Angelas

Ashes
A Memoir
FRANK MCCOURT
A N G E L A S
A S H E S
A M e m o i r

F r a n k M c C o r !
s c r i " n e r
SCR#$NER
%&'( A)ene o* !he Americas
Ne+ ,ork- N, %((&(
Co./righ! 0 %113 "/ Frank McCor!
All righ!s reser)e4- incl4ing !he righ! o* re.ro4c!ion in +hole or in .ar! in an/ *orm5
Scri"ner an4 4esign are regis!ere4 !ra4emarks o*
Simon 6 Schs!er #nc5
7esigne4 "/ $rooke 8immer
Te9! se! in A4o"e $em"o
Man*ac!re4 in !he Uni!e4 S!a!es o* America
Li"rar/ o* Congress Ca!aloging:in:<"lica!ion 7a!a
McCor!- Frank5
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C5 Limerick @Limerick- #relan4A?
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This "ook is 4e4ica!e4 !o m/ "ro!hers-
Malach/- Michael-Al.honss5
# learn *rom /o- # a4mire /o an4 # lo)e /o5
Ack n o + l e 4 g m e n ! s
This is a small h/mn !o an e9al!a!ion o* +omen5
Rlene 7ahl"erg *anne4 !he em"ers5
Lisa Sch+arI"am rea4 earl/ .ages an4 encorage4 me5 Mar/ $reas!e4 Sm/!h- elegan! no)elis!
hersel*- rea4 !he *irs! !hir4 an4 .asse4 i! on !o
Moll/ Frie4rich- +ho "ecame m/ agen! an4 !hogh! !ha! Nan Graham- E4i!or:in:Chie* a!
Scri"ner- +ol4 "e Js! !he righ! .erson !o .! !he "ook on !he roa45
An4 Moll/ +as righ!5
M/ 4agh!er- Maggie- has sho+n me ho+ li*e can "e
a gran4 a4)en!re- +hile e9Kisi!e momen!s +i!h
m/ gran44agh!er- Chiara- ha)e hel.e4 me recall
a small chil4s +on4er5
M/ +i*e- Ellen- lis!ene4 +hile # rea4 an4 cheere4 me !o !he *inal .age5
# am "lesse4 among men5
A N G E L A S
A S H E S
#
M/ *a!her an4 mo!her shol4 ha)e s!a/e4 in Ne+ ,ork +here !he/ me! an4 marrie4 an4 +here
# +as "orn5 #ns!ea4- !he/ re!rne4 !o #relan4 +hen # +as *or- m/ "ro!her- Malach/- !hree- !he
!+ins- Oli)er an4 Egene- "arel/ one- an4 m/ sis!er- Margare!- 4ea4 an4 gone5 Lhen # look
"ack on m/ chil4hoo4 # +on4er ho+ # sr)i)e4 a! all5 #! +as- o* corse- a misera"le chil4hoo4=
!he ha../ chil4hoo4 is har4l/ +or!h /or +hile5Lorse !han !he or4inar/ misera"le chil4hoo4 is
!he misera"le #rish chil4hoo4- an4 +orse /e! is !he misera"le #rish Ca!holic chil4hoo45
<eo.le e)er/+here "rag an4 +him.er a"o! !he +oes o* !heir earl/ /ears- "! no!hing can
com.are +i!h !he #rish )ersion= !he .o)er!/M !he shi*!less loKacios alcoholic *a!herM !he .ios
4e*ea!e4 mo!her moaning "/ !he *ireM .om.os .ries!sM "ll/ing schoolmas!ersM !he English an4
!he !erri"le !hings !he/ 4i4 !o s *or eigh! hn4re4 long /ears5
A"o)e all?+e +ere +e!5
O! in !he A!lan!ic Ocean grea! shee!s o* rain ga!here4 !o 4ri*! slo+l/ . !he Ri)er Shannon an4
se!!le *ore)er in Limerick5The rain 4am.ene4 !he ci!/ *rom !he Feas! o* !he Circmcision !o Ne+
,ears E)e5 #! crea!e4 a caco.hon/ o* hacking coghs- "ronchial ra!!les- as!hma!ic +heeIes-
consm.!i)e croaks5 #! !rne4 noses in!o *on!ains- %%
lngs in!o "ac!erial s.onges5 #! .ro)oke4 cres galoreM !o ease !he ca!arrh /o "oile4 onions in
milk "lackene4 +i!h .e..erM *or !he conges!e4 .assages /o ma4e a .as!e o* "oile4 *lor an4
ne!!les- +ra..e4 i! in a rag- an4 sla..e4 i!- siIIling- on !he ches!5
From Oc!o"er !o A.ril !he +alls o* Limerick glis!ene4 +i!h !he 4am.5 Clo!hes ne)er 4rie4=
!+ee4 an4 +oolen coa!s hose4 li)ing !hings- some!imes s.ro!e4 m/s!erios )ege!a!ions5 #n
."s- s!eam rose *rom 4am. "o4ies an4 garmen!s !o "e inhale4 +i!h cigare!!e an4 .i.e smoke
lace4 +i!h !he s!ale *mes o* s.ille4 s!o! an4 +hiske/ an4 !inge4 +i!h !he o4or o* .iss +a*!ing
in *rom !he o!4oor Jakes +here man/ a man .ke4 . his +eeks +ages5
The rain 4ro)e s in!o !he chrch?or re*ge- or s!reng!h- or onl/ 4r/ .lace5 A! Mass-
$ene4ic!ion- no)enas- +e h44le4 in grea! 4am. clm.s- 4oIing !hrogh .ries! 4rone- +hile
s!eam rose again *rom or clo!hes !o mingle +i!h !he s+ee!ness o* incense- *lo+ers an4
can4les5
Limerick gaine4 a re.!a!ion *or .ie!/- "! +e kne+ i! +as onl/ !he rain5
M/ *a!her- Malach/ McCor!- +as "orn on a *arm in Toome- Con!/ An!rim5 Like his *a!her
"e*ore- he gre+ . +il4- in !ro"le +i!h !he English- or !he #rish- or "o!h5 He *ogh! +i!h !he Ol4
#RA an4 *or some 4es.era!e ac! he +on4 . a *gi!i)e +i!h a .rice on his hea45 Lhen # +as a
chil4 # +ol4 look a! m/ *a!her- !he !hinning hair- !he colla.sing !ee!h- an4 +on4er +h/ an/one
+ol4 gi)e mone/ *or a hea4 like !ha!5Lhen # +as !hir!een m/ *a!hers mo!her !ol4 me a
secre!= as a +ee la4 /or .oor *a!her +as 4ro..e4 on his hea45 #! +as an acci4en!- he +as ne)er
!he same a*!er- an4 /o ms! remem"er !ha! .eo.le 4ro..e4 on !heir hea4s can "e a "i!
.ecliar5
$ecase o* !he .rice on !he hea4 he ha4 "een 4ro..e4 on- he ha4 !o "e s.iri!e4 o! o* #relan4
)ia cargo shi. *rom Gal+a/5 #n Ne+ ,ork- +i!h <rohi"i!ion in *ll s+ing- he !hogh! he ha4 4ie4
an4 gone !o hell *or his sins5Then he 4isco)ere4 s.eakeasies an4 he reJoice45 A*!er +an4ering
an4 4rinking in America an4 Englan4 he /earne4 *or .eace in his 4eclining /ears5 He re!rne4 !o
$el*as!- +hich er.!e4 all aron4 him5 He sai4-A .o9 on all !heir hoses- an4 cha!!e4 +i!h !he
la4ies o* An4erson!o+n5 The/ !em.!e4 him +i!h 4elicacies "! he +a)e4 !hem a+a/ an4 4rank
his !ea5 He no longer smoke4 or !oche4 %&
alcohol- so +ha! +as !he seN #! +as !ime !o go an4 he 4ie4 in !he Ro/al Oic!oria Hos.i!al5
M/ mo!her- !he *ormer Angela Sheehan- gre+ . in a Limerick slm +i!h her mo!her- !+o
"ro!hers- Thomas an4 <a!rick- an4 a sis!er- Agnes5 She ne)er sa+ her *a!her- +ho ha4 rn o** !o
As!ralia +eeks "e*ore her "ir!h5
A*!er a nigh! o* 4rinking .or!er in !he ."s o* Limerick he s!aggers 4o+n !he lane singing his
*a)ori!e song-
Lho !hre+ !he o)eralls in Mrs5 Mr.h/s cho+4erN
No"o4/ s.oke so he sai4 i! all !he lo4er
#!s a 4ir!/ #rish !rick an4 # can lick !he MickLho !hre+ !he o)eralls in Mr.h/s cho+4er5
Hes in grea! *orm al!oge!her an4 he !hinks hell .la/ a +hile +i!h li!!le <a!rick- one /ear ol45
Lo)el/ li!!le *ella5 Lo)es his 4a44/5 Laghs +hen 7a44/ !hro+s him . in !he air5 U.s/ 4ais/-
li!!le <a44/- .s/ 4ais/- . in !he air in !he 4ark- so 4ark- oh- Pass- /o miss !he chil4 on !he
+a/ 4o+n an4 .oor li!!le <a!rick lan4s on his hea4- grgles a "i!- +him.ers- goes Kie!5
Gran4ma hea)es hersel* *rom !he "e4- hea)/ +i!h !he chil4 in her "ell/- m/ mo!her5 Shes
"arel/ a"le !o li*! li!!le <a!rick *rom !he *loor5 She moans a long moan o)er !he chil4 an4 !rns
on Gran4.a5 Ge! o! o* i!5 O!5 #* /o s!a/ here a min!e longer #ll !ake !he ha!che! !o /o- /o
4rnken lna!ic5 $/ Pess- #ll s+ing a! !he en4 o* a ro.e *or /o5 Ge! o!5
Gran4.a s!an4s his gron4 like a man5 # ha)e a righ!- he sa/s- !o s!a/ in me o+n hose5
She rns a! him an4 he mel!s "e*ore !his +hirling 4er)ish +i!h a 4amage4 chil4 in her arms an4
a heal!h/ one s!irring insi4e5 He s!m"les *rom !he hose- . !he lane- an4 4oesn! s!o. !ill he
reaches Mel"orne in As!ralia5 Li!!le <a!- m/ ncle- +as ne)er !he same a*!er5 He gre+ . so*!
in !he hea4 +i!h a le*! leg !ha! +en! one +a/- his "o4/ !he o!her5 He ne)er learne4 !o rea4 or
+ri!e "! Go4 "lesse4 him in ano!her +a/5 Lhen he s!ar!e4 !o sell ne+s.a.ers a! !he age o*
eigh! he col4 con! mone/ "e!!er !han !he Chancellor o* !he E9cheKer himsel*5 No one kne+
+h/ he +as calle4 A" Sheehan- The A""o!- "! all Limerick lo)e4 him5
M/ mo!hers !ro"les "egan !he nigh! she +as "orn5 There is m/ %'
gran4mo!her in !he "e4 hea)ing an4 gas.ing +i!h !he la"or .ains- .ra/ing !o S!5 Gerar4 MaJella-
.a!ron sain! o* e9.ec!an! mo!hers5 There is Nrse OHalloran- !he mi4+i*e- all 4resse4 . in her
*iner/5 #!s Ne+ ,ears E)e an4 Mrs5 OHalloran is an9ios *or !his chil4 !o "e "orn so !ha! she
can rsh o** !o !he .ar!ies an4 cele"ra!ions5 She !ells m/ gran4mo!her=Lill /o .sh- +ill /o-
.sh5 Pess- Mar/ an4 hol/ S!5 Pose.h- i* /o 4on! hrr/ +i!h !his chil4 i! +on! "e "orn !ill !he
Ne+ ,ear an4 +ha! goo4 is !ha! !o me +i!h me ne+ 4ressN Ne)er min4 S!5 Gerar4 MaJella5Lha!
can a man 4o *or a +oman a! a !ime like !his e)en i* he is a sain!N S!5 Gerar4 MaJella m/ arse5
M/ gran4mo!her s+i!ches her .ra/ers !o S!5Ann- .a!ron sain! o* 4i**icl! la"or5 $! !he chil4
+on! come5 Nrse OHalloran !ells m/ gran4mo!her- <ra/ !o S!5 P4e- .a!ron sain! o* 4es.era!e
cases5 S!5 P4e- .a!ron o* 4es.era!e cases- hel. me5 #m 4es.era!e5 She grn!s an4 .shes an4
!he in*an!s hea4 a..ears- onl/ !he hea4- m/ mo!her- an4 i!s !he s!roke o* mi4nigh!- !he Ne+
,ear5 Limerick Ci!/ er.!s +i!h +his!les- horns- sirens- "rass "an4s- .eo.le calling an4 singing-
Ha../ Ne+ ,ear5 Shol4 al4 acKain!ance "e *orgo!- an4 chrch "ells all o)er ring o! !he
Angels an4 Nrse OHalloran +ee.s *or !he +as!e o* a 4ress- !ha! chil4 s!ill in !here an4 me in
me *iner/5Lill /o come o!- chil4- +ill /oN Gran4ma gi)es a grea! .sh an4 !he chil4 is in !he
+orl4- a lo)el/ girl +i!h "lack crl/ hair an4 sa4 "le e/es5
Ah- Lor4 a"o)e- sa/s Nrse OHalloran- !his chil4 is a !ime s!ra44ler- "orn +i!h her hea4 in !he
Ne+ ,ear an4 her arse in !he Ol4 or +as i! her hea4 in !he Ol4 ,ear an4 her arse in !he Ne+5
,oll ha)e !o +ri!e !o !he <o.e- misss- !o *in4 o! +ha! /ear !his chil4 +as "orn in an4 #ll sa)e
!his 4ress *or ne9! /ear5
An4 !he chil4 +as name4 Angela *or !he Angels +hich rang !he mi4nigh! hor- !he Ne+ ,ear-
!he min!e o* her coming an4 "ecase she +as a li!!le angel an/+a/5
Lo)e her as in chil4hoo4
Thogh *ee"le- ol4 an4 gre/5
For /oll ne)er miss a mo!hers lo)e
Till shes "rie4 "enea!h !he cla/5
A! !he S!5Oincen! 4e <al School- Angela learne4 !o rea4- +ri!e- an4 calcla!e an4 "/ her nin!h
/ear her schooling +as 4one5 She !rie4 %B
her han4 a! "eing a char+oman- a ski))/- a mai4 +i!h a li!!le +hi!e ha! o.ening 4oors- "! she
col4 no! manage !he li!!le cr!s/ !ha! is reKire4 an4 her mo!her sai4-,o 4on! ha)e !he
knack o* i!5,ore .re seless5 Lh/ 4on! /o go !o America +here !heres room *or all sor!s o*
selessnessN #ll gi)e /o !he *are5
She arri)e4 in Ne+ ,ork Js! in !ime *or !he *irs! Thanksgi)ing 7a/ o* !he Grea! 7e.ression5 She
me! Malach/ a! a .ar!/ gi)en "/ 7an MacA4ore/ an4 his +i*e- Minnie- on Classon A)ene in
$rookl/n5 Malach/ like4 Angela an4 she like4 him5 He ha4 a hang4og look- +hich came *rom !he
!hree mon!hs he ha4 Js! s.en! in Jail *or hiJacking a !rck5 He an4 his *rien4 Pohn McErlaine
"elie)e4 +ha! !he/ +ere !ol4 in !he s.eakeas/- !ha! !he !rck +as .acke4 !o !he roo* +i!h cases
o* canne4 .ork an4 "eans5 Nei!her kne+ ho+ !o 4ri)e an4 +hen !he .olice sa+ !he !rck lrch
an4 Jerk along M/r!le A)ene !he/ .lle4 i! o)er5The .olice searche4 !he !rck an4 +on4ere4
+h/ an/one +ol4 hiJack a !rck con!aining- no! .ork an4 "eans- "! cases o* "!!ons5 Li!h
Angela 4ra+n !o !he hang4og look an4 Malach/ lonel/ a*!er !hree mon!hs in Jail- !here +as
"on4 !o "e a knee:!rem"ler5 A knee:!rem"ler is !he ac! i!sel* 4one . agains! a +all- man an4
+oman . on !heir !oes- s!raining so har4 !heir knees !rem"le +i!h !he e9ci!emen! !ha!s in i!5
Tha! knee:!rem"ler .! Angela in an in!eres!ing con4i!ion an4- o* corse- !here +as !alk5Angela
ha4 cosins- !he MacNamara sis!ers- 7elia an4 <hilomena- marrie4- res.ec!i)el/- !o Pimm/
For!ne o* Con!/ Ma/o- an4 Tomm/ Fl/nn- o* $rookl/n i!sel*5
7elia an4 <hilomena +ere large +omen- grea!:"reas!e4 an4 *ierce5 Lhen !he/ saile4 along !he
si4e+alks o* $rookl/n lesser crea!res s!e..e4 asi4e- res.ec! +as sho+n5The sis!ers kne+ +ha!
+as righ! an4 !he/ kne+ +ha! +as +rong an4 an/ 4o"!s col4 "e resol)e4 "/ !he One- Hol/-
Roman- Ca!holic an4 A.os!olic Chrch5 The/ kne+ !ha! Angela- nmarrie4- ha4 no righ! !o "e in
an in!eres!ing con4i!ion an4 !he/ +ol4 !ake s!e.s5
S!e.s !he/ !ook5Li!h Pimm/ an4 Tomm/ in !o+ !he/ marche4 !o !he s.eakeas/ on A!lan!ic
A)ene +here Malach/ col4 "e *on4 on Fri4a/- .a/4a/ +hen he ha4 a Jo"5The man in !he
s.eak- Poe/ Cacciamani- 4i4 no! +an! !o a4mi! !he sis!ers "! <hilomena !ol4 him !ha! i* he
+an!e4 !o kee. !he nose on his *ace an4 !ha! 4oor on i!s hinges he4 "e!!er o.en . *or !he/
+ere !here on Go4s "siness5 Poe/ sai4- A+righ!- a+righ!- /o #rish5 PeeIoIQ Tro"le- !ro"le5
%C
Malach/- a! !he *ar en4 o* !he "ar- !rne4 .ale- ga)e !he grea!"reas!e4 ones a sickl/ smile-
o**ere4 !hem a 4rink5 The/ resis!e4 !he smile an4 s.rne4 !he o**er5 7elia sai4-Le 4on! kno+
+ha! class o* a !ri"e /o come *rom in !he Nor!h o* #relan45
<hilomena sai4-There is a ss.icion /o migh! ha)e <res"/!erians in /or *amil/- +hich +ol4
e9.lain +ha! /o 4i4 !o or cosin5 Pimm/ sai4- Ah- no+- ah- no+5 Tisn! his *al! i* !heres
<res"/!erians in his *amil/5 7elia sai4-,o sh44.5
Tomm/ ha4 !o Join in5Lha! /o 4i4 !o !ha! .oor n*or!na!e girl is a 4isgrace !o !he #rish race
an4 /o shol4 "e ashame4 o* /orsel*5 Och- # am- sai4 Malach/5 # am5
No"o4/ aske4 /o !o !alk- sai4 <hilomena5,o 4one enogh 4amage +i!h /or "la!her- so sh!
/or /a.5 An4 +hile /or /a. is sh!- sai4 7elia- +ere here !o see /o 4o !he righ! !hing "/ or
.oor cosin- Angela Sheehan5
Malach/ sai4- Och- in4ee4- in4ee45The righ! !hing is !he righ! !hing an4 #4 "e gla4 !o "/ /o all
a 4rink +hile +e ha)e !his li!!le !alk5 Take !he 4rink- sai4 Tomm/- an4 sho)e i! . /or ass5
<hilomena sai4- Or li!!le cosin no sooner ge!s o** !he "oa! !han /o are a! her5Le ha)e
morals in Limerick- /o kno+- morals5Lere no! like Jackra""i!s *rom An!rim- a .lace cra+ling
+i!h <res"/!erians5 Pimm/ sai4- He 4on! look like a <res"/!erian5
,o sh44.- sai4 7elia5
Ano!her !hing +e no!ice4- sai4 <hilomena5 ,o ha)e a )er/ o44 manner5
Malach/ smile45 # 4oN
,o 4o- sa/s 7elia5 # !hink !is one o* !he *irs! !hings +e no!ice4 a"o! /o- !ha! o44 manner-
an4 i! gi)es s a )er/ neas/ *eeling5
Tis !ha! sneak/ li!!le <res"/!erian smile- sai4 <hilomena5 Och- sai4 Malach/- i!s Js! !he !ro"le
# ha)e +i!h m/ !ee!h5 Tee!h or no !ee!h- o44 manner or no o44 manner- /ore gonna marr/
!ha! girl- sai4 Tomm/5 U. !he mi44le aisle /ore going5 Och- sai4 Malach/- # +asn! .lanning !o
ge! marrie4- /o kno+5 Theres no +ork an4 # +ol4n! "e a"le !o s..or! 5 5 5 Marrie4 is +ha!
/ore going !o "e- sai4 7elia5
U. !he mi44le aisle- sai4 Pimm/5
,o sh44.- sai4 7elia5
%3
5
5
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Malach/ +a!che4 !hem lea)e5 #m in a 4es.era!e .ickle- he !ol4 Poe/ Cacciamani5
$e! /or ass- sai4 Poe/5 # see !hem "a"es comin a! me # Jm. inna H4son Ri)er5
Malach/ consi4ere4 !he .ickle he +as in5 He ha4 a *e+ 4ollars in his .ocke! *rom !he las! Jo"
an4 he ha4 an ncle in San Francisco or one o* !he o!her Cali*ornia Sans5Lol4n! he "e "e!!er
o** in Cali*ornia- *ar *rom !he grea!:"reas!e4 MacNamara sis!ers an4 !heir grim hs"an4sN
He +ol4- in4ee4- an4 he4 ha)e a 4ro. o* !he #rish !o cele"ra!e his 4ecision an4 4e.ar!re5
Poe/ .ore4 an4 !he 4rink nearl/ !ook !he lining o** Malach/s glle!5 #rish- in4ee4Q He !ol4 Poe/
i! +as a <rohi"i!ion concoc!ion *rom !he 4e)ils o+n s!ill5 Poe/ shrgge45 # 4on! kno+ no!hing5 #
onl/ .or5 S!ill- i! +as "e!!er !han no!hing an4 Malach/ +ol4 ha)e ano!her an4 one *or
/orsel*- Poe/- an4 ask !hem !+o 4ecen! #!alians +ha! !he/4 like an4 +ha! are /o !alking
a"o!- o* corse- # ha)e !he mone/ !o .a/ *or i!5
He a+oke on a "ench in !he Long #slan4 Railroa4 S!a!ion- a co. ra..ing on his "oo!s +i!h a
nigh!s!ick- his esca.e mone/ gone- !he MacNamara sis!ers rea4/ !o ea! him ali)e in $rookl/n5
On !he *eas! o* S!5 Pose.h- a "i!!er 4a/ in March- *or mon!hs a*!er !he knee:!rem"ler- Malach/
marrie4 Angela an4 in Ags! !he chil4 +as "orn5 #n No)em"er Malach/ go! 4rnk an4 4eci4e4
i! +as !ime !o regis!er !he chil4s "ir!h5 He !hogh! he migh! name !he chil4 Malach/- a*!er
himsel*- "! his Nor!h o* #relan4 accen! an4 !he alcoholic mm"le con*se4 !he clerk so mch
he sim.l/ en!ere4 !he name Male on !he cer!i*ica!e5
No! n!il la!e 7ecem"er 4i4 !he/ !ake Male !o S!5 <als Chrch !o "e "a.!iIe4 an4 name4
Francis a*!er his *a!hers *a!her an4 !he lo)el/ sain! o* Assisi5Angela +an!e4 !o gi)e him a mi44le
name- Mnchin- a*!er !he .a!ron sain! o* Limerick "! Malach/ sai4 o)er his 4ea4 "o4/5 No son
o* his +ol4 ha)e a Limerick name5 #!s har4 enogh going !hrogh li*e +i!h one name5 S!icking
on mi44le names +as an a!rocios American ha"i! an4 !here +as no nee4 *or a secon4 name
+hen /ore chris!ene4 a*!er !he man *rom Assisi5 %E
There +as a 4ela/ !he 4a/ o* !he "a.!ism +hen !he chosen go4*a!her- Pohn McErlaine- go!
4rnk a! !he s.eakeas/ an4 *orgo! his res.onsi"ili!ies5 <hilomena !ol4 her hs"an4- Tomm/-
he4 ha)e !o "e go4*a!her5 Chil4s sol is in 4anger- she sai45Tomm/ .! his hea4 4o+n an4
grm"le45 All righ!5 #ll "e go4*a!her "! #m no! goin !o "e res.onsi"le i* he gro+s . like his
*a!her casin !ro"le an4 goin
!hrogh li*e +i!h !he o44 manner *or i* he 4oes he can go !o Pohn McErlaine a! !he s.eakeas/5
The .ries! sai4- Tre *or /o- Tom- 4ecen! man !ha! /o are- *ine man !ha! ne)er se! *oo! insi4e
a s.eakeas/5 Malach/- *resh *rom !he s.eakeas/ himsel*- *el! insl!e4 an4 +an!e4 !o arge +i!h
!he .ries!- one sacrilege on !o. o* ano!her5 Take o** !ha! collar an4 +ell see +hos !he man5 He
ha4 !o "e hel4 "ack "/ !he grea!:"reas!e4 ones an4 !heir hs"an4s grim5 Angela- ne+ mo!her-
agi!a!e4- *orgo! she +as hol4ing !he chil4 an4 le! him sli. in!o !he "a.!ismal *on!- a !o!al
immersion o* !he <ro!es!an! !/.e5 The al!ar "o/ assis!ing !he .ries! .lcke4 !he in*an! *rom !he
*on! an4 res!ore4 him !o Angela- +ho so""e4 an4 cl!che4 him- 4ri..ing- !o her "osom5The
.ries! laghe4- sai4 he ha4 ne)er seen !he likes- !ha! !he chil4 +as a reglar li!!le $a.!is! no+
an4 har4l/ nee4e4 a .ries!5 This ma44ene4 Malach/ again an4 he +an!e4 !o Jm. a! !he .ries!
*or calling !he chil4 some class o* a <ro!es!an!5The .ries! sai4- Rie!- man- /ore in Go4s
hose- an4 +hen Malach/ sai4- Go4s hose- m/ arse- he +as !hro+n o! on Cor! S!ree!
"ecase /o can! sa/ arse in Go4s hose5 A*!er "a.!ism <hilomena sai4 she ha4 !ea an4 ham
an4 cakes in her hose aron4 !he corner5 Malach/ sai4-TeaN an4 she sai4-,es- !ea- or is i!
+hiske/ /o +an!N He sai4 !ea +as gran4 "! *irs! he4 ha)e !o go an4 4eal +i!h Pohn
McErlaine- +ho 4i4n! ha)e !he 4ecenc/ !o carr/ o! his 4!ies as go4*a!her5 Angela sai4-,ore
onl/ looking *or an e9cse !o rn !o !he s.eakeas/- an4 he sai4- As Go4 is m/ +i!ness- !he 4rink
is !he las! !hing on m/ min45 Angela s!ar!e4 !o cr/5,or sons chris!ening 4a/ an4 /o ha)e !o
go 4rinking5 7elia !ol4 him he +as a 4isgs!ing s.ecimen "! +ha! col4 /o e9.ec! *rom !he
Nor!h o* #relan45 Malach/ looke4 *rom one !o !he o!her- shi*!e4 on his *ee!- .lle4 his ca. 4o+n
o)er his e/es- sho)e4 his han4s 4ee. in his !roser .ocke!s- sai4- Och- a/e- !he +a/ !he/ 4o in
!he *ar reaches o* Con!/ An!rim- !rne4- hrrie4 . Cor! S!ree! !o !he s.eakeas/ on A!lan!ic
A)ene +here he +as sre !he/4 .l/ him +i!h *ree 4rink in honor o* his sons "a.!ism5
%D
A! <hilomenas hose !he sis!ers an4 !heir hs"an4s a!e an4 4rank +hile Angela sa! in a corner
nrsing !he "a"/ an4 cr/ing5 <hilomena s!**e4 her mo!h +i!h "rea4 an4 ham an4 rm"le4 a!
