#eire
A well lit path is not part of my journey
Mine's through a dark ally
The thoughts that emerge from the shadows come in a hurry
A savage flurry of the eire
Physically consumed with how badly this could turn out for me
©2024
Jun 29, 2024
Jun 29, 2024 at 3:30 PM UTC
Clover and moss adornment,
fields of ancient emerald mellow,
with spring lambs innocent,
elderly farmer with a tea stained
smile.
Yet, north of there,
her people warring,
life spills on concrete,
and in the singing wind
is the song of the Troubles.
My maiden, my Eire,
are you ever at rest?
Where are your children?
Sons and daughters,
youth no more to come home,
Scars on a beauty,
she, she, will it go on into eternity?
My beauty, the souls and
shamrocks in the dew,
weep just as much as you.
Jun 20, 2020
Jun 20, 2020 at 12:50 PM UTC
look outside yourself
for twenty minutes,
breathe in the creation
find some inspiration.
not content to sit idly by
while the world speeds past:
green and grey and beautiful -
sodden with yesterday’s life
dropping off leaves and
into open collars.
leaky futures flood across
the backside of our minds.
cascade -
gently at first:
a trickle, a dribble,
a hand to hold.
lay down those sweaty palms
dry the crease of your smile,
for the world is full of wonder
if you stay for a while.
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019 at 10:39 PM UTC
Magdalene lay beside Mary
on her own bed
as Magadalene's parents
were out shopping in town
wonder what
Sister Luke'd say
if she saw us here
like this? Mary said
exhaling smoke
from the cigarette
she held away
from her lips,
probably have a fit
or wet her bloomers
in the middle of Mass
Magdalene said
before she inhaled smoke
from her cigarette
and going red in her plump face
she'd mouth out
half a dozen Hail Marys
Magdalene said
through a mouthful of smoke,
what'd your Da say
if he saw us now?
Mary said
bet he'd take to your behind
with his big hairy hand
and mine too
she added laughing,
Magdalene hadn't put on
the record player
so she could hear
if the parents returned
and they could
vacate the bed as quick
as they could and dress,
are you still seeing
the Brady boy?
Magdalene asked
as I saw you talking to him
the other day
and you were making him laugh,
wouldn't give him more
than a smile the big loon
nor let him near my *** ***
nor lick my skin Mary said,
they turned to face each other
having stubbed out
their cigarettes
in the ashtray
beside the bed
and embraced
for the last time
before dressing,
they had just dressed
when the downstairs door opened
and they could hear
her father's voice
and so left the bedroom
and went downstairs
acting all innocent
and pure as angels
and lied about what
they had been doing,
the parents greeted Mary
in half smiles and lowered voices
and were glad when she left
and moaned at Magdalene
for bringing her home,
just played records and talked
Magdalene lied
sensing the kisses
which had stayed
and dried.
Aug 22, 2018
Aug 22, 2018 at 4:48 AM UTC
Éire,
The beauty of a broken land,
Where each and every man
Took up his own fight
And fought it with all his might
Jul 24, 2018
Jul 24, 2018 at 9:08 PM UTC
The sun sets on Ireland,
patchwork fields illuminated by the august light of
abiding memory.
Misty hues spilling
over the mountains,
glimpsed through a mist of tears
fighting not to be shed.
The last sunset
of a brief glimpse of manic happiness
and friendship
and love.
The fields flash by,
each one transforming into a rose-coloured memory,
and a tsunami of melancholy threatens to
knock me down.
Heavy sighs and
knowing looks and
held-back tears and
one last caress of your sun-kissed skin.
The sun sets on Ireland
And opens into a bright new tomorrow.
Jul 10, 2018
Jul 10, 2018 at 4:19 PM UTC
Magdalene dries
her hair. She got
caught in the storm
and rain and drenched.
Her wet clothes lay
limp in the bath. Mary
was drenched too
and was at home
drying out like herself.
They'd met after school
and walked to the park
and shelter and kissed.
None saw. Just as well.
The nuns at school kept
them apart with an eye
to danger of that terrible
sort. They got caught in
the rain on the way home.
