Caroline Quigley, an adept writer since 2008 and a professional since 2010, finds inspiration in nature, infusing a heartfelt and uplifting essence into her works. Notable creations include the 2015-published Irish Celtic fantasy trilogy, “Phoenica Rising – Keeper of Light,” and the 2016 Felix Dennis Award-winning poem, ‘Elemental.’ Her diverse portfolio spans a non-fiction mbs book, accredited diploma courses, and unpublished collections like “Eala’s Journey” and “Liminality.” Recognized as a commendable poet, she was a runner-up at the Stratford upon Avon Literary Festival.
In 2022, her short story “A Gift From The Sea” was published in the Anansi Archive’s anthology. Now, celebrating the completion of her debut adult fiction novel, “All Memories Lead to You,” Caroline continues to captivate readers with her evocative storytelling.
Elemental
A white birch shivers
Its tiny leaves twinkle and dazzle
In the never-ending moonlight,
Vapours of honeysuckle fill the unfolding night,
As a velvet road full of promise
Magnetically charms,
As soft, soothing, feminine lullabies,
Draw subtle tears from within.
A haunting voyage
Un-known cries from beyond
She appears, gentle, beautiful, dream-like
A being of land and night
Cloaked in secrecy
Small, proud and protective
Fierce yet welcoming,
Luminous eyes flash clear and green.
Mirrors of people long forgotten
Subtle and wise a keeper of seasons
She dwells in the moonbeams,
All that was once forgotten
Is now put right
Timeless and true
She imprints her subtle music, upon
An unsuspecting nocturnal world.
As whispering winds
Wild and wanton
Hum softly along.
The hidden beauty of falling in love
A haunting embrace tantalises my mind
As soft misty murmurs silently transcend,
And then you appear
Emerging slowly from crystal still waters.
A haze of indecision
As you gingerly approach,
Magnificent and proud,
Translucent yet real;
Time reverently bows down to you.
Moonbeams flicker and smile
As a weary expression crosses your face,
Yet my heart skips a beat
As I sense your love,
Proud and protective,
A light for the otherworld.
Many names have passed your lips,
As a deep blue echoes
Your wanton desires.
Iridescent thoughts, cloaked in cotton wool dreams
As silver opal teardrops, shut my eyes tight.
Softly, softly, I awake, as unknown fears arise
And yet something in me trembles with anticipation.
A tender spoken caress brushes my cheek
As a delicious wind whispers your name,
Warm, welcoming and strange,
My heart, a valiant explorer, decides to accept.
A sweet lullaby of scents fills my mind,
Gentian, bluebell, primrose,
Tempting me onwards,
As the ancient lore of mountains vibrates and hums,
Their protective cloak forms a naked shield.
I remember you now, proud and strong,
Not of this world,
Too beautiful and bright,
An unknown familiar force.
Come take me to the place where you reside,
A wondrous birdsong of imagination,
With peach-burst skylines
That suddenly appear.
Nearly there, I tell myself
As I collapse into your reliable embrace.
My worldly desires suddenly subside
As my beating heart forms an echo of peace.
Transient and pure,
Skies of blue complete.
A stirring within
And all is still.
Muffled sounds vibrate and hum
A softened memory that once stood tall
Is suddenly washed away.
Clear streams of indecision
Soon caress my aching mind.
I run into your silent arms
As the cool limestone rock
Heals and comforts me,
A hazy blue fills my body
As old memories still hold true.
I remember your first smile
And gentle embrace,
The sweet sensation of love
Like an echo lost
But not forgotten.
A light from within
Subtly stirs.
I remember it now,
Fierce, gentle and familiar
Embedded forever in my heart.
Liminality
Stillness rises as a gleaming shadow
Sheepishly stirs across a mist-covered lake,
A soft breeze of possibilities beckons
As grey, silver light emerges.
The call of the unknown.
A tumbling cascade of swan guardians
Floats effortlessly by,
Beautifully devout; their singular mission is of love.
The door opens slowly,
A shard of golden light
Visible only to the brave
Calls gently.
All is within reach
Just one step closer.
I stand on the brink
Of miracles.
As I hover on the threshold
Trembling and true,
The new world calls out to me
With each step I take.
Possibilities
A softened blue sky gently calls from above
When a calm ripple is heard.
Echoes of loneliness gently dissolve
As the sun rises over a moss-coloured lake.
A mystical power starts to stir,
Quietly glimpsed by the otherworld.
Magnificent, defiant,
It spreads light and charm.
A force for renewal, a time of new beginnings
Have gratefully graced our shores,
Our nocturnal dreams have taken shape
To the bitter sweetness of morning’s call.
Like the warmth of the sun
That illuminates our unfolding potential,
Life’s many paths
Become a welcome journey
Into infinite possibilities.
Goddess
Brightness descends as I lie in your arms,
Your soft embrace cradles my despair.
Warm soil beneath my sore feet,
Green grassy slopes support my aching head,
Too many thoughts, worries, silently dissolve into you,
My forgiving Earth Mother.
Nothing can I hide as your wisdom holds strong.
Divine Mother of the natural realm,
Even your constant presence
Echoes whispers of love
That skilfully imprint on my soul.
I soon feel well again
As I let your knowledge
Guide my footprints.
I am tall once again,
Undefeated in life and love.
You smile graciously back
Giving me hope,
As if it was nothing
But a fleeting moment of indecision.
My heart is forever grateful.
I feel your guidance prodding me gently as I take my first steps.
Like a proud mother, you hold me up
As I eloquently move forward;
Lightness surrounds as little stars burst forth
Jolting a sudden clarity.
All is connected to the womb of life
And I am reborn.
The Galway Review 