Annaliffey

Stalling for time
Along St James
Anna Liffey looks back,
Noting down names

At Old Dublin's walls
The wind sighs in regret
Calling to her softly
Lest Anna forget

Her tears take in salt
With each challenged wave
As she melts in the sea
Domain of the brave

She finds final peace
Seeking her rest
In the arms of Britannia

Cobbles

I had forgotten
How the Artic wind could
Sear its path up the Dublin Quays and flood
Into the streets
Tearing the very surface off
Everything it touches

The cobbles seem to shiver and ask to be brought
Inside
The paving slabs have already resigned
To their destiny

Feet shuffle past
Ignoring the multitude of stoney beggars

It's October
Dublin has turned off
The welcome sign.

Fête des Mères

The first heard heartbeat,
Not of my own
My hidden time-harbour
Nine moons grown

We both bellowed on my arrival
At this wonder of nature
You announced your defiance
I proclaimed my future

From the blooded-knee bandage
Woven from a kiss and a word
To the wiser counsel
Most often unheard

You have watched me climb
Then fall from the bough
Then rise again
You showed me how

With each day's distraction
Beyond the struggle and strife
I'm still opening your present
This gift of life.