CHURCH GROUNDS
Quite amazing really, that in this icy spate of Winter we've experienced of late to observe the greenery that surrounds our beautiful church so tastily arranged, including one or two perfectly cut geometric shapes. This took an amount of work on the part of Noel who appears to thrive on keeping these grounds in peak condition, thus offering the parishioners and public alike, a visual delight as they pass by. An onerous task by any stretch of the imagination. Well done to Noel !
REMEMBERING KATE
Our supreme novelist, Kate O'Brien was born in St. John's parish in 1897 and this year we remember her passing all of fifty years ago in 1974. Back in 1993, I included a poem in my third collection, entitled, “Reflections of Life”. It was simply called “Kate”.
KATE
Though weary of stone
and priestly drone,
Her thoughts soared higher and higher,
She was still quite young
When she left her home
'Neath St. John's lofty spire.
Espania, her chosen spot
Whose rich culture she imbibed,
Avila being her second home,
Her zest for life
Devoid of strife
While on distant soil she thrived.
Imagination rich and fertile
Some works all did not favour
Insular minds
'Mid tightened strings
And values bent
Shunned its 'spicy' flavour!
Yet, triumph visited
Our literary queen
And all her novels
Gems each one
On myriad bookshelves proudly stand
Encased in covers green.
Her most interesting life fulfilled
She died on foreign soil,
Across the water
Her remains now lie
In peaceful slumber
While millions still relish
The fruits of her literary toil!
MS
