Mayo Alive - 2 July
1996
Michael Staunton
by
Arthur O' Sullivan, Carnacon, Co Mayo
The stranger's gaudy colours
mingled with the black that Tuesday
the tartan scent of youth
of fire, of marches
and of music.
His deliberate step
led him from the churchyard against the evening cloud
while others shuffled a requiem to the rails
your requiem
draped in gold and white and green.
I prayed for you then though I never heard the piper pray
for you.
I only met you once
down a narrow winding fuchsia lane
where the old iron gate
creaked at life's andante.
You directed me through the long meadow
to the lake.
I wondered then what flames played in the veins
you covered loosely with patched and shiny cloth
or what deeds or thoughts once made your muscles taut.
One thing I knew:
That day I heard the song still linger in your eyes
though I never heard the piper play for you.
E-mail Art O Suilleabhain arthuros@gpo.iol.ie
The Nallys of Rockstown in County Mayo, Ireland