Angela- Tha!s +ha! /o ge! *or "eing sch a *ool5 Har4l/ o** !he "oa! an4 /o *all *or !ha!
lna!ic5,o shol4a s!a/e4 single- .! !he chil4 . *or a4o.!ion- an4 /o4 "e a *ree +oman
!o4a/5Angela crie4 har4er an4 7elia !ook . !he a!!ack- Oh- s!o. i!-Angela- s!o. i!5,o ha)e
no"o4/ !o "lame "! /orsel* *or ge!!in in!o !ro"le +i!h a 4rnkar4 *rom !he Nor!h- a man
!ha! 4oesn! e)en look like a Ca!holic- him +i!h his o44 manner5 #4 sa/ !ha! 5 5 5 !ha! 5 5 5
Malach/ has a s!reak o* !he <res"/!erian in him righ! enogh5,o sh44.- Pimm/5
#* # +as /o- sai4 <hilomena- #4 make sre !heres no more chil4ren5 He 4on! ha)e a Jo"- so he
4on!- an ne)er +ill !he +a/ he 4rinks5 So 5 5 5 no more chil4ren- Angela5 Are /o lis!enin !o
meN
# am- <hilomena5
A /ear la!er ano!her chil4 +as "orn5Angela calle4 him Malach/ a*!er his *a!her an4 ga)e him a
mi44le name- Gerar4- a*!er his *a!hers "ro!her5 The MacNamara sis!ers sai4 Angela +as
no!hing "! a ra""i! an4 !he/ +an!e4 no!hing !o 4o +i!h her !ill she came !o her senses5 Their
hs"an4s agree45
#m in a .la/gron4 on Classon A)ene in $rookl/n +i!h m/ "ro!her- Malach/5 Hes !+o- #m
!hree5Lere on !he seesa+5
U.- 4o+n- .- 4o+n5
Malach/ goes .5
# ge! o**5
Malach/ goes 4o+n5 Seesa+ hi!s !he gron45 He screams5 His han4 is on his mo!h an4 !heres
"loo45
Oh- Go45 $loo4 is "a45 M/ mo!her +ill kill me5
An4 here she is- !r/ing !o rn across !he .la/gron45 Her "ig "ell/ slo+s her5
She sa/s-Lha! 4i4 /o 4oN Lha! 4i4 /o 4o !o !he chil4N
# 4on! kno+ +ha! !o sa/5 # 4on! kno+ +ha! # 4i45
She .lls m/ ear5 Go home5 Go !o "e45
$e4N #n !he mi44le o* !he 4a/N
%1
She .shes me !o+ar4 !he .la/gron4 ga!e5 Go5
She .icks . Malach/ an4 +a44les o**5
M/ *a!hers *rien4- Mr5 MacA4ore/- is o!si4e or "il4ing5 Hes s!an4ing a! !he e4ge o* !he
si4e+alk +i!h his +i*e- Minnie- looking a! a 4og l/ing in !he g!!er5There is "loo4 all aron4 !he
4ogs hea45 #!s !he color o* !he "loo4 *rom Malach/s mo!h5
Malach/ has 4og "loo4 an4 !he 4og has Malach/ "loo45 # .ll Mr5 MacA4ore/s han45 # !ell him
Malach/ has "loo4 like !he 4og5
Oh- he 4oes- in4ee4- Francis5 Ca!s ha)e i!- !oo5An4 Eskimos5All !he same "loo45
Minnie sa/s- S!o. !ha!- 7an5 S!o. con*sing !he +ee *ello+5 She !ells me !he .oor +ee 4og +as
hi! "/ a car an4 he cra+le4 all !he +a/ *rom !he mi44le o* !he s!ree! "e*ore he 4ie45Lan!e4 !o
come home- !he .oor +ee crea!re5
Mr5 MacA4ore/ sa/s-,o4 "e!!er go home- Francis5 # 4on! kno+ +ha! /o 4i4 !o /or +ee
"ro!her- "! /or mo!her !ook him o** !o !he hos.i!al5 Go home- chil45 Lill Malach/ 4ie like !he
4og- Mr5 MacA4ore/N
Minnie sa/s- He "i! his !onge5 He +on! 4ie5
Lh/ 4i4 !he 4og 4ieN
#! +as his !ime- Francis5
The a.ar!men! is em.!/ an4 # +an4er "e!+een !he !+o rooms- !he "e4room an4 !he ki!chen5
M/ *a!her is o! looking *or a Jo" an4 m/ mo!her is a! !he hos.i!al +i!h Malach/5 # +ish # ha4
some!hing !o ea! "! !heres no!hing in !he ice"o9 "! ca""age lea)es *loa!ing in !he mel!e4
ice5 M/ *a!her sai4 ne)er ea! an/!hing *loa!ing in +a!er *or !he ro! !ha! migh! "e in i!5 # *all
aslee. on m/ .aren!s "e4 an4 +hen m/ mo!her shakes me i!s nearl/ 4ark5,or li!!le "ro!her is
going !o slee. a +hile5 Nearl/ "i! his !onge o**5 S!i!ches galore5 Go in!o !he o!her room5 M/
*a!her is in !he ki!chen si..ing "lack !ea *rom his "ig +hi!e enamel mg5 He li*!s me !o his la.5
&(
7a4- +ill /o !ell me !he s!or/ a"o! Coo CooN
Cchlain5 Sa/ i! a*!er me- Coo:hoo:lin5 #ll !ell /o !he s!or/ +hen /o sa/ !he name righ!5
Coo:hoo:lin5
# sa/ i! righ! an4 he !ells me !he s!or/ o* Cchlain- +ho ha4 a 4i**eren! name +hen he +as a
"o/- Se!an!a5 He gre+ . in #relan4 +here 7a4 li)e4 +hen he +as a "o/ in Con!/ An!rim5
Se!an!a ha4 a s!ick an4 "all an4 one 4a/ he hi! !he "all an4 i! +en! in!o !he mo!h o* a "ig 4og
!ha! "elonge4 !o Clain an4 choke4 him5 Oh- Clain +as angr/ an4 he sai4-Lha! am # !o 4o no+
+i!ho! m/ "ig 4og !o gar4 m/ hose an4 m/ +i*e an4 m/ !en small chil4ren as +ell as
nmeros .igs- hens- shee.N
Se!an!a sai4- #m sorr/5 #ll gar4 /or hose +i!h m/ s!ick an4 "all an4 #ll change m/ name !o
Cchlain- !he Hon4 o* Clain5 He 4i45 He gar4e4 !he hose an4 regions "e/on4 an4 "ecame
a grea! hero- !he Hon4 o* Uls!er i!sel*5 7a4 sai4 he +as a grea!er hero !han Hercles or
Achilles !ha! !he Greeks +ere al+a/s "ragging a"o! an4 he col4 !ake on King Ar!hr an4 all
his knigh!s in a *air *igh! +hich- o* corse- /o col4 ne)er ge! +i!h an Englishman an/+a/5
Tha!s m/ s!or/5 7a4 can! !ell !ha! s!or/ !o Malach/ or an/ o!her chil4ren 4o+n !he hall5
He *inishes !he s!or/ an4 le!s me si. his !ea5 #!s "i!!er- "! #m ha../ !here on his la.5
For 4a/s Malach/s !onge is s+ollen an4 he can har4l/ make a son4 ne)er min4 !alk5 $!
e)en i* he col4 no one is .a/ing an/ a!!en!ion !o him "ecase +e ha)e !+o ne+ "a"ies +ho
+ere "rogh! "/ an angel in !he mi44le o* !he nigh!5The neigh"ors sa/- Ooh-Ah- !he/re lo)el/
"o/s- look a! !hose "ig e/es5
Malach/ s!an4s in !he mi44le o* !he room- looking . a! e)er/one- .oin!ing !o his !onge an4
sa/ing- Uck- ck5 Lhen !he neigh"ors sa/- Can! /o see +ere looking a! /or li!!le "ro!hersN
he cries- !ill 7a4 .a!s him on !he hea45 <! in /or !onge- son- an4 go o! an4 .la/ +i!h
Frankie5 Go on5
#n !he .la/gron4 # !ell Malach/ a"o! !he 4og +ho 4ie4 in !he s!ree! "ecase someone 4ro)e a
"all in!o his mo!h5 Malach/ shakes his hea45 No ck "all5 Car ck kill 4og5 He cries "ecase his
!onge hr!s an4 he can har4l/ !alk an4 i!s !erri"le +hen /o can! !alk5 He +on! le! me &%
.sh him on !he s+ing5 He sa/s-,o ck kill me ck on seesa+5 He ge!s Fre44ie Lei"o+i!I !o
.sh him an4 hes ha../- laghing +hen he s+ings !o !he sk/5 Fre44ie is "ig- hes se)en- an4 #
ask him !o .sh me5 He sa/s- No- /o !rie4 !o kill /or "ro!her5
# !r/ !o ge! !he s+ing going m/sel* "! all # can 4o is mo)e i! "ack an4 *or!h an4 #m angr/
"ecase Fre44ie an4 Malach/ are laghing a! !he +a/ # can! s+ing5 The/re grea! .als no+-
Fre44ie- se)en- Malach/- !+o5The/ lagh e)er/ 4a/ an4 Malach/s !onge ge!s "e!!er +i!h all
!he laghing5
Lhen he laghs /o can see ho+ +hi!e an4 small an4 .re!!/ his !ee!h are an4 /o can see his
e/es shine5 He has "le e/es like m/ mo!her5 He has gol4en hair an4 .ink cheeks5 # ha)e "ro+n
e/es like 7a45 # ha)e "lack hair an4 m/ cheeks are +hi!e in !he mirror5 M/ mo!her !ells Mrs5
Lei"o+i!I 4o+n !he hall !ha! Malach/ is !he ha..ies! chil4 in !he +orl45 She !ells Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I
4o+n !he hall- Frankie has !he o44 manner like his *a!her5 # +on4er +ha! !he o44 manner is "!
# can! ask "ecase #m no! s..ose4 !o "e lis!ening5
# +ish # col4 s+ing . in!o !he sk/- . in!o !he clo4s5 # migh! "e a"le !o *l/ aron4 !he +hole
+orl4 an4 no! hear m/ "ro!hers- Oli)er an4 Egene- cr/ in !he mi44le o* !he nigh! an/more5 M/
mo!her sa/s !he/re al+a/s hngr/5 She cries in !he mi44le o* !he nigh!- !oo5 She sa/s shes
+orn o! nrsing an4 *ee4ing an4 changing an4 *or "o/s is !oo mch *or her5 She +ishes she
ha4 one li!!le girl all *or hersel*5 She4 gi)e an/!hing *or one li!!le girl5 #m in !he .la/gron4 +i!h
Malach/5 #m *or- hes !hree5 He le!s me .sh him on !he s+ing "ecase hes no goo4 a!
s+inging himsel* an4 Fre44ie Lei"o+i!I is in school5 Le ha)e !o s!a/ in !he .la/gron4 "ecase
!he !+ins are slee.ing an4 m/ mo!her sa/s shes +orn o!5 Go o! an4 .la/- she sa/s- an4 gi)e
me some res!5 7a4 is o! looking *or a Jo" again an4 some!imes he comes home +i!h !he smell
o* +hiske/- singing all !he songs a"o! s**ering #relan45 Mam ge!s angr/ an4 sa/s #relan4 can
kiss her arse5 He sa/s !ha!s nice langage !o "e sing in *ron! o* !he chil4ren an4 she sa/s ne)er
min4 !he langage- *oo4 on !he !a"le is +ha! she +an!s- no! s**ering #relan45 She sa/s i! +as a
sa4 4a/ <rohi"i!ion en4e4 "ecase 7a4 ge!s !he 4rink going aron4 !o saloons o**ering !o
s+ee. o! !he "ars an4 li*! "arrels *or a +hiske/ &&
or a "eer5 Some!imes he "rings home "i!s o* !he *ree lnch- r/e "rea4- corne4 "ee*- .ickles5 He
.!s !he *oo4 on !he !a"le an4 4rinks !ea himsel*5 He sa/s *oo4 is a shock !o !he s/s!em an4 he
4oesn! kno+ +here +e ge! or a..e!i!es5 Mam sa/s-The/ ge! !heir a..e!i!es "ecase !he/re
s!ar)ing hal* !he !ime5
Lhen 7a4 ge!s a Jo" Mam is cheer*l an4 she sings-
An/one can see +h/ # +an!e4 /or kiss-
#! ha4 !o "e an4 !he reason is !his
Col4 i! "e !re- someone like /o
Col4 lo)e me- lo)e meN
Lhen 7a4 "rings home !he *irs! +eeks +ages Mam is 4eligh!e4 she can .a/ !he lo)el/ #!alian
man in !he grocer/ sho. an4 she can hol4 her hea4 . again "ecase !heres no!hing +orse in
!he +orl4 !han !o o+e an4 "e "ehol4en !o an/one5 She cleans !he ki!chen- +ashes !he mgs
an4 .la!es- "rshes crm"s an4 "i!s o* *oo4 *rom !he !a"le- cleans o! !he ice"o9 an4 or4ers a
*resh "lock o* ice *rom ano!her #!alian5 She "/s !oile! .a.er !ha! +e can !ake 4o+n !he hall !o
!he la)a!or/ an4 !ha!- she sa/s- is "e!!er !han ha)ing !he hea4lines *rom !he 7ail/ Ne+s
"lackening /or arse5 She "oils +a!er on !he s!o)e an4 s.en4s a 4a/ a! a grea! !in !" +ashing
or shir!s an4 socks- 4ia.ers *or !he !+ins- or !+o shee!s- or !hree !o+els5 She hangs
e)er/!hing o! on !he clo!heslines "ehin4 !he a.ar!men! hose an4 +e can +a!ch !he clo!hes
4ance in +in4 an4 sn5 She sa/s /o +ol4n! +an! !he neigh"ors !o kno+ +ha! /o ha)e in
!he +a/ o* a +ash "! !heres no!hing like !he s+ee!ness o* clo!hes 4rie4 "/ !he sn5
Lhen 7a4 "rings home !he *irs! +eeks +ages on a Fri4a/ nigh! +e kno+ !he +eeken4 +ill "e
+on4er*l5 On Sa!r4a/ nigh! Mam +ill "oil +a!er on !he s!o)e an4 +ash s in !he grea! !in !"
an4 7a4 +ill 4r/ s5 Malach/ +ill !rn aron4 an4 sho+ his "ehin45 7a4 +ill .re!en4 !o "e
shocke4 an4 +ell all lagh5 Mam +ill make ho! cocoa an4 +ell "e a"le !o s!a/ . +hile 7a4
!ells s a s!or/ o! o* his hea45 All +e ha)e !o 4o is sa/ a name- Mr5 MacA4ore/ or Mr5 Lei"o+i!I
4o+n !he hall- an4 7a4 +ill ha)e !he !+o o* !hem ro+ing . a ri)er in $raIil chase4 "/ #n4ians
+i!h green noses an4 .ce shol4ers5 On nigh!s like !ha! +e can 4ri*! &'
o** !o slee. kno+ing !here +ill "e a "reak*as! o* eggs- *rie4 !oma!oes an4 *rie4 "rea4- !ea +i!h
lashings o* sgar an4 milk an4- la!er in !he 4a/- a "ig 4inner o* mashe4 .o!a!oes- .eas an4 ham-
an4 a !ri*le Mam makes- la/ers o* *ri! an4 +arm 4elicios cs!ar4 on a cake soake4 in sherr/5
Lhen 7a4 "rings home !he *irs! +eeks +ages an4 !he +ea!her is *ine Mam !akes s !o !he
.la/gron45 She si!s on a "ench an4 !alks !o Minnie MacA4ore/5 She !ells Minnie s!ories a"o!
charac!ers in Limerick an4 Minnie !ells her a"o! charac!ers in $el*as! an4 !he/ lagh "ecase
!here are *nn/ .eo.le in #relan4- Nor!h an4 So!h5Then !he/ !each each o!her sa4 songs an4
Malach/ an4 # lea)e !he s+ings an4 seesa+s !o si! +i!h !hem on !he "ench an4 sing- A gro. o*
/ong sol4iers one nigh! in a cam.
Lere !alking o* s+ee!hear!s !he/ ha45
All seeme4 so merr/ e9ce.! one /ong la4-
An4 he +as 4o+nhear!e4 an4 sa45
Come an4 Join s- sai4 one o* !he "o/s-
Srel/ !heres someone *or /o5
$! Ne4 shook his hea4 an4 .ro4l/ he sai4
# am in lo)e +i!h !+o- Each like a mo!her !o me-From nei!her o* !hem shall # .ar!5
For one is m/ mo!her- Go4 "less her an4 lo)e her-The o!her is m/ s+ee!hear!5
Malach/ an4 # sing !ha! song an4 Mam an4 Minnie lagh !ill !he/ cr/ a! !he +a/ Malach/ !akes a
4ee. "o+ an4 hol4s his arms o! !o Mam a! !he en45 7an MacA4ore/ comes along on his +a/
home *rom +ork an4 sa/s R4/ Oallee "e!!er s!ar! +orr/ing a"o! !he com.e!i!ion5 Lhen +e
go home Mam makes !ea an4 "rea4 an4 Jam or mashe4 .o!a!oes +i!h "!!er an4 sal!5 7a4
4rinks !he !ea an4 ea!s no!hing5 Mam sa/s- Go4 a"o)e- Ho+ can /o +ork all 4a/ an4 no! ea!N
He sa/s-The !ea is enogh5 She sa/s- ,oll rin /or heal!h- an4 he !ells her again !ha! *oo4 is a
shock !o !he s/s!em5 He 4rinks his !ea an4 !ells s s!ories an4 sho+s s le!!ers an4 +or4s in !he
7ail/ Ne+s or he smokes a cigare!!e- s!ares a! !he +all- rns his !onge o)er his li.s5 Lhen
7a4s Jo" goes in!o !he !hir4 +eek he 4oes no! "ring home !he +ages5 On Fri4a/ nigh! +e +ai!
*or him an4 Mam gi)es s "rea4 &B
an4 !ea5The 4arkness comes 4o+n an4 !he ligh!s come on along Classon A)ene5 O!her men
+i!h Jo"s are home alrea4/ an4 ha)ing eggs *or 4inner "ecase /o can! ha)e mea! on a
Fri4a/5,o can hear !he *amilies !alking .s!airs an4 4o+ns!airs an4 4o+n !he hall an4 $ing
Cros"/ is singing on !he ra4io- $ro!her- can /o s.are a 4imeN
Malach/ an4 # .la/ +i!h !he !+ins5Le kno+ Mam +on! sing An/one can see +h/ # +an!e4 /or
kiss5 She si!s a! !he ki!chen !a"le !alking !o hersel*-Lha! am # going !o 4oN !ill i!s la!e an4 7a4
rolls . !he s!airs singing Ro44/ McCorle/5 He .shes in !he 4oor an4 calls *or s-Lhere are m/
!roo.sN Lhere are m/ *or +arriorsN
Mam sa/s- Lea)e !hose "o/s alone5The/re gone !o "e4 hal* hngr/ "ecase /o ha)e !o *ill
/or "ell/ +i!h +hiske/5
He comes !o !he "e4room 4oor5 U.- "o/s- .5 A nickel *or e)er/one +ho .romises !o 4ie *or
#relan45 7ee. in Cana4ian +oo4s +e me!
From one "righ! islan4 *lo+n5
Grea! is !he lan4 +e !rea4- "! /e!
Or hear!s are +i!h or o+n5
U.- "o/s- .5 Francis- Malach/- Oli)er- Egene5 The Re4 $ranch Knigh!s- !he Fenian Men- !he
#RA5 U.- .5
Mam is a! !he ki!chen !a"le- shaking- her hair hanging 4am.- her *ace +e!5 Can! /o lea)e !hem
aloneN she sa/s5 Pess- Mar/ an4 Pose.h- isn! i! enogh !ha! /o come home +i!ho! a .enn/
in /or .ocke! +i!ho! making *ools o* !he chil4ren on !o. o* i!N
She comes !o s5 Go "ack !o "e4- she sa/s5
# +an! !hem .- he sa/s5 # +an! !hem rea4/ *or !he 4a/ #relan4 +ill "e *ree *rom !he cen!er !o
!he sea5
7on! cross me- she sa/s- *or i* /o 4o i!ll "e a sorr/ 4a/ in /or mo!hers hose5
He .lls his ca. 4o+n o)er his *ace an4 cries- M/ .oor mo!her5 <oor #relan45 Och- +ha! are +e
going !o 4oN
Mam sa/s-,ore .re s!one ma4- an4 she !ells s again !o go !o "e45 On !he morning o* !he
*or!h Fri4a/ o* 7a4s Jo" Mam asks him i* hell "e home !onigh! +i!h his +ages or +ill he 4rink
e)er/!hing againN He looks a! s an4 shakes his hea4 a! Mam as i* !o sa/- Och- /o shol4n!
!alk like !ha! in *ron! o* !he chil4ren5
&C
Mam kee.s a! him5 #m asking /o- Are /o coming home so !ha! +e can ha)e a "i! o* s..er or
+ill i! "e mi4nigh! +i!h no mone/ in /or .ocke! an4 /o singing Ke)in $arr/ an4 !he res! o* !he
sa4 songsN
He .!s on his ca.- sho)es his han4s in!o his !roser .ocke!s- sighs an4 looks . a! !he ceiling5 #
!ol4 /o "e*ore #ll "e home- he sa/s5 La!er in !he 4a/ Mam 4resses s5 She .!s !he !+ins in!o
!he .ram an4 o** +e go !hrogh !he long s!ree!s o* $rookl/n5 Some!imes she le!s Malach/ si! in
!he .ram +hen hes !ire4 o* !ro!!ing along "esi4e her5 She !ells me #m !oo "ig *or !he .ram5 #
col4 !ell her # ha)e .ains in m/ legs *rom !r/ing !o kee. . +i!h her "! shes no! singing an4 #
kno+ !his is no! !he 4a/ !o "e !alking a"o! m/ .ains5
Le come !o a "ig ga!e +here !heres a man s!an4ing in a "o9 +i!h +in4o+s all aron45 Mam
!alks !o !he man5 She +an!s !o kno+ i* she can go insi4e !o +here !he men are .ai4 an4 ma/"e
!he/4 gi)e her some o* 7a4s +ages so he +ol4n! s.en4 i! in !he "ars5The man shakes his
hea45 #m sorr/- la4/- "! i* +e 4i4 !ha! +e4 ha)e hal* !he +i)es in $rookl/n s!orming !he .lace5
Lo!!a men ha)e !he 4rinking .ro"lem "! !heres no!hing +e can 4o long as !he/ sho+ . so"er
an4 4o !heir +ork5 Le +ai! across !he s!ree!5 Mam le!s me si! on !he si4e+alk +i!h m/ "ack
agains! !he +all5 She gi)es !he !+ins !heir "o!!les o* +a!er an4 sgar "! Malach/ an4 # ha)e !o
+ai! !ill she ge!s mone/ *rom 7a4 an4 +e can go !o !he #!alian *or !ea an4 "rea4 an4 eggs5
Lhen !he +his!le "lo+s a! hal* *i)e men in ca.s an4 o)eralls s+arm !hrogh !he ga!e- !heir
*aces an4 han4s "lack *rom !he +ork5 Mam !ells s +a!ch care*ll/ *or 7a4 "ecase she can
har4l/ see across !he s!ree! hersel*- her e/es are !ha! "a45There are 4oIens o* men- !hen a *e+-
!hen none5 Mam is cr/ing-Lh/ col4n! /e see himN Are /e "lin4 or +ha!N
She goes "ack !o !he man in !he "o95 Are /o sre !here +ol4n! "e one man le*! insi4eN
No- la4/- he sa/s5The/re o!5 # 4on! kno+ ho+ he go! .as! /o5 Le go "ack !hrogh !he long
s!ree!s o* $rookl/n5 The !+ins hol4 . !heir "o!!les an4 cr/ *or more +a!er an4 sgar5 Malach/
sa/s hes hngr/ an4 Mam !ells him +ai! a li!!le- +ell ge! mone/ *rom 7a4 an4 +ell all ha)e a
nice s..er5Lell go !o !he #!alian an4 ge! eggs an4 make !oas! +i!h !he *lames on !he s!o)e
an4 +ell ha)e Jam on i!5 Oh- +e +ill- an4 +ell all "e nice an4 +arm5
#!s 4ark on A!lan!ic A)ene an4 all !he "ars aron4 !he Long #slan4 Railroa4 S!a!ion are "righ!
an4 nois/5Le go *rom "ar !o "ar looking *or 7a45 Mam lea)es s o!si4e +i!h !he .ram +hile
she goes in or she sen4s &3
me5There are cro+4s o* nois/ men an4 s!ale smells !ha! remin4 me o* 7a4 +hen he comes
home +i!h !he smell o* !he +hiske/ on him5 The man "ehin4 !he "ar sa/s-,eah- sonn/-
+ha44/a +an!N ,ore no! s..ose!a "e in here- /kno+5
#m looking *or m/ *a!her5 #s m/ *a!her hereN
Na+- sonn/- ho+4 # kno+ 4a!N Lhos /or *a+4ahN
His name is Malach/ an4 he sings Ke)in $arr/5
Malarke/N
No- Malach/5
Malach/N An4 he sings Ke)in $arr/N
He calls o! !o !he men in !he "ar- ,ose g/s- /ose kno+ g/ Malach/ +ha! sings Ke)in
$arr/N
Men shake !heir hea4s5 One sa/s he kne+ a g/ Michael sang Ke)in $arr/ "! he 4ie4 o* !he
4rink +hich he ha4 "ecase o* his +ar +on4s5
The "arman sa/s- PeeI- <e!e- # 4i4n! a9 /a !o !ell me his!or/ o 4a +oil4- 4i4 #N Na+- ki45Le
4on! le! .eo.le sing in here5 Cases !ro"le5 S.eciall/ !he #rish5 Le! em sing- ne9! !he *is!s are
*l/ing5 $esi4es- # ne)er hoi4 a name like 4a! Malach/5 Na+- ki4- no Malach/ here5 The man
calle4 <e!e hol4s his glass !o+ar4 me5 Here- ki4- ha)e a si.- "! !he "arman sa/s-Lha44/a
4oin- <e!eN Tr/ina ge! !he ki4 4rnkN 7o !ha! again- <e!e- an #ll come o! an "reak /ass5
Mam !ries all !he "ars aron4 !he s!a!ion "e*ore she gi)es .5 She leans agains! a +all an4 cries5
Pess- +e s!ill ha)e !o +alk all !he +a/ !o Classon A)ene an4 # ha)e *or s!ar)ing chil4ren5 She
sen4s me "ack in!o !he "ar +here <e!e o**ere4 me !he si. !o see i* !he "arman +ol4 *ill !he
!+ins "o!!les +i!h +a!er an4 ma/"e a li!!le sgar in each5 The men in !he "ar !hink i!s )er/
*nn/ !ha! !he "arman shol4 "e *illing "a"/ "o!!les "! hes "ig an4 he !ells !hem sh! !heir
li.5 He !ells me "a"ies shol4 "e 4rinking milk no! +a!er an4 +hen # !ell him Mam 4oesn! ha)e
!he mone/ he em.!ies !he "a"/ "o!!les an4 *ills !hem +i!h milk5 He sa/s- Tell /a mom !he/
nee4 !ha! *or !he !ee!h an "ones5,a 4rink +a!er an sgar an all /a ge! is ricke!s5Tell /a Mom5
Mam is ha../ +i!h !he milk5 She sa/s she kno+s all a"o! !ee!h an4 "ones an4 ricke!s "!
"eggars can! "e choosers5
Lhen +e reach Classon A)ene she goes s!raigh! !o !he #!alian grocer/ sho.5 She !ells !he man
her hs"an4 is la!e !onigh!- !ha! hes .ro"a"l/ +orking o)er!ime- an4 +ol4 i! "e a! all .ossi"le
!o ge! a *e+ !hings an4 shell "e sre !o see him !omorro+N
&E
The #!alian sa/s- Misss- /o al+a/s .a/ /or "ill sooner or la!er an4 /o can ha)e an/!hing /o
like in !his s!ore5
Oh- she sa/s- # 4on! +an! mch5
An/!hing /o like- misss- "ecase # kno+ /ore an hones! +oman an4 /o go! a "nch o nice
ki4s !here5
Le ha)e eggs an4 !oas! an4 Jam !hogh +ere so +ear/ +alking !he long s!ree!s o* $rookl/n +e
can "arel/ mo)e or Ja+s !o che+5The !+ins *all aslee. a*!er ea!ing an4 Mam la/s !hem on !he
"e4 !o change !heir 4ia.ers5 She sen4s me 4o+n !he hall !o rinse !he 4ir!/ 4ia.ers in !he
la)a!or/ so !ha! !he/ can "e hng . !o 4r/ an4 se4 !he ne9! 4a/5 Malach/ hel.s her +ash !he
!+ins "o!!oms !hogh hes rea4/ !o *all aslee. himsel*5 # cra+l in!o "e4 +i!h Malach/ an4 !he
!+ins5 # look o! a! Mam a! !he ki!chen !a"le- smoking a cigare!!e- 4rinking !ea- an4 cr/ing5 #
+an! !o ge! . an4 !ell her #ll "e a man soon an4 #ll ge! a Jo" in !he .lace +i!h !he "ig ga!e an4
#ll come home e)er/ Fri4a/ nigh! +i!h mone/ *or eggs an4 !oas! an4 Jam an4 she can sing again
An/one can see +h/ # +an!e4 /or kiss5
The ne9! +eek 7a4 loses !he Jo"5 He comes home !ha! Fri4a/ nigh!- !hro+s his +ages on !he
!a"le an4 sa/s !o Mam- Are /o ha../ no+N
,o hang aron4 !he ga!e com.laining an4 accsing an4 !he/ sack me5 The/ +ere looking *or
an e9cse an4 /o ga)e i! !o !hem5 He !akes a *e+ 4ollars *rom his +ages an4 goes o!5 He
comes home la!e roaring an4 singing5The !+ins cr/ an4 Mam shshes !hem an4 cries a long
!ime hersel*5
Le s.en4 hors in !he .la/gron4 +hen !he !+ins are slee.ing- +hen Mam is !ire4- an4 +hen
7a4 comes home +i!h !he +hiske/ smell on him- roaring a"o! Ke)in $arr/ ge!!ing hange4 on a
Mon4a/ morning or !he Ro44/ McCorle/ song-
U. !he narro+ s!ree! he s!e..e4
Smiling an4 .ro4 an4 /ong
A"o! !he hem.:ro.e on his neck
The gol4en ringle!s clng-
Theres ne)er a !ear in !he "le e/es
$o!h gla4 an4 "righ! are !he/-
As Ro44/ McCorle/ goes !o 4ie
On !he "ri4ge o* Toome !o4a/5
&D
Lhen he sings he marches aron4 !he !a"le- Mam cries an4 !he !+ins ho+l +i!h her5 She sa/s-
Go o!- Frankie- go o!- Malach/5,o shol4n! see /or *a!her like !his5 S!a/ in !he .la/gron45
Le 4on! min4 going !o !he .la/gron45Le can .la/ +i!h !he lea)es .iling . on !he gron4
an4 +e can .sh each o!her on !he s+ings "! !hen +in!er comes !o Classon A)ene an4 !he
s+ings are *roIen an4 +on! e)en mo)e5 Minnie MacA4ore/ sa/s- Go4 hel. !hese .oor +ee
"o/s5 The/ 4on! ha)e a glo)e "e!+een !hem5 Tha! makes me lagh "ecase # kno+ Malach/
an4 # ha)e *or han4s "e!+een s an4 one glo)e +ol4 "e sill/5 Malach/ 4oesn! kno+ +ha! #m
laghing a!= He +on! kno+ an/!hing !ill hes *or going on *i)e5
Minnie "rings s in an4 gi)es s !ea an4 .orri4ge +i!h Jam in i!5 Mr5 MacA4ore/ si!s in an
armchair +i!h !heir ne+ "a"/- Maisie5 He hol4s her "o!!le an4 sings-
Cla. han4s- cla. han4s-
Till 7a44/ comes home-
Li!h "ns in his .ocke!
