Prèasant
Dhaibh a tha ga fhaighinn, ’s e prèasant a th’ ann de thìm,
de làithean, bhliadhnaichean: gioft neo-fhèineil
agus fialaidh air a thoirt seachad tro dhòchas
agus eòlas nach robh comasach, nach robh fiu ’s
so-shaoilsinn airson tòrr de ar n-eachdraidh,
’S e cuimhneachan a th’ ann nach eil sinn beò nar n-aonar
ach air ar cuartachadh le gaoil dhaoine eile,
gu bheil iad gar cumail an-àird: gu bheil gach eàrra,
faicsinneach ’s neo-fhaicsinneach, na drochaid,
na gath grèine, na staran chun dràsta, chun ath-cheum.
Chan eil faclan ann a nì a’ chùis airson na tainge,
latha-gu-latha, airson nan anailean, buillean-chuisle,
nan deòir, nam fiamh-ghàire, airson an àm ri teachd.
Tha e gun tomhas. ’S e beatha a th’ ann.
Translations of this Poem
A gift
Translator: Pàdraig MacAoidh Peter Mackay
For those who have received, it is a present of time,
a gift of days and years, born of selflessness,
full-hearted and generous, delivered
through hope and skill not possible –
not even conceivable – for most of human history.
It is a reminder that none of us live alone,
but are surrounded by other people’s love,
that we hold each other up: each scar,
seen or unseen, is a bridge crossed, a beam
of light, a path to here and now, an aftermath.
There are never the words that will suffice
for the day-to-day gratitude, for a future,
for the breaths, pulses, tears, smiles.
It is immeasurable. It is life.
About this poem
“I was honoured to be asked to write a poem for Organ Donation Scotland that could be given to families of those who have donated; and I am hugely grateful to the players and coaching staff of Scotland Transplant Active Football team – set up by Duncan MacAulay in 2024 and making a huge difference to everyone involved – for giving me their time and wisdom. The poem wouldn’t exist without their words and stories.”
Learn more
Pàdraig MacAoidh Peter Mackay
Pàdraig MacAoidh / Peter Mackay is originally from the Isle of Lewis; he lectures in the School of English at the University of St Andrews, and has written widely on Scottish and Irish poetry.
