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Poems celebrating and commemorating lives now gone
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Belfast
Lapwing
_____________________
INVISIBLE MENDING
�
JOHN O’MALLEY
�
Belfast
LAPWING
First Published by Lapwing Publicationsc/o 1, Ballysillan Drive
Belfast BT14 8HQlapwing.poetry@ntlworld.com
www.lapwingpoetry.com
Copyright © John O’Malley 2012Copyright Cover Image ‘Big Tree’ © Conor O’Malley 2012
All rights reservedThe author has asserted her/his right under Section 77
of the Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988to be identified as the author of this work.
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data.A catalogue record for this book is available from
the British Library.
Since before 1632The Greig sept of the MacGregor ClanHas been printing and binding books
Lapwing Publications are printed at Kestrel Print Unit 1, Spectrum Centre
Shankill Road Belfast BT13 3AA028 90 319211
E:kestrelprint@btconnect.comHand-bound in Belfast at the Winepress
Set in Aldine 721 BT
ISBN 978-1-907276-97-2
ii
CONTENTS
40FOLLOW YOUR DREAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
39FATTY CAME OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
38FAMILY STUFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
37EXCITEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36DEMENTIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35DEADLY SILENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34COMING DOWNSTAIRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33CLOCKING IT UP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32CLIFF WALK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31CASTLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30CASE FOR THE PROSECUTION . . . . . . . .
29CARTOON TIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27CANNOT COMPLAIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26CAN’T BE SURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25CAN’T STAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24BUILDING A BIKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23BONA MORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22BLOKE TALK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE . . . . . . . . . . .
20BE SATISFIED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19BANGING THE TABLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18BAFFLING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17BAD BREATH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16BACK TO TORONTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15AWARENESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14ATTEMPTS AT WHAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13ALWAYS A NEW MYTHOLOGY . . . . . . . .
12ALMOST MISTAKEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11ALL THE DEADLY SINS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10ALL BIG STADIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9ADVICE TO A LADY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8A FAMILY WEDDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7A BETTER WAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
iii
76TIME STANDING STILL . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
75THIRTY YEARS ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
74THE MIRROR AND THE LAMP . . . . . . . . .
73THE INTERNAL DIALOGUE . . . . . . . . . . .
71THE DRUMMER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
70TALES OF DEVILMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
69SYMPATHICO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
68SOUTHEND ROUTINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
67SOMETHING COMES UP . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
66SIDE ALTARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
65SHOPPING BAG POEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
64SELF HARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
63RIDDLE ME RIDDLERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
62RESEMBLANCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
61REJECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
60OUT OF THE DIOCESE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
59NOT ALL IT’S CRACKED UP TO BE . . . . .
58MY BEST SELLER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
57MORNING CUPPA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
56MILFORD AT ITS BEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
55MARK THE OCCASION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
54MAMMY – COMING UP TO CHRISTMAS .
53MAKE EACH DAY COUNT . . . . . . . . . . . . .
52LOOKING FOR WHAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
51LOOKING FOR A SONG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
50LIKE A BRIAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
49LAST FULL DAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
48INVISIBLE MENDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
47INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR . . . . . . . . .
46IN THE SACRISTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
45HELLO MY DARLINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
44HARDLY A LIBRARY MAN . . . . . . . . . . . .
43HAPPY DAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
42GETTING READY FOR LIFE . . . . . . . . . . .
41FOR TRUTH TO TELL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
iv
84THE CORPSE HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
83WHAT KIND OF OLD PERSON . . . . . . . . .
82GET YOUR CHANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
81DON’T BE AFRAID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
80WORTH DOING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
79WHAT IRISH EMIGRANTS MISS MOST . .
78UP AGAINST IT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
77TO HAVE BEEN A CHILD . . . . . . . . . . . . .
v
i.m.Margaret (nee Hourigan) O’Malley
1913 - 1911
vi
A BETTER WAY
Outside of yourselfthe people that love youmost and leave you alone
the doctors who send mefor blood tests, chest x-rays, ecgs.Monitored as well as can be expected.
The elderly share more than we care to admit:Ailments – children – grandchildren Friends – all those precious visits.
In good and bad weather.They all come back – pay off.Nothing has to rhyme.
John O’Malley
7
A FAMILY WEDDING
I know what black tie looks likeWe called them monkey suits
Tall fellas are only clothes horsesIn those days it was known
To keep the hired garmentFor over a week almost sleep
In it – not saying we all did –Wore a hired dress suit
On our first date – time issuesBoys and girls learning
Then stopping the drink –Keeping an eye on things
Lots of lads like meMeet them all the time
It’s simple really – careers suggestYou learn early how to say
Yes to the good thingsDiscern later when to say no.
Invisible Mending
8
ADVICE TO A LADY
On this blustery nightCould hardly rain again
Talks of rare coal fireInstead chance the cold
Old newspapers blowingRead “better conditions
For prisoners” the wind Whistling –attempting
A decision to convince My old self I will not
Write again-but on I goSufficient light to see
Yonder –folks worse offSome I become close to
Seriously for my intimate friendBe good as I carry on regardless.
John O’Malley
9
ALL BIG STADIA
Public transport a must – walk a mileMeet the very same guy we met EamonLives near Paddy at home in Listowel
He taught special needs – knows my friend’sGood qualities – gives us a lift throughThe sea of colour-in our places before
The teams run out to a cacophony of sound.Spine tingling –Fifth Floor Premium seatsWoe betide if you misread your section
Or your seat number-the voucher for foodMeans you go a secret corridor downTo the next floor –The Hogan Mezzanine
Food Hall is empty at half time-it’s expensiveNo time to sit down and be back in time All that food going to waste –can’t find
Our way back up the exit doors locked –Bouncers don’t want to know-pass John O’Shea he has many mouths to feed.
The Goalie man has seen enoughThankfully smokers break out On another floor glad to get a cup of tea
Invisible Mending
10
ALL THE DEADLY SINS
Reminders of immortalityHearing Bill Long’s posthumous
Voice then being gifted with his bookWhere he interviews rich and famous
All nice guys deep down – just like LarryWho shows me the soccer programmes
Famous matches indeed the ones beforeAnd after the Munich Disaster….