Thunder and lightning
and down pour of rain.
Her hair is dry. She now
brushes it out. Her bold
mirrored self stands naked.
If Mary was there. They
could if she were and if
they had time or they dare.
Mar 29, 2018
Mar 29, 2018 at 12:27 PM UTC
Dona nobis pacem,
the priest intoned.
Harry stood in the third pew
from the back with his wife.
A girl two pews ahead,
had long brown hair
over her shoulders,
had a trim figure
and a well rounded behind.
They knelt as the priest
intoned more Latin.
The girl's head was bowled,
hands together in prayer.
I wouldn't say no. If the old *****
in front would move her large
carcass to the right, I'd have
a better sight. His wife nudged
him with her pointed elbow,
raised her eyebrows, signalled
with a finger for him to close his eyes.
He closed his eyes, allowing thin
slits of sight to peruse the girl's
head and shoulders, as the old
***** had knelt low into the pew.
The priest lifted up the host
and muttered Latin with raised
eyes above him. The old *****
removed sight of the girl from view.
He shut his eyes for real, imaging
the girl's rounded behind, reaching
out with pretend fingers like one blind.
Sep 19, 2017
Sep 19, 2017 at 12:33 PM UTC
Martha stared at the crucifix
in the convent chapel after school;
she was alone,
other kids had gone home
and the nuns were in church
for Vespers.
You look tired Lord
hanging there.
Your arms must ache
in that one position.
The five wounds.
How bloodied they look.
I want to Your bride
and be a nun
and be able to visit You anytime
of the day or night.
I want to tend
to Your wounds,
kiss Your aching limbs,
place a finger in Your side.
Want to whisper
in Your ear
my every woe,
my sins and sense
Your arms about me
when I am low.
The chapel door opened
a nun stood there.
Martha Maguire
what are you
doing here?
Be off with you girl.
Martha gazed at the nun
with her big eyes.
Just talking
to the Crucified,
she said.
Off you go,
the nun said.
Martha went
cursing the sister
inside her head.
Sep 14, 2017
Sep 14, 2017 at 3:50 AM UTC
The house was quiet
Magdalene's parents were out
her da was away on the farm
and her ma was out
visiting a friend.
Mary was lying
beside Magdalene
on her single bed.
Do you want to?
Magdalene said.
Have we time?
Mary replied.
To be sure we have
Magdalene said.
She kissed Mary's lips
quietly she moved back
on her side
and gazed at the girl.
You can kiss better
than the Kelly boy
Mary said smiling.
They lay gazing at each other
shall we undress?
Magdalene said softly.
What if your parents come
and find us?
Mary said.
They'll belt your ****
Magdalene said jokingly
come on.
Mary listened out for sounds
birds sang from the garden
a cow mooed
from a nearby field.
On your head be it
Mary said.
They got off the bed
and began to undress
each watching the other
remove clothing.
They piled their clothes neatly
on the dressing table
and climbed into bed.
Your hands are cold
Mary said
as Magdalene touched her thighs.
Let me warm them
Magdalene whispered.
They kissed and hugged
then after 5 minutes
there was a knock
on the front door.
Who the **** is that?
Magdalene said
getting out of the bed
and looking out
the window
at the front door below.
Who it is?
Mary asked sitting up
holding the sheet up
to her small *******
The fecking postman
Magdalene said.
She grabbed her
dressing gown
and went downstairs.
Mary got out of bed
and stood gazing out
the window.
The postman said something
and the door closed.
Magdalene came back
up the stairs
parcel for me ma
best get dressed in case
me ma comes back sooner
Magdalene said
disappointedly.
So they got dressed
and went down stairs
and went in the kitchen
and made tea
and sat at the table.
A few minutes later
her ma came in.
You are back early
Magdalene said.
My friend
didn't show up
her ma said
what you two girls
been up to?
