top of page
Homecoming After the Fleadh
From Tullamore to Metulla
this thin line of music stretches
I travel it, a string between two cans,
hold it to my ear
at your end, street music of Fleadh
bars, guitars; here all that emerges
two bulbuls flute and oboe, yellow breasted
on a yucca, the green music
of apples growing
Street colleen, tin whistle to your lips
turquoise vest, Roscommon tartan skirt, black tights,
twenty minstrels outside Bridge House Hotel
eight to seventeen, serenade your youth,
green river music, your sap pours out
the apples know it, their music
tells them grow, grow
If I had a wish, I could die here
and be reborn to music
a million children playing reels and jigs
outside Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore
a million apples growing in Metulla
two bulbuls singing on a wire
© Johnmichael Simon
2009
.
bottom of page