I too collected programmes – Sam BrownWas my man around the back – swapped
For Charlie Buchan’s Monthly – momentsWhere you rubbed shoulders with the greats
John O’Malley
11
ALMOST MISTAKEN
Dan the rapper took the trouble to textNearly did not get to meet him
There was a Henner on in AshtownI had to collect and mind people
By accident and misstexting I managedTo meet the old work colleague
Find each friend is so specialThen when opportunity knocks
Share as much as is reasonably appropriateTell the part of the tale that is interesting
To yourself and generally valuableAs a career benchmark down the line
Invisible Mending
12
ALWAYS A NEW MYTHOLOGY
So many older men like myself –Life expectation goes on and on.Nurses like yourself keeping us alive
Alive oh – Malachi up in BanksFourth floor on the BeaumontWalk up, do me good – so they say…
Operation Transformation – happy with 17ATommy Broughan looks after the geriatricHence no young Labour Revolution
My pal waffles on about cycling to ConnemaraAll the policies that failed since the FoundationOf the State – lots of harmless yarns – more innocent
Times – even benign, the less well off were taken care of –Cultural expression as Gaeilge – everyone lovedThat bit of independence – the slagging was huge
We look out over Lambay, Ireland’s EyeThat’s Howth over there-he has no interestLoves hearing sound of his own voice.
John O’Malley
13
ATTEMPTS AT WHAT?
Getting in touch with something tangibleAll the world and its mother – my own failing
Coming up to a century of toughing it out –This man alongside me repairing a side fence
He went missing the weekend – assumedIt was Spain – certain sameness surrounds
Us blurting out the minimum detailsSitting on the freshly varnished bench
He won’t even spell out the dead man’sName – we are so ashamed of events
Completely outside our control –The effect it has on us – work –
Sweat some more – drink somethingA little stronger than tea – love everyone
Living as they walk and talk – the unnamedOne has decided to keep his Secret forever
Invisible Mending
14
AWARENESS
The extraordinary value of commitmentTo a cause that loosens up the mind
On the last Sunday of the monthHolding on until the text comes
We are leaving London HeathrowBe in at ten – go to departures two
Black ice here and there, lo the newBuilding that was not there last time
A tail wind brought ye in aheadOf schedule – the mighty hugs – relief.
Though you are tired in great humourLooking forward to the next challenge
In laughter like Uncle Singh the absurdityThat is found throughout a place called
India – that’s a good few of us Have sampled the experience
Despite Delhi belly and long dustyJourneys – lived to tell the tales
John O’Malley
15
BACK TO TORONTO
Second time round from MontrealCame through Cabbagetown
Irish built this place, now the housesLook art deco – must have done well
No more interesting race than usPost famine, building Basilicas
The guide hands it up to usYou will never beat the Irish
Beautiful ornate staircasesTravelling leads to pressure
When we don’t get off the merry-Go-round, have to keep talking
When the shops close – Mike And I take in the sights
I always find a church openFew of the colonies lack
Churches of all sizes built When we had little but Faith
in strange and wonderful placesgift in itself-a glow and a treat
Each town is glorious in its simpleDifference: something for learning
Invisible Mending
16
BAD BREATH
From Scartaglen to ManhattanPoor thing gave her all – waitressing
I had three hours dental treatmentSo I have become extra sensitive
Her breath was overpoweringAs she explained tipping strategies
Businessmen holding up tablesGiving cents when she could have earned
Fifty bucks if she were the ownerOnce or twice she acted – almost
Lost her job – we whiled away Our journey time as she regaled
Me with Jewish meanness yarnsIn Florida caught by ski cops
As her employer broke the limitTo get the free fruit juice
John O’Malley
17
BAFFLING
In Talbot Street you were rushing over to Merchant’s RoadWe were going to have a bite in 101 a party for Michael D.Who until today seemed unassailable as Presidential material
This election campaign went on too long – people now optingFor the younger man – that night Daughter you were visited With a fainting fit – which led to the removal of a tumour
You were the lucky one Emer that you had ChrissieWith you that night as you convulsed – you now knowWith proper medication there is no mystical visitation
Though our panic to get to the Mater that night subsidedWhat an extraordinary life you lead – I don’t say this as dotingDad but dealing with all the challenges leading you to Rome
Invisible Mending
18
BANGING THE TABLE
She never understood why I got worked upI do and I did – even today seeing my son
Suffer – oh and we chatting he is in loveAnd so am I and we are not in denial.
He loves the lovely Spanish LadyI am sure I love his mother after
All these years – she loves me backRarely does a lad ask his Dad
Well for advice – I could demurI have seen the scar on his belly
There since the op – he was ten days oldWho is and is not a chip off the old block
Oh the weight of knowing – sponging offLittle bits of knowledge – can’t be praying
All the time hope others’ work comes trueAnd go away and rest awhile – it works
John O’Malley
19
BE SATISFIED
I am often visited by friendsI do it myself – let off steam
Palpable anger sometimesPeople losing jobs – homes
In negative equity – listenTo the future plans hope
The economy picks upWe have worked our way
Through toughest of timesEager to help every stray
The way the money goesNot fair to spouse – working mother
To consult before making rashDecisions or giving stuff away
Use the talent God givesThe rest must follow
Invisible Mending
20
BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE
Few cars on the road – too much spicyFood in the stomach – Mammy movesTo Milford House to the Blue nuns –
This moving from one place to anotherAt ninety eight years of age unavoidable –Aware forever of lost property issues
Frustrating ringing phones that don’t answerYet if you meet the right uniformed officerNo better men to oblige than public servants
I give you books-once more you are out of houseAnd home – then myself on the way back up between Luas – bus-train – more small gifts mislaid
We discuss our small and large gainsLiving in this house over 36 yearsMost of us around here moved once
From temporary accommodation rememberingBeing broken into once or twice – amazingThe effect breaking and entering has-on our psyche
John O’Malley
21
BLOKE TALK
Our conversations generallyHinge around matches – wives
Bad decisions we were forced intoAgainst our better judgement
It’s a minor skirmish comparedTo a public spat-poor style
Not anticipating shut mouthForget the anticipated disagreement
Win – win insists you give inEven before you are precise
Late or early it’s all the oneIf you never get there only
A date or a better or worse hairDay – see or do something – conflict
Only arises when you cut looseNot caring whether you win or lose
Invisible Mending
22
BONA MORS
Obsessions come in shoalsSandwiches, books for the journeyWater in bottles and rain coats
Almost forgot my plugged in mobileGot Mass in the Lourdes chapelFather Joe Young preaching on gratitude