Nothing just having tea
and a chin-wag
Magdalene said
keeping images
of her and Mary
naked in bed
locked up
in her head
Aug 24, 2017
Aug 24, 2017 at 2:41 AM UTC
And Magdalene had taken
down the crucifix above
her parents' bed and dusted
it off with a yellow duster
and got the cobwebs off and
looked at the Christ nailed
there through hands and feet
and a crown of metal thorns
about his plaster head and she
remembered how Martha her
school friend had a fixation
with the Crucified as she called
him and once took a crucifix
to bed with her because she
wanted to be a bride of Christ
and her mother had told her off
for it she took the Christ over to
the window to see better in the
daylight and the Christ looked
old as if it had been around many
centuries she blew over it blowing
away minute particles she carried
it back climbed on to the bed and
put it back settled it straight then
stood there and bounced on her
parents' double bed a little she
wished she could bring Mary on
it wished they could make love in
it that would be a thrill the thought
that it was her parents' bed and they
might be home at anytime and be
caught she climbed off the bed
carrying the thought with her the
Christ looked down at the bed
hanging there how great a love it
must be to have your son nailed
there and still have the ability to
love mankind she mused something
she herself would not have or refused.
Jul 28, 2017
Jul 28, 2017 at 3:09 AM UTC
Martha stood
on a wooden chair
to reach the crucifix
on the wall
of the old chapel.
She was dusting
with a yellow duster
(brought from home)
to wipe away
the dust
and cobwebs
attached to the crown
of thorns
of the Crucified
and those about
His beard.
Waaat are ye at?
Martha
a nun said
behind her.
Oi'm dustin'
Martha replied
looking around
at the nun.
*** down
dis once
the nun said
pointing
a thin finger.
But our Lord
is dusty an' full
av cobwebs
Martha said
turning her head
back to the Christ
wiping about
His beard.
Oi said nigh
the nun said firmly.
Martha sighed
and stepped off
the chair
which creaked.
Discipline
is the first tin'
if yer want
ter be a nun
Sister Luke said.
Martha looked
at the nun
yer Lord looked
so sad dare
covered wi' de webs
she said.
Enoof
av yisser blather
the nun said
on yisser way
ter class.
Martha looked
at the Christ
then walked out
the chapel
leaving the nun behind
musing on being a nun
it turning over
in her mind.
Jul 9, 2017
Jul 9, 2017 at 2:17 AM UTC
Mary undressed
for her Friday bath.
The water was steaming
steam rose
to the off-white ceiling.
She dipped in a foot
withdrew it again.
Feckin' 'ot.
She turned on
the cold water tap.
It cooled down
the water.
She turned off the tap
and put in
a foot again.
That's better.
She climbed
in the bath
and sat down.
Water reached
her small taut *******
Luk at de sight
av dem.
Two love bites
stained one breast.
Magdalene's work.
She picked up
a pink sponge
and soaped it up.
Washed her
neck, arms,
******* and down
between thighs.
Nuns an' their
blather.
Buff an' blister
Thomas an' 'er
ideas for lent.
She wished the nun
would go to holy Rome.
She soaped
her *** standing up.
Magdalene
wud love dis.
She sponge down
with water washing
the soap off.
A love bite on her
right thigh high up.
Magdalene
lipped her
and kissed her.
That time
at Magdalene's
parents' house
while they
were out shopping.
Both naked
on the bed.
Nip as babes.
Mary stepped out
of the warm bath.
She grabbed
a white towel
began to dry herself.
Wish Magdalene
wus here nigh.
Ruba-dub-dub.
Once dried
she stood and gazed
at herself
in the mirror.
Jist loike Eve.
That time
at Magdalene's house
lying abed
with a thousand thoughts
going round
in her head.
Jun 23, 2017
Jun 23, 2017 at 2:23 PM UTC
Your da was in a mood
he'd received a letter
from the nuns at school
that you'd been insolent
and had been
punished for it.
Can't understand ya
he said
brought up
a good Catholic
and you behave
like this
I'd give ya
ma hand
but I don't think
it'd be any good.
He stormed out
to the garden
and took it out
on the vegetable bed
with his *****
Now you've got him
in a mood
and it'll be me
that has to get him
calmed down
your ma said
just because you
want to act
the big lady.