For Maisie alone5
Cla. han4s- cla. han4s-
Till 7a44/ comes home-
For 7a44/ has mone/
An4 Mamm/ has none5
Malach/ !ries !o sing !ha! song "! # !ell him s!o.- i!s Maisies song5 He s!ar!s !o cr/ an4 Minnie
sa/s- There- !here5,o can sing !he song5 Tha!s a song *or all !he chil4ren5 Mr5 MacA4ore/
smiles a! Malach/ an4 # +on4er +ha! kin4 o* +orl4 is i! +here an/one can sing an/one elses
song5
Minnie sa/s- 7on! *ro+n- Frankie5 #! makes /or *ace 4ark an4 Go4 kno+s i!s 4ark enogh5
Some 4a/ /oll ha)e a li!!le sis!er an4 /o can sing !ha! song !o her5 Och- a/e5,oll ha)e a li!!le
sis!er- srel/5 Minnie is righ! an4 Mam ge!s her +ish5Theres a ne+ "a"/ soon- a li!!le girl- an4
!he/ call her Margare!5Le all lo)e Margare!5 She has "lack crl/ hair an4 "le e/es like Mam
an4 she +a)es her li!!le han4s an4 chir.s like an/ li!!le "ir4 in !he !rees along Classon A)ene5
Minnie sa/s !here +as a holi4a/ in hea)en !he 4a/ !his chil4 +as ma4e5 Mrs5 &1
Lei"o+i!I sa/s !he +orl4 ne)er sa+ sch e/es- sch a smile- sch ha..iness5 She makes me
4ance- sa/s Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I5 Lhen 7a4 comes home *rom looking *or a Jo" he hol4s Margare!
an4 sings !o her=
#n a sha4/ nook one moonli! nigh!
A le.rechan # s.ie45
Li!h scarle! ca. an4 coa! o* green
A criskeen "/ his si4e5
T+as !ick !ock !ick his hammer +en!
U.on a !in/ shoe5
Oh- # lagh !o !hink he +as cagh! a! las!-
$! !he *air/ +as laghing- !oo5
He +alks aron4 !he ki!chen +i!h her an4 !alks !o her5 He !ells her ho+ lo)el/ she is +i!h her
crl/ "lack hair an4 !he "le e/es o* her mo!her5 He !ells her hell !ake her !o #relan4 an4 !he/ll
+alk !he Glens o* An!rim an4 s+im in Logh Neagh5 Hell ge! a Jo" soon- so he +ill- an4 shell
ha)e 4resses o* silk an4 shoes +i!h sil)er "ckles5 The more 7a4 sings !o Margare! !he less she
cries an4 as !he 4a/s .ass she e)en "egins !o lagh5 Mam sa/s- Look a! him !r/ing !o 4ance +i!h
!ha! chil4 in his arms- him +i!h his !+o le*! *ee!5 She laghs an4 +e all lagh5
The !+ins crie4 +hen !he/ +ere small an4 7a4 an4 Mam +ol4 sa/ Lhish! an4 Hsh an4 *ee4
!hem an4 !he/4 go "ack !o slee.5 $! +hen Margare! cries !heres a high lonel/ *eeling in !he
air an4 7a4 is o! o* "e4 in a secon4- hol4ing her !o him- 4oing a slo+ 4ance aron4 !he !a"le-
singing !o her- making son4s like a mo!her5Lhen he .asses !he +in4o+ +here !he s!ree!ligh!
shines in /o can see !ears on his cheeks an4 !ha!s s!range "ecase he ne)er cries *or an/one
nless he has !he 4rink !aken an4 he sings !he Ke)in $arr/ song an4 !he Ro44/ McCorle/ song5
No+ he cries o)er Margare! an4 he has no smell o* 4rink on him5
Mam !ells Minnie MacA4ore/- Hes in hea)en o)er !ha! chil45 He hasn! !oche4 a 4ro. since
she +as "orn5 # shol4)e ha4 a li!!le girl a long !ime ago5
Och- !he/re lo)el/- aren! !he/N sa/s Minnie5 The li!!le "o/s are gran4- !oo- "! /o nee4 a li!!le
girl *or /orsel*5 '(
M/ mo!her laghs- For m/sel*N Lor4 a"o)e- i* # 4i4n! nrse her # +ol4n! "e a"le !o ge! near
her !he +a/ he +an!s !o "e hol4ing her 4a/ an4 nigh!5
Minnie sa/s i!s lo)el/- all !he same- !o see a man so charme4 +i!h his li!!le girl *or isn!
e)er/one charme4 +i!h herN
E)er/one5
The !+ins are a"le !o s!an4 an4 +alk an4 !he/ ha)e acci4en!s all !he !ime5Their "o!!oms are
sore "ecase !he/re al+a/s +e! an4 shi!!/5The/ .! 4ir!/ !hings in !heir mo!hs- "i!s o* .a.er-
*ea!hers- shoelaces- an4 !he/ ge! sick5 Mam sa/s +ere all 4ri)ing her craI/5 She 4resses !he
!+ins- .!s !hem in !he .ram- an4 Malach/ an4 # !ake !hem !o !he .la/gron45 The col4
+ea!her is gone an4 !he !rees ha)e green lea)es . an4 4o+n Classon A)ene5
Le race !he .ram aron4 !he .la/gron4 an4 !he !+ins lagh an4 make goo:goo son4s !ill
!he/ ge! hngr/ an4 s!ar! !o cr/5 There are !+o "o!!les in !he .ram *ille4 +i!h +a!er an4 sgar
an4 !ha! kee.s !hem Kie! *or a+hile !ill !he/re hngr/ again an4 !he/ cr/ so har4 # 4on! kno+
+ha! !o 4o "ecase !he/re so small an4 # +ish # col4 gi)e !hem all kin4s o* *oo4 so !ha! !he/4
lagh an4 make !he "a"/ son4s5The/ lo)e !he msh/ *oo4 Mam makes in a .o!- "rea4 mashe4
. in milk an4 +a!er an4 sgar5 Mam calls i! "rea4 an4 goo4/5
#* # !ake !he !+ins home no+ Mam +ill /ell a! me *or gi)ing her no res! or *or +aking Margare!5
Le are !o s!a/ in !he .la/gron4 !ill she s!icks her hea4 o! !he +in4o+ an4 calls *or s5 # make
*nn/ *aces *or !he !+ins !o s!o. !heir cr/ing5 # .! a .iece o* .a.er on m/ hea4 an4 le! i! *all
an4 !he/ lagh an4 lagh5 # .sh !he .ram o)er !o Malach/ .la/ing on !he s+ings +i!h Fre44ie
Lei"o+i!I5 Malach/ is !r/ing !o !ell Fre44ie all a"o! !he +a/ Se!an!a "ecame Cchlain5 # !ell
him s!o. !elling !ha! s!or/- i!s m/ s!or/5 He +on! s!o.5 # .sh him an4 he cries- Laah- +aah- #ll
!ell Mam5 Fre44ie .shes me an4 e)er/!hing !rns 4ark in m/ hea4 an4 # rn a! him +i!h *is!s
an4 knees an4 *ee! !ill he /ells- He/- s!o.- s!o.- an4 # +on! "ecase # can!- # 4on! kno+ ho+-
an4 i* # s!o. Malach/ +ill go on !aking m/ s!or/ *rom me5 Fre44ie .shes me a+a/ an4 rns o**-
/elling- Frankie !rie4 !o kill me5 Frankie !rie4 !o kill me5 # 4on! kno+ +ha! !o 4o "ecase # ne)er
!rie4 !o kill an/one "e*ore an4 no+ Malach/- on !he s+ing- cries- 7on! kill me- Frankie- an4 he
'%
looks so hel.less # .! m/ arms aron4 him an4 hel. him o** !he s+ing5 He hgs me5 # +on! !ell
/or s!or/ an/more5 # +on! !ell Fre44ie a"o! Coo- Coo5 # +an! !o lagh "! # can! "ecase !he
!+ins are cr/ing in !he .ram an4 i!s 4ark in !he .la/gron4 an4 +ha!s !he se o* !r/ing !o
make *nn/ *aces an4 le!!ing !hings *all o** /or hea4 +hen !he/ can! see /o in !he 4arkN
The #!alian grocer/ sho. is across !he s!ree! an4 # see "ananas- a..les- oranges5 # kno+ !he
!+ins can ea! "ananas5 Malach/ lo)es "ananas an4 # like !hem m/sel*5 $! /o nee4 mone/-
#!alians are no! kno+n *or gi)ing a+a/ "ananas es.eciall/ !o !he McCor!s +ho o+e !hem
mone/ alrea4/ *or groceries5
M/ mo!her !ells me all !he !ime- Ne)er- ne)er lea)e !ha! .la/gron4 e9ce.! !o come home5 $!
+ha! am # !o 4o +i!h !he !+ins "a+ling +i!h !he hnger in !he .ramN # !ell Malach/ #ll "e "ack
in a min!e5 # make sre no one is looking- gra" a "nch o* "ananas o!si4e !he #!alian grocer/
sho. an4 rn 4o+n M/r!le A)ene- a+a/ *rom !he .la/gron4- aron4 !he "lock an4 "ack !o
!he o!her en4 +here !heres a hole in !he *ence5 Le .sh !he .ram !o a 4ark corner an4 .eel
!he "ananas *or !he !+ins5There are *i)e "ananas in !he "nch an4 +e *eas! on !hem in !he 4ark
corner5 The !+ins slo""er an4 che+ an4 s.rea4 "anana o)er !heir *aces- !heir hair- !heir
clo!hes5 # realiIe !hen !ha! Kes!ions +ill "e aske45 Mam +ill +an! !o kno+ +h/ !he !+ins are
smo!here4 in "ananas- +here 4i4 /o ge! !hemN # can! !ell her a"o! !he #!alian sho. on !he
corner5 # +ill ha)e !o sa/- A man5
Tha!s +ha! #ll sa/5 A man5
Then !he s!range !hing ha..ens5 Theres a man a! !he ga!e o* !he .la/gron45 Hes calling me5
Oh- Go4- i!s !he #!alian5 He/- sonn/- come
ere5 He/- !alkin !o /a5 Come ere5
# go !o him5
,o !he ki4 +i4 !he li!!le "r44as- righ!N T+insN
,es- sir5
Heah5 Go!!a "ag o *ri!5 # 4on gi)e i! !o /o # !ro+ i4 o!5 Righ!N
So- heah- !ake !he "ag5,a go! a..les- oranges- "ananas5,a like "ananas- righ!N # !hink /a like
"ananas- ehN Ha- ha5 # kno+ /a like !he "ananas5 Heah- !ake !he "ag5,a go!!a nice mo!her
!here5,a *a!herN Lell- /a kno+- hes go! !he .ro"lem- !he #rish !hing5 Gi)e !hem !+ins a "anana5
Sh4
em .5 # hear em all !he +a/ cross !he s!ree!5
Thank /o- sir5
'&
PeeI5 <oli!e ki4- ehN Lhere Ja loin 4a!N
M/ *a!her !ol4 me !o sa/ !hanks- sir5
,or *a!herN Oh- +ell5
7a4 si!s a! !he !a"le rea4ing !he .a.er5 He sa/s !ha! <resi4en! Roose)el! is a goo4 man an4
e)er/one in America +ill soon ha)e a Jo"5 Mam is on !he o!her si4e o* !he !a"le *ee4ing
Margare! +i!h a "o!!le5 She has !he har4 look !ha! *righ!ens me5
Lhere 4i4 /o ge! !ha! *ri!N
The man5
Lha! manN
The #!alian man ga)e i! !o me5
7i4 /o s!eal !ha! *ri!N
Malach/ sa/s-The man5The man ga)e Frankie !he "ag5
An4 +ha! 4i4 /o 4o !o Fre44ie Lei"o+i!IN His mo!her +as here5 Lo)el/ +oman5 # 4on! kno+
+ha! +e4 4o +i!ho! her an4 Minnie MacA4ore/5 An4 /o ha4 !o a!!ack .oor Fre44ie5
Malach/ Jm.s . an4 4o+n5 He 4in!5 He 4in!5 7in! !r/ !o kill Fre44ie5 7in! !r/ !o kill me5
7a4 sa/s- Lhish!- Malach/- +hish!5 Come o)er here5 An4 he !akes Malach/ on his la.5
M/ mo!her sa/s- Go 4o+n !he hall an4 !ell Fre44ie /ore sorr/5 $! 7a4 sa/s- 7o /o +an! !o
!ell Fre44ie /ore sorr/N
# 4on!5
M/ .aren!s look a! one ano!her5 7a4 sa/s- Fre44ie is a goo4 "o/5 He +as onl/ .shing /or
li!!le "ro!her on !he s+ing5 #sn! !ha! righ!N
He +as !r/ing !o s!eal m/ Cchlain s!or/5
Och- no+5 Fre44ie 4oesn! care a"o! !he Cchlain s!or/5 He has his o+n s!or/5 Hn4re4s o*
s!ories5 Hes Pe+ish5
Lha!s Pe+ishN
7a4 laghs5 Pe+ish is- Pe+ish is .eo.le +i!h !heir o+n s!ories5The/ 4on! nee4 Cchlain5The/
ha)e Moses5The/ ha)e Samson5 Lha!s SamsonN
#* /o go 4o+n an4 !alk !o Fre44ie #ll !ell /o a"o! Samson la!er5 ,o can !ell Fre44ie /ore
sorr/ an4 /oll ne)er 4o i! again an4 /o can e)en ask him a"o! Samson5 An/!hing /o like as
long as /o !alk !o Fre44ie5Lill /oN
''
The "a"/ gi)es a li!!le cr/ in m/ mo!hers arms an4 7a4 Jm.s .- 4ro..ing Malach/ !o !he
*loor5 #s she all righ!N M/ mo!her sa/s- O* corse shes all righ!5 Shes *ee4ing5 Go4 a"o)e-
/ore a "n4le o* ner)es5
The/re !alking a"o! Margare! no+ an4 #m *orgo!!en5 # 4on! care5 #m going 4o+n !he hall !o
ask Fre44ie a"o! Samson- !o see i* Samson is as goo4 as Cchlain- !o see i* Fre44ie has his
o+n s!or/ or i* he s!ill +an!s !o s!eal Cchlain5 Malach/ +an!s !o go +i!h me no+ !ha! m/
*a!her is s!an4ing an4 4oesn! ha)e a la. an/more5
Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I sa/s- Oh- Frankie- Frankie- come in- come in5 An4 li!!le Malach/5 An4 !ell me-
Frankie- +ha! 4i4 /o 4o !o Fre44ieN Trie4 !o kill himN Fre44ie is a goo4 "o/-Frankie5Rea4s his
"ook5Lis!ens !o ra4io +i!h his .a.a5 He s+inks /o "ro!her on s+ink5An4 /o !r/ !o kill him5 Oh-
Frankie- Frankie5 An4 /o .oor mo!her an4 her sick "a"/5 Shes no! sick- Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I5
Sick she is5 8a! is one sick "a"/5 # kno+ *rom sick "a"ies5 # +ork in hoI!i.al5 7on! !ell me-
Frankie5 Come in- come in5 Fre44ie- Fre44ie- Frankie is here5 Come o!5 Frankie +on! kill /o no
more5,o an4 li!!le Malach/5 Nice Che+ish name- ha)e .iece cake- ehN Lh/ !he/ gi)e /o a
Che+ish name- ehN So- glass milk- .iece cake5,o "o/s so !hin- #rish 4on! ea!5
Le si! a! !he !a"le +i!h Fre44ie- ea!ing cake- 4rinking milk5 Mr5 Lei"o+i!I si!s in an armchair
rea4ing !he .a.er- lis!ening !o !he ra4io5 Some!imes he s.eaks !o Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I an4 # 4on!
n4ers!an4 "ecase s!range son4s come *rom his mo!h5 Fre44ie n4ers!an4s5Lhen Mr5
Lei"o+i!I makes !he s!range son4s Fre44ie ge!s . an4 !akes him a .iece o* cake5 Mr5
Lei"o+i!I smiles a! Fre44ie an4 .a!s his hea4 an4 Fre44ie smiles "ack an4 makes !he s!range
son4s5
Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I shakes her hea4 a! Malach/ an4 me5 O/- so !hin5 She sa/s O/ so mch Malach/
laghs an4 sa/s O/ an4 !he Lei"o+i!Ies lagh an4 Mr5 Lei"o+i!I sa/s +or4s +e can
n4ers!an4-Lhen #rish o/es are smiling5 Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I laghs so har4 her "o4/ shakes an4 she
hol4s her s!omach an4 Malach/ sa/s O/ again "ecase he kno+s !ha! makes e)er/one lagh5 #
sa/ O/ "! no one laghs an4 # kno+ O/ "elongs !o Malach/ !he +a/ Cchlain "elongs !o me
an4 Malach/ can ha)e his O/5
Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I- m/ *a!her sai4 Fre44ie has a *a)ori!e s!or/5 'B
Malach/ sa/s- Sam- Sam- O/5 E)er/one laghs again "! # 4on! "ecase # can! remem"er +ha!
comes a*!er Sam5 Fre44ie mm"les !hrogh his cake- Samson- an4 Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I !ells him-
7on! !alk +iI /o mose *ll- an4 # lagh "ecase shes gro+n:. an4 she sa/s mose ins!ea4
o* mo!h5 Malach/ laghs "ecase # lagh an4 !he Lei"o+i!Ies look a! each o!her an4 smile5
Fre44ie sa/s- No! Samson5 M/ *a)ori!e s!or/ is 7a)i4 an4 !he gian!- Golia!h5 7a)i4 kille4 him
4ea4 +i!h a slingsho!- a s!one in his hea45 His "rains +as on !he gron45 Lere on !he gron4-
sa/s Mr5 Lei"o+i!I5
,es- <a.a5
<a.a5Tha!s +ha! Fre44ie calls his *a!her an4 7a4 is +ha! # call m/ *a!her5
M/ mo!hers +his.er +akes me5Lha!s . +i!h !he chil4N #!s s!ill earl/ an4 !here isn! mch
morning in !he room "! /o can see 7a4 o)er "/ !he +in4o+ +i!h Margare! in his arms5 Hes
rocking her an4 sighing- Och5 Mam sa/s- #s she- is she sickN
Och- shes )er/ Kie! an4 shes a +ee "i! col45
M/ mo!her is o! o* !he "e4- !aking !he chil45 Go *or !he 4oc!or5 Go *or Go4s sake- an4 m/
*a!her is .lling on his !rosers o)er his shir!- no Jacke!- shoes- no socks on !his "i!!er 4a/5
Le +ai! in !he room- !he !+ins aslee. a! !he "o!!om o* !he "e4- Malach/ s!irring "esi4e me5
Frankie- # +an! a 4rink o* +a!er5 Mam rocks in her "e4 +i!h !he "a"/ in her arms5 Oh- Margare!-
Margare!- m/ o+n li!!le lo)e5 O.en /or lo)el/ "le e/es- m/ li!!le lean)5 # *ill a c. o* +a!er *or
Malach/ an4 me an4 m/ mo!her +ails-La!er *or /o an4 /or "ro!her5 Oh- in4ee4-La!er- is i!N
An4 no!hing *or /or sis!er5,or .oor li!!le sis!er5 7i4 /o ask i* she ha4 a mo!h in her hea4N
7i4 /o ask i* she4 like a 4ro. o* +a!erN Oh- no5 Go on an4 4rink /or +a!er- /o an4 /or
"ro!her- as i* no!hing ha..ene45 A reglar 4a/ *or !he !+o o* /o- isn! i!N An4 !he !+ins
slee.ing a+a/ as i* !he/ 4i4n! ha)e a care an4 !heir .oor li!!le sis!er sick here in m/ arms5 Sick
in m/ arms5 Oh- s+ee! Pess in hea)en5
Lh/ is she !alking like !hisN Shes no! !alking like m/ mo!her !o4a/5 # +an! m/ *a!her5Lhere is
m/ *a!herN
# ge! "ack in!o "e4 an4 s!ar! !o cr/5 Malach/ sa/s-Lh/ /o cr/N Lh/ /o cr/N !ill Mam is a! me
again5,or sis!er is sick in m/ arms an4 /ore 'C
!here +hining an4 +hinging5 #* # go o)er !o !ha! "e4 #ll gi)e /o some!hing !o +hinge a"o!5
7a4 is "ack +i!h !he 4oc!or5 7a4 has !he +hiske/ smell5The 4oc!or e9amines !he "a"/- .ro4s
her- raises her e/eli4s- *eels her neck- arms- legs5 He s!raigh!ens . an4 shakes his hea45 Shes
gone5 Mam reaches *or !he "a"/- hgs her- !rns !o !he +all5 The 4oc!or +an!s !o kno+- Las
!here an/ kin4 o* acci4en!N 7i4 an/one 4ro. !he "a"/N 7i4 !he "o/s .la/ !oo har4 +i!h herN
An/!hingN
M/ *a!her shakes his hea45 7oc!or sa/s hell ha)e !o !ake her !o e9amine her an4 7a4 signs a
.a.er5 M/ mo!her "egs *or ano!her *e+ min!es +i!h her "a"/ "! !he 4oc!or sa/s he 4oesn!
ha)e all 4a/5 Lhen 7a4 reaches *or Margare! m/ mo!her .lls a+a/ agains! !he +all5 She has
!he +il4 look- her "lack crl/ hair is 4am. on her *orehea4 an4 !here is s+ea! all o)er her *ace-
her e/es are +i4e o.en an4 her *ace is shin/ +i!h !ears- she kee.s shaking her hea4 an4
moaning- Ah- no- ah- no- !ill 7a4 eases !he "a"/ *rom her arms5 The 4oc!or +ra.s Margare!
com.le!el/ in a "lanke! an4 m/ mo!her cries- Oh- Pess- /oll smo!her her5 Pess- Mar/ an4
Pose.h- hel. me5 The 4oc!or lea)es5 M/ mo!her !rns !o !he +all an4 4oesn! make a mo)e or
son45 The !+ins are a+ake- cr/ing +i!h !he hnger- "! 7a4 s!an4s in !he mi44le o* !he room-
s!aring a! !he ceiling5 His *ace is +hi!e an4 he "ea!s on his !highs +i!h his *is!s5 He comes !o !he
"e4- .!s his han4 on m/ hea45 His han4 is shaking5 Francis- #m going o! *or cigare!!es5
Mam s!a/s in !he "e4 all 4a/- har4l/ mo)ing5 Malach/ an4 # *ill !he !+ins "o!!les +i!h +a!er an4
sgar5 #n !he ki!chen +e *in4 a hal* loa* o* s!ale "rea4 an4 !+o col4 sasages5Le can! ha)e !ea
"ecase !he milk is sor in !he ice"o9 +here !he ice is mel!e4 again an4 e)er/one kno+s /o
can! 4rink !ea +i!ho! milk nless /or *a!her gi)es i! !o /o o! o* his mg +hile hes !elling
/o a"o! Cchlain5
The !+ins are hngr/ again "! # kno+ # can! gi)e !hem +a!er an4 sgar all 4a/ an4 nigh!5 # "oil
sor milk in a .o!- mash in some o* !he s!ale "rea4- an4 !r/ !o *ee4 !hem *rom a c.- "rea4 an4
goo4/5 The/ make *aces an4 rn !o Mams "e4- cr/ing5 She kee.s her *ace !o !he +all an4 !he/
rn "ack !o me- s!ill cr/ing5 The/ +on! ea! !he "rea4 an4 goo4/ !ill # kill !he !as!e o* !he sor
milk +i!h sgar5 No+ !he/ ea! an4 smile an4 r" !he goo4/ o)er !heir *aces5 Malach/ +an!s
some an4 i* he can ea! i!- so can #5Le all si! on !he *loor ea!ing !he goo4/ an4 che+'3
ing on !he col4 sasage an4 4rinking +a!er m/ mo!her kee.s in a milk "o!!le in !he ice"o95
A*!er +e ea! an4 4rink +e ha)e !o go !o !he la)a!or/ 4o+n !he hall "! +e can! ge! in "ecase
Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I is insi4e- hmming an4 singing5 She sa/s- Lai!- chil!ren- +ai!- 4arlinks5 Lon! "e
!+o secon4s5 Malach/ cla.s his han4s an4 4ances aron4- singing-Lai!- chil!ren- +ai!- 4arlinks5
Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I o.ens !he la)a!or/ 4oor5 Look a! him5 Li!!le ac!or a+rea4/5 So- chil!ren- ho+s
/o mo!herN
Shes in "e4- Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I5 The 4oc!or !ook Margare! an4 m/ *a!her +en! *or cigare!!es5
Oh- Frankie- Frankie5 # sai4 !ha! +as one sick chil45 Malach/ is cl!ching himsel*5 Ha)e !o .ee5
Ha)e !o .ee5 So- .ee a+rea4/5,o "o/s .ee an4 +e see /o mo!her5
A*!er +e .ee Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I comes !o see Mam5 Oh- Mrs5 McCor!5 O/ )e/- 4arlink5 Look a!
!his5 Look a! !hese !+ins5 Nake45 Mrs5 McCor!- +ha! is maIIer- ehN The "a"/ she is sickN So
!alk !o me5 <oor +oman5 Here !rn aron4- misss5Talk !o me5 O/- !his is one mess5Talk !o me-
Mrs5 McCor!5
She hel.s m/ mo!her si! . agains! !he +all5 Mam seems smaller5 Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I sa/s shell
"ring some so. an4 !ells me ge! some +a!er !o +ash m/ mo!hers *ace5 # 4i. a !o+el in col4
+a!er an4 .a! her *orehea45 She .resses m/ han4 agains! her cheeks5 Oh- Pess- Frankie5 Oh-
Pess5 She +on! le! m/ han4 go an4 #m *righ!ene4 "ecase #)e ne)er seen her like !his "e*ore5
Shes sa/ing Frankie onl/ "ecase i!s m/ han4 shes hol4ing an4 i!s Margare! shes !hinking
a"o!- no! me5 ,or lo)el/ li!!le sis!er is 4ea4- Frankie5 7ea45 An4 +here is /or *a!herN She le!s
m/ han4 4ro.5 # sai4 +here is /or *a!herN 7rinking5 Tha!s +here he is5There isn! a .enn/ in
!he hose5 He can! ge! a Jo" "! he *in4s mone/ *or !he 4rink- mone/ *or !he 4rink- mone/ *or
!he 4rink- mone/ *or !he 4rink5 She rears "ack- knocks her hea4 on !he +all an4 screams-
Lhere is sheN Lhere is sheN Lhere is m/ li!!le girlN
Oh- Pess- Mar/ an4 Pose.h- hel. me !his nigh!5 #ll go ma4- so # +ill- #ll go .re ma45
Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I rshes in5 Misss- misss- +ha! is i!N The li!!le girl5 Lhere is sheN
M/ mo!her screams again- 7ea4- Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I5 7ea45 Her hea4 4ro.s an4 she rocks "ack an4
*or!h5 Mi44le o* !he nigh!- Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I5 #n her .ram5 # shol4 ha)e "een +a!ching her5 Se)en
+eeks she ha4 in 'E
!his +orl4 an4 4ie4 in !he mi44le o* !he nigh!- alone- Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I- all alone in !ha! .ram5
Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I hol4s m/ mo!her in her arms5 Shsh- no+- shsh5 $a"ies go like !ha!5 #! ha..ens-
misss5 Go4 !akes !hem5 #n !he .ram- Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I5 Near m/ "e45 # col4 ha)e .icke4 her .
an4 she 4i4n! ha)e !o 4ie- 4i4 sheN Go4 4oesn! +an! li!!le "a"ies5 Lha! is Go4 going !o 4o
+i!h li!!le "a"iesN
# 4on! kno+- misss5 # 4on! kno+ *rom Go45 Ha)e so.5 Goo4 so.5 Make /o s!rong5,o
"o/s5 Ge! "o+ls5 # gi)e /o so.5 Lha!s "o+ls- Mrs5 Lei"o+i!IN
Oh- Frankie5,o 4on! kno+ "o+lN For !he so.- 4arlink5,o 4on
ha)e a "o+lN So ge! c.s *or !he so.5 # mi9 .ea so. an4 len!il so.5 No ham5 #rish like !he
ham5 No ham- Frankie5 7rink- misss5 7rink /o so.5
She s.oons !he so. in!o m/ mo!hers mo!h- +i.es !he 4ri""le *rom her chin5 Malach/ an4 #
si! on !he *loor 4rinking *rom mgs5Le s.oon !he so. in!o !he !+ins mo!hs5 #! is lo)el/ an4
ho! an4 !as!/5 M/ mo!her ne)er makes so. like !his an4 # +on4er i* !heres an/ chance Mrs5
Lei"o+i!I col4 e)er "e m/ mo!her5 Fre44ie col4 "e me an4 ha)e m/ mo!her an4 m/ *a!her-
!oo- an4 he col4 ha)e Malach/ an4 !he !+ins *or "ro!hers5 He can! ha)e Margare! an/more
"ecase shes like !he 4og in !he s!ree! !ha! +as !aken a+a/5 # 4on! kno+ +h/ she +as !aken
a+a/5 M/ mo!her sai4 she 4ie4 in her .ram an4 !ha! ms! "e like ge!!ing hi! "/ a car "ecase
!he/ !ake /o a+a/5
# +ish li!!le Margare! col4 "e here *or !he so.5 # col4 gi)e i! !o her +i!h a s.oon !he +a/ Mrs5
Lei"o+i!I is gi)ing i! !o m/ mo!her an4 she4 grgle an4 lagh !he +a/ she 4i4 +i!h 7a45 She
+ol4n! cr/ an/more an4 m/ mo!her +ol4n! "e in !he "e4 4a/ an4 nigh! an4 7a4 +ol4 "e
!elling me Cchlain s!ories an4 # +ol4n! +an! Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I !o "e m/ mo!her an/more5
Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I is nice "! #4 ra!her ha)e m/ *a!her !elling me Cchlain s!ories an4 Margare!
chir.ing an4 Mam laghing +hen 7a4 4ances +i!h !+o le*! *ee!5
Minnie MacA4ore/ comes in !o hel.5 Mo!her o Go4- Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I- !hese !+ins smell !o !he
high hea)ens5
# 4on! kno+ a"o! Mo!her o Go4- Minnie- "! !hese !+ins nee4 a +ash5The/ nee4 clean
4ia.ers5 Frankie- +here are !he clean 4ia.ersN
'D
# 4on! kno+5
Minnie sa/s- The/re Js! +earing rags *or 4ia.ers5 #ll ge! some o* Maisies5 Frankie- /o !ake o**
!hose rags an4 !hro+ !hem o!5 Malach/ remo)es Oli)ers rag an4 # s!rggle +i!h Egene5 The
sa*e!/ .in is s!ck an4 +hen he +riggles i! comes loose- s!icks him in !he hi.- an4 s!ar!s him
screaming *or Mam5 $! Minnie is "ack +i!h a !o+el an4 soa. an4 ho! +a!er5 # hel. her +ash
a+a/ !he cake4 shi! an4 she le!s me shake !alcm .o+4er on !he !+ins ra+ sore skin5 She sa/s
!he/re goo4 li!!le "o/s an4 she has a "ig sr.rise *or !hem5 She goes 4o+n !he hall an4 "rings
"ack a .o! o* mashe4 .o!a!oes *or all o* s5 There is .len!/ o* sal! an4 "!!er in !he .o!a!oes
an4 # +on4er i* !heres an/ chance Minnie col4 "e m/ mo!her so !ha! # col4 ea! like !his all
!he !ime5 #* # col4 ha)e Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I an4 Minnie *or mo!hers a! !he same !ime #4 ha)e no
en4 o* so. an4 mashe4 .o!a!oes5
Minnie an4 Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I si! a! !he !a"le5 Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I sa/s some!hing has !o "e 4one5These
chil4ren are rnning +il4 an4 +here is !he *a!herN # hear Minnie +his.er hes o! *or !he 4rink5
Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I sa/s !erri"le- !erri"le- !he +a/ !he #rish 4rink5 Minnie sa/s her 7an 4oesn! 4rink5
Ne)er !oches !he s!** an4 7an !ol4 her !ha! +hen !he "a"/ 4ie4 !ha! .oor man- Malach/
McCor!- +en! ma4 all o)er Fla!"sh A)ene an4 A!lan!ic A)ene- !ha! he +as !hro+n o! o*
all !he "ars aron4 !he Long #slan4 Railroa4 S!a!ion- !ha! !he co.s +ol4 ha)e !hro+n him in Jail
i* i! +as an/!hing else "! !he 4ea!h o* !ha! lo)el/ li!!le "a"/5 Here he has *or lo)el/ li!!le "o/s-
sa/s Minnie- "! i!s no com*or! !o him5 Tha! li!!le girl "rogh! o! some!hing in him5 ,o kno+
he 4i4n! e)en 4rink a*!er she +as "orn an4 !ha! +as a miracle5 Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I +an!s !o kno+
+here Mams cosins are- !he "ig +omen +i!h !he Kie! hs"an4s5 Minnie +ill *in4 !hem an4
!ell !hem !he chil4ren are neglec!e4- rnning +il4- sore arses an4 e)er/!hing5 T+o 4a/s la!er
7a4 re!rns *rom his cigare!!e hn!5 #!s !he mi44le o* !he nigh! "! he ge!s Malach/ an4 me
o! o* !he "e45 He has !he smell o* !he 4rink on him5 He has s s!an4 a! a!!en!ion in !he ki!chen5
Le are sol4iers5 He !ells s +e ms! .romise !o 4ie *or #relan45 Le +ill- 7a4- +e +ill5
All !oge!her +e sing Ke)in $arr/-
'1
On Mon!Jo/ one Mon4a/ morning-
High .on !he gallo+s !ree-
Ke)in $arr/ ga)e his /ong li*e
For !he case o* li"er!/5
Ps! a la4 o* eigh!een smmers
Sre !heres no one can 4en/
As he marche4 !o 4ea!h !ha! morning
Ho+ he hel4 his hea4 on high5
Theres a knock a! !he 4oor- Mr5 MacA4ore/5 Och- Malach/- *or Go4s sake- i!s !hree in !he
morning5,o ha)e !he +hole hose +oke +i!h !he singing5
Och- 7an- #m onl/ !eaching !he "o/s !o 4ie *or #relan45 ,o can !each !hem !o 4ie *or #relan4 in
!he 4a/!ime- Malach/5
Tis rgen!- 7an- !is rgen!5
# kno+- Malach/- "! !he/re onl/ chil4ren5 $a"ies5,o go !o "e4 no+ like a 4acen! man5
$e4- 7anQ Lha! am # !o 4o in "e4N Her li!!le *ace is !here 4a/ an4 nigh!- her crl/ "lack hair an4
her lo)el/ "le e/es5 Oh- Pess- 7an- +ha! +ill # 4oN Las i! !he hnger !ha! kille4 her- 7anN
O* corse no!5,or misss +as nrsing her5 Go4 !ook her5 He has his reasons5
One more song- 7an- "e*ore +e go !o "e45
Goo4 nigh!- Malach/5
Come on- "o/s5 Sing5
$ecase he lo)e4 !he mo!herlan4-
$ecase he lo)e4 !he green
He goes !o mee! a mar!/rs *a!e
Li!h .ro4 an4 Jo/os mienM
Tre !o !he las!- ohQ !re !o !he las!
