Brian’s gone now, my father said
When they had just got into bed
Home from leaving me in seminary
He’d never said a word before
Left all that at mother’s door
Her department I just bring home the money
I wanted him to keep me home
Go running at Leigh running drome
But he said nothing not a yes or no
He wouldn’t speak against a priest
They were greater he the least
Or at least he’d keep his counsel who would know
Fifty years went by I’d say
Before my mother by the way
Told me what my father said that night
That lonely sentiment in the dark
Came to my ears a lingering bark
Of protest I was taken from his sight
My father knew a thing or two
About this world and it’s how do you do
A miner then a soldier then a miner
But religion held a mighty sway
Reduced grown men from a proper say
To follow where it led for they were minor
My father missed me never said
The sorrow that went through his head
His eldest boy gone from his loving care
But I’ve come home no more to roam
I hope he sees my Scottish home
My son and grandsons all for him to share
Brian Fahy
25 May 2021
Erris Poetry 