Fergus Griffin

To Fergus – A Question
by Patricia Cahill Griffin

When you kissed Pam’s feet under the table
You were barely four years old
Romance blooms in the under-fives
Since infancy they know about love.

In the garden you picked a posy
And tied it round with string,
How did you know what to do,
Had you been in the courts of Love?

Had she dropped her kerchief before you?
Did you press it to your lips –
Did you tie it to your banner
To blow bravely in the lists?

Did she bestow on you the Arms
To defend her womanhood?
– A precious pearl
Hatched in secret
Inside a tight-lipped shell?

THE REVENANT
by Patricia Cahill Griffin

YOU ARE NOT NEATLY TUCKED AWAY
YOU’VE NOT BEEN BANISHED FROM OUR LIVES
YOUR GRIMY COFFIN HAS BEEN DISINTERRED
YOUR MOULD BONES
IDENTIFIED.

THE PATHOLOGIST SAYS YOU’RE IN GOOD SHAPE
AFTER THIRTY YEARS
OF OBLIQUITY,
A PAUPER’S GRAVE YOUR RESTING PLACE
IN A GRAVEYARD OF OBSCURITY.

WE WERE NOT THERE FOR YOUR LAST WORD
WE WERE NOT THERE FOR YOUR LAST BREATH
WE WERE NO HELP FOR YOU AT ALL,
MY LOVELY BOY,
OUR REVENANT.

We found you.

And we are bringing you home to Dublin, Ireland.

All of your family have been broken hearted since you went missing 30 years ago. A void that is completely impossible to discribe. Every day you have been in our thoughts.

We love you. xxx

Michael 'Fergus' Olan Griffin

Adored son of Patricia nee Cahill Griffin. Brother to Bridget, Sean, Patricia, Brian, Siobhan and Aisling. Uncle to Elenor, Rebecca, Hannah, Dulcie, Irial, Ciat, Olan, Naoise, Caoimhe and Oscar. Great uncle to Akira, Shay, Jude and Sid.