He !rea4s !he .+ar4 +a/M
,ong Ro44/ McCorle/ goes !o 4ie
On !he "ri4ge a! Toome !o4a/5
,oll 4ie *or #relan4- +on! /o- "o/sN
Le +ill- 7a45
An4 +ell all mee! /or li!!le sis!er in hea)en- +on! +e- "o/sN
Le +ill- 7a45
B(
M/ "ro!her is s!an4ing +i!h his *ace .resse4 agains! a leg o* !he !a"le an4 hes aslee.5 7a4 li*!s
him- s!aggers across !he room- .laces him in !he "e4 "/ m/ mo!her5 # clim" in!o "e4 an4 m/
*a!her- s!ill in his clo!hes- lies "esi4e me5 #m ho.ing hell .! his arms aron4 me "! he goes
on singing a"o! Ro44/ McCorle/ an4 !alking !o Margare!- Oh- m/ li!!le crl/:haire4- "le:e/e4
lo)e- # +ol4 4ress /o in silks an4 !ake /o !o Logh Neagh- !ill 4a/ is a! !he +in4o+ an4 # *all
aslee.5 Tha! nigh! Cchlain comes !o me5Theres a "ig green "ir4 on his shol4er !ha! kee.s
singing a"o! Ke)in $arr/ an4 Ro44/ McCorle/ an4 # 4on! like !ha! "ir4 "ecase !heres "loo4
4ri..ing *rom his mo!h +hen he sings5 #n one han4 Cchlain carries !he gae "olga- !he s.ear
!ha! is so migh!/ onl/ he can !hro+ i!5 #n !he o!her han4 he carries a "anana- +hich he kee.s
o**ering !o !he "ir4- +ho Js! sKa+ks an4 s.i!s "loo4 a! him5,o4 +on4er +h/ Cchlain .!s
. +i!h a "ir4 like !ha!5 #* !he !+ins e)er s.a! "loo4 a! me +hen # o**ere4 !hem a "anana # !hink
#4 hi! !hem on !he hea4 +i!h i!5
#n !he morning m/ *a!her is a! !he ki!chen !a"le an4 # !ell him m/ 4ream5 He sa/s !here +ere no
"ananas in #relan4 in !he ol4 !imes an4 e)en i* !here +ere Cchlain +ol4 ne)er o**er one !o
!ha! "ir4 "ecase !ha! +as !he one !ha! came o)er *rom Englan4 *or !he smmer an4 .erche4
on his shol4er +hen he +as 4/ing an4 .ro..e4 . agains! a s!one an4 +hen !he men o* Erin
+hich is #relan4 +an!e4 !o kill him !he/ +ere a*rai4 !ill !he/ sa+ !he "ir4 4rinking Cchlains
"loo4 an4 !hen !he/ kne+ i! +as sa*e !o a!!ack him- !he 4ir!/ "loo4/ co+ar4s5 So /o ha)e !o
"e +ar/ o* "ir4s- Francis- "ir4s an4 Englishmen5
Mos! o* !he 4a/ Mam lies in "e4 +i!h her *ace !o !he +all5 #* she 4rinks !ea or ea!s an/!hing she
!hro+s . in !he "cke! n4er !he "e4 an4 # ha)e !o em.!/ i! an4 rinse i! in !he la)a!or/ 4o+n
!he hall5 Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I "rings her so. an4 *nn/ "rea4 !ha! is !+is!e45 Mam !ries !o slice i!
"! Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I laghs an4 !ells her Js! .ll5 Malach/ calls i! .ll "rea4 "! Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I
sa/s- No- i!s challah- an4 !eaches s ho+ !o sa/ i!5 She shakes her hea45 O/- /o #rish5,oll li)e
*ore)er "! /oll ne)er sa/ challah like a Che+5
Minnie MacA4ore/ "rings .o!a!oes an4 ca""age an4 some!imes a .iece o* mea!5 Och- !imes
are har4- Angela- "! !ha! lo)el/ man- Mr5 Roose)el!- +ill *in4 a Jo" *or e)er/one an4 /or
hs"an4 +ill ha)e B%
+ork5 <oor man- i!s no! his *al! !heres a 7e.ression5 He looks *or +ork 4a/ an4 nigh!5 M/ 7an
is lck/- *or /ears +i!h !he ci!/ an4 he 4on! 4rink5 He gre+ . in Toome +i!h /or hs"an45
Some 4rink5 Some 4on!5 Crse o* !he #rish5 No+ ea!- Angela5 $il4 /orsel* . a*!er /or loss5
Mr5 MacA4ore/ !ells 7a4 !heres +ork +i!h !he L<A an4 +hen he ge!s !he +ork !heres mone/
*or *oo4 an4 Mam lea)es !he "e4 !o clean !he !+ins an4 !o *ee4 s5Lhen 7a4 comes home
+i!h !he 4rink smell !heres no mone/ an4 Mam screams a! him !ill !he !+ins cr/- an4 Malach/
an4 # rn o! !o !he .la/gron45 On !hose nigh!s Mam cra+ls "ack in!o "e4 an4 7a4 sings !he
sa4 songs a"o! #relan45Lh/ 4oesn! he hol4 her an4 hel. her slee. !he +a/ he 4i4 +i!h m/
li!!le sis!er +ho 4ie4N Lh/ 4oesn! he sing a Margare! song or a song !ha! +ill 4r/ Mams !earsN
He s!ill ge!s Malach/ an4 me o! o* "e4 !o s!an4 in or shir!s .romising !o 4ie *or #relan45 One
nigh! he +an!e4 !o make !he !+ins .romise !o 4ie *or #relan4 "! !he/ can! e)en !alk an4 Mam
screame4 a! him- ,o ma4 ol "as!ar4- can! /o lea)e !he chil4ren aloneN
Hell gi)e s a nickel *or ice cream i* +e .romise !o 4ie *or #relan4 an4 +e .romise "! +e ne)er
ge! !he nickel5
Le ge! so. *rom Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I an4 mashe4 .o!a!oes *rom Minnie MacA4ore/ an4 !he/ sho+
s ho+ !o !ake care o* !he !+ins- ho+ !o +ash !heir "o!!oms an4 ho+ !o +ash 4ia.er rags a*!er
!he/ ge! !hem all shi!!/5 Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I calls !hem 4ia.ers an4 Minnie calls !hem na..ies "! i!
4oesn! ma!!er +ha! !he/ call !hem "ecase !he !+ins ge! !hem shi!!/ an/+a/5 #* Mam s!a/s in
!he "e4 an4 7a4 goes o! looking *or a Jo" +e can 4o +ha! +e like all 4a/5Le can .! !he !+ins
in !he small s+ings in !he .ark an4 s+ing !hem !ill !he/ ge! hngr/ an4 cr/5The #!alian man calls
!o me *rom across !he s!ree!- He/- Frankie- cmere5La!ch o! crossing 4a s!ree!5 7em !+ins
hngr/ againN He gi)es s "i!s o* cheese an4 ham an4 "ananas "! # can! ea! "ananas an/more
a*!er !he +a/ !he "ir4 s.a! "loo4 a! Cchlain5
The man sa/s his name is Mr5 7imino an4 !ha!s his +i*e- Angela- "ehin4 !he con!er5 # !ell him
!ha!s m/ mo!hers name5 No ki44in- ki45,or mo!her is AngelaN # 4i4n! kno+ !he #rish ha4 an/
Angelas5 He/- Angela- his mo!hers name is Angela5 She smiles5 She sa/s- Tha!sa nice5
B&
Mr5 7imino asks me a"o! Mam an4 7a4 an4 +ho cooks *or s5 # !ell him +e ge! *oo4 *rom Mrs5
Lei"o+i!I an4 Minnie MacA4ore/5 # !ell him all a"o! !he 4ia.ers an4 !he na..ies an4 ho+ !he/
ge! shi!!/ an/+a/ an4 he laghs5Angela- /o lis!enin !o !hisN Thank Go4 /ore #!alian- Angela5
He sa/s- Ki4- # go!!a !alk !o Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I5,a go!!a ha)e rela!ions can !ake care o* /o5,a see
Minnie MacA4ore/- !ell her come in see me5,o ki4s rnnin +il45
T+o "ig +omen are a! !he 4oor5The/ sa/-Lho are /oN
#m Frank5
FrankQ Ho+ ol4 are /oN
#m *or going on *i)e5
,ore no! )er/ "ig *or /or age- are /oN
# 4on! kno+5
#s /or mo!her hereN
Shes in !he "e45
Lha! is she 4oing in !he "e4 on a *ine 4a/ in !he mi44le o* !he 4a/N
Shes slee.ing5
Lell- +ell come in5Le ha)e !o !alk !o /or mo!her5
The/ "rsh .as! me in!o !he room5 Pess- Mar/ an4 Pose.h- !he smell o* !his .lace5 An4 +ho are
!hese chil4renN
Malach/ rns smiling !o !he "ig +omen5Lhen he smiles /o can see ho+ +hi!e an4 s!raigh!
an4 .re!!/ his !ee!h are an4 /o can see !he shin/ "le o* his e/es- !he .ink o* his cheeks5 All
!ha! makes !he "ig +omen smile an4 # +on4er +h/ !he/ 4i4n! smile +hen !he/ !alke4 !o me5
Malach/ sa/s- #m Malach/ an4 !his is Oli)er an4 !his is Egene- !he/re !+ins- an4 !ha!s Frankie
o)er !here5
The "ig +oman +i!h !he "ro+n hair sa/s-Lell- /ore no! a "i! sh/- are /oN #m /or mo!hers
cosin- <hilomena- an4 !his is /or mo!hers cosin- 7elia5 #m Mrs5 Fl/nn an4 shes Mrs5
For!ne an4 !ha!s +ha! /o call s5
Goo4 Go4- sa/s <hilomena5Those !+ins are nake45 7on! /o ha)e clo!hes *or !hemN
Malach/ sa/s-The/re all shi!!/5
7elia "arks5 See5Tha!s +ha! ha..ens5A mo!h like a se+er- an4 no +on4er +i!h a *a!her *rom
!he Nor!h5 7on! se !ha! +or45Tha!s a "a4 +or4- a crse +or45,o col4 go !o hell sing a
+or4 like !ha!5 B'
Lha!s hellN sa/s Malach/5,oll kno+ soon enogh- sa/s 7elia5 The "ig +omen si! a! !he !a"le
+i!h Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I an4 Minnie MacA4ore/5 <hilomena sa/s i!s !erri"le +ha! ha..ene4 !o
Angelas li!!le "a"/5The/ hear4 all a"o! i! an4 /o4 +on4er- +ol4n! /o- +ha! !he/ 4i4 +i!h
!he li!!le "o4/5,o migh! +on4er an4 # migh! +on4er "! Tomm/ Fl/nn 4i4n! +on4er5Tomm/
sai4 !ha! Malach/ *rom !he Nor!h go! mone/ *or !ha! "a"/5 Mone/N sa/s Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I5Tha!s
righ!- sa/s <hilomena5 Mone/5 The/ !ake "o4ies an/ age an4 4o e9.erimen!s on !hem an4
!heres no! mch le*! !o gi)e "ack nor +ol4 /o +an! "ack "i!s o* "a"/ +hen !he/ can! "e
"rie4 in consecra!e4 gron4 in !ha! con4i!ion5
Tha!s !erri"le- sa/s Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I5A *a!her or mo!her +ol4 ne)er gi)e !he "a"/ *or some!hing
like !ha!5
The/ +ol4- sa/s 7elia- +hen !he/ ha)e !he cra)ing *or !he 4rink5 The/4 gi)e !heir o+n
mo!hers +hen !he/ ha)e !he cra)ing so +ha!s a "a"/ !ha!s 4ea4 an4 gone in !he *irs! .laceN
Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I shakes her hea4 an4 rocks in her chair5 O/- she sa/s- o/- o/- o/5 The .oor "a"/5
The .oor mo!her5 # !hank Go4 m/ hs"an4 4on ha)e no +ha! /o call i!N Cra)ingN Righ!-
cra)ing5 #!s !he #rish ha)e !he cra)ing5
No! m/ hs"an4- sa/s <hilomena5 #4 "reak his *ace i* he came home +i!h !he cra)ing5 O*
corse- 7elias Pimm/ has !he cra)ing5 E)er/ Fri4a/ nigh! /o see him sli..ing in!o !he saloon5
,o nee4n! s!ar! insl!ing m/ Pimm/- sa/s 7elia5 He +orks5 He "rings home his +ages5
,o4 +an! !o kee. an e/e on him- sa/s <hilomena5 The cra)ing col4 ge! !he "e!!er o* him an4
/o4 ha)e ano!her Malach/ *rom !he Nor!h on /or han4s5
Min4 /or o+n "loo4/ "siness- sa/s 7elia5 A! leas! Pimm/ is #rish- no! "orn in $rookl/n like
/or Tomm/5
An4 <hilomena has no ans+er *or !ha!5
Minnie is hol4ing her "a"/ an4 !he "ig +omen sa/ shes a lo)el/ "a"/- clean- no! like !his .ack
o* Angelas rnning aron4 !his .lace5 <hilomena sa/s she 4oesn! kno+ +here Angela go! her
4ir!/ ha"i!s "ecase Angelas mo!her +as s.o!less- so clean /o col4 ea! /or 4inner o** her
*loor5 # +on4er +h/ /o4 +an! !o ea! /or 4inner o** !he *loor +hen /o ha4 a !a"le an4 a
chair5
7elia sa/s some!hing has !o "e 4one a"o! Angela an4 !hese chilBB
4ren *or !he/ are a 4isgrace- so !he/ are- enogh !o make /o ashame4 !o "e rela!e45 A le!!er
has !o "e +ri!!en !o Angelas mo!her5 <hilomena +ill +ri!e i! "ecase a !eacher in Limerick !ol4
her once she ha4 a *ine *is!5 7elia has !o !ell Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I !ha! a *ine *is! means goo4
han4+ri!ing5
Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I goes 4o+n !he hall !o "orro+ her hs"an4s *on!ain .en- .a.er an4 an
en)elo.e5 The *or +omen si! a! !he !a"le an4 make . a le!!er !o sen4 !o m/ mo!hers mo!her=
7ear An! Margare!-
# !ake .en in han4 !o +ri!e /o !his le!!er an4 ho.e !his *in4s /o as i! lea)es s in !he "es! o*
heal!h5 M/ hs"an4 Tomm/ is in *ine *orm +orking a+a/ an4 7elias hs"an4 Pimm/ is in *ine
*orm +orking a+a/ an4 +e ho.e !his *in4s /o in *ine *orm5 # am )er/ sorr/ !o !ell /o !ha!
Angela is no! in *ine *orm as !he "a"/ 4ie4- !he li!!le girl !ha! +as calle4 Margare! a*!er /orsel*-
an4 Angela has no! "een !he same since l/ing in !he "e4 +i!h her *ace !o !he +all5To make
ma!!ers +orser +e !hink shes e9.ec!ing again an4 !ha!s !oo mch al!oge!her5 The min!e she
losses one chil4 !here is ano!her one on !he +a/5Le 4on! kno+ ho+ she 4oes i!5 Shes marrie4
*or /ears- *i)e chil4ren an4 ano!her on !he +a/5Tha! sho+s /o +ha! can ha..en +hen /o
marr/ someone *rom !he Nor!h *or !he/ ha)e no con!rol o)er !hemsel)es . !here a "nch o*
<ro!es!an4s !ha! !he/ are5 He goes o! *or +ork e)er/ 4a/ "! +e kno+ he s.en4s all his !ime in
!he saloons an4 ge!s a *e+ 4ollars *or s+ee.ing *loors an4 li*!ing "arrels an4 s.en4s !he mone/
righ! "ack on !he 4rink5 #!s !erri"le- An! Margare!- an4 +e all !hink Angela an4 !he chil4ren
+ol4 "e "e!!er o** in her na!i)e lan45Le 4on! ha)e !he mone/ !o "/ !he !icke!s orsel)es *or
!imes is har4 "! /o migh! "e a"le !o see /or +a/5 Ho..ing !his *in4s /o in *ine *orm as i!
lea)es s !hank Go4 an4 His $lesse4 Mo!her5
# remain /or lo)ing neice
<hilomena Fl/nn @+ha! +as MacNamaraA
an4 las! "! no! leas! /or neice
7elia For!ne @+ha! +as MacNamara- !oo- ha ha haA
BC
Gran4ma Sheehan sen! mone/ !o <hilomena an4 7elia5The/ "ogh! !he !icke!s- *on4 a
s!eamer !rnk a! !he S!5 Oincen! 4e <al Socie!/- hire4 a )an !o !ake s !o !he .ier in
Manha!!an- .! s on !he shi.- sai4 Goo4:"/e an4 goo4 ri44ance- an4 +en! a+a/5
The shi. .lle4 a+a/ *rom !he 4ock5 Mam sai4-Tha!s !he S!a!e o* Li"er!/ an4 !ha!s Ellis #slan4
+here all !he immigran!s came in5 Then she leane4 o)er !he si4e an4 )omi!e4 an4 !he +in4
*rom !he A!lan!ic "le+ i! all o)er s an4 o!her ha../ .eo.le a4miring !he )ie+5 <assengers
crse4 an4 ran- seaglls came *rom all o)er !he har"or an4 Mam hng lim. an4 .ale on !he
shi.s rail5home !he mone/ *rom !he La"or E9change an4 /o 4on! ha)e !o "e rnning aron4
!o ."s !o *in4 !hem5
B3
##
#n a +eek +e arri)e4 a! Mo)ille-Con!/ 7onegal-+here +e !ook a "s !o $el*as! an4 *rom !here
ano!her "s !o Toome in Con!/ An!rim5 Le le*! !he !rnk in a sho. an4 se! o! !o +alk !he !+o
miles . !he roa4 !o Gran4.a McCor!s hose5 #! +as 4ark on !he roa4- !he 4a+n "arel/
s!irring on !he hills "e/on45
7a4 carrie4 !he !+ins in his arms an4 !he/ !ook !rns cr/ing +i!h !he hnger5 Mam s!o..e4
e)er/ *e+ min!es !o si! an4 res! on !he s!one +all along !he roa45Le sa! +i!h her an4 +a!che4
!he sk/ !rn re4 an4 !hen "le5 $ir4s s!ar!e4 !o chir. an4 sing in !he !rees an4 as !he 4a+n
came . +e sa+ s!range crea!res in !he *iel4s- s!an4ing- looking a! s5 Malach/ sai4-Lha! are
!he/- 7a4N
Co+s- son5
Lha! are co+s- 7a4N
Co+s are co+s- son5
Le +alke4 *ar!her along !he "righ!ening roa4 an4 !here +ere o!her crea!res in !he *iel4s-
+hi!e *rr/ crea!res5
Malach/ sai4-Lha! are !he/- 7a4N
Shee.- son5
Lha! are shee.- 7a4N
M/ *a!her "arke4 a! him- #s !here an/ en4 !o /or Kes!ionsN Shee. are shee.- co+s are co+s-
an4 !ha! o)er !here is a goa!5 A goa! is a goa!5 BE
The goa! gi)es milk- !he shee. gi)es +ool- !he co+ gi)es e)er/!hing5 Lha! else in Go4s name
4o /o +an! !o kno+N
An4 Malach/ /el.e4 +i!h *righ! "ecase 7a4 ne)er !alke4 like !ha!- ne)er s.oke shar.l/ !o s5
He migh! ge! s . in !he mi44le o* !he nigh! an4 make s .romise !o 4ie *or #relan4 "! he
ne)er "arke4 like !his5 Malach/ ran !o Mam an4 she sai4- There- !here- lo)e- 4on! cr/5 ,or
*a!her is Js! +orn o! carr/ing !he !+ins an4 !is har4 ans+ering all !hose Kes!ions +hen
/ore car!ing !+ins !hrogh !he +orl45 7a4 se! !he !+ins on !he roa4 an4 hel4 o! his arms !o
Malach/5 No+ !he !+ins s!ar!e4 !o cr/ an4 Malach/ clng !o Mam- so""ing5The co+s mooe4-
!he shee. maae4- !he goa! ehehe4- !he "ir4s !+i!!ere4 in !he !rees- an4 !he "ee. "ee. o* a
mo!or car c! !hrogh e)er/!hing5 A man calle4 *rom !he mo!or car- Goo4 Lor4- +ha! are /o
.eo.le 4oing on !his roa4 a! !his hor o* an Eas!er Sn4a/ morningN
7a4 sai4- Goo4 morning- Fa!her5
Fa!herN # sai45 7a4- is !ha! /or *a!herN
Mam sai4- 7on! ask him an/ Kes!ions5
7a4 sai4- No- no- !his is a .ries!5
Malach/ sai4-Lha!s a?N "! Mam .! her han4 o)er his mo!h5 The .ries! ha4 +hi!e hair an4
a +hi!e collar5 He sai4-Lhere are /o goingN
7a4 sai4- U. !he roa4 !o McCor!s o* Mone/glass- an4 !he .ries! !ook s in his mo!or car5 He
sai4 he kne+ !he McCor!s- a *ine *amil/- goo4 Ca!holics- some 4ail/ commnican!s- an4 he
ho.e4 he4 see s all a! Mass- es.eciall/ !he li!!le ,ankees +ho 4i4n! kno+ +ha! a .ries! +as-
Go4 hel. s5
A! !he hose m/ mo!her reaches *or !he ga!e la!ch5 7a4 sa/s- No- no- no! !ha! +a/5 No! !he
*ron! ga!e5 The/ se !he *ron! 4oor onl/ *or )isi!s *rom !he .ries! or *nerals5
Le make or +a/ aron4 !he hose !o !he ki!chen 4oor5 7a4 .shes in !he 4oor an4 !heres
Gran4.a McCor! 4rinking !ea *rom a "ig mg an4 Gran4ma McCor! *r/ing some!hing5
Och- sa/s Gran4.a- /ore here5
Och- +e are- sa/s 7a45 He .oin!s !o m/ mo!her5This is Angela- he sa/s5 Gran4.a sa/s- Och- /o
ms! "e +orn o!- Angela5 Gran4ma sa/s no!hing- she !rns "ack !o !he *r/ing .an5 Gran4.a
lea4s s !hrogh !he ki!chen !o a large room +i!h a long !a"le an4 chairs5 He sa/s- Si! 4o+n an4
ha)e some !ea5Lol4 /o like "o9!/N
BD
Malach/ sa/s-Lha!s "o9!/N
7a4 laghs5 <ancakes- son5 <ancakes ma4e +i!h .o!a!oes5 Gran4.a sa/s-Le ha)e eggs5 #!s
Eas!er Sn4a/ an4 /o can ha)e all !he eggs /o can hol45
Le ha)e !ea an4 "o9!/ an4 "oile4 eggs an4 +e all *all aslee.5 # +ake . in a "e4 +i!h Malach/
an4 !he !+ins5 M/ .aren!s are in ano!her "e4 o)er "/ !he +in4o+5Lhere am #N #!s ge!!ing
4ark5This is no! !he shi.5 Mam snores hink- 7a4 snores honk5 # ge! . an4 .oke a! 7a45 # ha)e !o
.ee5 He sa/s- Use !he cham"er .o!5
Lha!N
Un4er !he "e4- son5The cham"er .o!5 #! has roses on i! an4 mai4ens ca)or!ing in !he glen5 <ee
in !ha!- son5 # +an! !o ask him +ha! hes !alking a"o! *or e)en i* #m "rs!ing # *eel s!range
.eeing in!o a .o! +i!h roses an4 mai4ens ca)or!ing- +ha!e)er !he/ are5Le ha4 no!hing like !his
in Classon A)ene +here Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I sang in !he la)a!or/ +hile +e cl!che4 orsel)es in !he
hall5 No+ Malach/ has !o se !he cham"er .o! "! he +an!s !o si! on i!5 7a4 sa/s- No- /o can!
4o !ha!- son5,o ha)e !o go o!si4e5Lhen he sa/s !ha! # ha)e !o go- !oo- !o si!5 He lea4s s
4o+ns!airs an4 !hrogh !he "ig room +here Gran4.a is si!!ing rea4ing "/ !he *ire an4 Gran4ma
is 4oIing in her chair5 #!s 4ark o!si4e- !hogh !he moon is "righ! enogh *or s !o see +here
+ere going5 7a4 o.ens !he 4oor o* a li!!le hose !ha! has a sea! +i!h a hole in i!5 He sho+s
Malach/ an4 me ho+ !o si! on !he hole an4 ho+ !o +i.e orsel)es +i!h sKares o* ne+s.a.er
s!ck on a nail5Then he !ells s +ai! +hile he goes insi4e- closes !he 4oor an4 grn!s5 The moon
is so "righ! # can look 4o+n !he *iel4 an4 see !he !hings calle4 co+s an4 shee. an4 # +on4er
+h/ !he/ 4on! go home5 #n !he hose !here are o!her .eo.le in !he room +i!h m/
gran4.aren!s5 7a4 sa/s-These are /or an!s= Emil/- Nora- Maggie-Oera5,or an! E)a is in
$all/mena +i!h chil4ren like /o5 M/ an!s are no! like Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I an4 Minnie MacA4ore/-
!he/ no4 !heir hea4s "! !he/ 4on! hg s or smile5 Mam comes in!o !he room +i!h !he !+ins
an4 +hen 7a4 !ells his sis!ers- This is Angela an4 !hese are !he !+ins- !he/ Js! no4 again5
Gran4ma goes !o !he ki!chen an4 soon +e ha)e "rea4 an4 sasages an4 !ea5The onl/ one +ho
s.eaks a! !he !a"le is Malach/5 He .oin!s his s.oon a! !he an!s an4 asks !heir names
again5Lhen Mam !ells him ea! his sasage an4 "e Kie! his e/es *ill +i!h !ears an4 An! Nora
reaches B1
o)er !o com*or! him5 She sa/s- There- !here- an4 # +on4er +h/ e)er/one sa/s !here !here +hen
Malach/ cries5 # +on4er +ha! !here !here means5
#!s Kie! a! !he !a"le !ill 7a4 sa/s- Things are !erri"le in America5 Gran4ma sa/s- Och- a/e5 # rea4
i! in !he .a.er5 $! !he/ sa/ Mr5 Roose)el! is a goo4 man an4 i* /o s!a/e4 /o migh! ha)e +ork
"/ no+5 7a4 shakes his hea4 an4 Gran4ma sa/s- # 4on! kno+ +ha! /ore going !o 4o-
Malach/5Things are +orse here !han !he/ are in America5 No +ork here an4- Go4 kno+s- +e
4on! ha)e room in !his hose *or si9 more .eo.le5
7a4 sa/s- # !hogh! # migh! ge! +ork on some o* !he *arms5 Le col4 ge! a small .lace5
Lhere +ol4 /o s!a/ in !he mean!imeN sa/s Gran4ma5 An4 ho+ +ol4 /o s..or! /orsel*
an4 /or *amil/N
Och- # col4 go on !he 4ole- # s..ose5
,o can! ge! o** a shi. *rom America an4 go on !he 4ole- sa/s Gran4.a5 The/ make /o +ai! a
+hile an4 +ha! +ol4 /o 4o +hile /ore +ai!ingN
7a4 sa/s no!hing an4 Mam looks s!raigh! ahea4 a! !he +all5 ,o4 "e "e!!er o** in !he Free
S!a!e- sa/s Gran4ma5 7"lin is "ig an4 srel/ !heres +ork !here or in !he *arms aron45 ,ore
en!i!le4 !o mone/ *rom !he #RA- !oo- sa/s Gran4.a5,o 4i4 /or "i! an4 !he/)e "een han4ing
o! mone/ !o men all o)er !he Free S!a!e5,o col4 go !o 7"lin an4 ask *or hel.5Le can loan
/o !he "s *are !o 7"lin5The !+ins can si! on /or la. an4 /o +on! ha)e !o .a/ *or !hem5
7a4 sa/s- Och- a/e- an4 Mam s!ares a! !he +all +i!h !ears in her e/es5 A*!er +e a!e +e +en!