She went into
the kitchen
and banged
pots and pans about
and moaned to herself
You went
to your room
and shut the door
**** the nuns
you muttered
and lay on your bed.
You had Mary
on this bed
a week or so ago
you and she
doing things
that'd make
your da's eyes
pop from his head
and his jaw
dropped like
a dead donkey's tool.
You kissed your arm
pretended it was Mary
she lying there
beside you
her snugly body
close to yours.
Downstairs
the slamming
of doors.
Jun 12, 2017
Jun 12, 2017 at 3:17 AM UTC
I told the priest
I wanted to be a nun.
He didn't smile at me
like Sister Bridget had done
when I told her
as if I’d told her a joke.
Sit down Martha
he said.
I sat down in the room
in the priest's house.
It smelt of polish
and pipe tobacco.
He had dark curly hair
and blue eyes
and a wide mouth.
He asked me
about my wanting
to be a nun
why and when
I first felt
the calling.
I told him
I loved the Crucified
loved seeing Him
and talking to Him often.
The priest looked at me
his eyes large
like cob-stoppers.
He said
I was too young yet
no religious order
will take a girl of 14.
I will be 15 soon
I said.
He raised
his thick eyebrows
and said
I’d have to wait
until I was at least 16.
**** me I mused
that's too long.
I never said
that to him
just put on
a disappointed face
like I do
if me ma tells me
to make me bed
and tidy me room.
If you have
a vocation
then you are
blessed by God
so you must wait
and study
and pray
he said.
When I crossed
over me leg
and showed
me thigh
he went red.
May 30, 2017
May 30, 2017 at 3:38 AM UTC
Sister Martha
stopped me
in the corridor
of the school
her features fixed
in a hard gaze.
Girls are not
to run or rush
in the corridors
Mary Macquire
the nun said.
I stood
and gazed at her.
I am late
for my next lesson
I said.
I do not care
you are not to run
in the corridor
she said.
I was going
to be late
as the old bag
was going to
keep me there.
I want you
to walk back
to the beginning
of the corridor
and walk to where
I stand
she said.
I sighed
and walked back
to where
I began to run
and walk
towards her.
She stood there
staring at me
her hands hidden
from sight
like some magpie
perched there.
Once I reached her
she said
next time you
come along
the corridor
remember to walk.
I said I would
and she let me go on
walking slow
and not rushing
in case she made me
walked it again.
I never
looked back
I walked past
the holy pictures
on the walls
the statue of the ******
flowers at her feet.
Once I was
out of sight
of the nun
I stuck two fingers up
in her direction
and walked on
to my next lesson
now late.
Getting an excuse
in my mind
like trying to explain
the colour of the sea
to one born blind.
May 6, 2017
May 6, 2017 at 4:48 AM UTC
Sister Bridget
slammed her ruler
over the palm of my hand
her features cold and stiff
as she did so.
I let no emotions show
in my features.
The sting came
and remained like a stain.
She did it three times
on each palm
then let my hands
fall at my sides.
She stared at me
that Magdalene
is what happens
when you act
as you have
she said
go and sit down.
I walked back
to my desk
and sat down
next to Mary.
I will not have
such behaviour
in my class
while I am trying
to teach
she said.
The other pupils
in class
stared at me briefly
then stared at the front
and the nun who walked
back and forth
in front
of the black board
like a lioness
looking for more prey
to feed her emptiness.
Are you all right?
Mary whispered
leaning close to me
staring ahead to see
where the nun
was looking.
Silly old cow
Mary whispered.
I'm ok
I said
sensing the sting
still there
but keeping
my emotions in check
as I did as a little girl
after my father
had slapped me
in one of his
drunken rages.
I sensed
Mary's hand
touch mine
under the desk
she stroked them.
I wished we were alone
and I could kiss her
as we had
a few days ago
in my room
when my mother
was out.
The nun yakked
on about St Paul
and his voyages
and how
he nearly drowned.
I wished the old bat
would hang herself
with her rosary
or drown out
in some deep sea.
Apr 18, 2017
Apr 18, 2017 at 9:52 AM UTC
Martha closed the door
of the side chapel.
