I have never forgotten the story of Paddy OD. I was particularly struck by the beautiful words describing the Sanctuary in Ireland as they cared for the donkeys with "Loving hands and quiet voices". I wish them and lovely little Paddy OD beauty, grace and peace. Thank you.

An Irish Treasure (for Paddy O'Donk)

You seemed very dire
When you came to Eire
With painful legs
Covered with filth
With toes whose ends curled
On themselves did meet
It was plain to see
This was no way to treat
An Irish treasure.

You were a little shadow
That loses itself on a hillside
A living ancient sign
Put away with no sky
No wildflowers to smell
No playing with others
No one to hear
Your lonely cry
This was no way to treat
An Irish treasure.

You lived beneath
A vale of woe
But loving hands knew
They would find
A rainbow soul
With quiet voices
They washed the dirt crude
And made you beautiful
In gratitude
Sanctuary at last in your
Home of mist and aster
Loving hands, quiet voices
For an Irish treasure.