We meet over the folding of sheets, dividing
halves carefully into halves,
until we yield one.
Then the family semaphore signals a new
arrival, and bras play openly in the wind
with Longjohn's that dance a merry tune,
beside baby's jump suits; playthings
inviting no more comment than a smile.
But now the line is empty,
lies coiled, still tethered
to its knotted start,
poised to spear loneliness,
into any passing, unguarded heart.
Santry Community Resource Centre
halves carefully into halves,
until we yield one.
Then the family semaphore signals a new
arrival, and bras play openly in the wind
with Longjohn's that dance a merry tune,
beside baby's jump suits; playthings
inviting no more comment than a smile.
But now the line is empty,
lies coiled, still tethered
to its knotted start,
poised to spear loneliness,
into any passing, unguarded heart.
©Copyright Niall OConnor 2013
Good Bookshops stocking Change in the Wind:
Scribbles (Drumcondra)
Books Upstairs (College Green)

Dennis Moriarty
ReplyDeleteVery deep and rather emotional write Niall. Nice one.
Rachel Sutcliffe
ReplyDeleteThis brought a tear to my eye Niall
Patricia Wallace
ReplyDeletePoignant and beautiful, thanks Niall
Kay Kinghammer
ReplyDeleteLovely!!
Kay Kinghammer
ReplyDeleteI remembered hanging the clothes up to dry and taking them down again. Good memories. Good poem!!!!
Maeve Heneghan Huang
ReplyDeleteWonderful Niall.