She was everything
That makes a person beautiful
She had the looks in spades
The talent too
Musical and sporty
Setting out in life
Teaching little children
Shining light
Now vigil lights are shining
All over Ireland
Her photo framed forever in our minds
After school and exercising
By the Grand Canal
Attacked and taken from us
By what kind of mind?
Lost and lonely lustful
Angry at the world
All beauty to destroy
And desecrate
So suffering goes on
Ashling pays the price
And joins the ranks of women
Destroyed by men of vice
Radiant in red dress
Ruby lips and smile
Fiddle playing
Camogie playing
A girl with lovely style
Youngest of her family
Life was all before
Music smile now memory
Never see them more
Brian Fahy
15 January 2022
Erris Poetry 