Fair auld theme when like it or noWe’re never ready to be buriedOnly preparing to die in our own bed
There used to be a SodalityBefore tablets became availableFr Conor Naughton an ascetic
Had special devotions for a happy deathMany Limerick ladies went-never foughtNever worried about Breast Check, drank or smoked
John O’Malley
23
BUILDING A BIKE
Almost got your birth number correctOnly the one year out of place
The back roads up to Howth VillageLots of stone walls and timber seats
All the way round twice from BaldoyleThe rain holds off – breakfast outside
Laugh with Paul Gaffney jestingHe worked for Larry O’Grady
Not the other way round Friendly people are few
Has to be no relation – can’t find themesFrom nowhere – easily thrown around
With folk who belong to a traditionThere is Frank Gaffney making light
Of Parkinson’s disease-can cycleThough wobbly walking – courage
From a life with the Ramblers ClubHe rarely missed a Sunday when not
Working – long hours in Leo LaboratoriesA long way home after double shifts
Invisible Mending
24
CAN’T STAY
She had this notion a taste of gooseFrom November on we scarcely discussed
Anything else through all the floods whereTo find a goose it was good humoured
Did we know anyone that keeps geeseGreat pity to see the poor creatures
Locked in a cage – pick one you canHave it killed – plucked – ready for the oven
Yesterday the poor frozen creatureCut in two – my mother won’t have reheats
I have to get back to Dublin a little matterOf a grandson – he may have conjunctivitis
And I have some other things to doArising out of this awful budget
Then there is the book launchArranging a venue – yet I can smell
The goose grease I’m told MotherIs boiling the remains – too tough for words
John O’Malley
25
CAN’T BE SURE
On a busy Saturday desperatelyTrying to get it all in – the rugby
That for some reason did not makeIt on to any national network – savage
To disallow Michael Corcoran commentary –How we were destroyed in New Zealand.
Need to sit down and recite my few linesBefore I quietly expire – blessing on the Jesuit
Fathers for keeping the Oratory Ajar notThat there is ever many clamouring to enter –
As You Like It – in the campanile – gates Not open – an Elizabethan pageant
In the open air – such energy – need to takeSanctuary to simply sit down and rest
If I get the buzz back the poetry And the actors do the rest – no rain
To bother a couple of hundred of usWe enjoyed Love and Madness
On balance for this old soldierBeats subtitles and a scary plot
Invisible Mending
26
CANNOT COMPLAIN
The way things drift and shape usPull all the books off the shelves
From Chardin to Kipling to Sean Treacy –They accent it Tracy around Nenagh
Just to emphasise the point WillieWhom I had not laid eyes on for fifty
Years came over to me as if it was onlyYesterday – we had a conversation
But it is artificial all the revisitingWe are nearly old men – good
In some ways to go back to long ago –But our lives are down – nearly over
John O’Malley
27
CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN
David Wallace seriously reflective as a player Injured – maturely went through the rule bookAs she stands today – ok – game ruined as a spectacle
No excuses back home none of the Homes everGoing to live with the Kiwis – we all dreamedOf a final – heroically losing – not this way.
No glory in defeat – yellow or red – six yellowsAll adds up – our production line not fast enoughWe learn by development even brave referees
The madness of lifting dropping what is intentional?Rugby players mean bastards – Rolland got it just rightI would like my grand children to play a safer game
Invisible Mending
28
CARTOON TIME
Leaving the wee man to the RoyalNursery – not a problem with issues
Of security those hazel eyesThe greetings “hello Charlie”
Charming two year old plusI made the mistake of waiving his siesta
We paid a big price on energy levelsThe swings and slides finished both
Old man or tired child no noveltyLearnt to go with the sad flow
Eventually the lad gives in – know betterTo make sure he catches afternoon nap
John O’Malley
29
CASE FOR THE PROSECUTION
Colm walking badly, limping down to shelters,Lady mad for a chat, complaining towel wetFrom the day before – set me on my way
Wondering about several friends myselfIncluded – who choose to swim year roundWhy do we do it – bravado, the thrill
Sensation of cold water, good for the heartBetter circulation on one condition alone:The sun must provide sufficient heat
To warm your body up – there is an age factorNo doubt – seaweed, no jellyfish attached – pleasing –I moved to indoor pools for a year or two
Then that had to go – dossing in saunas Whirlpools, Jacuzzis no swimming pool –Reckoned more chances of skin diseaseUnless our climate changes for long periodsAssure you lads wet suits the only answer
Invisible Mending
30
CASTLES
Never being an AristocratFind purchasing fraught –
Trying to break into publishingNeed to become a subscriber
To many quirky magazines –Loving poetry need not
Be too expensive –There is always a deal
Don’t like to be seen negotiatingToo crassly – it’s the Sterling
You can have PayPalOr even send cash
No cheques or drafts –I want the books to learn
How to go about the businessEnjoy reading the opposition
At worst see what gets throughEven a rough diamond like myself
Needs some self screeningWe’re no patriots on our own
Every time we pick up a penHeaven only knows how easy
It is to mislead ourselves as to The value of what we are doing
Such a pecking order need to Pickup a few tips to continue
John O’Malley
31
CLIFF WALK
Since coming to townSo much of life tied up
In this Holy PlaceWhether up here
Or down around the harbourProposed to herself up here
Used to come up to the SummitFelt it was the top of the world
Even when we had very littleTried to do the courting properly
Nicely in happiness do tryTo be generous with another
Could mature into loveAnd it does, if you aren’t
Mean about spending moneyOr don’t spend it all on drink
Invisible Mending
32
CLOCKING IT UP
Keeping a car twelve yearsDemands a backward glance
I fondly look at the fileA year on – thousands
Of miles where did we go –Those tiny parts requiring
Replacement, washers and plugsOil changes – such reverence
Respect for mechanics – argumentsRaged amongst ourselves
When are you getting a new carIt gave up several times was towed
I never lost heart – through exhaustsBad luck – never had a puncture
Learnt terms did not understandBought new parts from dismantlers
Always value for money – movedFurniture – electrics – providing
She was roadworthy we travelledOn battery changes –new tyres
Maybe four tow a ways-sixteenMajor services over the years
John O’Malley
33
COMING DOWNSTAIRS
Her washing scattered around for our niecethe carer to bring some order to the front room
Her Dad driving up from CaherdanielTo make sure mother won’t miss Mass
In the local parish church – see the statueFrom the backroom window – hear her
Moving around below – it’s only after six –My night on as dutiful son – sufficient
To bring me down at first light pencilAnd paper in hand-acknowledging
The great life she led throughoutMost of the last century – love for our Dad
Mentioned – he is quietly missed.As a game we add up his years
Allowing their lives to become Potted history projects…
Sitting in the good room waitingFor rain to come….
