NEW POETRY

(On the Passing of Vincent Casey-Grant)

Only Once in This Lifetime of Ours

Just one time, dear Vincent, we met – you and I
You so very Celtic and larger than life
Me lost in Hobart with my first, English wife
I remember so well, heading your way
My feet like led, my mind a-whirl
So keen to see how kindred we might be
Somehow, though, I could already see
Like a mirror’s bright reflected ray
Both into your heart and mine alike

And how it tore at me to hear you say:
‘Once I saw how much your new parents loved you,
that spotless house, your sister whose hip you clung onto,or when in your cot your eyes followed your new mother all around the room …. there was no way I could take you away from that, mate.”

When living in England during my Bristol days, there was the occasional cherished phone call from so far down under.

That cool sanguine voice, soothing as an aural balm.

I miss you sweet Vincent,
Knowing we saw mind to mind
As well as heart to heart –

– Had me wishing I could visit you one more time

I will instead endeavour to purchase a fair dinkum snifter of uisce beatha And stage myself a merry little Irish wake
In my heart forever more.