X. devant le Sacré Coeur Ross Hoey

X. devant le Sacré Coeur

I am one of those bowed at your feet offering gold, offering crowns handing you the world

arms outstretched asking what more can I give you look dead ahead accepting none of my gifts

in a church you became Jesus in a painted city I was on my knees before you

I left haunted by the obsession I felt I had to shake it off I have to shake you off

you’re a blackhole a tornado I am being hurled around against my will

like an addict afraid of going cold turkey I crave only that poison which is killing me

I’ll always give you up tomorrow but stay with me tonight Ross Hoey

Where Did You Go Dad?

Where did you go Dad? When did you begin to forget? When did it begin to matter? The assault on life’s palette.

Where did you go Dad? On days lost in company. In the loneliness of the Bookies, I saw you, and you became somebody.

Where did you go Dad? When you smiled and linked my arm. Reminisced of bike rides to Dun Laoghaire. Before the fateful electrical storm.

Where did you go Dad? Amid confusion and anxiety. Daily tasks drenched in driving difficulty. Non-conforming, no complacency.

Where did you go Dad? When conspiracies raged. When we finished the Simplex crossword. No matter - our hearts, forever aligned.

Where did you go Dad? When you looked back on the day. Seamus rang, Fionnuala called over, Written carefully, in your pocket diary.

Where did you go Dad? When silence hung in that empty space. Dream of Mama, grieve for dear Rosemarie? Sleep, sweet peace at last, for all eternity. Deirdre McKernan Crosby