Alchemisland

Before I shower, lather myself up

Slather bubbles upon flesh marbled, a model a marvel

Before I shower you with praise, flatter you red-faced

I went in for lemon soap in Sweny’s but they’d only lime

And it cost most of a pound that’s the crime of robbery be daylight, be delighted if I’d that income incoming coming into the house like a welcomed guest every fortnight

You think your life is shite you have no idea, I’ll show you shite now in a minute

The story of Ireland, give or take a few Norman invasions and pints of Guinness

Things we all rely on: alcohol, coffin ships, Michael Collins, ideas of martyrdom, cooling ashes of recent holiness still some hold on us; let’s hope not on our throats

Now we’re all cutthroat, devoted atheists but when the ghost of death haunts your familiar, jettisons one from your familial zeppelin, you’ll clutch rosaries again, beg the lady of roses.