Of all the Celtic nations- why the Irish?

A small taiste of the Irish follows:

The Irish knew how to live, and they knew how to die.
They treasured their GOD in sea, earth and sky.

Their Dieties- they called gods-for simplicity's sake,

They who were Honoured not whorshipped, with no sacrifice to make.

For their wisdom and knowledge ,their prowess and skill.

And sometimes they honoured them just for the thrill.

They knew how to make peace, and they knew how to fight.
Put up a good show and it was alright.

They knew how to celebrate life, death and birth,
And they knew how to make war ,and how to make mirth.

They knew of thier dieties, over 400 in all,
And they knew they would help if only they're called.

They revered all life , but they could kill just as well.
And to them there's no place as heaven or hell.

For life was bright and the world was grand.
With a roof ov'r your head, and a job for your hand.

They could whip out a poem though it might not rhyme,
and to help out another, there  always was time.

They knew how to hate, and they knew how to love.
And they gave both as freely, as a coo from a dove.

In battle there's glory - draw, lose or win,
To let life pass you by  - was the only sin.

They would drink with their enemy throughout the long night,
Recalling tales of their glory before the big fight.

 And when the battle was over the victors would cheer, and hand to the loosers a keg of fresh beer.

The women were held as great as any man there.

and none were afraid to frolic while bare.

With the AWEN - their path ,inspiration, and guide.

They knew how to keep balanced spirit ,body and mind.

A wake was a sendoff to the next life,
In a land of ones' choosing, with out any strife.

And they could come back , if that was their choice,
To sing of glories again with a brand new voice.

They created ish'kaba'a- they called it the "Waters of Life."

And brewed beer by the barrell, to love better their wife.

They knew other realms where their druids did walk,
And they lived in harmony with elf and with hawk.

They believed in Culdee- "perfect stranger" it means,

The one who filled  gaps - in their myths, stories and scenes.

Accepting of all with a different view. 

  "If it fits in - We'll use it too."

They learned of the world, and were hearlded by Rome,
As the wisest of all, and while other celts perished -

Ceasar himself left the Irish alone.

They had a code of life , which everyone knew

And it was accepted and held by all to be true.

The had triads for when troubles appear,

They would let justice prevail, by compensation, not fear.

And though times were tough in the days of old,

The island was small and the winters were cold.

Each tribe was allowed  ritual their own way,

For each was as good as any could say.

For the 8 festivals, the nations all came

To the main hill fort, to celebrate in Natura's name.

The gathering tribes celebrated - man, fairy and gods too.

And all had a great time  with fighting ,feasting and brew.

The Spiral dance all joined in , round the fire that reached to the star.

And magic was made from realms near and far.

They had the freedom to honour any god that they knew,

and they keep up all this legacy for me and for you.

It is the path I have followed through lifetimes unknown.

Someday we'll all reap rewards from seeds that were sown.

For the Irish -The Cycle of life is a marvelous way.

With honor and duty, frolic and play.

The ways of the Irish are the grandest of all,

After 6000 years I still hear their call.

~Darmock