"ack !o "e4 an4 ne9! morning- all !he gro+n:.s sa! aron4 looking sa45 Soon a man came in a
mo!or car an4 !ook s "ack 4o+n !he roa4 !o !he sho. +hich ha4 or !rnk5The/ li*!e4 !he
!rnk . on !he roo* o* a "s an4 +e go! in!o !he "s5 7a4 sai4 +e +ere going !o 7"lin5
Malach/ sai4- Lha!s 7"linN "! no one ans+ere4 him5 7a4 hel4 Egene on his la. an4 Mam
hel4 Oli)er5 7a4 looke4 o! a! !he *iel4s an4 !ol4 me !his is +here Cchlain like4 !o go *or a
+alk5 # aske4 him +here Cchlain hi! !he "all in!o !he 4ogs mo!h an4 he sai4 a *e+ miles
a+a/5
C(
Malach/ sai4- Look- look- an4 +e looke45 #! +as a grea! sil)er/ shee! o* +a!er an4 7a4 sai4 i!
+as Logh Neagh- !he larges! lake in #relan4- !he lake +here Cchlain se4 !o s+im a*!er his
grea! "a!!les5 Cchlain +ol4 ge! so ho! !ha! +hen he Jm.e4 in!o Logh Neagh i! "oile4 o)er
an4 +arme4 !he srron4ing con!r/si4e *or 4a/s5 Some 4a/ +e4 all come "ack an4 go
s+imming like Cchlain himsel*5 Le4 *ish *or eels an4 *r/ !hem in a .an no! like Cchlain-
+ho +ol4 .lck !hem *rom !he logh an4 s+allo+ !hem- +riggling- "ecase !heres grea!
.o+er in an eel5
#s !ha! righ!- 7a4N
Tis5
Mam 4i4n! look o! !he +in4o+ a! Logh Neagh5 Her cheek res!e4 on !o. o* Oli)ers hea4 an4
she s!are4 a! !he *loor o* !he "s5 Soon !he "s is rolling in!o a .lace +here !here are "ig
hoses- mo!or cars- horses .lling car!s- .eo.le on "ic/cles an4 hn4re4s +alking5 Malach/ is
e9ci!e45 7a4- 7a4- +heres !he .la/gron4- !he s+ingsN # +an! !o see Fre44ie Lei"o+i!I5
Och- son- /ore in 7"lin no+- *ar *rom Classon A)ene5,ore in #relan4- a long +a/ *rom Ne+
,ork5
Lhen !he "s s!o.s !he !rnk is li*!e4 4o+n an4 se! on !he *loor o* !he "s s!a!ion5 7a4 !ells
Mam she can si! on a "ench in !he s!a!ion +hile he goes !o see !he #RA man in a .lace calle4
Terenre5 He sa/s !here are la)a!ories in !he s!a!ion *or !he "o/s- he +on! "e long- hell ha)e
mone/ +hen he re!rns an4 +ell all ha)e *oo45 He !ells me go +i!h him an4 Mam sa/s- No- #
nee4 him !o hel.5 $! +hen 7a4 sa/s- #ll nee4 hel. carr/ing all !ha! mone/- she laghs an4
sa/s- All righ!- go +i!h /or <o.5
,or <o.5Tha! means shes in a goo4 moo45 #* she sa/s /or *a!her i! means shes in a "a4
moo45
7a4 hol4s m/ han4 as # !ro! along "esi4e him5 Hes a *as! +alker- i!s a long +a/ !o Terenre an4
#m ho.ing hell s!o. an4 carr/ me !he +a/ he 4i4 +i!h !he !+ins in Toome5 $! he lo.es along
an4 sa/s no!hing e9ce.! !o ask .eo.le +here Terenre is5 #n a+hile he sa/s +ere in Terenre
an4 no+ +e ha)e !o *in4 Mr5 Charles Heggar!/ o* !he #RA5 A man +i!h a .ink .a!ch on his e/e
!ells s +ere on !he righ! s!ree!- Charlie Heggar!/ li)es a! nm"er *or!een- Go4 "las! him5 The
man C%
!ells 7a4- # can see /ore a man !ha! 4i4 his "i!5 7a4 sa/s- Och- # 4i4 m/ "i!- an4 !he man sa/s- #
4i4 me "i!- !oo- an4 +ha! 4i4 i! ge! me "! one e/e less an4 a .ension !ha! +ol4n! *ee4 a
canar/5
$! #relan4 is *ree- sa/s 7a4- an4 !ha!s a gran4 !hing5 Free- m/ arse- !he man sa/s5 # !hink +e
+ere "e!!er o** n4er !he English5 Goo4 lck !o /o an/+a/- mis!er- *or # !hink # kno+ +ha!
/ore here *or5
A +oman o.ens !he 4oor a! nm"er *or!een5 #m a*rai4- she sa/s- !ha! Mr5 Heggar!/ is "s/5
7a4 !ells her he Js! +alke4 all !he +a/ *rom !he mi44le o* 7"lin +i!h his small son- !ha! he
le*! +i*e an4 !hree chil4ren +ai!ing *or him a! !he "s .lace- an4 i* Mr5 Heggar!/ is !ha! "s/
!hen +ell +ai! *or him on !he 4oors!e.5
The +oman is "ack in a min!e !o sa/ Mr5 Heggar!/ has a li!!le !ime !o s.are an4 +ol4 /o
come !his +a/5 Mr5 Heggar!/ is si!!ing a! a 4esk near a glo+ing *ire5 He sa/s-Lha! can # 4o *or
/oN 7a4 s!an4s "e*ore !he 4esk an4 sa/s- # ha)e Js! re!rne4 *rom America +i!h +i*e an4 *or
chil4ren5Le ha)e no!hing5 # *ogh! +i!h a Fl/ing Colmn 4ring !he Tro"les an4 #m ho.ing
/o can hel. me no+ in !he !ime o* nee45 Mr5 Heggar!/ !akes 7a4s name an4 !rns !he .ages
o* a "ig "ook on his 4esk5 He shakes his hea4- No- no recor4 o* /or ser)ice here5 7a4 makes a
long s.eech5 He !ells Mr5 Heggar!/ ho+ he *ogh!- +here- +hen- ho+ he ha4 !o "e smggle4
o! o* #relan4 "ecase o* !he .rice on his hea4- ho+ he +as raising his sons !o lo)e #relan45 Mr5
Heggar!/ sa/s hes sorr/ "! he can! "e han4ing o! mone/ !o e)er/ man +ho +an4ers in
claiming he 4i4 his "i!5 7a4 sa/s !o me- Remem"er !his- Francis5 This is !he ne+ #relan45 Li!!le
men in li!!le chairs +i!h li!!le "i!s o* .a.er5This is !he #relan4 men 4ie4 *or5 Mr5 Heggar!/ sa/s
hell look in!o 7a4s claim an4 hell "e sre !o le! him kno+ +ha! !rns .5 Hell le! s ha)e
mone/ !o !ake !he "s "ack in!o !he ci!/5 7a4 looks a! !he coins in Mr5 Heggar!/s han4 an4
sa/s-,o col4 a44 !o !ha! an4 make !he .rice o* a .in!5
Oh- i!s !he 4rink /o +an!- is i!N
One .in! is har4l/ 4rink5
,o4 +alk !he miles "ack an4 make !he "o/ +alk "ecase /o +an! a .in!- +ol4n! /oN
Lalking ne)er kille4 an/one5
# +an! /o !o lea)e !his hose- sa/s Mr5 Heggar!/- or #ll call a gar4- an4 /o can "e sre /oll
ne)er hear *rom me again5Lere no! han4ing o! mone/ !o s..or! !he Ginness *amil/5 C&
Nigh! *alls along !he s!ree!s o* 7"lin5 Chil4ren lagh an4 .la/ n4er s!ree!ligh!s- mo!hers call
*rom 4oor+a/s- smells o* cooking come a! s all !he +a/- !hrogh +in4o+s +e see .eo.le
aron4 !a"les- ea!ing5 #m !ire4 an4 hngr/ an4 # +an! 7a4 !o carr/ me "! # kno+ !heres no
se asking him no+ !he +a/ his *ace is !igh! an4 se!5 # le! him hol4 m/ han4 an4 # rn !o kee. .
+i!h him !ill +e reach !he "s .lace +here Mam is +ai!ing +i!h m/ "ro!hers5
The/re all aslee. on !he "ench- m/ mo!her an4 !hree "ro!hers5 Lhen 7a4 !ells Mam !heres no
mone/ she shakes her hea4 an4 so"s- Oh- Pess- +ha! are +e going !o 4oN A man in a "le
ni*orm comes o)er an4 asks her-Lha!s .- misssN 7a4 !ells him +ere s!ran4e4 !here a! !he
"s s!a!ion- +e ha)e no mone/ an4 no .lace !o s!a/ an4 !he chil4ren are hngr/5The man sa/s
hes going o** 4!/ no+- hell !ake s !o !he .olice "arracks +here he has !o re.or! an/+a/- an4
!he/ll see +ha! can "e 4one5
The man in ni*orm !ells s +e can call him gar45Tha!s +ha! /o call .olicemen in #relan45 He
asks s +ha! /o call .olicemen in America an4 Malach/ sa/s- co.5The gar4 .a!s him on !he
hea4 an4 !ells him hes a cle)er li!!le ,ankee5
A! !he .olice "arracks !he sergean! !ells s +e can s.en4 !he nigh!5 Hes sorr/ "! all he can
o**er is !he *loor5 #!s Thrs4a/ an4 !he cells are *ille4 +i!h men +ho 4rank !heir 4ole mone/ an4
+ol4n! lea)e !he ."s5 The gar4s gi)e s ho! s+ee! !ea an4 !hick slices o* "rea4 sla!here4
+i!h "!!er an4 Jam an4 +ere so ha../ +e rn aron4 !he "arracks- .la/ing5The gar4s sa/
+ere a grea! "nch o* li!!le ,anks an4 !he/4 like !o !ake s home "! # sa/- No- Malach/ sa/s-
No- !he !+ins sa/- No- No- an4 all !he gar4s lagh5 Men in cells reach o! an4 .a! or hea4s-
!he/ smell like 7a4 +hen he comes home singing a"o! Ke)in $arr/ an4 Ro44/ McCorle/ going
!o 4ie5 The men sa/- Pass- +ill /e lis!en !o !hem5The/ son4 like "loo4/ *illm s!ars5 7i4 /eI *all
o!a !he sk/ or +ha!N Lomen in cells a! !he o!her en4 !ell Malach/ hes gorgeos an4 !he !+ins
are 4o!es5 One +oman !alks !o me5 Cmere- lo)e- +ol4 /o like a s+ee!N # no4- an4 she sa/s-
All righ!- .! /or han4 o!5 She !akes some!hing s!ick/ *rom her mo!h an4 .!s i! on m/ han45
There /o are no+- she sa/s- a nice "i! o* "!!ersco!ch5 <! !ha! in /or mo!h5 # 4on! +an! !o
.! i! in m/ mo!h "ecase i!s s!ick/ an4 +e! *rom her mo!h "! # 4on! kno+ +ha! /ore
s..ose4 !o 4o +hen a +oman in a cell o**ers /o s!ick/ "!!ersco!ch an4 #m a"o! !o .! i! in
m/ mo!h +hen a gar4 comes- !akes !he "!!ersco!ch an4 !hro+s i! "ack a! !he C'
+oman5 ,o 4rnken hoor- he sa/s- lea)e !he chil4 alone- an4 all !he +omen lagh5
The sergean! gi)es m/ mo!her a "lanke! an4 she slee.s s!re!che4 o! on a "ench5The res! o* s
lie on !he *loor5 7a4 si!s +i!h his "ack !o !he +all- his e/es o.en n4er !he .eak o* his ca.- an4
he smokes +hen !he gar4s gi)e him cigare!!es5 The gar4 +ho !hre+ !he "!!ersco!ch a! !he
+oman sa/s hes *rom $all/mena in !he nor!h an4 he !alks +i!h 7a4 a"o! .eo.le !he/ kno+
!here an4 in o!her .laces like Cshen4all an4 Toome5The gar4 sa/s hell ha)e a .ension some
4a/ an4 hell li)e on !he shores o* Logh Neagh an4 *ish his 4a/s a+a/5 Eels- he sa/s- eels
galore5 Pass- # lo)e a *rie4 eel5 # ask 7a4- #s !his CchlainN an4 !he gar4 laghs !ill his *ace
!rns re45 Ah- Mo!her o Go4- 4i4 /eI hear !hisN The la4 +an!s !o kno+ i* #m Cchlain5A li!!le
,ank an4 he kno+s all a"o! Cchlain5
7a4 sa/s- No- hes no! Cchlain "! hes a *ine man +ho +ill li)e on !he shores o* Logh Neagh
an4 *ish his 4a/s a+a/5 7a4 is shaking me5 U.- Francis- .5 #! is nois/ in !he "arracks5 A "o/
mo..ing !he *loor is singing-
An/one can see +h/ # +an!e4 /or kiss-
#! ha4 !o "e an4 !he reason is !his-
Col4 i! "e !re- someone like /o
Col4 lo)e me- lo)e meN
# !ell him !ha!s m/ mo!hers song an4 hes !o s!o. singing i! "! he Js! .**s on his cigare!!e
an4 +alks a+a/ an4 # +on4er +h/ .eo.le ha)e !o sing o!her .eo.les songs5 Men an4 +omen
coming o! o* !he cells are /a+ning an4 grn!ing5 The +oman +ho o**ere4 me !he "!!ersco!ch
s!o.s an4 sa/s- # ha4 a 4ro. !aken- chil45 #m sorr/ # ma4e a *ool o* /o- "! !he gar4 *rom
$all/mena !ells her- Mo)e on- /o ol hoor- "e*ore # lock /o . again5
Oh- lock me .- she sa/s5 #n- o!5 Lha! 4oes i! ma!!er- /o "learse4 "as!ar45 Mam is si!!ing .
on !he "ench- !he "lanke! +ra..e4 aron4 her5A +oman +i!h gra/ hair "rings her a mg o* !ea
an4 !ells her- Sre- #m !he sergean!s +i*e an4 he sai4 /o migh! nee4 hel.5Lol4 /o like a
nice so*!:"oile4 egg- misssN
CB
Mam shakes her hea4- no5
Ah- no+- misss- srel/ /o shol4 ha)e a nice egg in /or con4i!ion5 $! Mam shakes her hea4
an4 # +on4er ho+ she can sa/ no !o a so*!:"oile4 egg +hen !heres no!hing in !he +orl4 like i!5
All righ!- maam- sa/s !he sergean!s +i*e- a "i! o* !oas!- !hen- an4 some!hing *or !he chil4ren
an4 /or .oor hs"an45
She goes "ack !o ano!her room an4 soon !heres !ea an4 "rea45 7a4 4rinks his !ea "! gi)es s
his "rea4 an4 Mam sa/s- Lill /o ea! /or "rea4- *or Go4s sake5,o +on! "e mch se !o s
*alling 4o+n +i!h !he hnger5 He shakes his hea4 an4 asks !he sergean!s +i*e is !here an/
chance o* a cigare!!e5 She "rings him !he cigare!!e an4 !ells Mam !he gar4s in !he "arracks
ha)e !aken . a collec!ion !o .a/ or !rain *ares !o Limerick5There +ill "e a mo!or car !o .ick .
or !rnk an4 lea)e s a! Kings"ri4ge Rail+a/ S!a!ion an4-,oll "e in Limerick in !hree or *or
hors5
Mam .!s . her arms an4 hgs !he sergean!s +i*e5 Go4 "less /o an4 /or hs"an4 an4 all
!he gar4s- Mam sa/s5 # 4on! kno+ +ha! +e4 4o +i!ho! /o5 Go4 kno+s !is a lo)el/ !hing !o
"e "ack among or o+n5
Tis !he leas! +e col4 4o- sa/s !he sergean!s +i*e5These are lo)el/ chil4ren /o ha)e an4 #m
*rom Cork mesel* an4 # kno+ +ha! !is !o "e in 7"lin +i!ho! !+o .ennies !o r" !oge!her5
7a4 si!s a! !he o!her en4 o* !he "ench- smoking his cigare!!e- 4rinking his !ea5 He s!a/s !ha! +a/
!ill !he mo!or car comes !o !ake s !hrogh !he s!ree!s o* 7"lin5 7a4 asks !he 4ri)er i* he4
min4 going "/ +a/ o* !he G5<5O5 an4 !he 4ri)er sa/s- #s i! a s!am. /o +an! or +ha!N No- sa/s
7a45 # hear !he/ .! . a ne+ s!a!e o* Cchlain !o honor !he men +ho 4ie4 in %1%3 an4 #4
like !o sho+ i! !o m/ son here +ho has a grea! a4mira!ion *or Cchlain5
The 4ri)er sa/s he has no no!ion o* +ho !his Cchlain +as "! he +ol4n! min4 s!o..ing one
"i!5 He migh! come in himsel* an4 see +ha! !he commo!ion is all a"o! *or he hasn! "een in !he
G5<5O5 since he +as a "o/ an4 !he English nearl/ +recke4 i! +i!h !heir "ig gns *iring . *rom
!he Li**e/ Ri)er5 He sa/s /oll see !he "lle! holes all o)er !he *ron! an4 !he/ shol4 "e le*!
!here !o remin4 !he #rish o* English .er*i4/5 # ask !he man +ha!s .er*i4/ an4 he sa/s ask /or
*a!her an4 # +ol4 "! +ere s!o..ing o!si4e a "ig "il4ing +i!h colmns an4 !ha!s !he G5<5O5
Mam s!a/s in !he mo!or car +hile +e *ollo+ !he 4ri)er in!o !he G5<5O5There he is- he sa/s-
!heres /or man Cchlain5 CC
An4 # *eel !ears coming "ecase #m looking a! him a! las!- Cchlain- !here on his .e4es!al in
!he G5<5O5 Hes gol4en an4 he has long hair- his hea4 is hanging an4 !heres a "ig "ir4 .erche4
on his shol4er5 The 4ri)er sa/s- No+ +ha! in Go4s name is !his all a"o!N Lha!s !his *ello+
4oin +i!h !he long hair an4 !he "ir4 on his shol4erN An4 +ill /o kin4l/ !ell me- mis!er- +ha!
!his has !o 4o +i!h !he men o* %1%3N
7a4 sa/s- Cchlain *ogh! !o !he en4 like !he men o* Eas!er Leek5 His enemies +ere a*rai4 !o
go near him !ill !he/ +ere sre he +as 4ea4 an4 +hen !he "ir4 lan4e4 on him an4 4rank his
"loo4 !he/ kne+5 Lell- sa/s !he 4ri)er- !is a sa4 4a/ *or !he men o* #relan4 +hen !he/ nee4 a
"ir4 !o !ell !hem a man is 4ea45 # !hink +e "e!!er go no+ or +ell "e missing !ha! !rain !o
Limerick5
The sergean!s +i*e sai4 she4 sen4 a !elegram !o Gran4ma !o mee! s in Limerick an4 !here
she +as on !he .la!*orm- Gran4ma- +i!h +hi!e hair- sor e/es- a "lack sha+l- an4 no smile *or
m/ mo!her or an/ o* s- e)en m/ "ro!her- Malach/- +ho ha4 !he "ig smile an4 !he s+ee! +hi!e
!ee!h5 Mam .oin!e4 !o 7a45 This is Malach/- she sai4- an4 Gran4ma no44e4 an4 looke4 a+a/5
She calle4 !+o "o/s +ho +ere hanging aron4 !he rail+a/ s!a!ion an4 .ai4 !hem !o carr/ !he
!rnk5The "o/s ha4 sha)e4 hea4s- sno!!/ noses- an4 no shoes an4 +e *ollo+e4 !hem !hrogh
!he s!ree!s o* Limerick5 # aske4 Mam +h/ !he/ ha4 no hair an4 she sai4 !heir hea4s +ere sha)e4
so !ha! !he lice +ol4 ha)e no .lace !o hi4e5 Malach/ sai4-Lha!s a liceN an4 Mam sai4- No!
lice5 One o* !hem is a lose5 Gran4ma sai4-Lill /e s!o. i!Q Lha! kin4 o !alk is !hisN The "o/s
+his!le4 an4 laghe4 an4 !ro!!e4 along as i* !he/ ha4 shoes an4 Gran4ma !ol4 !hem- S!o. !ha!
laghin or !is 4ro..in an "reakin !ha! !rnk /ell "e5 The/ s!o..e4 !he +his!ling an4 laghing
an4 +e *ollo+e4 !hem in!o a .ark +i!h a !all .illar an4 a s!a!e in !he mi44le an4 grass so green
i! 4aIIle4 /o5
7a4 carrie4 !he !+ins- Mam carrie4 a "ag in one han4 an4 hel4 Malach/s han4 +i!h !he
o!her5Lhen she s!o..e4 e)er/ *e+ min!es !o ca!ch her "rea!h- Gran4ma sai4- Are /o s!ill
smokin !hem *agsN Them *ags +ill "e !he 4ea!h o* /o5Theres enogh consm.!ion in Limerick
+i!ho! .eo.le smokin *ags on !o. o* i! an !is a rich mans *oolishness5 Along !he .a!h
!hrogh !he .ark !here +ere hn4re4s o* *lo+ers o* 4i**eren! colors !ha! e9ci!e4 !he !+ins5The/
.oin!e4 an4 ma4e sKeak/ C3
noises an4 +e laghe4- e)er/one e9ce.! Gran4ma- +ho .lle4 her sha+l o)er her hea45 7a4
s!o..e4 an4 .! !he !+ins 4o+n so !ha! !he/ col4 "e closer !o !he *lo+ers5 He sai4- Flo+ers-
an4 !he/ ran "ack an4 *or!h- .oin!ing- !r/ing !o sa/ Flo+ers5 One o* !he "o/s +i!h !he !rnk
sai4- Go4- are !he/ AmericansN an4 Mam sai4-The/ are5The/ +ere "orn in Ne+ ,ork5 All !he
"o/s +ere "orn in Ne+ ,ork5The "o/ sai4 !o !he o!her "o/- Go4- !he/re Americans5The/ .!
!he !rnk 4o+n an4 s!are4 a! s an4 +e s!are4 "ack a! !hem !ill Gran4ma sai4-Are /e goin !o
s!an4 here all 4a/ lookin a! *lo+ers an ga+kin a! each o!herN An4 +e all mo)e4 on again- o!
o* !he .ark- 4o+n a narro+ lane an4 in!o ano!her lane !o Gran4mas hose5
There is a ro+ o* small hoses on each si4e o* !he lane an4 Gran4ma li)es in one o* !he small
hoses5 Her ki!chen has a shin/ .olishe4 "lack iron range +i!h a *ire glo+ing in !he gra!e5 There
is a !a"le along !he +all n4er !he +in4o+ an4 a .ress o..osi!e +i!h c.s an4 sacers an4
)ases5 This .ress is al+a/s locke4 an4 she kee.s !he ke/ in her .rse "ecase /ore no!
s..ose4 !o se an/!hing in !here nless someone 4ies or re!rns *rom *oreign .ar!s or !heres
a )isi! "/ a .ries!5 There is a .ic!re on !he +all "/ !he range o* a man +i!h long "ro+n hair an4
sa4 e/es5 He is .oin!ing !o his ches! +here !here is a "ig hear! +i!h *lames coming o! o* i!5
Mam !ells s-Tha!s !he Sacre4 Hear! o* Pess- an4 # +an! !o kno+ +h/ !he mans hear! is on *ire
an4 +h/ 4oesn! He !hro+ +a!er on i!N Gran4ma sa/s- 7on! !hese chil4ren kno+ an/!hing
a"o! !heir religionN an4 Mam !ells her i!s 4i**eren! in America5 Gran4ma sa/s !he Sacre4 Hear!
is e)er/+here an4 !heres no e9cse *or !ha! kin4 o* ignorance5
Un4er !he .ic!re o* !he man +i!h !he "rning hear! !here is a shel* +i!h a re4 glass hol4ing a
*lickering can4le an4 ne9! !o i! a small s!a!e5 Mam !ells s-Tha!s !he $a"/ Pess- !he #n*an! o*
<rage- an4 i* /e e)er nee4 an/!hing .ra/ !o Him5
Malach/ sa/s- Mam- col4 # !ell Him #m hngr/- an4 Mam .!s her *inger !o her li.s5
Gran4ma grm"les aron4 !he ki!chen making !ea an4 !elling Mam !o c! !he loa* o* "rea4 an4
4on! make !he c!s !oo !hick5 Mam si!s "/ !he !a"le +i!h her "rea!h coming har4 an4 sa/s
shell c! !he "rea4 in a min!e5 7a4 !akes !he kni*e an4 s!ar!s slicing !he "rea4 an4 /o can see
Gran4ma 4oesn! like !ha!5 She *ro+ns a! him "! sa/s no!hing e)en !hogh he makes !hick
slices5
There aren! enogh chairs *or e)er/one so # si! on !he s!airs +i!h CE
m/ "ro!hers !o ha)e "rea4 an4 !ea5 7a4 an4 Mam si! a! !he !a"le an4 Gran4ma si!s n4er !he
Sacre4 Hear! +i!h her mg o* !ea5 She sa/s- # 4on! kno+ n4er Go4 +ha! #m goin !o 4o +i!h
/e5There is no room in !his hose5There isn! room *or e)en one o* /e5
Malach/ sa/s-,e- /e- an4 s!ar!s !o giggle an4 # sa/-,e- /e- an4 !he !+ins sa/-,e- /e- an4 +ere
laghing so har4 +e can har4l/ ea! or "rea45 Gran4ma glares a! s5 Lha! are /e laghin a!N
Theres no!hin !o lagh a! in !his hose5,e "e!!er "eha)e /eersel)es "e*ore # go o)er !o /e5 She
+on! s!o. sa/ing ,e- an4 no+ Malach/ is hel.less +i!h lagh!er- s.e+ing o! his "rea4 an4
!ea- his *ace !rning re45 7a4 sa/s- Malach/ an4 !he res! o* /o- s!o. i!5 $! Malach/ can!- he
goes on laghing !ill 7a4 sa/s- Come o)er here5 He rolls . Malach/s slee)e an4 raises his han4
!o sla. his arm5
Are /o going !o "eha)e /orsel*N
Malach/s e/es *ill +i!h !ears an4 he no4s- # +ill- "ecase 7a4 ne)er raise4 his han4 like !ha!
"e*ore5 7a4 sa/s- $e a goo4 "o/ an4 go si! +i!h /or "ro!hers- an4 he .lls 4o+n !he slee)e
an4 .a!s Malach/ on !he hea45
Tha! nigh! Mams sis!er- An! Aggie- came home *rom her Jo" in !he clo!hing *ac!or/5 She +as
"ig like !he MacNamara sis!ers- an4 she ha4 *laming re4 hair5 She +heele4 a large "ic/cle in!o
!he li!!le room "ehin4 !he ki!chen an4 came o! !o her s..er5 She +as li)ing in Gran4mas
"ecase she ha4 a *igh! +i!h her hs"an4- <a Kea!ing- +ho !ol4 her- +hen he ha4 4rink !aken-
,ore a grea! *a! co+- go home !o /or mo!her5 Tha!s +ha! Gran4ma !ol4 Mam an4 !ha!s
+h/ !here +as no room *or s in Gran4mas hose5 She ha4 hersel*- An! Aggie- an4 her son
<a!- +ho +as m/ ncle an4 +ho +as o! selling ne+s.a.ers5 An! Aggie com.laine4 +hen
Gran4ma !ol4 her Mam +ol4 ha)e !o slee. +i!h her !ha! nigh!5 Gran4ma sai4- Oh- +ill /o
sh! /or go"5
Tis onl/ *or one nigh! an !ha! +on! kill /o an i* /o 4on! like i! /o can go "ack !o /or
hs"an4 +here /o "elong an/+a/ ins!ea4 o* rnnin home !o me5 Pess- Mar/ an Hol/ S!5
Pose.h- look a! !his hose?
