Your mother tells you
When you step outside
Be good she says
That will give me pride
Whatever else you do
Where e’er you go
Be good she says
All I want to know
Talent and achievement
Very fine
Running races
Crossing the finishing line
Coming top of class
Win the prizes
Best at everything
No surprises
All these things are good
If you can do them
But don’t get big-headed
Don’t abuse them
Being good is
The only thing that matters
All else is commentary
Idle chatter
Brian Fahy
2 October 2021
+ In primary school I came top at everything, in class and on the football field. One day a lad said to Mr Lavin, our teacher, ‘Aw, it’s not fair sir. Brian Fahy comes first in everything!’
My mother was very proud of me, of course, and always encouraged me, but being a good person was more important than any other achievement.
Today the Lord tells his disciples, don’t rejoice that the demons submit to your power. Rejoice, rather, that your names are written in heaven.
All my life, too, I have supported Bolton Wanderers, so I have had my share of suffering, like everybody else.
Erris Poetry 