I
Maple leaves on O’Connell Bridge
Floating down the Liffey
Red hand of Ulster
Three crowns of Munster
Feathers flickering
one Seagull under lights
It’s not late enough to fall in the river.
II
Tired grey beard
losing the colour of life
Flat cap, caipín
Breasts striding by
Brown Thomas bag
with a black umbrella
coming from Grafton street.
Luas bell warning
Time to get a move on before it’s too late.
Long hair flapping
on Dawson Street,
out west violent wind.
Trail finders walking by
“Injury Time” on display
“Wolf Man and Water-Hounds”
“Have you seen the Dublin vampire?”
a window for browsing readers.
Another bell, another Luas,
that soft strong wind.
III
Carluccio’s is not the best place to be cremated.
Plastic flower
in an extra dry Prosecco bottle,
white King Protea facing the door.
Crema, a thimble of hot water
diluting its bitter companion.
witness the knife and fork
slice an almond croissant
scattering icing sugar.
Cool in the mouth.
“Thank you very much”
to a Palestinian smile,
a time for thinking,
alone in company
with an afternoon snack .
Cutlery crashing,
any second now,
settle the bill.
— There may be time to die .
