In Memory Of An Irish Dad

Máire Malone is an Irish poet and novelist who writes poignant, heartfelt, and nostalgic poems about her memories of her Irish childhood.

Today we will explore three of her poems, dedicated to the memory of her Irish dad, as we continue to remember those who have gone before us this November.

These three poems touched my heart, as Máire celebrates the simple life and faith filled legacy of her Irish father. Her words capture how much her father meant to her, while remembering him as a kind, loving and supportive man.

These poems illustrate the nurturing roles our fathers play in our lives. Even after Máire's father has passed away, her loving words and simple memories of Irish life, make it clear that he will live in her heart and memory forever.

Coffee cup and book with text overlay — Máire Malone Irish Poet

Dad

When my brother phoned to say you’d died
I was a child again running down the lane
For your ounce of condor or packet of gilettes
Knowing you’d say keep the sixpence change.

As I packed to come home for your funeral
I thought of you tying up bundles of papers
Under the stairs and the times I had come down
To the kitchen late at night and caught you
Kneeling by the sideboard quietly praying.

After your funeral, back at the house,
Mum saw your suit just hanging there
And cracked up.

My children talk of you a lot
It hurts my throat when my son says
He remembers exploring the wart on your nose.

By Máire Malone

City laneway at night with text boxes — Dad by Máire Malone

In Memory of my Father

He always nipped his trousers at the knees before
Dropping on the linoed floor

One hand spun a web across his tired face
The other looped the threaded beads Hail Mary full of grace

Strained whispers hovered round his bony frame
Well at least he’s not in pain

We said one decade in his name
I never spoke to him again

We turned to leave his white starched face
Hail Mary full of grace

Tired eyelids flickered prayers well said
Two weeks later he was dead

His body a discarded glove
Underneath the vibrant hand still looped the threaded beads of love

By Máire Malone

Hands clasping roasary beads with text boxes — In Memory of My Father by Máire Malone

Marching On

On Saturday afternoons
We’d step it out to dancing class
Leaving you to scrub the kitchen floor
Like Cinderella Man
Whistling Galway Bay

On Saturday nights
You’d polish all our shoes
Until your simple faith shone out at us
As if our gleaming feet could set us on some righteous path

I will remember your last days forever
My sister teasing yoghurt through tissued lips
Sustaining hope even in that eleventh hour
But on the stroke of death no magic fairy came
Waiving your return to dust

At your graveside
I heard the tune of Galway Bay
Whistling on the wind
Marching you on
Towards some sacred place

By Máire Malone
(Prizewinner in an anthology of poems in memory of Freda Downie by Ver Poets 1997 entitled ‘The Fledgling Bird’)

Hands polishing shoes with text overlay boxes — Marching On by Máire Malone

About Máire Malone

Máire Malone was born and reared in Dublin, Ireland's capital city. As a young woman she worked as a medical secretary.

When she moved to the UK, she studied Arts and Psychology, leading her to a career in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

She loves to write and recently published her first novel, The Dream Circle.

Her poetry has been selected and published by Ver Poets and other anthologies, including collections published by Robin Barratt.

Her short stories have received prize wins in Scribble magazine. One of her short stories was shortlisted in Words and Women Competition, 2018.

She is currently writing a novel about the Irish Famine. She lives in Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom with her husband.

Thank You Máire

Many thanks to Máire for sharing her poetry with us today. I hope her words will bring back warm memories for readers of Irish American Mom, who recognize and understand the stalwart simplicity and dedication of many Irish fathers.

If you like literature and poetry, and especially Irish poetry here are some ramblings you might enjoy...

The Poetry of Joan Cusack Handler

Stirrings By Máire Malone

Sacred Stone Sacred Water

Soul of Skellig

Heartscald

Happy reading to all.