TO ALL THE FATHERS IN MY LIFE
By Veronica Breen Hogle
On this Father’s Day, I thank the men who encouraged me,
helped me through life or did something for me I will always remember,
Especially...
Jim Fitzpatrick who took care of me from the time I was two years old
he was convinced I could do no wrong
and said I’d grow up grand
William Earls, my grandfather, who took me to pick mushrooms
that magically appeared in the dewey fields
eary in the morning,
and who nodded his silver head
at the fire at night
while reading books with no pictures
Ger Clarke, the neighbor
Who told me he could see me
out through the flourmill window
and not to swim in the Barrow River
Uncle Louie who found me home from school,
packed up my clothes and drove me to Grandmother’s house
Uncle Eric who let me help him with his Saturday Night shave,
and gave me a shilling for knowing my sums
Uncle Noel who brought us our first radio
Uncle Jack who taught me the meaning of ‘divers’ tongues’and other words
Uncle Ned who always bought the whole book of school raffle tickets
Uncle Pat who taught me the words of the Irish
Rebel songs
and family friends,
Sean who said there was always a cup of tea
and a chair for me around the fire
Dottie who chain-smoked, telling me how to survive in Dublin
Uncle Joe who said as long as there was a light In the window
there was always room for me with his 10 children
Uncle Des who raffled off his Pub,retired and drove me all over Ireland
My dad, the man I never knew, but have never forgotten
The man I married for giving me three children
Dave for his patience and kindness
in helping to rear my two older grandchildren
Brian, for being a good son
and a very good Dad
your encouragement, patience and guidance
are characteristics your daughter will remember always
It’s clear you are convinced she can do no wrong,
and that she’ll grow up grand.