Depression & Health, Politics, Poetry, Art & Science, Work & Play, History & MuseumsJanuary 1, 2010 10:09 am
2009
You bastard, you robbed me,
left me only my pride intact -
more than I can say for those gone
and buried in their own.
You’ve been a curse
crept up on us.
Those who warned you were carrying a smoking gun,
I heard them leprosized.
May you die softly,
unheard.
May you be found in the patina of dreams
made sour in shards of detritus.
Begone, beyond.
At least you’ve given birth
to whatever festered
within.
Let’s do Redemption.
[first edited draft Paul O’Mahony 31.12.2009]
I love this poem as it sums up the way a lot of people felt about 2009, not me personally, but many people I’m in contact with. The emotions expressed are so strong, so unapologetic. Also like the “let’s do redemption” at the end, a glimmer of hope. Very well done
Comment by Lorna Byrne — January 1, 2010 @ 3:24 pm
Excellent, Paul! I will use this in class next week. As Lorna highlights, “unapologetic”; we need more of that kind of healthy, authenticity in our country.
Comment by Tim — January 1, 2010 @ 5:59 pm
Lorna,
I thank you, especially for the word “unapologetic”. You’ve hit it - I think that’s the core of my approach.
Tim,
The thought that this poem might get an airing in an Irish classroom and that I might get to hear how it’ll go down (or blow up) is marvellous. I had one great English teacher Eoin O’Moore (RIP)
Comment by omaniblog — January 2, 2010 @ 11:52 am
I’ll drink to that sentiment most heartily!
Comment by Susan — January 2, 2010 @ 10:05 pm
Welcome Susan. Thank you very much for that comment. Poems I’ve put up in the past have often been uncommented, so it’s good this one connects with others.
Comment by omaniblog — January 5, 2010 @ 1:02 pm
What is the poem about
Comment by FREO FAN — March 15, 2010 @ 11:59 am
Freo Fan,
The poem is about what I felt about the year 2009, as the turn of the year.
Comment by omaniblog — March 22, 2010 @ 10:21 pm