Invisible Mending
34
DEADLY SILENCE
Blue skies suddenly disappearedGreyness mirrors my mood
Visit to Church Committee room Something I have to cover for Paddy
Here comes the sunshine time to takeThe last election results, sympathise –
Get to know the victors – enjoy The honeymoon period getting real –
Size one another up – the hunger for officeThe Loony left have a few more
Big days organising at the drop of a hatThis is our glorious system – satisfaction
At such massive melt down – excitementTo see what can be done without losing the head
John O’Malley
35
DEMENTIA
Tied for time, say what’sOn your mind – all the fearsOf years – Mam’s poor head –
Can’t have hair done – scabs not prettyTo look at – on a one to oneThe privilege of just being there
Sun shining early – no looking backHarsh words understood –Take out no bad feeling from anger
Rollover, push on – provide our ownDo it yourself kit-keep the diary up to dateTo see if things can be quickened up.
All the untidy sarcasm between her sonsWon’t ever take away health and safetyIssues – why she would prefer to light gas ring
From the concealed gas fire with a taper –The tablets to be swallowed down – lookLight at the end of the garden
Invisible Mending
36
EXCITEMENT
Hardly able for the comings and goingsTo the Airport – now ye off to Paris
Great to see you both so wellThanks for inviting me to the session
Brief as it was I could close the eyesMarvel at two blind Swiss girls
Playing Irish music in a houseMidday today in Foxfield
When nothing much works think of themWarming up on fiddle and tin whistle
Easy questions – captive audienceMiracles do happen right in front of our eyes
John O’Malley
37
FAMILY STUFF
Putting in place people who will look After our Mother becomes difficult
As the siblings squabble over whoIs included or excluded jealousies
Surface as old wounds bleedThe person who did the bandaging
No longer able or allowedTo act the matriarch – seems
We are obliged to leave our own Needs aside how to achieve
For me is shrouded in mysteryA way forward slippery – unknown
Invisible Mending
38
FATTY CAME OFF
When the lights came upIn the Lyric – Savoy – ColiseumTivoli – Royal – Grand Central
We could have some sortOf a say, impressed withWhat we saw on the screen.
We were generally boysBeaten into good mannersCockney boys in the audience
Had plenty to say – “lookMates he has scoffed the lot” –Old fatty came off his horse
Some of the lads not playing Games had issues with weight,Without walking or playing games
John O’Malley
39
FOLLOW YOUR DREAM
Tried to get through earlier –That funny old phone system
To no avail this Bank HolidayAs Kerry tear up the form book
I hope you are making a goodRecovery – so much time spent
Coming and going to hospitals –On this the 150th of the Jesuits
Coming to keep us readingAnd writing – you took another
Great step for the likes of myselfConfirming a method by accident
Discovered on leaving schoolLet life question you intimately
As good as praying all the saintsBut do both if you can at ease
Invisible Mending
40
FOR TRUTH TO TELL
Eating is not allowed in the libraryScenes of near tragedy – tired more
Than I know – up the wrong sideAt the Howth Road Junction
A warning sometimes to say noEven to a loving spouse
Leave the poetry books backTakeout a rake of biographies
Waiting in the Raheny LibraryMeet my son and my wife
Chance coffee and chatNo time to call on Deirdre
And Adrian who have massiveNews – baby Sophie born
By caesarean to Juanita and Paul –The good news to Mauritius
Parents to come over in a few monthsAnd Fulham keep on going….
John O’Malley
41
GETTING READY FOR LIFE
How does one prepare for a young man’s35th Birthday-go back to the warm day in Tinnerana, Lough Derg, on the Shannon
my Mammy saying “where were you, June’sgone into Holles Street” men not much usein any situations – maybe faint – Gerard
Drops me back to the street where I spent 22 happy tears working across the road –no paternity leave – take a few days off –
Begin by cleaning his name up from seagullDroppings with a lemon – what else – leaveFlowers at the Memorial find out what
Everyone else is doing – a vague tributeOf sorts one of our girls visits a friendIn St Pat’s Hospital – Dad pays the 2.20 euro
An hour, you would imagine – GovernorsWould welcome patient visits – never mindNor forget what a visit can do to the bewildered
No labels on the bag of beer the lads at sixteenTook to Kikmucridge – coincidence the beverageBought in Talbot St originated in Londis cheaper
Somewhere in Wexford – no plan – sort of homelessFor a night or two – Jackeen’s beer ran out – togethernessAs on your Anniversary – eating, listening to jazz
With lovely friends was all your coming of ageKevin – we fondly remember – happily all of usPoets are born out of teenage anxiety – as you smiled
You knew how good looking smart – wellCared for all those last tough couple of years –Meet us now London, Rome or back in Dublin
Invisible Mending
42
HAPPY DAY
That’s me standing posingFirst Communion picture
I had a box of sweets all To myself to share as I please
The spire in the backgroundIs St Michael’s Church of Ireland.
I believed Jesus had comeInto my heart and soul
Those hymns last foreverThe holy pictures – the prayer
Booklet – how often I wouldKneel and repeat prayers
Those of the pious-visionary –Aunt Nonie she believed too
John O’Malley
43
HARDLY A LIBRARY MAN
In the writing of poetry as therapyRecall a red haired man named Lennon
A U.C.G. fellow under-grad pal of the BrainsMc Kiernan when all was sweet before
Paddy Mc Niece took his own poor life.We were great fellows in Goldhawk Road
Reheating Hungarian goulash out of tins,That John Lennon also a great debater
Persuaded this young pup to buy the books –Some lessons come off the back of a bus
Middle aged men read each others’ obitsSufficient energy to go into town –
Stay out of the cold say a prayerFor the love of good women
It’s about time to acknowledge we thoughtWe knew it all working in Walls,
Cadby Hall, Hammersmith going to the dogsOr the flicks to avoid getting hooked
On the drink – just enough confidenceTo travel come home – be less greedy
Invisible Mending
44
HELLO MY DARLINGS
Sadly Charlie the service providerCancelled the conversation recorded
On our last visit but the good newsWas the joy the Dodo brought to us.
