The Sound of Silence

Our trip to Ardmore was full of many adventures. It was fun and the weather was nice. Our tour guide Liam told jokes and stories as he absolutely hauled through Town with a walking stick. We learned the story of Saint Declan who the people of Ardmore claim to proceed Saint Patrick. At one point we traveled to the location St. Declan was said to have resided in order to better commune with God in solitude. It was at this location we sat in silence for ten minutes. Liam had us gather here to feel what St. Declan felt and better immerse ourselves in the environment.

In the poem "Long-Legged Fly" by W.B. Yeats, the theme of silence is prevalent throughout. The dog is silenced, it's a "lonely place", doors are shut, and children are kept out with only the sound of mice scurrying to be heard. The imagery and descriptive words in this poem perfectly describe the silence in Ardmore. There is one line that is duplicated within the poem

Like a long-legged fly upon the stream
His mind moves upon silence 

Along with this theme of silence, there is a theme of greatness. Indvidual's such as Julius Caesar, Helen of Troy, and Michelangelo are mentioned in each stanza of the poem. One thing said to connect these individuals is peace and quiet. The virtues of peace and quiet make their way back to Saint Declan and his adventures in Ardmore's outskirts.