towering over Bray with a flask of tea.

I think of Kristin’s sweet peas

Spilling up into the sky,

Lupins and wild roses

Myrtle, apple, greengage.

Mighty potatoes and carrots-

Coaxed by her fine hands.

I think of Kristin pulling roots around her,

Crossing seeds with seeds,

Passing to the stars.

© Siofra O’Donovan 2025

Kristin and I in Mountjoy Gallows, where our Great Uncle Kevin Barry was hanged on 1st November, 1920. We visited here in 2019. Photo by Liosa McNamara

Kristin’s Memorial Plaque on Albert Walk, Bray, Co. Wicklow, where she planted for Edible Bray and helped transform the street into something beautiful.

K

FRom the Stars she Plants Seeds…