In Memory Of Jane Fraser

by Geoffrey Hill (b. 1932) When snow like sheep lay in the fold And wind went begging at the door, And the far hills were blue with cold, And a cloud shroud lay on the moor, She kept the siege. And every day We watched her brooding over death Like a strong bird above itsContinue reading “In Memory Of Jane Fraser”

Aberfan

by Owain Glyn The sky was grey and sullen Shrapnel rain struck window pane. Inside sat fresh scrubbed faces Pink with expectation. Hair, filled with mischief Notes passed, with intention. Teachers with vocation Intent on revelation. Unearthly sounds reverberated Silent breaths were held. Death’s hounds were near, and convocated Close upon this ground. Suddenly, theContinue reading “Aberfan”

Becoming The Man My Father Always Was

by Dónall Dempsey (b: 1956 in the Curragh of Kildare, Ireland) Each night I would follow you through the rituals of what you had to do being Daddy. I wanted to be Daddy too. Mimicking your gait becoming an exact copy of you trailing along in your footsteps like a lone seagull following in theContinue reading “Becoming The Man My Father Always Was”

Weep You No More, Sad Fountains

by Anonymous Olde English Weep you no more, sad fountains; What need you flow so fast? Look how the snowy mountains Heaven’s sun doth gently waste. But my sun’s heavenly eyes View not your weeping, That now lies sleeping Softly, now softly lies Sleeping. Sleep is reconciling, A rest that peace begets: Doth not theContinue reading “Weep You No More, Sad Fountains”

Volcano that sleeps

by Emmanuel George Cefai (b. 1955) When the volcano sleeps The clouds gather round like hawks on the face Of a frowning heaven. The volcano sleeps And dreams Of lava red and scalding And smokes from vents All spurting. And it was night And above circled high The night-stars Frightened The bats flew, now andContinue reading “Volcano that sleeps”