Géibheann: English Translation (Leaving Cert Irish): Revision Notes
Géibheann: English Translation
In your oral exam, you will be asked to read one of the studied poems aloud—Léamh na Filíochta. It's worth 35 marks (5.83% of your grade!), which is even more than the poetry question on the written paper (30 marks). This is an easy section to prepare for, so don't neglect it! Focus on perfecting your pronunciation, and full marks are within reach.
Géibheann
Ainmhí mé
ainmhí allta
as na teochreasa
a bhfuil clú agus cáil
ar mo scéimh
chroithfinn crainnte na coille
tráth
le mo gháir
ach anois
luím síos
agus breathnaím trí leathshúil
ar an gcrann aonraic sin thall
tagann na céadta daoine
chuile lá
a dhéanfadh rud ar bith
dom
ach mé a ligean amach.
English translation of the poem 'Géibheann'
Captivity
I am an animal
a wild animal
out of the tropics
whose face is famous and beautiful
I would shake the trees if the wood once upon a time
with my roar
now, I lie down
and I look through half an eye
at the single tree over there
hundreds of people come
every single day
who would do anything for me
but let me be free.