God’s help is nearer than the door
In Ireland the door
Wasn’t far away at all
A few steps from the hearth
That was all
That cosy Irish cottage
With turf fire burning bright
And soda bread and boxty
My annual delight
A table in the middle
And cousins all around
The rosary at night time
Not another sound
The warmth of love
Within that house
My mother’s native place
Has stayed with me
My whole life long
A warm unending grace
The hearth gave warmth
It cooked the food
It flickered on our faces
We gathered round
That sacred place
The centre of all graces
And God was in that holy place
And peace and joy astor
Reminding me his help is near
Nearer than the door
Brian Fahy
30 September 2021
Erris Poetry 