William Brooks

On The Way William Brooks

When William (Dub) Brooks and George Sayre first met, they soon realized they shared a mutual love for Ireland's northwest coast. One had a passion for writing verse. The other had a love of photography. They decided to spend a month together in Ireland viewing with their separate lenses and combining their views in this book. There were four driving mechanisms.

Most of us dream of taking a "time out" to go on a journey. Virgil and Dante come to mind.

The two authors have a yearning to see Ireland again but in a differing light. It would cover thirty-three days of grand effort and joyous exploration.

That prism being also enhanced by the frame of raw winter. Who knew a Nor'easter would blow through the island and captivate and intrigue the people in the grip of HY's unique brand of cold? It certainly added flavor and character to the sojourn.

The basis of our journey was threefold.

One was to capture the powerful hues and chromas of Ireland. No other land hosts such verdancy.

The second was to trace the various and sundry foot paths of W. B. Yates, writer after the Irish manner, romantic and modernist, dramatist, poet, and passionate believer who proclaimed Ireland's wondrous brand of seeing and expression.

Dromahair (Lough Gill), Drumcliff, and Sligo being our northwestern home base.

Lastly we wanted to follow and appreciate the establishments and creative works of St. Cohlumncille, artist and author of Celtic Christian communities and hand-drawn books from the sixth century CE.

We hope that our journey inspires your own freeing journey of the heart that allows each of us to realize and to expand our inner horizons and to liberate our souls' deep desire to see.