We sailed out of Stranraer
When mammy died
Driving home to lay her now to rest
A day of driving
Sailing driving sleeping
In Fivemiletown
Before we landed west
The day was bright and beautiful
A sky so blue and clear
I’d never known the world
So cleansed before
My mother’s life was over
A journey true and fine
She reached the grand old age of 94
The road from Larne
Was bright with evening shining
Horizon yellow orange russet red
The setting sun
Full in my eyes was saying
Your mother’s gone
Follow where she has led
That final hour of driving
Sun was blinding
Deepest russet
Falling by and by
Orange ball sinks below horizon
Your mammy’s gone
Beyond the western sky
We journey on each day
A new horizon
And grateful for this life
Another day
Let my example
Shine for those who follow
Until my turn arrives
And I’m away
Brian Fahy
9 May 2021
Erris Poetry 