Two arms flung out
To greet her first born son
That day in the hospital
When we had come from Scotland
All the way to see
Our darling mum
The beginning of travails
Now when I look back
Cataract operation
Broken hip
Hip replaced
My God you had some fun!
No more going home
After that
A year in Castlebar
Then McBride
A final year in bed
All power away
Oh mammy
You were a power in your day!
Patient in the bed
You welcomed us
That final summer
Margaret Michael me
Michael took a picture
Have it yet
You are looking at me still
‘And don’t forget’
You really were a mum
It seems to me
From childhood days
Until the setting sun
Always full of love
Full of care
Always involved
Always well aware
She can be very fiery
Your mother
Famous words
I heard my father say
But we wouldn’t have it
Any other way
You really were our mammy
Night and day
Brian Fahy
9 June 2021
Erris Poetry 