Goslings and the Nelson Mandela Garden

Our friends the geese had a surprise for us this morning: seven goslings swimming.

Amongst the usual riverbank rubbish the packaging from two new fishing rods, like eel skins shed under the bridge.

'It is an exciting moment for me, when I see a blade of grass or a leaf on a tree, when I listen to birds chirping and running water in a stream, and for me to see this garden, reminds me of my childhood and happy days.

This makes me in peace with myself, in peace with the entire world, and in peace with the people of Leeds.'

Nelson Mandela, Millenium Square, Leeds, 30th April 2001.

The garden design recalls Nelson Mandela's imprisonment on Robben Island and his walk to freedom.

'Sisuka Enkulekweni Siphikelele Phambili' - From Freedom to the Future.

Vjollca is standing on the 'Freedom Path', which incorporates resin blocks decorated with the footprints of Leeds and Durban children.

Charming

• 
  
  Against Enemies

• Against the evils of your enemies:


• Evil eye


• Evil tongue


• Evil mind




• Three powers of the Gods:


• The merciful word


• The singing word


• And the good word.

• Against Sorrow

• The charm of the Dagda's shield,


• Of the spear of Lugh, the Long-Handed,


• Of the flame-bright veil of Bridget.




• The charm the gods set for themselves


• When even their powers had failed.




• A charm to be said to the North, South, West and East


• When the night is black and sorrow drags at the soul.




• A charm to be said at sunrise


• When your eyes are red with weeping


• And the madness of grief is strong.




• A charm that has no words, only the silent incantation.

Versions of these charms were collected by Lady Wilde in Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms and Superstitions of Ireland, 1888.