/o an <a! an Angela an4 her cla!!her o* Americans5 Lill # ha)e an/ .eace in !he la!!er en4 o*
m/ li*eN
She s.rea4 coa!s an4 rags on !he *loor o* !he li!!le "ack room an4 CD
+e sle.! !here +i!h !he "ic/cle5 7a4 s!a/e4 on a chair in !he ki!chen- !ook s !o !he la)a!or/ in
!he "ack/ar4 +hen +e nee4e4 i!- an4 in !he nigh! hshe4 !he !+ins +hen !he/ crie4 *rom !he
col45 #n !he morning-An! Aggie came *or her "ic/cle !elling s-Lill /e min4 /eersel)es- +ill /eN
Lill /e ge! o! o* m/ +a/N
Lhen she le*!- Malach/ ke.! sa/ing- Lill /e min4 /eersel)es- +ill /eN Lill /e ge! o! o* !he +a/-
+ill /eN an4 # col4 hear 7a4 laghing o! in !he ki!chen !ill Gran4ma came 4o+n !he s!airs an4
he ha4 !o !ell Malach/ "e Kie!5
Tha! 4a/ Gran4ma an4 Mam +en! o! an4 *on4 a *rnishe4 room on Lin4mill S!ree! +here
An! Aggie ha4 a *la! +i!h her hs"an4- <a Kea!ing5 Gran4ma .ai4 !he ren!- !en shillings *or !+o
+eeks5 She ga)e Mam mone/ *or *oo4- loane4 s a ke!!le- a .o!- a *r/ing .an- kni)es an4
s.oons- Jam Jars !o "e se4 *or mgs- a "lanke! an4 a .illo+5 She sai4 !ha! +as all she col4
a**or4 an/more- !ha! 7a4 +ol4 ha)e !o ge! . o** his arse- ge! a Jo"- go on !he 4ole- go *or !he
chari!/ a! !he S!5Oincen! 4e <al Socie!/ or go on !he relie*5
The room ha4 a *ire.lace +here +e col4 "oil +a!er *or or !ea or an egg in case +e e)er came
in!o mone/5Le ha4 a !a"le an4 !hree chairs an4 a "e4- +hich Mam sai4 +as !he "igges! she
ha4 e)er seen5Le +ere gla4 o* !he "e4 !ha! nigh!- +orn o! a*!er nigh!s on *loors in 7"lin an4
in Gran4mas5 #! 4i4n! ma!!er !ha! !here +ere si9 o* s in !he "e4- +e +ere !oge!her- a+a/
*rom gran4mo!hers an4 gar4s- Malach/ col4 sa/ /e /e /e an4 +e col4 lagh as mch as +e
like45
7a4 an4 Mam la/ a! !he hea4 o* !he "e4- Malach/ an4 # a! !he "o!!om- !he !+ins +here)er !he/
col4 *in4 com*or!5 Malach/ ma4e s lagh again5,e- /e- /e- he sai4- an4 o/ o/ o/- an4 !hen *ell
aslee.5 Mam ma4e !he li!!le hink hink snore son4 !ha! !ol4 s she +as slee.ing5 #n !he
moonligh! # col4 look . !he leng!h o* !he "e4 an4 see 7a4 s!ill a+ake an4 +hen Oli)er crie4
in his slee. 7a4 reache4 *or him an4 hel4 him5Lhish!- he sai45Lhish!5
Then Egene sa! .- screaming- !earing a! himsel*5Ah- ah- Momm/- Momm/5 7a4 sa! .5Lha!N
Lha!s .- sonN Egene +en! on cr/ing an4 +hen 7a4 lea.e4 *rom !he "e4 an4 !rne4 on !he
gasligh! +e sa+ !he *leas- lea.ing- Jm.ing- *as!ene4 !o or *lesh5 Le sla..e4 a! !hem an4
sla..e4 "! !he/ ho..e4 *rom "o4/ !o "o4/- ho..ing- "i!ing5Le !ore a! !he "i!es !ill !he/
"le45Le Jm.e4 *rom !he "e4- !he !+ins cr/ing- Mam moaning- Oh- Pess- +ill +e ha)e no res!Q
7a4 .ore4 +a!er an4 sal! in!o C1
a Jam Jar an4 4a""e4 a! or "i!es5The sal! "rne4 "! he sai4 +e4 *eel "e!!er soon5
Mam sa! "/ !he *ire.lace +i!h !he !+ins on her la.5 7a4 .lle4 on his !rosers an4 4ragge4 !he
ma!!ress o** !he "e4 an4 o! !o !he s!ree!5 He *ille4 !he ke!!le an4 !he .o! +i!h +a!er- s!oo4 !he
ma!!ress agains! !he +all- .on4e4 i! +i!h a shoe- !ol4 me !o kee. .oring +a!er on !he gron4
!o 4ro+n !he *leas 4ro..ing !here5The Limerick moon +as so "righ! # col4 see "i!s o* i!
shimmering in !he +a!er an4 # +an!e4 !o scoo. . moon "i!s "! ho+ col4 # +i!h !he *leas
lea.ing on m/ legs5 7a4 ke.! .on4ing +i!h !he shoe an4 # ha4 !o rn "ack !hrogh !he hose
!o !he "ack/ar4 !a. *or more +a!er in !he ke!!le an4 !he .o!5 Mam sai4- Look a! /o5,or shoes
are 4renche4 an4 /oll ca!ch /or 4ea!h an4 /or *a!her +ill srel/ ge! !he .nemonia +i!ho!
a shoe !o his *oo!5
A man on a "ic/cle s!o..e4 an4 +an!e4 !o kno+ +h/ 7a4 +as "ea!ing !ha! ma!!ress5 Mo!her o
Go4- he sai4- # ne)er hear4 sch a cre *or *leas5 7o /o kno+ !ha! i* a man col4 Jm. like a
*lea one le. +ol4 !ake him hal*+a/ !o !he moonN The !hing !o 4o is !his- +hen /o go "ack
insi4e +i!h !ha! ma!!ress s!ick i! on !he "e4 .si4e 4o+n an4 !ha! +ill con*se !he li!!le
"ggers5 The/ +on! kno+ +here !he/ are an4 !he/ll "e "i!ing !he ma!!ress or each o!her-
+hich is !he "es! cre o* all5 A*!er !he/ "i!e !he hman "eing !he/ ha)e !he *renI/- /o kno+-
*or !here are o!her *leas aron4 !hem !ha! also "i! !he hman "eing an4 !he smell o* !he "loo4
is !oo mch *or !hem an4 !he/ go o! o* !heir min4s5 The/re a righ! "loo4/ !ormen! an # shol4
kno+ *or 4i4n! # gro+ . in Limerick- 4o+n in !he #rish!o+n- an !he *leas !here +ere so
.len!i*l an *or+ar4 !he/4 si! on !he !oe o* /or "oo! an 4iscss #relan4s +oe*l his!or/ +i!h
/o5 #! is sai4 !here +ere no *leas in ancien! #relan4- !ha! !he/ +ere "rogh! in "e !he English !o
4ri)e s o! o* or +i!s en!irel/- an # +ol4n! .! i! .as! !he English5An isn! i! a )er/ crios
!hing !ha! S!5 <a!rick 4ro)e !he snakes o! o* #relan4 an !he English "rogh! in !he *leas5 For
cen!ries #relan4 +as a lo)el/ .eace*l .lace- snakes gone- no! a *lea !o "e *on45,o col4
s!roll !he *or green *iel4s o* #relan4 +i!ho! *ear o* snakes an ha)e a goo4 nigh!s slee. +i!h
no *leas !o "o!her /o5 Them snakes +ere 4oin no harm- !he/ +ol4n! "o!her /o nless /o
cornere4 !hem an !he/ li)e4 o** o!her crea!res !ha! mo)e n4er "shes an sch .laces-
+hereas !he *lea scks !he "loo4 *rom /o mornin noon an nigh! *or !ha!s his na!re an he
can! hel. 3(
himsel*5 # hear *or a *ac! !ha! .laces !ha! ha)e snakes galore ha)e no *leas5 AriIona- *or
ins!ance5,ore *ore)er hearing a"o! !he snakes o* AriIona "! +hen 4i4 /o e)er hear o* *leas
in AriIonaN Goo4 lck !o /o5 # ha)e !o "e care*l s!an4in here *or i* one o* !hem ge!s on m/
clo!hes # migh! as +ell in)i!e his +hole *amil/ home5 The/ ml!i.l/ *as!er !han Hin4s5
7a4 sai4-,o +ol4n! "/ an/ chance ha)e a cigare!!e- +ol4 /oN
A cigare!!eN Oh- sre- o* corse5 Here /o are5 Aren! # nearl/ 4es!ro/e4 *rom !he *ags
m/sel*5The ol hacking cogh- /o kno+5 So .o+er*l i! nearl/ knocks me o** !he "ic/cle5 # can
*eel !ha! cogh s!irring in me solar .le9s an +orkin i!s +a/ . !hrogh me en!rails !ill !he ne9!
!hing i! !akes o** !he !o. o me hea45
He s!rck a ma!ch on a "o9- li! a cigare!!e *or himsel* an4 hel4 o! !he ma!ch *or 7a45 O*
corse- he sai4- /ore "on4 !o ha)e !he cogh +hen /o li)e in Limerick "ecase !his is !he
ca.i!al ci!/ o* !he +eak ches! an4 !he +eak ches! lea4s !o !he consm.!ion5 #* all !he .eo.le
!ha! has consm.!ion in Limerick +ere !o 4ie !his +ol4 "e a ghos! !o+n- !hogh # 4on! ha)e
consm.!ion mesel*5 No- !his cogh +as a .resen! *rom !he Germans5 He .ase4- .**e4 on his
cigare!!e- an4 s!rggle4 +i!h a cogh5 $eJess- e9cse !he langage- "! !he *agsll ge! me in
!he en45Lell- #ll lea)e /o no+ !o !he ma!!ress an remem"er +ha! # !ol4 /o- con*se !he li!!le
"ggers5
He +o""le4 a+a/ on his "ic/cle- !he cigare!!e 4angling *rom his mo!h- !he cogh racking his
"o4/5 7a4 sai4- Limerickmen !alk !oo mch5 Come on- +ell .! !his ma!!ress "ack an4 see i*
!heres an/ slee. in !his nigh!5
Mam sa! "/ !he *ire.lace +i!h !he !+ins aslee. on her la.- an4 Malach/ la/ crle4 . on !he
*loor "/ her *ee!5 She sai4-Lho +as !ha! /o +ere !alking !oN #! son4e4 )er/ like <a Kea!ing-
Aggies hs"an45 # col4 !ell "/ !he cogh5 He go! !ha! cogh in France in !he +ar +hen he
s+allo+e4 !he gas5
Le sle.! !he res! o* !ha! nigh!- an4 in !he morning +e sa+ +here !he *leas ha4 *eas!e4- or
*lesh .ink +i!h *lea +el!s an4 "righ! +i!h !he "loo4 o* or scra!ches5
Mam ma4e !ea an4 *rie4 "rea4- an4 once more 7a4 4a""e4 a! or "i!es +i!h !he sal!/ +a!er5
He hale4 !he ma!!ress o!si4e again !o !he "ack/ar45 On a col4 4a/ like !his !he *leas +ol4
srel/ *reeIe !o 4ea!h an4 +e4 all ha)e a goo4 nigh!s slee.5
3%
5
5
5
A *e+ 4a/s la!er +hen +ere se!!le4 in!o !he room 7a4 is shaking me o! o* m/ 4reams5 U.-
Francis- .5 <! on /or clo!hes an4 rn o)er *or /or an! Aggie5,or mo!her nee4s her5 Hrr/5
Mam is moaning in !he "e4- her *ace .re +hi!e5 7a4 has Malach/ an4 !he !+ins o! o* !he "e4
an4 si!!ing on !he *loor "/ !he 4ea4 *ire5 # rn across !he s!ree! an4 knock on An! Aggies 4oor
!ill Uncle <a! Kea!ing comes coghing an4 grm"ling-Lha!s .N Lha!s .N
M/ mo!her is moaning in !he "e45 # !hink shes sick5 No+ An! Aggie comes grm"ling5 ,e are
no!hing "! !ro"le since /e came *rom America5
Lea)e him alone-Aggie- hes onl/ a chil4 !ha!s 4oing +ha! hes !ol45 She !ells Uncle <a go "ack
!o "e4- !ha! he has !o go !o +ork in !he morning no! like some *rom !he Nor!h !ha! she +on!
men!ion5 He sa/s- No- no- #m coming5Theres some!hing +rong +i!h Angela5 7a4 !ells me si!
o)er !here +i!h m/ "ro!hers5 # 4on! kno+ +ha!s . +i!h Mam "ecase e)er/one is +his.ering
an4 # can "arel/ hear An! Aggie !elling Uncle <a !he chil4 is los! rn *or !he am"lance an4
Uncle <a is o! !he 4oor- An! Aggie !elling Mam /o can sa/ +ha! /o like a"o! Limerick "!
!he am"lance is *as!5 She 4oesn! !alk !o m/ *a!her- ne)er looks a! him5
Malach/ sa/s- 7a4- is Mamm/ sickN
Och- shell "e all righ!- son5 She has !o see !he 4oc!or5 # +on4er +ha! chil4 is los! "ecase +ere
all here- one !+o !hree *or o* s- no! a los! chil4 an/+here an4 +h/ can! !he/ !ell me +ha!s
+rong +i!h m/ mo!her5 Uncle <a comes "ack an4 !he am"lance is righ! "ehin4 him5A man
comes in +i!h a s!re!cher an4 a*!er !he/ carr/ Mam a+a/ !here are "loo4 s.o!s on !he *loor "/
!he "e45 Malach/ "i! his !onge an4 !here +as "loo4 an4 !he 4og on !he s!ree! ha4 "loo4 an4
he 4ie45 # +an! !o ask 7a4 !o !ell me i* Mam +ill "e gone *ore)er like m/ sis!er Margare! "!
hes going +i!h Mam an4 !heres no se asking An! Aggie an/!hing *or *ear she4 "i!e /or
hea4 o**5 She +i.es a+a/ !he "loo4 s.o!s an4 !ells s ge! "ack in!o "e4 an4 s!a/ !here !ill 7a4
comes home5
#!s !he mi44le o* !he nigh! an4 !he *or o* s are +arm in !he "e4 an4 +e *all aslee. !ill 7a4
comes home an4 !ells s Mam is nice an4 com*or!a"le in !he hos.i!al an4 shell "e home in no
!ime5 3&
La!er- 7a4 goes !o !he La"or E9change *or !he 4ole5 There is no ho.e o* a la"oring man +i!h a
Nor!h o* #relan4 accen! ge!!ing a Jo" in Limerick5
Lhen he re!rns- he !ells Mam +ell "e ge!!ing nine!een shillings a +eek5 She sa/s !ha!s Js!
enogh *or all o* s !o s!ar)e on5 Nine!een shillings *or si9 o* sN Tha!s less !han *or 4ollars in
American mone/ an4 ho+ are +e s..ose4 !o li)e on !ha!N Lha! are +e !o 4o +hen +e ha)e
!o .a/ ren! in a *or!nigh!N #* !he ren! *or !his room is *i)e shillings a +eek +ell ha)e *or!een
shillings *or *oo4 an4 clo!hes an4 coal !o "oil !he +a!er *or !he !ea5
7a4 shakes his hea4- si.s his !ea *rom a Jam Jar- s!ares o! !he +in4o+ an4 +his!les SThe $o/s
o* Le9*or45T Malach/ an4 Oli)er cla. !heir han4s an4 4ance aron4 !he room an4 7a4 4oesn!
kno+ +he!her !o +his!le or smile "ecase /o can! 4o "o!h an4 he can! hel. himsel*5 He has
!o s!o. an4 smile an4 .a! Oli)ers hea4 an4 !hen go "ack !o !he +his!ling5 Mam smiles- !oo- "!
i!s a )er/ Kick smile an4 +hen she looks in!o !he ashes /o can see !he +orr/ +here !he
corners o* her mo!h !rn 4o+n5
Ne9! 4a/ she !ells 7a4 !o min4 !he !+ins an4 !akes Malach/ an4 me +i!h her !o !he S!5Oincen!
4e <al Socie!/5 Le s!an4 in a Kee +i!h +omen +earing "lack sha+ls5 The/ ask or names
an4 smile +hen +e !alk5The/ sa/- Lor4 a"o)e- +ol4 /o lis!en !o !he li!!le ,ankees- an4 !he/
+on4er +h/ Mam in her American coa! +ol4 "e looking *or chari!/ since !heres har4l/
enogh *or !he .oor .eo.le o* Limerick +i!ho! ,anks coming o)er an4 !aking !he "rea4 o! o*
!heir mo!hs5
Mam !ells !hem a cosin ga)e her !ha! coa! in $rookl/n- !ha! her hs"an4 has no +ork- !ha! she
has o!her chil4ren a! home- !+in "o/s5 The +omen sni** an4 .ll !heir sha+ls a"o! !hem- !he/
ha)e !heir o+n !ro"les5 Mam !ells !hem she ha4 !o lea)e America "ecase she col4n! s!an4
i! a*!er her "a"/ girl 4ie45 The +omen sni** again "! no+ i!s "ecase Mam is cr/ing5 Some sa/
!he/ los! li!!le ones- !oo- an4 !heres no!hing +orse in !he +orl4- /o col4 li)e as long as
Me!hselems +i*e "! /o ne)er ge! o)er i!5 No man can e)er kno+ +ha! i! is !o "e a mo!her
!ha! has los! a chil4- no! i* !he man li)e4 longer !han !+o Me!hselems5
The/ all ha)e a goo4 cr/ !ill a re4:haire4 +oman .asses a li!!le "o9 aron45 The +omen .ick
some!hing *rom !he "o9 "e!+een !heir *in3'
gers an4 s!** i! . !heir noses5 A /ong +oman sneeIes an4 !he re4haire4 +oman laghs5 Ah-
sre- $i44/- /ore no! a"le *or !ha! sn**5 Come here- li!!le ,ankee "o/s- ha)e a .inch5 She
.lan!s !he "ro+n s!** in or nos!rils an4 +e sneeIe so har4 !he +omen s!o. cr/ing an4 lagh
!ill !he/ ha)e !o +i.e !heir e/es +i!h !heir sha+ls5 Mam !ells s-Tha!s goo4 *or /e- !+ill clear
/eer hea4s5
The /ong +oman- $i44/- !ells Mam +ere !+o lo)el/ "o/s5 She .oin!s a! Malach/5 Tha! li!!le
*ella +i!h !he gol4/ ringle!- isn! he gorgeosN He col4 "e a *ilm s!ar +i!h Shirle/ Tem.le5 An4
Malach/ smiles an4 +arms . !he Kee5
The +oman +i!h !he sn** sa/s !o Mam- Misss- # 4on! +an! !o "e *or+ar4 "! # !hink /o
shol4 "e si!!ing 4o+n *or +e hear4 a"o! /or loss5
Ano!her +oman +orries- Ah- no- !he/ 4on! like !ha!5 Lho 4on! like +ha!N
Ah- sre- Nora Mollo/- !he Socie!/ 4on! like s si!!in on !he s!e.s5 The/ +an! s !o "e s!an4in
res.ec!*l agains! !he +all5 The/ can kiss m/ arse- sa/s Nora- !he re4:haire4 +oman5 Si! 4o+n
!here- misss- on !ha! s!e. an #ll si! ne9! !o /o an i* !heres one +or4 o! o* !he S!5Oincen! 4e
<al Socie!/ #ll !ake !he *ace o** em- so # +ill5 7o /o smoke- misssN
# 4o- sa/s Mam- "! # 4on! ha)e !hem5
Nora !akes a cigare!!e *rom a .ocke! in her a.ron- "reaks i!- an4 o**ers hal* !o Mam5
The +orrie4 +oman sa/s-The/ 4on! like !ha! ei!her5The/ sa/ e)er/ *ag /o smoke is !aking *oo4
*rom !he mo!h o* /or chil45 Mr5 Rinli)an insi4e is 4ea4 agains! i!5 He sa/s i* /o ha)e mone/
*or !he *ags /o ha)e mone/ *or *oo45
Rinli)an can kiss m/ arse- !oo- !he grinn/ ol "as!ar45 #s he going !o "egr4ge s a .** o* a
*ag- !he onl/ com*or! +e ha)e in !he +orl4N
A 4oor o.ens a! !he en4 o* !he hall an4 a man a..ears5 Are an/ o* /e +ai!ing *or chil4rens
"oo!sN
Lomen raise !heir han4s- # am5 # am5
Lell- !he "oo!s are all gone5,ell ha)e !o come "ack ne9! mon!h5 $! m/ Mike/ nee4s "oo!s *or
school5
The/re all gone- # !ol4 /o5
$! !is *reeIin a"roa4- Mr5 Rinli)an5
The "oo!s are all gone5 No!hing # can 4o5 Lha!s !hisN Lhos smokingN
3B
Nora +a)es her cigare!!e5 # am- she sa/s- an4 enJo/ing i! 4o+n !o !he las! ash5
E)er/ .** /o !ake- he s!ar!s5
# kno+- she sa/s- #m !aking *oo4 o! o* !he mo!hs o* m/ chil4ren5 ,ore insolen!-
+oman5,oll ge! no chari!/ here5
#s !ha! a *ac!N Lell- Mr5 Rinli)an- i* # 4on! ge! i! here # kno+ +here # +ill5
Lha! are /o !alking a"o!N
#ll go !o !he Rakers5The/ll gi)e me !he chari!/5
Mr5 Rinli)an s!e.s !o+ar4 Nora an4 .oin!s a *inger5 7o /o kno+ +ha! +e ha)e hereN Le
ha)e a so.er in or mi4s!5Le ha4 !he so.ers in !he Famine5The <ro!es!an!s +en! ron4
!elling goo4 Ca!holics !ha! i* !he/ ga)e . !heir *ai!h an4 !rne4 <ro!es!an! !he/4 ge! more
so. !han !heir "ellies col4 hol4 an4- Go4 hel. s- some Ca!holics !ook !he so.- an4 +ere
e)er a*!er kno+n as so.ers an4 los! !heir immor!al sols 4oome4 !o !he 4ee.es! .ar! o* hell5
An4 /o- +oman- i* /o go !o !he Rakers /oll lose /or immor!al sol an4 !he sols o* /or
chil4ren5 Then- Mr5 Rinli)an- /oll ha)e !o sa)e s- +on! /oN
He s!ares a! her an4 she s!ares "ack a! him5 His e/es +an4er !o !he o!her +omen5 One .!s her
han4 !o her mo!h !o smo!her a lagh5 Lha! are /o !i!!ering a"o!N he "arks5
Oh- no!hing- Mr5 Rinli)an5 Hones! !o Go45
#m !elling /e once more- no "oo!s5 An4 he slams !he 4oor "ehin4 him5
One "/ one !he +omen are calle4 in!o !he room5 Lhen Nora comes o! shes smiling an4
+a)ing a .iece o* .a.er5 $oo!s- she sa/s5 Three .airs #m ge!!in *or m/ chil4ren5Threa!en !he
men in !here +i!h !he Rakers an4 !he/ll gi)e /o !he 4ra+ers o** !heir arses5 Lhen Mam is
calle4 she "rings Malach/ an4 me in +i!h her5 Le s!an4 "e*ore a !a"le +here !hree men are
si!!ing asking Kes!ions5 Mr5 Rinli)an s!ar!s !o sa/ some!hing "! !he man in !he mi44le sa/s-
Enogh o! o* /o- Rinli)an5 #* +e le*! i! . !o /o +e4 ha)e !he .oor .eo.le o* Limerick
Jm.ing in!o !he arms o* !he <ro!es!an!s5 He !rns !o Mam- he +an!s !o kno+ +here she go!
!ha! *ine re4 coa!5 She !ells him +ha! she !ol4 !he +omen o!si4e an4 +hen she comes !o !he
4ea!h o* Margare! she shakes an4 so"s5 She !ells !he men shes )er/ sorr/ *or cr/ing like !ha!
"! i! +as onl/ a *e+ mon!hs ago an4 shes no! o)er i! /e!- no! e)en kno+ing +here her "a"/
+as "rie4 i* she +as "rie4 a! all- no! kno+ing e)en i* she +as "a.!iIe4 i!sel* 3C
"ecase she +as so +eak *rom ha)ing !he *or "o/s she 4i4n! ha)e !he energ/ !o "e going !o
!he chrch *or !he "a.!ism an4 i!s a hear! scal4 !o !hink Margare! migh! "e in Lim"o *ore)er
+i!h no ho.e o* her e)er seeing !he res! o* s +he!her +ere in hea)en- hell- or <rga!or/ i!sel*5
Mr5 Rinli)an "rings her his chair5 Ah- no+- misss5 Ah- no+5 Si! 4o+n- +ill /o5 Ah- no+5
The o!her men look a! !he !a"le- !he ceiling5The man in !he mi44le sa/s hes gi)ing Mam a
4ocke! !o ge! a +eeks groceries a! McGra!hs sho. on <arnell S!ree!5There +ill "e !ea- sgar-
*lor- milk- "!!er an4 a se.ara!e 4ocke! *or a "ag o* coal *rom S!!ons coal /ar4 on !he 7ock
Roa45
The !hir4 man sa/s- O* corse /o +on! "e ge!!ing !his e)er/ +eek- misss5 Le +ill "e )isi!ing
/or hose !o see i* !heres a real nee45 Le ha)e !o 4o !ha!- misss- so +e can re)ie+ /or
claim5 Mam +i.es her *ace on !he "ack o* her slee)e an4 !akes !he 4ocke!5 She !ells !he men-
Go4 "less /o *or /or kin4ness5The/ no4 an4 look a! !he !a"le- !he ceiling- !he +alls an4 !ell
her sen4 in !he ne9! +oman5 The +omen o!si4e !ell Mam-Lhen /o go !o McGra!hs- kee. an
e/e on !he ol "i!ch *or shell chea! /o on !he +eigh!5 Shell .! s!** on a .a.er on !he scale
+i!h !he .a.er hanging 4o+n on her si4e "ehin4 !he con!er +here she !hinks /o can! see i!5
Shell .ll on !ha! .a.er so !ha! /ore lck/ i* /o ge! hal* o* +ha! /ore s..ose4 !o ge!5 An4
she has .ic!res o* !he Oirgin Mar/ an4 !he Sacre4 Hear! o* Pess all o)er !he sho.- an4 shes
*ore)er on her knees a"roa4 in S!5 Pose.hs cha.el clackin her rosar/ "ea4s an "rea!hing like a
)irgin mar!/r- !he ol "i!ch5
Nora sa/s- #ll go +i!h /o- misss5 #m on !o !he same Mrs5 McGra!h an4 #ll kno+ i* shes
chea!ing /o5
She lea4s !he +a/ !o !he sho. in <arnell S!ree!5The +oman "ehin4 !he con!er is .leasan! !o
Mam in her American coa! !ill Mam sho+s !he S!5 Oincen! 4e <al 4ocke!5 The +oman sa/s- #
4on! kno+ +ha! /ore 4oing here a! !his hor o* !he 4a/5 # ne)er ser)e !he chari!/ cases
"e*ore si9 in !he e)ening5 $! !his is /or *irs! !ime an4 #ll make an e9ce.!ion5
She sa/s !o Nora- 7o /o ha)e a 4ocke!- !ooN
No5 #m a *rien4 hel.ing !his .oor *amil/ +i!h !heir *irs! 4ocke! *rom !he S!5Oincen! 4e <al5
The +oman la/s a shee! o* ne+s.a.er on !he scale an4 .ors on 33
*lor *rom a large "ag5 Lhen she *inishes .oring- she sa/s- Theres a .on4 o* *lor5
# 4on! !hink so- sa/s Nora5Tha!s a )er/ small .on4 o* *lor5 The +oman *lshes an4 glares- Are
/o accsin meN
Ah- no- Mrs5 McGra!h- sa/s Nora5 # !hink !here +as a li!!le acci4en! !here !he +a/ /or hi. +as
.resse4 agains! !ha! .a.er an4 /o 4i4n! e)en kno+ !he .a.er +as .lle4 4o+n a "i!5 Oh- Go4-
no5 A +oman like /o !ha!s *ore)er on her knees "e*ore !he Oirgin Mar/ is an ins.ira!ion !o s
all an4 is !ha! /or mone/ # see on !he *loor !hereN
Mrs5 McGra!h s!e.s "ack Kickl/ an4 !he nee4le on !he scale Jm.s an4 Ki)ers5 Lha! mone/N
she sa/s- !ill she looks a! Nora- an4 kno+s5 Nora smiles5 Ms! "e a !rick o* !he sha4o+s- she
sa/s- an4 smiles a! !he scale5 There +as a mis!ake righ! enogh *or !ha! sho+s "arel/ hal* a
.on4 o* *lor5
Tha! scale gi)es me more !ro"le- sa/s Mrs5 McGra!h5 #m sre i! 4oes- sa/s Nora5
$! m/ conscience is clear "e*ore Go4- sa/s Mrs5 McGra!h5 #m sre i! is- sa/s Nora- an4 /ore
a4mire4 "/ one an4 all a! !he S!5 Oincen! 4e <al Socie!/ an4 !he Legion o* Mar/5
# !r/ !o "e a goo4 Ca!holic5
Tr/N Go4 kno+s !is li!!le !r/ing /o4 ha)e *or /ore +ell kno+n *or ha)ing a kin4 hear! an4 #
+as +on4ering i* /o col4 s.are a co.le o* s+ee!s *or !he li!!le "o/s here5 Lell- no+- #m no!
a millionaire- "! here 5 5 5
Go4 "less /o- Mrs5 McGra!h- an4 # kno+ i!s asking a lo! "! col4 /o .ossi"l/ len4 me a
co.le o* cigare!!esN
Lell- no+- !he/re no! on !he 4ocke!5 #m no! here !o s..l/ l9ries5
#* /o col4 see /or +a/- misss- #4 "e sre !o men!ion /or kin4ness !o !he S!5Oincen! 4e
<al5 All righ!- all righ!- sa/s Mrs5 McGra!h5 Here5 One !ime *or !he cigare!!es an4 one !ime onl/5
Go4 "less /o- sa/s Nora- an4 #m sorr/ /o ha4 so mch !ro"le +i!h !ha! scale5
On !he +a/ home +e s!o..e4 in !he <eo.les <ark an4 sa! on a "ench +hile Malach/ an4 #
scke4 on or s+ee!s an4 Mam an4 Nora smoke4 3E
!heir cigare!!es5 The smoking "rogh! on Noras cogh an4 she !ol4 Mam !he *ags +ol4 kill her
in !he en4- !ha! !here +as a !och o* consm.!ion in her *amil/ an4 no one li)e4 !o a ri.e ol4
age- !hogh +ho +ol4 +an! !o in Limerick- a .lace +here /o col4 look aron4 an4 !he *irs!
