.
As I hear it, a man had died.
In Donegal, this man did bide.
The men drank long. The women cried.
They gave their sentiments. They spoke of pride.
.
Then they heard that someone lied.
From money lenders, he did hide.
Then called his wife and did confide.
The cedar cask, they then all eyed.
.
With all their eyelids open wide,
Still on the spot, they did abide.
Then, I hear, that someone cried,
‘So, who’s in the fecking box?’
.
By day, the short, bald gondolier,
Pushed his craft along with cheer.
With straightened back and clenched of rear,
This veteran mariner possessed no fear.
.
But the ones he drove, they little knew,
When at night, which way he blew.
At five o’clock, the whistle blew.
Our happy sailor said, ‘addio’.
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Then, after darkness he would roam,
The best of Venice’ nursing homes.
He’d dress up willingly, as a gnome,
And sing to them in a baritone.
.
When the day came up – for school to come out,
Patience – would spend time – with our mother.
She would jump about,
Laugh and shout,
‘Till mother – would find her – a bother.
.
On days with sun – she had much fun,
Playing – outside – with her brother.
We long ran about,
In that warming drought,
Then saw holes – in her shoes – to her horror.
.
She went to our Ma – said, ‘You and Pa’,
Will need – to buy me – another.’
Our Pa said, ‘No rhyme,
Those’ll last you just fine.’
And gave – a wee wink – to our mother.
.
Next day came about – our Patience played out,
As our father – had work – in the town.
She cried and she swore,
That never no more,
Would she lose – her indignant – cold frown.
.
Her father came home – and unhooked the phone,
He claimed – he had a surprise – for our Patience.
She came down the stairs,
Her face full of tears,
We could tell – she was full – of frustration.
.
Our Pa scratched his chin – said, ‘I ordered this in,
Two weeks – before this – very day.’
He passed her a box,
And a new pair of socks.
Her tears – started slipping – away.
.
She looked in his eyes – with sudden surprise.
Her father – had just – made her day.
The wrapping did tear.
She saw that the pair,
Was embroidered – with a pretty – Pieridae.
.
She gave a big leap – kissed our Pa on the cheek,
And a big – healthy hug – to our mother.
With a sorrowful brow,
Said, she’s sorry now,
And she knew – just how much – they did love her.
.
-set in the days of Louis XVI-
.
He strolls along with a heart in song,
And smiles at every dainty.
He sidles up to one or two,
And whispers to them, faintly,
‘Come with, my dear,
Come and see,
What fate fair hands doth hold for thee.’
.
But when they’re done at the rising sun,
With blissful self-berating.
They ponder on what best to do,
But lose all concentration.
‘Stay with, my dear,
Come tell me,
When doth thy husband call for thee?’
.
Lilies resting on an empty pool.
What do they think?
What do they know?
What will they say when after I go?
.
Lilies resting on an empty pool.
What do they drink,
However slow,
Now that the water’s no’ water no more?
.
Lilies resting on an empty pool.
What cause do they link,
Reason being near death?
Can they reflect on not catching a breath?
.
Lilies resting on an empty pool.
What emptied that sink,
To trigger ordeal?
Will someone please tell me, what do they feel?
The Mysterious & Mischievous Scott McGowan 