I was born in a manor house
South Manchester long ago
Used as a maternity home
I came before the snow
Then winter came in deep snow drifts
My mammy took me home
A garret room in Katie’s house
St Paul’s Road Withington
That winter was a bleak one
The year of ‘47
The snow was deep the bitter chill
The cold all crisp and even
War was over the country poor
Ration books the order
My father out of the army now
A wife and child to care for
Made his way to Tyldesley
Went to see his brothers
Mining now was looking up
Come and join the others
So off to Tyldesley we came
And lived a while as lodgers
Until a new built house was ours
A due reward for soldiers
Life seems grim now as I write
With cold and strikes and war
And nobody has a decent word
Just argument jaw jaw
But let the light within you shine
Just like a new-born son
And lead you on to better days
And bring you to your home
Brian Fahy
16 December 2022
+ Present days are grim in the cold of winter, with war in Ukraine, and with social and industrial unrest in the UK. But it is nothing new. Do not allow the darkness roundabout to quench the light of life from your heart. Remember your forebears, those who went before you and who fought the good fight. Honour them by following them.
Erris Poetry 