by Michael Boyle
The Woman Who Live Beside Ballymacpeake Mass Rock
There are no half measures
with her. Even in getting
a cupán tae in yer hand.
But the full spread
of fancy sandwiches
and sweet cake at the table.
Oh herself and the girls
will never pour ye out
an ordinary a wee Black Bush.
You’ll get a fill of the glass
and then you need to beg for water.
She doesn’t give
any glib invitation saying
‘We must have ye’s down to see us.’
On the spot, direct and precise.
‘Eight o’clock next Friday night
-when your Sean is home.’
Or again if you hear
the back door open
and it is herself
and one of the girls.
Ah she never comes
with her arms swinging.
She is laden down,
lán a mhála,
with bags, with cake,
boxes of chocolate, sweets,
or even a bottle of Powers.
She didn’t believe all the
Sars rumors in the parish
when my brother Pearse
was ill in Drummuck.
Always phones our Marie.
With Rita and Sinéad
came to the house
when my brother
Brian was sick.
Then when Covid struck
Drummuck
How many times did
Brigid cook
and come with a hot dinner
to be left
the front door.
Her biggest welcome
always kept for emigrants
coming back to Ireland.
Laughs, craic and stories.
Her memories telescopic
the smile and twinkle in her eyes.
Oh full of fun and devilment too.
Watch out – she will have her say
But she keeps the party going.
Oh the many laughs
did we have that night
on St John’s Eve fire
at Dens Hill Moneystagahan.
My last visit to your house
my brother Brian and I
were on the way home
from Hugh Heaney’s
and we dropped in
and a great night of
chat and yarns.
Her life has been helping others.
Not by talking the talk.
But being there when
and bringing food and hope.
Her motto from Fr. O’D
‘Onwards and upwards.’
For the many years since Fr Brian
left Lavey. Youse cared
and checked on him at the
Milesian Manor in Magherafelt.
How fitting you were recognized
officially at his funeral.
She never ever mentions
her own health issues.
So folks say a prayer for her
these cold wintry nights
as Sinéad drives her home
three times a week at midnight
from Ballymena hospital.
She’d kill me for bringing this up.
But I am thankful she always prays
for you and me.
She will ask how are ye getting on?
A giving person
so proud of her family,
and her Irish culture.
An Island woman
And went to Dreenan School.
Her house a Beacon of Light
to bring many weary travelers
to the Ballymacpeake Mass Rock.
Finally
If you don’t believe me
send Brigid a letter
and write,
‘To the woman who lives beside
Ballymacpeake Mass Rock.’
Michael Boyle is a native of Lavey, Derry, Ireland. His poems have appeared in the The Antigonish Review, Dalhousie Review, Tinteán and New Ulster Writing. He was awarded ‘The Arts and Letters’ prize for poetry in 2014 by the government of Newfoundland and Labrador. He currently lives in St John’s New Foundland, where he conducts a historical walking tour.
Tinteán 