Sunlight shone through
the coloured glass
onto the statue
of St Therese
and on the crucifix.
She stared at them both
it was so quiet
she felt she could hear
her heart beating.
She walked
to the Crucified
and touched His feet
with her fingers.
Looking up
she could see
His half closed eyes
looking down at her.
St Therese
looked down
at the floor
eyes unmoving.
Martha kissed
the nailed feet
felt the cold plaster
stood back
looked at His hands
nailed wide
hands making claws
in their agony.
The door opened
behind her
the old nun
who walked with a stick
entered and said
what are you doing
in here Macquire?
Martha turned around
and gazed at the nun
contemplating our Lord
she replied.
Girls are not
to be in here
the nun said
now go.
Martha looked
at the crucifix
and said
see you later
and walked past
the nun taking in
her aged face
as she did so.
She walked down
the passageway
the nun's clickedy stick
following behind
sounding like one
who was blind.
Mar 20, 2017
Mar 20, 2017 at 4:17 AM UTC
The young priest
sat in the chair.
Martha sat opposite
across the desk.
The priest gazed
at the girl,
uncomfortable
with a young girl;
he wished the old priest
could have been there.
So how can I help?
He said,
looking away
from Martha,
eyeing the desk top.
Martha stared at the priest;
he was the young one,
white as flour,
in his black gown
and white collar.
I want to be a nun,
she said.
A nun?
He said,
lifting his eyes
to gaze at her.
Martha looked up
at the large crucifix
on the wall
above the priest.
The Crucified's eyes
half closed or half open
depending how you looked,
she mused.
What sort of nun?
The priest said.
An enclosed nun,
Martha said,
not looking away
from the Crucified.
The priest gazed at the girl
whose eyes were staring
above his head.
Do you think you
have a vocation?
He asked.
The nails
in the Crucified's hands
were rusty or painted
a ***** brown.
Of course,
Martha said,
I wouldn't be here
otherwise would I.
The priest looked
above his head
and saw the huge crucifix
which the girl
was staring at.
Have you spoken
to any one else about this?
The priest said.
I spoke to one
of the nuns and she said
to come see you,
Martha said.
The priest lowered his eyes
to the girl: she seemed
serious if a little odd.
I see,
he said,
have you decided
on which order
you wish to join?
Martha looked away
from the plaster Christ:
not yet maybe the Bendictines,
she said,
staring at the priest
and at his watery blue eyes.
Maybe you should pray
and ask Our Lord
for guidance,
the priest said.
I do,
Martha said,
taking in a slight blemish
in the priest's cheeks.
I been talking to Him,
she said,
for weeks and weeks.
Jan 18, 2017
Jan 18, 2017 at 2:35 PM UTC
The old priest
toddles up the side aisle,
sways slightly side to side,
goes past Mary's chapel.
You watch him
from the pews
waiting for confession.
Old Mrs O'Connor's
next in line;
bet she'll be there
for a week or so.
You kneel down
on the knee rest
gaze at your knees.
The priest enters
the confessional,
closes the door;
silence.
Mrs O'Connor
lifts herself
from the pew,
wanders into
the confessional
closes the door
after her.
You sit back
on the pew.
The young priest
is down at the altar,
a nun helps him
fiddle with stuff.
Magdalene hasn't come.
What to say?
What not to say?
Bless me Father
I've been having it off
with Magdalene Murphy.
An old codger comes
into the pew,
kneels down
closes his eyes.
You sigh,
kneel down,
close your eyes,
put in a Pater Noster
and an Ave.
The door
of the confessional
opens,
the O'Connor bag
comes out.
It is you next,
so rise up,
go in, ready
to spill the beans
of sin.
Dec 18, 2016
Dec 18, 2016 at 8:41 AM UTC
Martha's gone home,
Magdalene watches her go
from her bedroom window.
She got a kiss
nothing more
not from Martha,
unlike Mary
who was up for it.
Martha had been fascinated
by the crucifix
above Magdalene's bed,
had climbed on the bed
and touched
the Crucified's feet
(Magdalene had been tempted
to embrace Martha's legs,
but didn't).
