The Parish of St Mel’s and Other Verses (John O’Brien 1954)

[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in The Parish of St Mel’s and Other Verses, 1954.] Firin’ on the Eight He has his poky workshop at the far end of the town, A shabby sort of pocket thing that’s frail and tumbledown; ’Twill hold a one-twelve wheel-base, … [Read more...] about Firin’ on the Eight [poem by John O’Brien, 1954]

[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in The Parish of St Mel’s and Other Verses, 1954.] Old Sister Paul O Salutaris Hostia, the Alpha and the Omega Within the monstrance fair; How sweet the maiden voices ring while to and fro the censers swing And incense … [Read more...] about Old Sister Paul [poem by John O’Brien, 1954]

[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in The Parish of St Mel’s and Other Verses, 1954.] The Durkins Have you ever seen the Durkins at the Sunday morning Mass At the little old St Peter’s week by week, Since Old Man and Granny Durkin, then an Irish lad and … [Read more...] about The Durkins [poem by John O’Brien, 1954]

[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in The Parish of St Mel’s and Other Verses, 1954.] Imelda May Your wedding appears in the press today — May you never repent it, Imelda May. They brought you here when your life began, And I thought you smiled as the … [Read more...] about Imelda May [poem by John O’Brien, 1954]

[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in The Parish of St Mel’s and Other Verses, 1954.] The Parish of St Mel’s Beyond the vague wheel-tortured track The wandering mailman knows, Away outback and further back And still outback it goes. It’s on the map … [Read more...] about The Parish of St Mel’s [poem by John O’Brien, 1954]