Owner: irishocity URL:www.irishocity.blogspot.com Join Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2007 15:23:08 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: Promoting my work in progress book about growing up in Ireland, attending the North Mon school in Cork, living in Europe, and my move to America. Site statistics:Click here
What it is to be Irish / My life so far 2007-03-19 19:39:00 In the Summer of 1984, Ronald Reagan, actor and sitting American President, came home to Ballyporeen, a small village on the outskirts of Cork in Ireland. He came in search of two things; his roots, and the Irish
American vote. He found both over a pint of Guinness and a staged photograph with Garret Fitzgerald, the Irish Prime Minister. He was not the first President to come courting the Irish. John F. Kennedy did the same in 1963. Take in a quick trip to Ireland, show everyone you’re really just a simple Irish man made good, and come election time, hope they vote for you. It worked for him, and it worked for Reagan. With the Irish American vote secured, it was back to the White House, and that’s the last the Irish heard from Washington until Bill Clinton. It’s amazing to me how many Americans claim to be from Ireland. Even though some are as many as 5 and 6 generations removed, they still identify themselves proudly as being Irish. What is it that 20 odd million Americans, born
Woodvale Road 2007-11-12 18:35:00 I remember Woodvale Road when it was young.Houses had large gardens,The fences were low,And neighbors talked to each other.There were open spaces for kids to play,Toys lay scattered on lawns at night.Doors may or may not have been locked,And everyone slept soundly.I remember going home after late nights out with friends,And walking the last stretch of Woodvale Road with shoes in hand,Careful not to alert parents or neighbors to our near dawn returns.The stillness that night time brings is not suited to teenagers.The front door lock was always tricky,Poised to betray my entry.Did you ever hear me?I remember I’d always stop at the foot of the stairs,And listen for the familiar creak of floorboards,A signal that someone had heard me..And sneaking to the kitchen to satisfy alcohol induced hunger,That only food from a mother’s fridge can quell.In my minds eye I can still see our little kitchen,I can even smell it.Mushy peas soaking on the stove top,Potatoes peeled and soaking in a pot,T
Dear God: Just Checking In 2007-11-24 01:13:00 How does this go again?Should I kneel?Should I bless myself?I used to as a kid.I’ve been away a long time.I wonder how that happened.How long since my last confession?Has it been that long?Well, I think I’m ok with the First Commandment.But if I could offer a suggestion?Given the state of the world,Could you make your intentions a little clearer?I haven’t carved any statues lately, so Two looks good.And bowing down is very un-Irish.I’m with you in the vengeance area,And I’ve compiled quite a collection of names myself.Number Three I’m no good with,I never have been,And I know I never will be.I’m hoping for a special dispensation on this one.Number Four looks ok.Although you might bear in mind the times we live in.My expenses are soaring and my bank balance is a joke.You may have gotten by on six days, but margins are smaller now.Number Five has gotten easier for me, only father left now.Mom died of cancer this year.She led a good life.I guess you had your reasons, but you Read more:Dear God
needs a title 2008-01-15 00:45:00 I remember our first day togetherIt is as clear to me now as our last.You were smilingLost in a momentAnd I, lost in my youthIntruded.I remember two people on a silly roadFar from homeAnd the ties that bindFree from prying eyesValues and moralsLetting things be.I remember the thrill of youthThe carefree thoughts of those early daysIn a time where age allowed adventureAnd the world held no fear.It was in those days that we began our journeyTogether.I remember the things we sharedThose things we found along the way.Trinkets and gems of timePrecious only to the fewThat through the yearsBecame our own.I remember good times spentIt is those I take with me;My todays bring their own pain.Leave the past as it isIt has led to roads otherwise unknownIt has brought me here.I remember our last day tog
The last breath 2008-01-14 00:09:00 For much of my life I was fortunateAnd within the oblivious beauty of ignoranceI lived my days unaffected by your reach.But you were patient,You bided your timeYou had no rush.With a cold impassioned precisionYou went about your business.From time to time our paths would crossBut we never did converse.It was a blessing I counted too quicklyAnd took far too much for granted.When you did come callingIt was not by invitation.Like a thief in the nightYou let yourself in.You defined a life with your touchPushing aside all that came before.That which once was happyWill forever now be seen with sadness.And those forced to the fringesWith smiles and hushed voicesAll the while watchedAll the while waited.Life’s pendulum should be unseenA history of our tos and frosNot displayed for all to seeLike
The Apple Trees 2008-01-05 00:49:00 When I was born my parents planted a treeIt came to be known as my treeThey planted five in allAnd each was named.They have grown much since thenAnd as if to mimic lifeSome are bigSome are smallSome reach highSome not so tallBut the roots in each are strong.In Summer they all bear fruitAnd limbs grow heavyBut branches long since mergedHave made them strongIntertwined like vines on a wall.In years past the fruit was always usedBut these days it often spoilsResigned to blanket a garden no longer played in.The sights and sounds of autumn are familiarBirds busying themselves with plans for winterHopping from tree to tree comparing notesAll the while whistling a tune.A final clearing of the gardenOne more cut and raking of the lawnEach tree a trimming of its branchesSeasonal changes bring seaso Read more:Apple
, Trees
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