Alchemisland

Looking at her aura like I’m watching a film in the Stillorgan Ormonde

Coming out, orienting finding the tip of Viscount Lord Allen’s Obelisk

Walking through Glenalbyn, snapshot memories

Old photo album perambulated

Shuttered swimming pool where I won my only ever sports medal

Once cut my foot getting into the pool on the metal step, I remember

Mam used to collect me from swimming on a Wednesday afternoon

Waiting in the pool foyer, buying me an Aero from the vending machines

All that seems to blanche away, not painfully but each time more grey

Not these days

More money one hour’s pay than a poshy get on Confirmation day

Taking day trips to Bray to annoy Damien Dempsey.