Martha's out of sight;
the record player
is silent now,
the Billy Fury LP
is unmoving.
Wish Mary was here,
Magdalene muses,
feeling hot and bothered now;
two empty glasses
sit on the bedside table,
the ashtray has
cigarette butts lying there.
The sky is cloudless.
Her mother comes in
the front gate
carry shopping bags.
Magdalene tidies up the bed
and hides the glasses
under the bed,
and goes down the stairs.
Her mother is in the kitchen,
bags on the table.
What you been up to?
The mother says.
Nothing,
Martha was here,
Magdalene says.
What did she want?
The mother asks.
Talk and listen to music,
Magdalene says.
She's the one
who wants to be a nun
isn't she?
Yes so she says,
Magdalene says.
The mother puts
the shopping away;
Magdalene helps her,
wishing it had been Mary
in her bed
them at it.
The mother sighs
and sits in a chair:
put the kettle on
I need a drink.
Magdalene does
as she's told;
she thinks her mother at 42
is old.
Nov 13, 2016
Nov 13, 2016 at 3:24 PM UTC
Do I know Martha?
Sister Ruth said,
of course I do,
Father, why did
you ask?
Father Bede
looked at the nun:
she came to me
in church
and asked me
a number of questions
about Our Lord
and how tall he was
and what colour eyes
and hair he had,
the priest said.
What's so odd
about that?
She said.
Well she also
asked me
that if a boy
should ask her
about having...
he couldn't get
the word out,
not with
the good sister
standing there.
Sister Ruth eyed him:
*** She said.
Yes, that's
that word,
if a boy
asked her
should she
tell him to...
he fumbled
for the word
Martha had said,
but instead said:
go away,
and I was so
flummoxed
that I said yes,
the priest said,
reddening,
looking at his hands,
not the nun.
Sounds like Martha,
I supposed she said
something less pure?
The nun said.
The priest nodded:
is she all right?
He said.
Well she's not quite
the ticket,
but she's harmless,
the nun said.
She wants
to be a nun?
He said.
So she does,
Sister Ruth said,
but she's as much
chance of that
as me being
Miss World,
the nun said
smiling.
But she seems
so keen on being
a Bride of Christ
is there no chance?
Father Bede said.
The bishop wouldn't
have her in
this congregation
but who knows
elsewhere they might,
the nun said,
eyeing the young priest
noting his
reddening features
and his fine head
of hair,
then said:
how long are you
here as curate?
He looked at her:
don't know,
until the bishop
moves me on,
Father Bede said.
If you see
Martha again
tell her she'd make
a good nun,
I guess we must not
dissuade her
from a possible
God's calling.
He nodded
and looking out
from the convent
doorway,
he noticed
rain falling.
Oct 10, 2016
Oct 10, 2016 at 3:59 AM UTC
Seamus hopes
that the girl
Moran will
(he's heard she
maybe will)
have a touch
and a kiss
maybe more
he sees her
by the fence
standing there
moodily
other kids
going home
from the school
walking past
the wire fence
she sees him
approaching
his swagger
the dark hair
snotty nose
how are ya?
Seamus asks
who's asking?
Mary says
eyeing him
her satchel
by her feet
you now me
I'm Seamus
he replies
taking in
her fine eyes
her small bust
what you want?
Mary says
walking on
he follows
how about
you and me
meeting up?
Seamus asks
we've met up
I mean some
place after
school where we
can do things
Seamus says
what you mean
by do things?
Go to church?
Kiss a nun?
Go visit
the sick ones
or the poor?
Mary says
monotone
I thought of
something more
Seamus says
maybe us
touching up
kissing such
I'd rather
smell a pig's
foul behind
than kiss you
or let you
touch my skin
Mary says
her voice hard
(thinking of
Magdalene's
hands on her
and kissing
a day back)
up you then
***** teasing
Moran girl
fecking ****
he walks off
*********
signs to her
hope you get
warts on yours
Seamus Doyle
Mary calls
after him
she walks on
home from school
muttering
to herself
fecking fool.
