1960

by

Hay Machine

Peter Dempsey
one of Wexford's quiet sons
master at chewing Summer grass after tea
on a warm bank along the road past Warren's
with its apple trees and promise
down to the beach at Ballymoney

Peter Dempsey
never tied to standing order
his native-self reclined
on one elbow for the Summer bayders
and God knows what he did for his disorder
during the long Winters
on that damp bed
in the Forge there with his father

Peter Dempsey
hand to Pat O'Connor with the boat
the pirate looking cross-eye
in the twine-tied overcoat
and they rowed out in the evening
from the second beach's mooring
(after grass was cut and new potato eaten)
their heavy wooden oars rolling on the sea

Peter Dempsey
drowned one night he couldn't swim
he must be buried
in Kiltennel churchyard him
and whatever else he's doing
he has ample grass for chewing
in this peaceful place (his gorge)
beside his Forge

NEXT?
Why don't you look at Found Wanting
by: Estel Sowell
from: Palestine, TX, US

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