!hing /o no!ice4 +as a scarci!/ o* gra/ hairs- all !he gra/ hairs ei!her in !he gra)e/ar4 or across
!he A!lan!ic +orking on railroa4s or san!ering aron4 in .olice ni*orms5
,ore lck/- misss- !ha! /o sa+ a "i! o* !he +orl45 Oh- Go4- #4 gi)e an/!hing !o see Ne+
,ork- .eo.le 4ancing . an4 4o+n $roa4+a/ +i!ho! a care5 No- # ha4 !o go an4 *all *or a
"ooIer +i!h !he charm- <e!er Mollo/- a cham.ion .in! 4rinker !ha! ha4 me . !he .ole an4 .
!he aisle +hen # +as "arel/ se)en!een5 # +as ignoran!- misss5Le gre+ . ignoran! in Limerick-
so +e 4i4- kno+ing *eck all a"o! an/!hing an4 signs on- +ere mo!hers "e*ore +ere +omen5
An4 !heres no!hing here "! rain an4 ol "i44ies sa/ing !he rosar/5 #4 gi)e me !ee!h !o ge!
o!- go !o America or e)en Englan4 i!sel*5The cham.ion .in! 4rinker is al+a/s on !he 4ole an4
some!imes he e)en 4rinks !ha! an4 4ri)es me so 4emen!e4 # +in4 . in !he lna!ic as/lm5
She 4re+ on her cigare!!e an4 gagge4- coghing !ill her "o4/ rocke4 "ack an4 *or!h- an4 in
"e!+een !he coghs she +him.ere4- Pess- Pess5Lhen !he cogh 4ie4 a+a/ she sai4 she ha4
!o go home an4 !ake her me4icine5 She sai4- #ll see /o ne9! +eek- misss- a! !he S!5Oincen! 4e
<al5 #* /ore s!ck *or an/!hing sen4 a message !o me a! OiIes Fiel45 Ask an/one *or !he +i*e
o* <e!er Mollo/- cham.ion .in! 4rinker5 Egene is slee.ing n4er a coa! on !he "e45 7a4 si!s "/
!he *ire.lace +i!h Oli)er on his la.5 # +on4er +h/ 7a4 is !elling Oli)er a Cchlain s!or/5 He
kno+s !he Cchlain s!ories are mine- "! +hen # look a! Oli)er # 4on! min45 His cheeks are
"righ! re4- hes s!aring in!o !he 4ea4 *ire- an4 /o can see he has no in!eres! in Cchlain5 Mam
.!s her han4 on his *orehea45 # !hink he has a *e)er- she sa/s5 # +ish # ha4 an onion an4 #4 "oil
i! in milk an4 .e..er5 Tha!s goo4 *or !he *e)er5 $! e)en i* # ha4 +ha! +ol4 # "oil !he milk onN
Le nee4 coal *or !ha! *ire5
She gi)es 7a4 !he 4ocke! *or !he coal 4o+n !he 7ock Roa45 He !akes me +i!h him "! i!s 4ark
an4 all !he coal /ar4s are close45 Lha! are +e going !o 4o no+- 7a4N
3D
# 4on! kno+- son5
Ahea4 o* s +omen in sha+ls an4 small chil4ren are .icking . coal along !he roa45
There- 7a4- !heres coal5
Och- no- son5Le +on! .ick coal o** !he roa45Lere no! "eggars5 He !ells Mam !he coal /ar4s
are close4 an4 +ell ha)e !o 4rink milk an4 ea! "rea4 !onigh!- "! +hen # !ell her a"o! !he
+omen on !he roa4 she .asses Egene !o him5
#* /ore !oo gran4 !o .ick coal o** !he roa4 #ll .! on m/ coa! an4 go 4o+n !he 7ock Roa45
She ge!s a "ag an4 !akes Malach/ an4 me +i!h her5 $e/on4 !he 7ock Roa4 !here is some!hing
+i4e an4 4ark +i!h ligh!s glin!ing in i!5 Mam sa/s !ha!s !he Ri)er Shannon5 She sa/s !ha!s +ha!
she misse4 mos! o* all in America- !he Ri)er Shannon5 The H4son +as lo)el/ "! !he Shannon
sings5 # can! hear !he song "! m/ mo!her 4oes an4 !ha! makes her ha../5 The o!her +omen
are gone *rom !he 7ock Roa4 an4 +e search *or !he "i!s o* coal !ha! 4ro. *rom lorries5 Mam
!ells s ga!her an/!hing !ha! "rns- coal- +oo4- car4"oar4- .a.er5 She sa/s- There are !hem !ha!
"rn !he horse 4ro..ings "! +ere no! gone !ha! lo+ /e!5 Lhen her "ag is nearl/ *ll she sa/s-
No+ +e ha)e !o *in4 an onion *or Oli)er5 Malach/ sa/s hell *in4 one "! she !ells him- No- /o
4on! *in4 onions on !he roa4- /o ge! !hem in sho.s5
The min!e he sees a sho. he cries o!-Theres a sho.- an4 rns in5 Oon/en- he sa/s5 Oon/en
*or Oli)er5
Mam rns in!o !he sho. an4 !ells !he +omen "ehin4 !he con!er- #m sorr/5The +oman sa/s-
Lor4- hes a 4o!e5 #s he an American or +ha!N
Mam sa/s he is5 The +oman smiles an4 sho+s !+o !ee!h- one on each si4e o* her ..er gm5A
4o!e- she sa/s- an4 look a! !hem gorgeos gol4/ crls5 An4 +ha! is i! he +an!s no+N A s+ee!N
Ah- no- sa/s Mam5 An onion5
The +oman laghs- An onionN # ne)er hear4 a chil4 +an!ing an onion "e*ore5 #s !ha! +ha! !he/
like in AmericaN
Mam sa/s- # Js! men!ione4 # +an!e4 !o ge! an onion *or m/ o!her chil4 !ha!s sick5 $oil !he
onion in milk- /o kno+5 Tre *or /o- misss5,o can! "ea! !he onion "oile4 in milk5 An4 look-
li!!le "o/- heres a s+ee! *or /orsel* an4 one *or !he o!her li!!le "o/- !he "ro!her- # s..ose5
Mam sa/s- Ah- sre- /o shol4n!5 Sa/ !hank /o- "o/s5 31
The +oman sa/s- Heres a nice onion *or !he sick chil4- misss5 Mam sa/s- Oh- # can! "/ !he
onion no+- misss5 # 4on! ha)e a .enn/ on me5
#m gi)ing /o !he onion- misss5 Le! i! ne)er "e sai4 a chil4 +en! sick in Limerick *or +an! o* an
onion5An4 4on! *orge! !o s.rinkle in a li!!le .e..er5 7o /o ha)e .e..er- misssN
Ah- no- # 4on! "! # shol4 "e ge!!ing i! an/ 4a/ no+5 Lell- here- misss5 <e..er an4 a li!!le
sal!5 7o !he chil4 all !he goo4 in !he +orl45
Mam sa/s- Go4 "less /o- maam- an4 her e/es are +a!er/5 7a4 is +alking "ack an4 *or!h +i!h
Oli)er in his arms an4 Egene is .la/ing on !he *loor +i!h a .o! an4 a s.oon5 7a4 sa/s- 7i4 /o
ge! !he onionN
# 4i4- sa/s Mam- an4 more5 # go! coal an4 !he +a/ o* ligh!ing i!5 # kne+ /o +ol45 # sai4 a
.ra/er !o S!5 P4e5 Hes m/ *a)ori!e sain!- .a!ron o* 4es.era!e cases5
# go! !he coal5 # go! !he onion- no hel. *rom S!5 P4e5 7a4 sa/s-,o shol4n! "e .icking . coal
o** !he roa4 like a common "eggar5 #! isn! righ!5 $a4 e9am.le *or !he "o/s5 Then /o shol4
ha)e sen! S!5 P4e 4o+n !he 7ock Roa45 Malach/ sa/s- #m hngr/- an4 #m hngr/- !oo- "!
Mam sa/s-,ell +ai! !ill Oli)er has his onion "oile4 in milk5
She ge!s !he *ire going- c!s !he onion in hal*- 4ro.s i! in !he "oiling milk +i!h a li!!le "!!er an4
s.rinkles !he milk +i!h .e..er5 She !akes Oli)er on her la. an4 !ries !o *ee4 him "! he !rns
a+a/ an4 looks in!o !he *ire5
Ah- come on- lo)e- she sa/s5 Goo4 *or /o5 Make /o "ig an4 s!rong5 He !igh!ens his mo!h
agains! !he s.oon5 She .!s !he .o! 4o+n- rocks him !ill hes aslee.- la/s him on !he "e4 an4
!ells !he res! o* s "e Kie! or shell 4emolish s5 She slices !he o!her hal* o* !he onion an4 *ries
i! in "!!er +i!h slices o* "rea45 She le!s s si! on !he *loor aron4 !he *ire +here +e ea! !he
*rie4 "rea4 an4 si. a! !he scal4ing s+ee! !ea in Jam Jars5 She sa/s- Tha! *ire is goo4 an4 "righ! so
+e can !rn o** !ha! gasligh! !ill +e ge! mone/ *or !he me!er5
The *ire makes !he room +arm an4 +i!h !he *lames 4ancing in !he coal /o can see *aces an4
mon!ains an4 )alle/s an4 animals lea.ing5 Egene *alls aslee. on !he *loor an4 7a4 li*!s him !o
!he "e4 "esi4e Oli)er5 Mam .!s !he "oile4 onion .o! . on !he man!el.iece *or *ear a mose
or ra! migh! "e a! i!5 She sa/s shes !ire4 o! *rom !he 4a/- !he E(
Oincen! 4e <al Socie!/- Mrs5 McGra!hs sho.- !he search *or coal 4o+n !he 7ock Roa4- !he
+orr/ o)er Oli)er no! +an!ing !he "oile4 onion- an4 i* hes like !his !omorro+ shes !aking him
!o !he 4oc!or- an4 no+ shes going !o "e45
Soon +ere all in "e4 an4 i* !heres !he o44 *lea # 4on! min4 "ecase i!s +arm in !he "e4 +i!h
!he si9 o* s an4 # lo)e !he glo+ o* !he *ire !he +a/ i! 4ances on !he +alls an4 ceiling an4 makes
!he room go re4 an4 "lack- re4 an4 "lack- !ill i! 4ims !o +hi!e an4 "lack an4 all /o can hear is a
li!!le cr/ *rom Oli)er !rning in m/ mo!hers arms5 #n !he morning 7a4 is ligh!ing !he *ire-
making !ea- c!!ing !he "rea45 Hes alrea4/ 4resse4 an4 hes !elling Mam hrr/ . an4 ge!
4resse45 He sa/s !o me- Francis- /or li!!le "ro!her Oli)er is sick an4 +ere !aking him !o !he
hos.i!al5,o are !o "e a goo4 "o/ an4 !ake care o* /or !+o "ro!hers5Lell "e "ack soon5
Mam sa/s- Lhen +ere o! go eas/ +i!h !ha! sgar5 Lere no! millionaires5
Lhen Mam .icks . Oli)er an4 +ra.s him in a coa! Egene s!an4s on !he "e45 # +an! Ollie- he
sa/s5 Ollie .la/5
Ollie +ill "e "ack soon- she sa/s- an4 /o can .la/ +i!h him5 No+ /o can .la/ +i!h Malach/
an4 Frank5
Ollie- Ollie- # +an! Ollie5
He *ollo+s Oli)er +i!h his e/es an4 +hen !he/re gone he si!s on !he "e4 looking o! !he
+in4o+5 Malach/ sa/s- Genie- Genie- +e ha)e "rea4- +e ha)e !ea5 Sgar on /or "rea4- Genie5
He shakes his hea4 an4 .shes a+a/ !he "rea4 Malach/ is o**ering5 He cra+ls !o !he .lace
+here Oli)er sle.! +i!h Mam- .!s his hea4 4o+n an4 s!ares o! !he +in4o+5
Gran4ma is a! !he 4oor5 # hear4 /or *a!her an4 mo!her +ere rnning 4o+n Henr/ S!ree! +i!h
!he chil4 in !heir arms5 No+ +here are !he/ gone !oN
Oli)er is sick- # sai45 He +ol4n! ea! !he "oile4 onion in milk5 Lha! are /o "la!herin a"o!N
Lol4n! ea! !he "oile4 onion an4 go! sick5
An4 +hos min4ing /eN
# am5
An4 +ha!s . +i!h !he chil4 in !he "e4N Lha!s his nameN
Tha!s Egene5 He misses Oli)er5The/re !+ins5
E%
# kno+ !he/re !+ins5Tha! chil4 looks s!ar)e45 Ha)e /e an/ .orri4ge hereN
Lha!s .orri4geN sa/s Malach/5
Pess- Mar/ an4 Hol/ S!5 Pose.hQ Lha!s .orri4geQ <orri4ge is .orri4ge5Tha!s +ha! .orri4ge
is5,e are !he mos! ignoran! "nch o ,anks # e)er seen5 Come on- .! on /eer clo!hes an4 +ell
go across !he s!ree! !o /or an! Aggie5 Shes !here +i!h !he hs"an4- <a Kea!ing- an4 shell
gi)e /e some .orri4ge5
She .icks . Egene- +ra.s him in her sha+l an4 +e cross !he s!ree! !o An! Aggies5 Shes
li)ing +i!h Uncle <a again "ecase he sai4 she +asn! a *a! co+ a*!er all5
7o /o ha)e an/ .orri4geN Gran4ma sa/s !o An! Aggie5 <orri4geN Am # s..ose4 !o "e *ee4ing
.orri4ge !o a cro+4 o* ,anksN
<i!/ a"o! /o- sa/s Gran4ma5 #! +on! kill /o !o gi)e !hem a li!!le .orri4ge5 An4 # s..ose
!he/ll "e +an!ing sgar an4 milk on !o. o* e)er/!hing or !he/ migh! "e "anging on m/ 4oor
looking *or an egg i* /o 4on! min45 # 4on! kno+ +h/ +e ha)e !o .a/ *or Angelas mis!akes5
Pess- sa/s Gran4ma- !is a goo4 !hing /o 4i4n! o+n !ha! s!a"le in $e!hlehem or !he Hol/
Famil/ +ol4 s!ill "e +an4erin !he +orl4 crm"lin +i!h !he hnger5
Gran4ma .shes her +a/ .as! An! Aggie- .!s Egene on a chair near !he *ire an4 makes !he
.orri4ge5 A man comes in *rom ano!her room5 He has "lack crl/ hair an4 his skin is "lack an4 #
like his e/es "ecase !he/re )er/ "le an4 rea4/ !o smile5 Hes An! Aggies hs"an4- !he man
+ho s!o..e4 !he nigh! +e +ere a!!acking !he *leas an4 !ol4 s all a"o! *leas an4 snakes- !he
man +i!h !he cogh he go! *rom s+allo+ing gas in !he +ar5 Malach/ sa/s-Lh/ are /o all
"lackN an4 Uncle <a Kea!ing laghs an4 coghs so har4 he has !o ease himsel* +i!h a cigare!!e5
Oh- !he li!!le ,anks- he sa/s5The/re no! a "i! sh/5 #m "lack "ecase # +ork a! !he Limerick Gas
Lorks sho)eling coal an4 coke in!o !he *rnaces5 Gasse4 in France an4 "ack !o Limerick !o +ork
in !he gas +orks5 Lhen /o gro+ . /oll lagh5
Malach/ an4 # ha)e !o lea)e !he !a"le so !he "ig .eo.le can si! an4 ha)e !ea5 The/ ha)e !heir
!ea "! Uncle <a Kea!ing- +ho is m/ ncle "ecase hes marrie4 !o m/ an! Aggie- .icks .
Egene an4 !akes him E&
on his la.5 He sa/s- This is a sa4 li!!le *ella- an4 makes *nn/ *aces an4 sill/ son4s5 Malach/ an4
# lagh "! Egene onl/ reaches . !o !och !he "lackness o* <a Kea!ings skin- an4 !hen +hen
<a .re!en4s !o "i!e his li!!le han4- Egene laghs an4 e)er/one in !he room laghs5 Malach/
goes !o Egene an4 !ries !o make him lagh e)en more "! Egene !rns a+a/ an4 hi4es his
*ace in <a Kea!ings shir!5 # !hink he likes me- sa/s <a- an4 !ha!s +hen An! Aggie .!s 4o+n her
!eac. an4 s!ar!s !o "a+l-Laah- +aah- +aah- "ig !ear4ro.s !m"ling 4o+n her *a! re4 *ace5
A+- Pess- sa/s Gran4ma- !here she is again5Lha!s . +i!h /o !his !imeN
An4 An! Aggie "l""ers-To see <a !here +i!h a chil4 on his la. an
me +i!h no ho.e o* ha)ing m/ o+n5
Gran4ma "arks a! her- S!o. !alkin like !ha! in *ron! o* !he chil4ren5 Ha)e /o no shameN Lhen
Go4 is goo4 an4 rea4/ Hell sen4 /o /or *amil/5
An! Aggie so"s- Angela +i!h *i)e "orn an one Js! gone an her so seless she col4n! scr" a
*loor an me +i!h none an # can scr" an clean +i!h !he "es! an4 make an/ class o* a s!e+ or a
*r/5 <a Kea!ing laghs- # !hink #ll kee. !his li!!le *ella5 Malach/ rns !o him5 No- no- no5Tha!s m/
"ro!her- !ha!s Egene5 An4 # sa/- No- no- no- !ha!s or "ro!her5
An! Aggie .a!s !he !ears on her cheeks5 She sa/s- # 4on! +an! no!hing o* Angelas5 # 4on! +an!
no!hing !ha!s hal* Limerick an4 hal* Nor!h o* #relan4- so # 4on!- so /e can !ake him home5 #ll
ha)e me o+n some4a/ i* # ha)e !o 4o a hn4re4 no)enas !o !he Oirgin Mar/ an4 her mo!her- S!5
Ann- or i* # ha)e !o cra+l *rom here !o Lor4es on me !+o "en4e4 knees5
Gran4ma sa/s- Tha!s enogh5 ,e ha)e ha4 /eer .orri4ge an4 !is !ime !o go home an4 see i*
/eer *a!her an4 mo!her are "ack *rom !he hos.i!al5
She .!s on her sha+l an4 goes !o .ick . Egene "! he cl!ches so har4 a! <a Kea!ings shir!
she has !o .ll him a+a/ !hogh he kee.s looking "ack a! <a !ill +ere o! !he 4oor5
Le *ollo+e4 Gran4ma "ack !o or room5 She .! Egene in !he "e4 an4 ga)e him a 4rink o*
+a!er5 She !ol4 him !o "e a goo4 "o/ an4 go E'
!o slee. *or his li!!le "ro!her- Oli)er- +ol4 "e home soon an4 !he/4 "e .la/ing again !here on
!he *loor5
$! he ke.! looking o! !he +in4o+5
She !ol4 Malach/ an4 me +e col4 si! on !he *loor an4 .la/ "! !o "e Kie! "ecase she +as
going !o sa/ her .ra/ers5 Malach/ +en! !o !he "e4 an4 sa! "/ Egene an4 # sa! on a chair a! !he
!a"le making o! +or4s on !he ne+s.a.er !ha! +as or !a"leclo!h5 All /o col4 hear in !he
room +as Malach/ +his.ering !o make Egene ha../ an4 Gran4ma mm"ling !o !he click o*
her rosar/ "ea4s5 #! +as so Kie! # .! m/ hea4 on !he !a"le an4 *ell aslee.5
7a4 is !oching m/ shol4er5 Come on- Francis- /o ha)e !o !ake care o* /or li!!le "ro!hers5
Mam is slm.e4 on !he e4ge o* !he "e4- making small cr/ing son4s like a "ir45 Gran4ma is
.lling on her sha+l5 She sa/s- #ll go 4o+n !o Thom.son !he n4er!aker a"o! !he co**in an4
!he carriage5 The S!5Oincen! 4e <al Socie!/ +ill srel/ .a/ *or !ha!- Go4 kno+s5 She goes o!
!he 4oor5 7a4 s!an4s *acing !he +all o)er !he *ire- "ea!ing on his !highs +i!h his *is!s- sighing-
Och- och- och5 7a4 *righ!ens me +i!h his och- och- och- an4 Mam *righ!ens me +i!h her small
"ir4 son4s an4 # 4on! kno+ +ha! !o 4o !hogh # +on4er i* an/one +ill ligh! !he *ire in !he
gra!e so !ha! +e can ha)e !ea an4 "rea4 "ecase i!s a long !ime since +e ha4 !he .orri4ge5 #*
7a4 +ol4 mo)e a+a/ *rom !he *ire.lace # col4 ligh! !he *ire m/sel*5All /o nee4 is .a.er- a
*e+ "i!s o* coal or !r*- an4 a ma!ch5 He +on! mo)e so # !r/ !o go aron4 his legs +hile hes
"ea!ing on his !highs "! he no!ices me an4 +an!s !o kno+ +h/ #m !r/ing !o ligh! !he *ire5 # !ell
him +ere all hngr/ an4 he le!s o! a craI/ lagh5 Hngr/N he sa/s5 Och- Francis- /or +ee
"ro!her Oli)er is 4ea45,or +ee sis!er is 4ea4 an4 /or +ee "ro!her is 4ea45
He .icks me . an4 hgs me so har4 # cr/ o!5Then Malach/ cries- m/ mo!her cries- 7a4 cries- #
cr/- "! Egene s!a/s Kie!5Then 7a4 sni**les-Lell ha)e a *eas!5 Come on- Francis5 He !ells m/
mo!her +ell "e "ack in a+hile "! she has Malach/ an4 Egene on her la. in !he "e4 an4 she
4oesn! look .5 He carries me !hrogh !he s!ree!s o* Limerick an4 +e go *rom sho. !o sho.
+i!h him asking *or *oo4 or an/!hing !he/ can gi)e !o a *amil/ !ha! has !+o chilEB
4ren 4ea4 in a /ear- one in America- one in Limerick- an4 in 4anger o* losing !hree more *or !he
+an! o* *oo4 an4 4rink5 Mos! sho.kee.ers shake !heir hea4s5 Sorr/ *or /or !ro"les "! /o
col4 go !o !he S!5 Oincen! 4e <al Socie!/ or ge! !he ."lic assis!ance5 7a4 sa/s hes gla4 !o see
!he s.iri! o* Chris! ali)e in Limerick an4 !he/ !ell him !he/ 4on! nee4 !he likes o* him +i!h his
nor!hern accen! !o "e !elling !hem a"o! Chris! an4 he shol4 "e ashame4 o* himsel* 4ragging
a chil4 aron4 like !ha! like a common "eggar- a !inker- a knacker5
A *e+ sho.kee.ers gi)e "rea4- .o!a!oes- !ins o* "eans an4 7a4 sa/s- Lell go home no+ an4
/o "o/s can ea! some!hing- "! +e mee! Uncle <a Kea!ing an4 he !ells 7a4 hes )er/ sorr/ *or
his !ro"les an4 +ol4 7a4 like !o ha)e a .in! in !his ." hereN
There are men si!!ing in !his ." +i!h grea! glasses o* "lack s!** "e*ore !hem5 Uncle <a Kea!ing
an4 7a4 ha)e !he "lack s!**- !oo5The/ li*! !heir glasses care*ll/ an4 slo+l/ 4rink5There is
cream/ +hi!e s!** on !heir li.s- +hich !he/ lick +i!h li!!le sighs5 Uncle <a ge!s me a "o!!le o*
lemona4e an4 7a4 gi)es me a .iece o* "rea4 an4 # 4on! *eel hngr/ an/more5 S!ill- # +on4er
ho+ long +ell si! here +i!h Malach/ an4 Egene hngr/ a! home- hors *rom !he .orri4ge-
+hich Egene 4i4n! ea! an/+a/5
7a4 an4 Uncle <a 4rink !heir glass o* "lack s!** an4 ha)e ano!her5 Uncle <a sa/s- Frankie- !his is
!he .in!5This is !he s!a** o* li*e5This is !he "es! !hing *or nrsing mo!hers an4 *or !hose +ho are
long +eane45 He laghs an4 7a4 smiles an4 # lagh "ecase # !hink !ha!s +ha! /ore s..ose4
!o 4o +hen Uncle <a sa/s some!hing5 He 4oesn! lagh +hen he !ells !he o!her men a"o!
Oli)er 4/ing5 The o!her men !i. !heir ha!s !o 7a45 Sorr/ *or /or !ro"les- mis!er- an4 srel/
/oll ha)e a .in!5
7a4 sa/s /es !o !he .in!s an4 soon hes singing Ro44/ McCorle/ an4 Ke)in $arr/ an4 song a*!er
song # ne)er hear4 "e*ore an4 cr/ing o)er his lo)el/ li!!le girl- Margare!- !ha! 4ie4 in America
an4 his li!!le "o/- Oli)er- 4ea4 "e/on4 in !he Ci!/ Home Hos.i!al5 #! *righ!ens me !he +a/ he
/ells an4 cries an4 sings an4 # +ish # col4 "e a! home +i!h m/ !hree "ro!hers- no- m/ !+o
"ro!hers- an4 m/ mo!her5
The man "ehin4 !he "ar sa/s !o 7a4- # !hink no+- mis!er- /o)e ha4 enogh5 Lere sorr/ *or
/or !ro"les "! /o ha)e !o !ake !ha! chil4 home !o his mo!her !ha! ms! "e hear!"roken "/
!he *ire5 EC
7a4 sa/s- One- one more .in!- Js! one- ehN an4 !he man sa/s no5 7a4 shakes his *is!5 # 4i4 me
"i! *or #relan4- an4 +hen !he man comes o! an4 !akes 7a4s arm- 7a4 !ries !o .sh him a+a/5
Uncle <a sa/s- Come on no+- Malach/- s!o. !he "lagar4ing5,o ha)e !o go home !o
Angela5,o ha)e a *neral !omorro+ an4 !he lo)el/ chil4ren +ai!ing *or /o5
$! 7a4 s!rggles !ill a *e+ men .sh him o! in!o !he 4arkness5 Uncle <a s!m"les o! +i!h !he
"ag o* *oo45 Come on- he sa/s5Lell go "ack !o /or room5
7a4 +an!s !o go !o ano!her .lace *or a .in! "! Uncle <a sa/s he has no more mone/5 7a4 sa/s
hell !ell e)er/one his sorro+s an4 !he/ll gi)e him .in!s5 Uncle <a sa/s !ha!s a 4isgrace*l !hing
!o 4o an4 7a4 cries on his shol4er5,ore a goo4 *rien4- he !ells Uncle <a5 He cries again !ill
Uncle <a .a!s him on !he "ack5 #!s !erri"le- !erri"le- sa/s Uncle <a- "! /oll ge! o)er !his in
!ime5
7a4 s!raigh!ens . an4 looks a! him5 Ne)er- he sa/s5 Ne)er5 Ne9! 4a/ +e ro4e !o !he hos.i!al in
a carriage +i!h a horse5The/ .! Oli)er in a +hi!e "o9 !ha! came +i!h s in !he carriage an4 +e
!ook him !o !he gra)e/ar45The/ .! !he +hi!e "o9 in!o a hole in !he gron4 an4 co)ere4 i! +i!h
ear!h5 M/ mo!her an4 An! Aggie crie4- Gran4ma looke4 angr/- 7a4- Uncle <a Kea!ing- an4
Uncle <a! Sheehan looke4 sa4 "! 4i4 no! cr/ an4 # !hogh! !ha! i* /ore a man /o can cr/
onl/ +hen /o ha)e !he "lack s!** !ha! is calle4 !he .in!5 # 4i4 no! like !he Jack4a+s !ha!
.erche4 on !rees an4 gra)es!ones an4 # 4i4 no! +an! !o lea)e Oli)er +i!h !hem5 # !hre+ a rock
a! a Jack4a+ !ha! +a44le4 o)er !o+ar4 Oli)ers gra)e5 7a4 sai4 # shol4n! !hro+ rocks a!
Jack4a+s- !he/ migh! "e some"o4/s sol5 # 4i4n! kno+ +ha! a sol +as "! # 4i4n! ask him
"ecase # 4i4n! care5 Oli)er +as 4ea4 an4 # ha!e4 Jack4a+s5 #4 "e a man some4a/ an4 #4
come "ack +i!h a "ag o* rocks an4 #4 lea)e !he gra)e/ar4 li!!ere4 +i!h 4ea4 Jack4a+s5
The morning a*!er Oli)ers "rial 7a4 +en! !o !he La"or E9change !o sign an4 collec! !he
+eeks 4ole- nine!een shillings an4 si9.ence5 He sai4 he4 "e home "/ noon- !ha! he4 ge! coal
an4 make a *ire- !ha! +e4 ha)e E3
rashers an4 eggs an4 !ea in honor o* Oli)er- !ha! +e migh! e)en ha)e a s+ee! or !+o5
He +asn! home "/ noon- or one- or !+o- an4 +e "oile4 an4 a!e !he *e+ .o!a!oes !he
sho.kee.ers ha4 gi)en !he 4a/ "e*ore5 He +asn! home an/!ime "e*ore !he sn +en! 4o+n
!ha! 4a/ in Ma/5There +as no sign o* him !ill +e hear4 him- long a*!er !he ."s close4- rolling
along Lin4mill S!ree!- singing- Lhen all aron4 a )igil kee.-
The Les!s aslee.- !he Les!s aslee.?
Alas- an4 +ell ma/ Erin +ee.