Now that I can ring you anytime and you meTry and get some sleep at night, every night
It does not come easy to some families –For your mom’s sake model yourself
On dad as a sleeper the best I can sayIs the complete set of snaps gone
In the afternoon post – all our loveLittle boy – look forward to meeting up
After Easter here or over thereBe as good as you always are chum
John O’Malley
45
IN THE SACRISTY
Up in Howth to meet MichaelGive him back his poemsJokey curate remarks on Bermudas
Not a serious punter all jokesI told him he had cursed meBy even mentioning Easter eggs
Before the event – must be the trainingAs an altar boy the ease with whichI make friends with clerics – realised
Their daily routine obsession With meal times not unlikeMy own mother – preparing food
All her life – keeping a good tableFor priest, child or relativeDinner usually in the middle of the day.
She loved her potato – something savoury.God her now different obsessions: listsOf things left behind – property, small
Little items in her own fair handPersonal religious objects: rosaryBeads, medals. Clothing down to colours –
Cardigans, tights all replaced over and overWhat is to become of the wardrobes fullOf her style since nineteen thirty-nine
Invisible Mending
46
INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR
We would all love to be seen to display fineTable manners say something nice when provoked
Not to be disturbing the peace, urinating in publicAlas the most appropriate response would seem
To be Silent – tend your garden properly,Keep friendly with the neighbours
Help survivors – ignore those who frownOn the homeless – desperately, sincerely
Hanging on to the Lord Jesus ChristIn the morning , afternoon, all night long.
Dealing with the crisis when it comes:Living alone or in relationship –
Bring to the Samaritan healing –Share the tragedy – ours alone to tell.
John O’Malley
47
INVISIBLE MENDING
Some dog’s escaped from Dawn ViewNear where Kevin’s bag was found
As maps can show it’s accurate –I can repair the poem if asked
Howth is our place of dreams.No nonsense nurse Mary
Goes up to meet June – dogsHeld up against the skyline
During the war years thatPlace served as a hospital –
Feel safe in our favourite placesIn those days survived on little
Sad times ignorant in waysMagic for the innocent coming along
Invisible Mending
48
LAST FULL DAY
The old pair slept it inNow they rearrange the furnitureSadness for myself no more assist
From this end glasses washedCans and bottles in the bootThe flight in the early morning
Brighton not the end of the worldYour dream of becoming a nurseIn a real sense continuing
Men see the tradition carrying on a professionBut the smiling person underneathAs on that one day I visited you
Inside the main door in St Vincent’sSee you soon over in Southend Minding Charlie’s new little brother
So enjoy the privilege cardTravelling around-be our StarLeave the sauce with dinner
John O’Malley
49
LIKE A BRIAR
Coming from the twenty four hour shopLeaving the immigrants – the Pikies.
I can’t sense my own rage-lack of foodReminds me of a child in a cot staring
Into space – lost for I don’t know whatI punch in the wrong alarm code
Angry for no reason the moonNot an excuse, no reason to cut loose
Restraint is a bye word – seeingAnd not believing as health not great.
Cannot be taken for granted –Jesus, the grace to know to pray
Without self pity at this cruxIn my slow recovery – one for myself
Invisible Mending
50
LOOKING FOR A SONG
The object of our exercisesLiving life to the full
Woke up to hear Brendan KennellyAdmitting to be a self confessed
Loner – where the loneliness vanishesTo wander – bump into other folks
Then to hear him come aliveProviding his service in dimpled
Shy smiles a God given CharismaticGift-lucky he was recognised
Early so he passed it on for yearsAs a mentor-tough on himself
To hide the grief insideHe got up and swore to be himself
John O’Malley
51
LOOKING FOR WHAT
Taking fresh air along Portmarnock –Training a trotting horse in out of the seaSix times he rides the horse in-breaking –
Training-slowly tough man – against The horse’s will – not ready yet To have the reins put on – won’t be forced
Between the shafts – far out a flotillaOf a smallish boats heading slowlyTowards Malahide in and out of the sun
Lambay gleams invitingly – the kioskOpens his doors to the town dwellersA few brave souls volunteer to go in
From the sheltered spot-hope the blubberKeeps them warm – that untrained horseCould do with a drink or a feed – some ordeal
Invisible Mending
52
MAKE EACH DAY COUNT
The hospital corridors emptyA few of us trying to keep
The hospital handicapped troopOpen – one man was there for the long
Haul – we prayed for Michael earlyThis last day of June – the family there –
Tony the toughest cookie of the lotGot Michael’s fullest support
Right through the years ….The young fellow went wild
One night and I locking upHe was down on the tracks.
A free spirit pretending He was capable of looking
After himself – sadly withoutMichael, the system not sufficient
John O’Malley
53
MAMMY – COMING UP TO CHRISTMAS
She starts by saying “I’d love the taste of a goose”What’s behind this? I fondly ask. HerselfHer sisters out in the Yard or haggard.
Bringing home the geese-maybe the foxWas skulking around – Grandfather Had a gun – if I ask her again
She will say “what do want to know for”She writes all the time herself – in my boyishStyle I long to see her in her prime
Hanging out the washing – she alwaysSo busy-six children, the patientsThe maids, the babies, doctors and nurses.
Just now she is hesitant, uncertain –Afraid her mind is tricking her –The stuff that might be missing
All the damage done to her poor brainWatch all the tablets she has to takeHer endurance unbelievable
That cussed will power-we say the prayersShe can go astray but the gist of itIs never lost. It’s another world.
