An old acquaintance has died
Not seen these many years
I knew him as a lad at school
And in seminary years
We gave a mission in ’83
In Pudsey Yorkshire way
Our paths have hardly crossed since then
He died the other day
Two years my junior lovely lad
Made a lovely priest
Faithful kind and positive
Guileless too I think
Mighty son of Swanlinbar
Spent his life in Brum
Gone now to the place of rest
Met the setting sun
Made me quiet thoughtful
When I heard last night
What is the fitting attitude?
For one who fought the fight
Into thy hands O Lord
Your servant we commend
And help us live a holy life
Together till the end
Brian Fahy
7 February 2022
+ This old acquaintance is Gabriel Maguire CSsR, fellow seminarian and friend of long ago, who has died aged 73 years.
Erris Poetry 