Sep 5, 2016
Sep 5, 2016 at 6:26 AM UTC
She no longer wonders
What her husband Brian
Is doing or where he
Goes or if he misses
Her; she has Una now
All to herself, no more
Sharing her *** life with
Brian and his quick fix
*** and his annoying
Sleeping afterwards sad
Routine. The last time she
Met him for a talk and
Tea to discuss their plans
For divorce, he sat there
Moodily smoking and
Stirring his tea with the
Spoon provided in the
Café and gazing out
The window at the rain
Running quickly down the
Windowpane. On what grounds?
He’d asked looking into
Her eyes, the lips she once
Kissed, unkissable now,
The dull wateriness
Hanging in there in his
Big blue eyes. Grounds? I’m in
Love with a woman and
******* her to heaven
And back, she’d replied, her
Voice carrying over
To other tables where
Old couples sat and who
Stared back at her softly
Tut-tutting. After a
Few meetings and him then
Knowing that she’d not be
Coming back home to him,
The road to a divorce
Was agreed and he sat
Back in the chair in the
Café with that sad eyed
Puppy kind of stare. Hope
She burns in hell, he’d said
Bitterly, maybe then
You’d come back home to me,
Nuala, and forget
This folly of *******
Women. Now she sits still
Beside Una on their
Shared big bed, feeling the
Closeness of her flesh, the
Warmth, the smell, the love shared,
The sense of fulfilment
After a good seeing
To. Dublin was all right,
But she wanted to go
Further south, away from
People who might know her,
People who pointed and
Gestured and muttered words
Behind their hands in shops
And stores. Una kisses
Her cheek, the lips wet and
Warm, her hand rubbing her
Thigh, the memory of
Brian healing over,
His image like a scab
She seldom picks at or
Touches. As she kisses
Una’s arm she senses
All her flesh tingle, as
If set to wires of
Electricity, as
If kissed by angels, touched
By God, seeing heaven
Through parted clouds, and the
Memory of Brian’s
Last pathetic **** fades
Like melting snow, with this
Deep nowness of love for
Una, brave new world, this
Inner fire and glow.
(2010 POEM.)
Aug 11, 2016
Aug 11, 2016 at 11:19 AM UTC
Magdalene
shows her room
to Martha
(her parents
said not to
bring Mary)
Martha stares
at the walls
sees a small
crucifix
above a
single bed
glad you got
Jesus here
Martha says
Magdalene
looks at her
in a long
black slim dress
hair cut short
you still want
to be a
****** nun?
Magdalene
says to her
bride of Christ
I'd call it
Martha says
turning round
and looking
deep eyed at
Magdalene
want a drink?
what you got?
gin all right?
make it large
Martha says
no need to
**** around
half measures
Magdalene
pours two gins
both large ones
want music?
who you got?
Bill Fury
or Elvis?
Fury's best
Martha says
sitting down
on the bed
Magdalene
puts on the
Fury disc
then sits down
by Martha
both girls sip
their large gins
what would you
say if I
kissed you once?
Magdalene
says softly
just the once?
unless you
wanted more
why kiss me?
thought Moran
was your one?
like you both
equally
(though Mary
was more hers
sexually)
its a sin
you know that?
Martha says
just a kiss
no sin there
don't want to
go further
Magdalene
informs her
(lying through
her back teeth)
further what?
Martha asks
I don't want
bed you here
(fecking liar
her mind says)
why bed me?
I'm not one
for sleeping
in the day
Martha says
she sips gin
and ignores
Magdalene's
hand touching
her plump thigh
Christ sees us
sees all things
Martha says
Mary says
that some times
Jesus turns
a blind eye
does he now?
Martha asks
that Smithy
boy tried to
get his hand
underneath
my school skirt
I thumped him
on his nose
Magdalene
informs her
did it bleed?
his big nose?
on his white
fecking shirt
just one kiss
on the cheek
Martha says
taking off
Magdalene's
hand from her
plump warm thigh
finishing
off her gin
with a sigh.
Aug 3, 2016
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:46 AM UTC