Our children had to move on.The carers are truly brilliant –I am just about hanging in.…
Invisible Mending
54
MARK THE OCCASION
Our youngest called after Cory AquinoWho died after a long colon illness
She had become President of the PhilippinesWhen her husband was shot – very influential
Even after she stepped down, successfulWith street protests, keeping military
In their proper place – now my Cory great To have Daddy’s girl home again
Take your time sorting yourself outKeep the day job – I had a good few
Stopped counting a long time agohere I am, you can talk to me
John O’Malley
55
MILFORD AT ITS BEST
All of us gathered Pentecostal styleTo listen to Sinead and MarionReassuring us that our efforts
To care for Mammy were neverIn vain – it was never about moneySupporting each other, drawing
On the needed emotional strengthClarification aplenty – ways of listeningTo our mother cognitively impaired
No easy answers as our loss increasesHer power diminishing – good timesTrying to explain what is happening
Invisible Mending
56
MORNING CUPPA
My last cup before we partCarer regaling Mammy and me –
Stomach churning stuffOne of us mentioned nits –
Off she went describingThis beautiful child
Titian hair flowing down –Underneath walking with head
Lice – her mother suffering From depression – immediately
Transferred to hospital – Pauline Asked to don gloves and white coat
Refused – not to frighten the childIndian doctor has a look – promises
To come back in a minute – holdingA Tesco jar of mayonnaise – applies
Most of the contents – child is relievedOf the mass of insects – we finish
Our coffee – I ask Pauline to checkEamon cutting the grass – has he moved
The garden furniture – I’m on my wayMammy off to respite – break over
John O’Malley
57
MY BEST SELLER
To be booked into the home placeIn somewhere called Listowel
Never to forget the skill of a J.B. KeaneYet startled more than ever
By words – reviews – intellectuals.Oh it’s grievous to take what happens
Too seriously as the flotillas move away –The N.G.O.’s cry out for a plan for Haiti.
Where do we start to build again?They say money will do it and yet
It never seems to really lift the poor.Indifference, greed – there are the committedFew who try and lead after such disasters
Invisible Mending
58
NOT ALL IT’S CRACKED UP TO BE
Early Friday morning BalubaSent for a comb for sortingLadies hair – shops don’t open yet.
Beautiful Indian Lady not an employeeAmazed in mini Boots shop to findNo combs for sale-strange stock on High St.
Buses go to Golder’s Green from Pilgrim LaneJohn Keats sent us a very sunny day indeed.
To sit on the seat on the main street Meet my son soon to share his storiesInterviewing writers where else – Hampstead
Heath – now coming to meet his Ma and Pa.Kind Brendan gave us a free gaff – took inUp market cinematic experience never saw
The like serving drinks as you enjoy latestOffering – we had supper and walkaboutThe place to be lots of lively young things
John O’Malley
59
OUT OF THE DIOCESE
John Kiernan married Mary HayesNewtown Gore to KilmihillI stayed with them in Seven Kings
Memory takes me over – RobinPhoning me in Lourdes, John died.Here goes the relations, the friends
The Rumbold’s – Birmingham’sMr Currie the landlord anotherFailed project: Holy Pictures.
Can’t name them all – young manFull of himself setting up pintsIn St Anthony’s Club on Hurling All
Ireland Final Day – Tipp must have beenOn the Sacred Sod – Mick HanleyInvolved in all that success – failure.
Drink played a major part in everythingWe said or did – from Myles’s bottleOf wine every night – all my life
Eccentricity the name of the gameBrentwood Diocese – St Bart’s Copy BooksTeaching and religion – God Help Us
Invisible Mending
60
REJECTION
If we added up the time spentDiscussing our feelings of rejection
It would be a lovely holiday indeed.So easy to dwell on the negative
For form’s sake we adapt a dialogueWith one another – when it suits
Ignore another’s constant need To be looked out for – watched
Until such time as we are well again –Disappointment in the Arts is par
For life’s course as we forever postpone Values of truth and honesty that hurt –
Take the coverage of Bloody SundayHow down here we could look on
Wonder at the conflict – how to contain itMake sure it does not spill over the Border
John O’Malley
61
RESEMBLANCES
Caught Chrissie at a busy time –So much of the past comes backLike a letter from Kevin to Granny
Never saw this one before –Written from the Hospital:Such optimism on his side
Did not the doctors say soonHe would be off all medicationThat’s all he wanted – to be well again
Looking through all the photosSo many features in your ladsLook alike afternoon – on my own,
Must be missing the real starsChatting to Charlie not the sameAs a visit to swings and slides
Invisible Mending
62
RIDDLE ME RIDDLERS
Final decision, public readingNo more Senior Gaelic or HurlingTeams to distract – no excuses
Can’t blame the Ma’s carersLocke’s Bar – White HouseMissed opportunities –
The Autumn of our livesCelebrate some Italian MartyrRed all over the Peoples Park
My most brilliant front garden.Growing up in 19 Barrington StreetLimerick’s boast with our Love
Of good Literature-the gates The flowers – bandstand beautifullyRestored – public toilets closed
Perfectly good port-a-loos – readingWith Jake Hogan at last – old schoolChum took us long enough to get
It all together – thanks DominicTerri and the crew – Mammy hale and heartyNinety-nine years coming up
The privilege of coming home:Great venue Foley’s upstairsWriters hearing each others’ work
John O’Malley
63
SELF HARM
At the time we knew little enoughLearnt as we observed – never forgetThat initial sight of his arms
Destroyed with detergentFrom the wash up – Kevin saidHe was bullied – they wouldn’t
Provide him with gloves –What we didn’t realiseAnother sufferer showed
Kevin how to cut his skin To witness such an eventEven a decade on is fearful
His skin pock markedHis thoughts hauntedI only got a vague notion
What these messagesWere trying to conveyWe met every day –
“Annihilation” was the nearestHe came to explainWhat was coming up
In the dark recessesThat bewildermentRemained to the end
It tore him downAs if wolves wereComing after him
All the way up the hillBalscadden final stop
“Dear Jesus, thanks for small insightInto what went on with Poor Man”
Invisible Mending
64
SHOPPING BAG POEM
Think you have a business drivingMiss Daisy – parked outside the PavilionsSwords you know – first stop Donaghmede
To collect the keys from Thelma to getThe old girl’s purse –I wrap up for a snoozeAlmost clipped from the inside – last serious
Shopping – back on the M 1 no great panicTo grab a bottle of water at Tesco Extra –A new store invites June – Home Something
Or other – Mary has the lunch ready no moreLunches served in Donore Village Pub – backOn the motorway to Clare Hall Tesco – Kay’s
Kitchen serve beautiful coffee-must be nearlyClosing time but hardly for the Giant TescoHere we are safe and sound for the Results
A couple of days to debate how much fitsIn two carry on bags – the girls skypeAs the frost eases off – more thawing sunshine
John O’Malley
65
SIDE ALTARS
The secular priests when we were altar boysCame into say Mass in the alcove altars
We got well tipped from the men on retreatMaybe taking in their game of golf
Walking on the beech – recreation An important part of the break
Some took a supply break in the U.K.Or on the Continent – that way brushing up
On a language – many of these men taught In schools or seminaries – the religious
Had so many outlets for chaps with degreesA numbers game kept laity in their place
Invisible Mending
66
SOMETHING COMES UP
With so much free travel –Stations great places to sit –Your coffee cup and favourite
Well thumbed book, announcements Blur, when you do turn up we had timeTo catch the direct – I hesitated then ran
The lad had the green flag – no cursingThe next one non-stop – we are allowedOn even though the cleaners not done.
