It’s an image and a memory
Out of the long ago
Of a girl I saw out walking
A girl I used to know
I at the bottom of Shakerley Road
And she was walking home
Home from swimming practice
Hindsford was her home
I thought her lovely I just then
We hadn’t long changed school
Primary days were over
Important to be cool
Twelve or thirteen years of age
On the cusp of life
A bit too young at that age
To be looking for a wife
And I away in priestly college
So girls were off the map
Oppression for a boy so young
I pity the poor chap
But I never forgot that moment
As I watched her walking by
And a smile of recognition
As we caught each other’s eye
Brian Fahy
11 June 2022
+ Today I heard the news that Mary Reilly has died. She was a lovely girl and a very good swimmer. I don’t think we ever spoke.
Erris Poetry 