FAREWELL TO EDWARD

I am present
At his passing
This fine strong gentle

Man

Builder of boats
Husband father grandad

Deep strength of faith
On his knees even

In his agony
I brought him
Communion

He loved the sea
In me and made
Tea

Made me feel
Special

While we talked
Galway and other
Common ground

Fingering old timber
Caressed like the tender
Flesh of a loved one

The last call
Talked of hours

Urgent

Time to heed
Better instincts
Without hesitation

All generations gathered
Around his fading moments

To sing and say
Final farewells
Whipsered in his ear

One by one
Unrestrained Love

Anointing
Praying
Sé do bheatha
a Mhuire

Child's head
Resting on his breast

He falls asleep
Slips away
Rested