My sister shows me see the swans at night:Such majesty worth coming for – especiallyAs the they sleep on, in the morning sun
Shadowed by cathedrals and castlesThey bring wonderful moments of peace –A river is nothing without onlookers.
We take the coach home insteadThe harvest almost all in – meetThe daughter –contacts hold good
Paddy and I, two more Premium TicketsWith a carvery thrown in – will MayoFinally come good – neutrals hold
Their breath always fearfulOf the Kingdom in a semi-finalHope it won’t be too one sided
John O’Malley
67
SOUTHEND ROUTINE
Connor’s alarm the signalHush if Cha not movingStay as thou art – doze off.
Last morning differentPlans laid to light candlesFor Christian especially.
We grazed before we departedHarry in the café minded our feathersGave the little lad bacon, mushrooms
Juice for the umpteenth time –He earned the blessing at Nazareth HouseWondering at the wheelchairs
I explained to Chrissie what kidsDo for their mothers – not the will of GodThe weather was gorgeous – such fresh
Air up where ye live – for the retiredJust like me always feeling goodJust look at Taghd thriving –
Great that Conor has the teaching Practice – it is creative – we discussedSo much including Bounty Hunting
Our lads understand the Media Your man making another key noteSpeech after visiting Moneygall
Fighting talk from a politicianMust be an election in the StatesSadly our hopes are pinned for years
On recovery in our children’s timeMuch good to be done with the smallTalent each one has to dispose of now
Invisible Mending
68
SYMPATHICO
Had glorious plans get upGet out do the walk – and so onBut you learn from training
Pacing comes into it – a methodOf catching yourself on – what suitsOne man, one couple not a fit
For anyone else – take any given dayHave something special to do – or better
Someone nice to meet – but above all elseFollow your own dream – when you find
Her never let her go – give her All your attention and complete admiration
John O’Malley
69
TALES OF DEVILMENT
Lacking the skill to sort it outNeglect plays a huge part.
Idleness, lack of work, chronicUnemployment leading to addiction.
On occasions it’s not about moneyOr the lack of it-just badness – involvement
With children – in laws get dragged in –He is in the love nest-she unwell
Trying to manage the childrenFor some reason – leaves them
With no money – no food in the houseHer brother makes a call – woman
Phones the husband says she is leavingThe children without anything in the fridge
Husband arrives with the shopping – brotherCalls back to check all has been sorted
Decides on one last strategy goes To their local hostelry within earshot
Of all customers in the public houseEveryone informed of situation
Family never left without maintenanceMoney ever again – neglectful husband
Learns his lesson – duty to his offspringIn place – requires no further reminders
Invisible Mending
70
THE DRUMMER
First came across Fr Joe DrumgooleLarger than life almost Elizabethan –So intense about the Eucharist
Those sacred words meant moreThan his Life Hoc est – my Body.He believed – you knew his being
Trembled at the Consecration –Rich and poor flocked for forgivenessSimple understanding – suicides
Amongst the millionaires turned to Joe –Booked up for weddings until his strokeAt seventy eight – we had an understanding
He rang me every Sunday to check KilbronxThat the far gate locked for securityWas opened to his growl-loved
Cheltenham only stopped goingWhen the throat cancer stoppedBig journeys-always the top coat
Winter and Summer one of the good guysLoved a jar – how he would have lovedThe Blue revival in the Hurling
He knows up in the great fieldWhere all good games play outHow good the cats and Tipp are
John O’Malley
71
THE AUTHOR’S FRIEND
Of a bank holiday morning Breakfast delivered-tablets
Swallowed – papers glanced atCordial greetings exchanged
The desk calls – all the adviceOn the web has me retching.
Just do the first line-as it should be –Off on your own – pedestrian attempts
To do the domestic better – couldThe brown bin be skipped ahead
Yes it can and is emptied – avoidingStoring smelly food for weeks
Sometimes initiative pays offThank yourself for being
Your father’s son – years afterHis training words in your ear
Invisible Mending
72
THE INTERNAL DIALOGUE
The Jesuits take these MattersVery seriously – why wouldn’t they
Giving retreats or a MissionAs a way of passing on
The Love of JesusTheir Companion and Friend
I must admit I can do the WordsBut find it difficult to leave
My friends the ProphetsA bit like myself they found
They never got goingBut had to keep at it
Draw beautiful picturesTo fructify the imagination
As a child would search –A Bible full of Black & White images
John O’Malley
73
THE MIRROR AND THE LAMP
I promised my eldest daughterA poem of explanation by way
Of an image a metaphor –For a light going out –
Life is very beautifulEven in a shaded backyard
Listening to a hurling matchReflecting age old rivalry.
Peaceful to have little chat –Knowing you are very well
Both of us share that recoveryFrom operations-lots of light
Under the theatre lamps –your dad simply flattered:
resemblances in appearances,that determination to celebrate
a mother’s birthday –Any excuse ought to do
Invisible Mending
74
THIRTY YEARS ON
Keep dreaming it’s your birthday Your birth after my visit to Lourdes1981 the year the Pope was shot
sunny spring day in Rome May 13th
a Northern Ireland woman heard the shotit was a Browning nine mm. Parabellum
The would be assassin was a 23 year oldTurk, Mehmet Ali Agca – Why did he do it?The Pope was way down his list – probably
Funded by the K.G.B. – other people he preferredWould have been women – his Religion forbadeKilling females-the Pope forgave the man pronto.
