Between A Breath
written by: Cate L Ryan
Return to a space
between, say, heaven
and this unleavened plain.
A dip, stone cleft –
nail’s breadth, no more –
a way in, should you wish,
among the greening
memory: she sings
one I’d not heard
of waters meeting,
perfectly recalled seas fast receding.
Breaching the ether
at ninety she’ll swim,
meet him in a thin place
between a breath
and parting.
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:
Dedicated to my mother, Anne – of angelic voice – who lost my father, Tony, late in life. While I was struggling with my first attempts at this poem, she told of how, as a young schoolgirl, she was regularly asked to sing the song, Meeting of the Waters, for her class. Despite failing memory, she still sings this song.
Cate is a painter with a BA (hons) from Edinburgh College of Art, and musician (electric violin). She began a journal while travelling in Crete, together with late husband and soul-mate Rin, and Cretan dog Basil. She performed with Greek bands in arts and music events, from Matala Festival to the Earth Dance at Kato Zakros. Colour, light, mountains of gargantuan proportions; much to inspire... Her journal, 'Makria, Makria' remains unfinished as life was to change irrevocably on return to the Old Country. Cate's obsession with writing stories was sparked by an incident on a 19A bus. Leading to more - short and longer - also non-fiction, flash and poetry. Her poems and stories have appeared in various magazines and anthologies: inspired by themes of transformation and renewal, the lost and found, memory, myth and the powerful forces of nature. Cate lives, writes and paints in sight of the iconic Lomond Hills - with partner Andy and Basil the dog to keep her on track!
Latest posts by Cate L Ryan (see all)
- Between A Breath - June 10, 2026