Two bullets struck his abdomen – two othersGlanced off his body saving his life – slumpingInto the arms of Monsignor Stanislaw Dziwisz
We were in Birmingham – June carrying you –Must be guilt my going to Lourdes so closeto your birth – these recurring dreams…
the Pope recovered slowly to perform his dutiesHe was Beatified yesterday by his successorYou are my pride and joy –Happy Early Birthday
John O’Malley
75
TIME STANDING STILL
Because this was part of my stomping groundSt Benedict’s Park: a copse of trees, a few wet seatsAfter a light shower of rain Leaving Cert. results out
Girls strutting their stuff, talk of Tamango’s, youngerAdoring female admirers-probably the fake tanThe inevitable reminder of a Cross with young man’s
Bare details – how much he is missed – when the Month’sMind Preparations do begin – realisation dawns
No matter how ill prepared the communitythe Faith gathering holds them together
Most themselves in self giving love No matter how great the ordeal
Or how often the ritual is repeatedThe words keep a special meaningJust turn up and try to sing along
Invisible Mending
76
TO HAVE BEEN A CHILD
Is to remember a man called DaddyNeedless to say bigger than youMostly you see a man – black hair
Swept back, good man, bad manSmell of whiskey, notion of fearReward and punishment, handsome
Earning his notice – a group of usRarely time for special relationshipsEven his own were coloured
Between friends and cousinsColourful characters with giftsFor delivering tea or altar wine
We seemed to be always goingOr coming into the beautifulCountryside – uncles and aunts
Falling in and out over somethingTrivial – mostly we were good as gold.The sea was forty miles away
Lahinch, Ballybunion, KilkeeRows over the goods and chattelsBrought our own churn for water
Sometimes the Auntie the nunHome from Gosfort or SunderlandIt was not like a picnic with Jesuits
Nor were we being prepared as scoutsWe learnt to somehow stick together After all he had a title – Vice Consular
When George or Paddy were awayDaddy boarded the ship if they neededA signature or more likely a sailor in trouble
The Round House then was a WholesaleWine and Sprit Merchant’s StoreAll fully bonded whiskey and imported wine
John O’Malley
77
UP AGAINST IT
Sky on the groundMothers with their worries –
At our age always someoneNeeding prayer for a procedure –
Mammy losing her mittens –Being down at this stage.
Someone please jolly her alongCarers on their break
Looking at life in the rawTaking those sad calls
This is where the dull thudIs eased with prayer mantras
Invisible Mending
78
WHAT IRISH EMIGRANTS MISS MOST
First up said absolutely nothingNo not the Tayto – the mixed grillNot the father and mother – never go away
Ui mai koe ki ahau ha aha tem ea nui o tea oMaku e ki atu he tangata,he tangata, he tangataTranslation from Maori –
Ask me what is the greatest thing in the worldI will reply; it is people, it is people, it is peopleIrish people in all their crazy Irishness – ah will ye stop
The sense of humour – crazy bastards – running into friendsThey never stop writing – am I away – not the weatherThe terrible road signs – popping home to say hello
The county team – the hats and colours – the resultsThey are coming here – see just enough of them Ah well it’s Christmas – see ye soon boys and girls
John O’Malley
79
WORTH DOING
The rain forecast never cameThe house silent-just the two of us
Sounds inside an echo of windsBanging outside-the mighty fir
Pulling upside the gardenI daren’t look in the back
We are in a way in siege mouldAll conversations revolve around
the woman of the houseto really learn her story
just this day her namesake diedEllen’s details in the papers.
We can fantasise if motherHad not met my Dad
Would she too have perishedIn a warship hospital-hardly
The years don’t add up…The thirties and forties come alive
Always the old photos, cuttingsAbound-more male than female
Sadly looking down at the cakedSores on her head, who could not
Sigh and talk of nothing elseTask is to ease her last days
Take all the silenceAlongside the speech
Invisible Mending
80
DON’T BE AFRAID
Ever to be yourself as long asYou are aware originalityDrives folks crackers
Or you become a role modelUnintentionally – who wouldWant to be slavishly copied
In an age when the old tried& trusted ways are ignoredor buried in the past – drag
Out some master scribblerFor half an hour – considerThe benefit once publishedYou might (ha ha) keep a reputation
In tact by not boring the socksOff everyone morning, noonEspecially yourself at night
John O’Malley
81
YOU GET YOUR CHANCE
Blue tits, robins lingerLovingly outside her windowA few gorgeous flowers
On that last day almostEveryone that knew her –To visit, part of her fabric
Old stock approved, confusedDesperately asking what will I do?Breathe easily, learn to let go
We said our non verbal good byesKnowing wherever she was off to Had to be a beautiful place and space
Invisible Mending
82
WHAT KIND OF OLD PERSON
Do I look like becoming On the positive side I won’t be crotchety
Siblings get together Mostly for a row Principles widening the gaps
Alfred Adler says the middleChildren have it all – firstLast – indecisive or cruel –
Change – we can becomeOur wildest dreams – 19Grandchildren turn up
Unbidden – the rearing’sDone – not a terrible bad jobLook forward to no complaints
Forgetting hurts imagined or realNot looking, like Yeats our greatestPoet, for rejuvenating pills
John O’Malley
83
THE CORPSE HOUSE
Finding words that come easyThe Light of the World shiningDown on Griffin’s Funeral Home
My Grand Father God Father JohnAccustomed to leave his horsesAbove in Gerald Griffin Street
For three hours they stood in the rainJohnsgate paying their respectsMammy looked great laid out
We stood shoulder to shoulderMeeting and greeting – tailor’s dummiesHad our own quiet time – before the public
Éadromaigh ár dorchadas
i
Invisible Mending
84
JOHN O’MALLEY
Invisible Mending: reflections of days done and days to come
animate the heart and mind of the author. There is a sense of
communion between man and woman, man and man,
woman and woman in these poems that transcend time,
distance and difference.
Our tragedies are always common and public but the loss is
always rare and private. The sometimes joyful release of
others from pain intensifies our personal grief and the
imperative to go on. And on we must, life and living are not
theoretical and death inflicts its own solitary confinement on the
bereaved.
John O’Malley has an idiosyncracy of style which verges on the
rebellious if not outright iconoclastic way with poetry. Yet no
mental rewrites are required to pick up the threads of his own
personal Invisible Mending.
The Lapwing is a bird, in Irish lore
- so it has been written -
indicative of hope.
Printed by Kestrel Print
Hand-bound at the Winepress, Ireland
ISBN 978-1-907276-97-2
L A P W I N GL A P W I N GL A P W I N GL A P W I N GP U B L I C A T I O N S
£10.00
Recommended