Lhen Connach! lies in slm"er 4ee.5
There lake an4 .lain smile *air an4 *ree-
Mi4 rocks !heir gar4ian chi)alr/5
Sing- Oh- le! man learn li"er!/
From crashing +in4 an4 lashing sea5
He s!m"le4 in!o !he room- hanging on !o !he +all5 A sno! ooIe4 *rom his nose an4 he +i.e4 i!
a+a/ +i!h !he "ack o* his han45 He !rie4 !o s.eak5 8eeIe shil4ren shol4 "e in "e45 Lishen !o
me5 Shil4ren go !o "e45
Mam *ace4 him5 These chil4ren are hngr/5 Lheres !he 4ole mone/N Lell ge! *ish an4 chi.s
so !he/ll ha)e some!hing in !heir "ellies +hen !he/ go !o slee.5 She !rie4 !o s!ick her han4s in!o
his .ocke!s "! he .she4 her a+a/5 Ha)e res.heck- he sai45 Resh.eck in *ron! o* shil4ren5 She
s!rggle4 !o ge! a! his .ocke!s5 Lheres !he mone/N The chil4ren are hngr/5 ,o ma4 ol
"as!ar4- 4i4 /o 4rink all !he mone/ againN Ps! +ha! /o 4i4 in $rookl/n5
He "l""ere4- Och- .oor Angela5An4 .oor +ee Margare! an4 .oor +ee Oli)er5
He s!aggere4 !o me an4 hgge4 me an4 # smelle4 !he 4rink # se4 !o smell in America5 M/ *ace
+as +e! *rom his !ears an4 his s.i! an4 his sno! an4 # +as hngr/ an4 # 4i4n! kno+ +ha! !o sa/
+hen he crie4 all o)er m/ hea45
Then he le! me go an4 hgge4 Malach/- s!ill going on a"o! !he +ee sis!er an4 !he +ee "ro!her
col4 in !he gron4- an4 ho+ +e all ha)e !o .ra/ an4 "e goo4- ho+ +e ha)e !o "e o"e4ien! an4
4o +ha! or EE
mo!her !ells s5 He sai4 +e ha)e or !ro"les "! i!s !ime *or Malach/ an4 me !o s!ar! school
"ecase !heres no!hing like an e4ca!ion- i! +ill s!an4 !o /o in !he en4- an4 /o ha)e !o ge!
rea4/ !o 4o /or "i! *or #relan45
Mam sa/s she can! s.en4 ano!her min!e in !ha! room on Lin4mill S!ree!5 She can! slee.
+i!h !he memor/ o* Oli)er in !ha! room- Oli)er in !he "e4- Oli)er .la/ing on !he *loor- Oli)er
si!!ing on 7a4s la. "/ !he *ire5 She sa/s i!s no! goo4 *or Egene !o "e in !ha! .lace- !ha! a !+in
+ill s**er more o)er !he loss o* his "ro!her !han e)en a mo!her can n4ers!an45Theres a room
going on Har!s!onge S!ree! +i!h !+o "e4s ins!ea4 o* !he one +e ha)e here *or !he si9 o* s- no-
!he *i)e o* s5Lere ge!!ing !ha! room an4 !o make sre shes going !o !he La"or E9change on
Thrs4a/ !o s!an4 in !he Kee !o !ake !he 4ole mone/ !he min!e i!s han4e4 !o 7a45 He sa/s
she can! 4o !ha!- he4 "e 4isgrace4 +i!h !he o!her men5The La"or E9change is a .lace *or men
no! *or +omen !aking !he mone/ *rom n4er !heir noses5 She sa/s- <i!/ a"o! /o5 #* /o 4i4n!
sKan4er !he mone/ in !he ."s # +ol4n! ha)e !o *ollo+ /o !he +a/ # 4i4 in $rookl/n5
He !ells her hell "e shame4 *ore)er5 She sa/s she 4oesn! care5 She +an!s !ha! room on
Har!s!onge S!ree!- a nice +arm com*or!a"le room +i!h a la)a!or/ 4o+n !he hall like !he one in
$rookl/n- a room +i!ho! *leas an4 !he 4am.ness !ha! kills5 She +an!s !ha! room "ecase i!s
on !he same s!ree! as Leam/s Na!ional School an4 Malach/ an4 # can come home a! !he 4inner
hor- +hich is noon- *or a c. o* !ea an4 a c! o* *rie4 "rea45
On Thrs4a/ Mam *ollo+s 7a4 !o !he La"or E9change5 She marches in "ehin4 him an4 +hen
!he man .shes !he mone/ !o+ar4 7a4 she !akes i!5The o!her men on !he 4ole n4ge each
o!her an4 grin an4 7a4 is 4isgrace4 "ecase a +oman is ne)er s..ose4 !o in!er*ere +i!h a
mans 4ole mone/5 He migh! +an! !o .! si9.ence on a horse or ha)e a .in! an4 i* all !he
+omen s!ar! ac!ing like Mam !he horses +ill s!o. rnning an4 Ginness +ill go "roke5 $! she
has !he mone/ no+ an4 +e mo)e !o Har!s!onge S!ree!5Then she carries Egene in her arms an4
+e go . !he s!ree! !o Leam/s Na!ional School5 The hea4mas!er- Mr5 Scallan- sa/s +e are !o
re!rn on Mon4a/ +i!h a com.osi!ion "ook- a .encil- an4 a .en +i!h a goo4 ni" on i!5Le are
no! !o come !o school +i!h ring+orm or lice an4 or noses are !o "e "lo+n a! all !imes- no! ED
on !he *loor- !ha! s.rea4s !he consm.!ion- or on or slee)es- "! in a han4kerchie* or a clean
rag5 He asks s i* +e are goo4 "o/s an4 +hen +e sa/ +e are- he sa/s- Goo4 Lor4- +ha!s !hisN
Are !he/ ,anks or +ha!N
Mam !ells him a"o! Margare! an4 Oli)er an4 he sa/s- Lor4 a"o)e- Lor4 a"o)e- !heres grea!
s**ering in !he +orl45 An/+a/- +ell .! !he li!!le *ello+- Malach/- in !he in*an!s class an4 his
"ro!her in *irs! class5 The/re in !he same room +i!h one mas!er5 Mon4a/ morning- !hen- nine
oclock .rom.!5
The "o/s in Leam/s +an! !o kno+ +h/ +e !alk like !ha!5 Are /e ,anks or +ha!N An4 +hen +e
!ell !hem +e came *rom America !he/ +an! !o kno+- Are /e gangs!ers or co+"o/sN
A "ig "o/ s!icks his *ace . !o mine5 #m asking /e a Kes!ion- he sa/s5 Are /e gangs!ers or
co+"o/sN
# !ell him # 4on! kno+ an4 +hen he .okes his *inger in!o m/ ches! Malach/ sa/s- #m a gangs!er-
Franks a co+"o/5 The "ig "o/ sa/s-,or li!!le "ro!her is smar! an4 /ore a s!.i4 ,ank5
The "o/s aron4 him are e9ci!e45 Figh!- !he/ /ell- *igh!- an4 he .shes me so har4 # *all5 # +an!
!o cr/ "! !he "lackness comes o)er me !he +a/ i! 4i4 +i!h Fre44ie Lei"o+i!I an4 # rsh a! him-
kicking an4 .nching5 # knock him 4o+n an4 !r/ !o gra" his hair !o "ang his hea4 on !he gron4
"! !heres a shar. s!ing across !he "acks o* m/ legs an4 #m .lle4 a+a/ *rom him5
Mr5 $enson- !he mas!er- has me "/ !he ear an4 hes +hacking me across !he legs5,o li!!le
hooligan- he sa/s5 #s !ha! !he kin4 o* "eha)ior /o "rogh! *rom AmericaN Lell- "/ Go4- /oll
"eha)e /orsel* "e*ore #m 4one +i!h /o5
He !ells me hol4 o! one han4 an4 !hen !he o!her an4 hi!s me +i!h his s!ick once on each han45
Go home no+- he sa/s- an4 !ell /or mo!her +ha! a "a4 "o/ /o +ere5,ore a "a4 ,ank5 Sa/
a*!er me- #m a "a4 "o/5
#m a "a4 "o/5
No+ sa/- #m a "a4 ,ank5
#m a "a4 ,ank5
Malach/ sa/s- Hes no! a "a4 "o/5 #!s !ha! "ig "o/5 He sai4 +e +ere co+"o/s an4 gangs!ers5
#s !ha! +ha! /o 4i4- He**ernanN
# +as onl/ Jokin- sir5
No more Joking- He**ernan5 #!s no! !heir *al! !ha! !he/re ,anks5 E1
Tisn!- sir5
An4 /o- He**ernan- shol4 ge! 4o+n on /or !+o knees e)er/ nigh! an4 !hank Go4 /ore no!
a ,ank *or i* /o +ere- He**ernan- /o4 "e !he grea!es! gangs!er on !+o si4es o* !he A!lan!ic5 Al
Ca.one +ol4 "e coming !o /o *or lessons5 ,ore no! !o "e "o!hering !hese !+o ,anks
an/more- He**ernan5
# +on!- sir5
An4 i* /o 4o- He**ernan- #ll hang /or .el! on !he +all5 No+ go home- all o* /e5
There are se)en mas!ers in Leam/s Na!ional School an4 !he/ all ha)e lea!her s!ra.s- canes-
"lack!horn s!icks5The/ hi! /o +i!h !he s!icks on !he shol4ers- !he "ack- !he legs- an4-
es.eciall/- !he han4s5 #* !he/ hi! /o on !he han4s i!s calle4 a sla.5The/ hi! /o i* /ore la!e- i*
/o ha)e a leak/ ni" on /or .en- i* /o lagh- i* /o !alk- an4 i* /o 4on! kno+ !hings5
The/ hi! /o i* /o 4on! kno+ +h/ Go4 ma4e !he +orl4- i* /o 4on! kno+ !he .a!ron sain! o*
Limerick- i* /o can! reci!e !he A.os!les Cree4- i* /o can! a44 nine!een !o *or!/:se)en- i* /o
can! s"!rac! nine!een *rom *or!/:se)en- i* /o 4on! kno+ !he chie* !o+ns an4 .ro4c!s o* !he
!hir!/:!+o con!ies o* #relan4- i* /o can! *in4 $lgaria on !he +all ma. o* !he +orl4 !ha!s
"lo!!e4 +i!h s.i!- sno!- an4 "lo"s o* ink !hro+n "/ angr/ ..ils e9.elle4 *ore)er5
The/ hi! /o i* /o can! sa/ /or name in #rish- i* /o can! sa/ !he Hail Mar/ in #rish- i* /o
can! ask *or !he la)a!or/ .ass in #rish5 #! hel.s !o lis!en !o !he "ig "o/s ahea4 o* /o5 The/ can
!ell /o a"o! !he mas!er /o ha)e no+- +ha! he likes an4 +ha! he ha!es5 One mas!er +ill hi!
/o i* /o 4on! kno+ !ha! Eamon 7e Oalera is !he grea!es! man !ha! e)er li)e45Ano!her mas!er
+ill hi! /o i* /o 4on! kno+ !ha! Michael Collins +as !he grea!es! man !ha! e)er li)e45 Mr5
$enson ha!es America an4 /o ha)e !o remem"er !o ha!e America or hell hi! /o5
Mr5 O7ea ha!es Englan4 an4 /o ha)e !o remem"er !o ha!e Englan4 or hell hi! /o5
#* /o e)er sa/ an/!hing goo4 a"o! Oli)er Crom+ell !he/ll all hi! /o5
5
5
5
D(
E)en i* !he/ sla. /o si9 !imes on each han4 +i!h !he ash .lan! or !he "lack!horn +i!h !he kno"s
/o ms! no! cr/5,oll "e a siss/5 There are "o/s +ho migh! Jeer a! /o an4 mock /o on !he
s!ree! "! e)en !he/ ha)e !o "e care*l "ecase !he 4a/ +ill come +hen !he mas!er hi!s an4
sla.s !hem an4 !he/ ha)e !o kee. !he !ears "ehin4 !heir e/es or "e 4isgrace4 *ore)er5 Some
"o/s sa/ i! is "e!!er !o cr/ "ecase !ha! .leases !he mas!ers5 #* /o 4on! cr/ !he mas!ers ha!e
/o "ecase /o)e ma4e !hem look +eak "e*ore !he class an4 !he/ .romise !hemsel)es !he
ne9! !ime !he/ ha)e /o . !he/ll 4ra+ !ears or "loo4 or "o!h5 $ig "o/s in *i*!h class !ell s Mr5
O7ea likes !o ge! /o in *ron! o* !he class so !ha! he can s!an4 "ehin4 /o- .inch /or
si4e"rns- +hich are calle4 cossicks- .ll . on !hem5 U.- .- he sa/s- !ill /ore on !i.!oe an4
!he !ears are *illing /or e/es5,o 4on! +an! !he "o/s in !he class !o see /o cr/ "! .lling on
!he cossicks makes !he !ears come +he!her /o like i! or no! an4 !he mas!er likes !ha!5 Mr5
O7ea is !he one mas!er +ho can al+a/s "ring !he !ears an4 !he shame5 #! is "e!!er no! !o cr/
"ecase /o ha)e !o s!ick +i!h !he "o/s in !he school an4 /o ne)er +an! !o gi)e !he mas!ers
an/ sa!is*ac!ion5 #* !he mas!er hi!s /o !heres no se com.laining !o /or *a!her or
mo!her5The/ al+a/s sa/-,o 4eser)e i!5 7on! "e a "a"/5 # kno+ Oli)er is 4ea4 an4 Malach/
kno+s Oli)er is 4ea4 "! Egene is !oo small !o kno+ an/!hing5 Lhen he +akes in !he morning
he sa/s- Ollie- Ollie- an4 !o44les aron4 !he room looking n4er !he "e4s or he clim"s . on !he
"e4 "/ !he +in4o+ an4 .oin!s !o chil4ren on !he s!ree!- es.eciall/ chil4ren +i!h *air hair like
him an4 Oli)er5 Ollie- Ollie- he sa/s- an4 Mam .icks him .- so"s- hgs him5 He s!rggles !o ge!
4o+n "ecase he 4oesn! +an! !o "e .icke4 . an4 hgge45 He +an!s !o *in4 Oli)er5
7a4 an4 Mam !ell him Oli)er is in hea)en .la/ing +i!h angels an4 +ell all see him again
some4a/ "! he 4oesn! n4ers!an4 "ecase hes onl/ !+o an4 4oesn! ha)e !he +or4s an4
!ha!s !he +ors! !hing in !he +hole +orl45
Malach/ an4 # .la/ +i!h him5 Le !r/ !o make him lagh5 Le make *nn/ *aces5Le .! .o!s on
or hea4s an4 .re!en4 !o le! !hem *all o**5Le rn across !he room an4 .re!en4 !o *all 4o+n5Le
!ake him !o !he <eo.les <ark !o see !he lo)el/ *lo+ers- .la/ +i!h 4ogs- roll in !he grass5
D%
He sees small chil4ren +i!h *air hair like Oli)er5 He 4oesn! sa/ Ollie an/more5 He onl/ .oin!s5
7a4 sa/s Egene is lck/ !o ha)e "ro!hers like Malach/ an4 me "ecase +e hel. him *orge! an4
soon- +i!h Go4s hel.- hell ha)e no memor/ o* Oli)er a! all5
He 4ie4 an/+a/5
Si9 mon!hs a*!er Oli)er +en!- +e +oke on a mean No)em"er morning an4 !here +as Egene-
col4 in !he "e4 "esi4e s5 7r5Tro/ came an4 sai4 !ha! chil4 4ie4 o* .nemonia an4 +h/ +asn!
he in !he hos.i!al long agoN 7a4 sai4 he 4i4n! kno+ an4 Mam sai4 she 4i4n! kno+ an4 7r5Tro/
sai4 !ha!s +h/ chil4ren 4ie5 <eo.le 4on! kno+5 He sai4 i* Malach/ or # sho+e4 !he sligh!es!
sign o* a cogh or !he *ain!es! ra!!le in !he !hroa! +e +ere !o "e "rogh! !o him no ma!!er +ha!
!ime o* 4a/ or nigh!5 Le +ere !o "e ke.! 4r/ a! all !imes "ecase !here seeme4 !o "e a "i! o* a
+eakness in !he ches! in !his *amil/5 He !ol4 Mam he +as )er/ sorr/ *or her !ro"les an4 he4
gi)e her a .rescri.!ion *or some!hing !o ease !he .ain o* !he 4a/s !o come5 He sai4 Go4 +as
asking !oo mch- !oo 4amn mch5
Gran4ma came o)er !o or room +i!h An! Aggie5 She +ashe4 Egene- an4 An! Aggie +en! !o
a sho. *or a li!!le +hi!e go+n an4 a se! o* rosar/ "ea4s5The/ 4resse4 him in a +hi!e go+n an4
lai4 him on !he "e4 "/ !he +in4o+ +here he se4 !o look o! *or Oli)er5 The/ .lace4 his han4s
on his ches!- one han4 on !o. o* !he o!her- "on4 in !he li!!le +hi!e rosar/ "ea4s5 Gran4ma
"rshe4 !he hair "ack *rom his e/es an4 *orehea4 an4 she sai4- 7oesn! he ha)e lo)el/ so*! silk/
hairN
Mam +en! !o !he "e4 an4 .lle4 a "lanke! o)er his legs !o kee. him +arm5 Gran4ma an4 An!
Aggie looke4 a! each o!her an4 sai4 no!hing5 7a4 s!oo4 a! !he en4 o* !he "e4 "ea!ing his *is!s
agains! his !highs- !alking !o Egene- !elling him- Och- i! +as !he Ri)er Shannon !ha! harme4
/o- !he 4am.ness *rom !ha! ri)er !ha! came an4 !ook /o an4 Oli)er5 Gran4ma sai4- Lill /o
s!o. !ha!N ,ore making !he +hole hose ner)os5 She !ook 7r5 Tro/s .rescri.!ion an4 !ol4
me rn o)er !o OConnor !he chemis! *or !he .ills- !ha! !here +ol4 "e no charge 4e !o !he
kin4ness o* 7r5Tro/5 7a4 sai4 he4 come +i!h me- !ha! +e4 go !o !he Pesi! chrch an4 sa/ a
.ra/er *or Margare! an4 Oli)er an4 Egene- all ha../ in hea)en5The chemis! ga)e s !he .ills-
+e s!o..e4 D&
!o sa/ !he .ra/ers- an4 +hen +e re!rne4 !o !he room- Gran4ma ga)e 7a4 mone/ !o "ring a
*e+ "o!!les o* s!o! *rom !he ."5 Mam sai4- No- no- "! Gran4ma sai4- He 4oesn! ha)e !he
.ills !o ease him- Go4 hel. s- an4 a "o!!le o* s!o! +ill "e some small com*or!5Then she !ol4
him he4 ha)e !o go !o !he n4er!aker !omorro+ !o "ring !he co**in "ack in a carriage5 She !ol4
me !o go +i!h m/ *a!her an4 make sre he 4i4n! s!a/ in !he ." all nigh! an4 4rink all !he
mone/5 7a4 sai4- Och- Frankie shol4n! "e in ."s- an4 she sai4-Then 4on! s!a/ !here5 He .!
on his ca. an4 +e +en! !o So!hs ." an4 he !ol4 me a! !he 4oor # col4 go home no+- !ha!
he4 "e home a*!er one .in!5 # sai4- No- an4 he sai4- 7on! "e 4iso"e4ien!5 Go home !o /or
.oor mo!her5 # sai4- No- an4 he sai4 # +as a "a4 "o/ an4 Go4 +ol4 "e 4is.lease45 # sai4 #
+asn! going home +i!ho! him an4 he sai4- Och- +ha! is !he +orl4 coming !oN He ha4 one
Kick .in! o* .or!er in !he ." an4 +e +en! home +i!h !he "o!!les o* s!o!5 <a Kea!ing +as in
or room +i!h a small "o!!le o* +hiske/ an4 "o!!les o* s!o! an4 Uncle <a! Sheehan "rogh!
!+o "o!!les o* s!o! *or himsel*5 Uncle <a! sa! on !he *loor +i!h his arms aron4 his "o!!les an4
he ke.! sa/ing-The/re mine- !he/re mine- *or *ear !he/4 "e !aken *rom him5 <eo.le +ho +ere
4ro..e4 on !heir hea4s al+a/s +orr/ someone +ill s!eal !heir s!o!5 Gran4ma sai4-All righ!-
<a!- 4rink /or s!o! /orsel*5 No one +ill "o!her /o5 She an4 An! Aggie sa! on !he "e4 "/
Egene5 <a Kea!ing sa! a! !he ki!chen !a"le 4rinking his s!o! an4 o**ering e)er/one a si. o* his
+hiske/5 Mam !ook her .ills an4 sa! "/ !he *ire +i!h Malach/ on her la.5 She ke.! sa/ing
Malach/ ha4 hair like Egene an4 An! Aggie sai4 no he 4i4 no! !ill Gran4ma 4ro)e her el"o+
in!o An! Aggies ches! an4 !ol4 her sh! .5 7a4 s!oo4 agains! !he +all 4rinking his s!o!
"e!+een !he *ire.lace an4 !he "e4 +i!h Egene5 <a Kea!ing !ol4 s!ories an4 !he "ig .eo.le
laghe4 e)en !hogh !he/ 4i4n! +an! !o lagh or !he/ +eren! s..ose4 !o lagh in !he
.resence o* a 4ea4 chil45 He sai4 +hen he +as in !he English arm/ in France !he Germans sen!
gas o)er +hich ma4e him so sick !he/ ha4 !o !ake him !o !he hos.i!al5The/ ke.! him in !he
hos.i!al a +hile an4 !hen sen! him "ack !o !he !renches5 English sol4iers +ere sen! home "!
!he/ 4i4n! gi)e a *i44lers *ar! a"o! !he #rish sol4iers- +he!her !he/ li)e4 or 4ie45 #ns!ea4 o*
4/ing <a ma4e a )as! *or!ne5 He sai4 he sol)e4 one o* !he grea! .ro"lems o* !rench +ar*are5 #n
!he !renches i! +as so +e! an4 m44/ !he/ ha4 no +a/ o* "oiling !he +a!er *or !he !ea5 He sai4
!o himsel*- Pass- # ha)e all !his gas in m/ s/s!em an4 !is a grea! .i!/ !o +as!e i!5 D'
So he sho)e4 a .i.e . his arse- li! a ma!ch !o i!- an4 !here in a secon4 he ha4 a *ine *lame
rea4/ !o "oil +a!er in an/ "ill/can5Tommies came rnning *rom !renches all aron4 +hen !he/
hear4 !he ne+s an4 !he/ ga)e him an/ amon! o* mone/ i* he4 le! !hem "oil +a!er5 He ma4e
so mch mone/ he +as a"le !o "ri"e !he generals !o le! him o! o* !he arm/ an4 o** he +en! !o
<aris +here he ha4 a *ine !ime 4rinking +ine +i!h ar!is!s an4 mo4els5 He ha4 sch a high !ime
o* i! he s.en! all his mone/ an4 +hen he came "ack !o Limerick !he onl/ Jo" he col4 ge! +as in
!he gas +orks sho)eling coal in!o !he *rnaces5 He sai4 !here +as so mch gas in his s/s!em
no+ he col4 s..l/ ligh! !o a small !o+n *or a /ear5 An! Aggie sni**e4 an4 sai4 !ha! +as no! a
.ro.er s!or/ !o "e !elling in !he .resence o* a 4ea4 chil4 an4 Gran4ma sai4 i! +as "e!!er !o
ha)e a s!or/ like !ha! !han !o "e si!!ing aron4 +i!h !he long *ace5 Uncle <a! Sheehan- si!!ing on
!he *loor +i!h his s!o!- sai4 he +as going !o sing a song5 More .o+er !o /o- sai4 <a Kea!ing-
an4 Uncle <a! sang SThe Roa4 !o Rasheen5T He ke.! sa/ing- Rasheen- Rasheen- ma)orneen
mean- an4 !he song ma4e no sense "ecase his *a!her 4ro..e4 him on his hea4 long ago an4
e)er/ !ime he sang !ha! song he ha4 4i**eren! +or4s5 Gran4ma sai4 !ha! +as a *ine song an4 <a
Kea!ing sai4 Carso "e!!er look o)er his shol4er5 7a4 +en! o)er !o !he "e4 in !he corner
+here he sle.! +i!h Mam5 He sa! on !he e4ge- .! his "o!!le on !he *loor- co)ere4 his *ace +i!h
his han4s an4 crie45 He sai4- Frank- Frank- come here- an4 # ha4 !o go !o him so !ha! he col4
hg me !he +a/ Mam +as hgging Malach/5 Gran4ma sai4- Le "e!!er go no+ an4 slee. a "i!
"e*ore !he *neral !omorro+5 The/ each knel! "/ !he "e4 an4 sai4 a .ra/er an4 kisse4 Egenes
*orehea45 7a4 .! me 4o+n- s!oo4 . an4 no44e4 !o !hem as !he/ le*!5Lhen !he/ +ere gone
he li*!e4 each o* !he s!o! "o!!les !o his mo!h an4 4raine4 i!5 He ran his *inger insi4e !he
+hiske/ "o!!le an4 licke4 i!5 He !rne4 4o+n !he *lame in !he .ara**in oil lam. on !he !a"le an4
sai4 i! +as !ime *or Malach/ an4 me !o "e in "e45 Le4 ha)e !o slee. +i!h him an4 Mam !ha!
nigh! as li!!le Egene +ol4 "e nee4ing !he "e4 *or himsel*5 #! +as 4ark in !he room no+ e9ce.!
*or !he sli)er o* s!ree!ligh! !ha! *ell on Egenes lo)el/ so*! silk/ hair5
7a4 ligh!s !he *ire in !he morning- makes !he !ea- !oas!s !he "rea4 in !he *ire5 He "rings Mams
!oas! an4 !ea "! she +a)es i! a+a/ an4 !rns !o !he +all5 He "rings Malach/ an4 me !o Egene
!o kneel an4 sa/ a DB
.ra/er5 He sa/s !he .ra/ers o* one chil4 like s are +or!h more in hea)en !han !he .ra/ers o*
!en car4inals an4 *or!/ "isho.s5 He sho+s s ho+ !o "less orsel)es- #n !he name o* !he Fa!her-
an4 o* !he Son- an4 o* !he Hol/ Ghos!5 Amen- an4 he sa/s- 7ear Go4- !his is +ha! /o +an!- isn!
i!N ,o +an! m/ son- Egene5 ,o !ook his "ro!her- Oli)er- ,o !ook his sis!er- Margare!5 #m no!
s..ose4 !o Kes!ion !ha!- am #N
7ear Go4 a"o)e- # 4on! kno+ +h/ chil4ren ha)e !o 4ie "! !ha! is ,or +ill5,o !ol4 !he ri)er !o
kill an4 !he Shannon kille45 Col4 ,o a! las! "e merci*lN Col4 ,o lea)e s !he chil4ren +e
ha)eN Tha! is all +e ask5 Amen5
He hel.s Malach/ an4 me +ash or hea4s an4 *ee! so !ha! +ell "e clean *or Egenes
*neral5Le ha)e !o "e )er/ Kie! e)en +hen he hr!s s cleaning or ears +i!h !he corner o*
!he !o+el +e "rogh! *rom America5 Le ha)e !o "e Kie! "ecase Egene is !here +i!h his e/es
close4 an4 +e 4on! +an! him !o "e +aking . an4 looking o! !he +in4o+ *or Oli)er5
Gran4ma comes an4 !ells Mam she has !o ge! .5There are chil4ren 4ea4- she sa/s- "! !here
are chil4ren ali)e an4 !he/ nee4 !heir mo!her5 She "rings Mam a li!!le !ea in a mg !o +ash
4o+n !he .ills !ha! ease !he .ain5 7a4 !ells Gran4ma i!s Thrs4a/ an4 he has !o go !o !he
La"or E9change *or !he 4ole an4 !hen 4o+n !o !he n4er!aker !o "ring !he morning carriage
an4 !he co**in5 Gran4ma !ells him !o !ake me +i!h him "! he sa/s i!s "e!!er *or me !o s!a/ +i!h
Malach/ so !ha! # can .ra/ *or m/ li!!le "ro!her 4ea4 in !he "e45 Gran4ma sa/s- #s i! co44in me
/o areN <ra/ *or a li!!le chil4 !ha!s "arel/ !+o an4 alrea4/ .la/ing +i!h his li!!le "ro!her in
hea)enN ,oll !ake /or son +i!h /o an4 hell remin4 /o !his is no 4a/ *or !he ."s5 She
looks a! him an4 he looks a! her an4 he .!s on his ca.5
A! !he La"or E9change +e s!an4 a! !he en4 o* !he Kee !ill a man comes *rom "ehin4 !he
con!er an4 !ells 7a4 hes )er/ sorr/ *or his !ro"les an4 he shol4 go ahea4 o* e)er/one else
on !his sorro+*l 4a/5 Men !och !heir ca.s an4 sa/ !he/re sorr/ *or his !ro"les an4 some .a!
m/ hea4 an4 gi)e me .ennies- !+en!/:*or .ennies- !+o shillings5 7a4 !ells me #m rich no+ an4
# shol4 "/ m/sel* a s+ee! +hile he goes in!o !his .lace *or a min!e5 # kno+ !his .lace is a ."
an4 # kno+ he +an!s !o ge! !he "lack s!** !ha! is calle4 a .in! "! # 4on! sa/ an/!hing "ecase #
+an! !o go !o !he sho. ne9! 4oor *or a .iece o* !o**ee5 # che+ m/ !o**ee !ill i! mel!s an4 lea)es
m/ mo!h all s+ee! an4 s!ick/5 7a4 is s!ill in !he ." an4 # +on4er i* # shol4 ge! ano!her .iece
o* !o**ee as DC
long as hes in !here +i!h !he .in!5 #m a"o! !o gi)e !he mone/ !o !he +oman in !he sho. +hen
m/ han4 is sla..e4 4o+n an4 !heres An! Aggie- raging5 #s !his +ha! /o 4o- she sa/s- on !he
4a/ o* /or "ro!hers *neralN Gorgin /orsel* on s+ee!s5 An4 +heres !ha! *a!her o* /orsN
Hes- hes- in !he ."5
O* corse hes in !he ."5,o o! here s!**in /orsel* +i!h s+ee!s an4 him in !here ge!!in
himsel* in!o a s!aggerin con4i!ion !he 4a/ /or .oor li!!le "ro!her goes !o !he gra)e/ar45 She
!ells !he sho. +oman- Ps! like his *a!her- !he same o44 manner- !he same ol nor!hern Ja+5
She !ells me ge! in!o !ha! ." an4 !ell m/ *a!her !o s!o. !he 4rinking an4 ge! !he co**in an4 !he
carriage5 She +ill no! se! *oo! insi4e !he ." *or !he 4rink is !he crse o* !his .oor go4*orsaken
con!r/5 7a4 is si!!ing a! !he "ack o* !he ." +i!h a man +ho has a 4ir!/ *ace an4 hair gro+ing
o! o* his nose5The/re no! !alking "! s!aring s!raigh! ahea4 an4 !heir "lack .in!s are res!ing on
a small +hi!e co**in on !he sea! "e!+een !hem5 # kno+ !ha!s Egenes co**in "ecase Oli)er
ha4 one like i! an4 # +an! !o cr/ +hen # see !he "lack .in!s on !o. o* i!5 #m sorr/ no+ # e)er a!e
!ha! !o**ee an4 # +ish # col4 !ake i! o! o* m/ s!omach an4 gi)e i! "ack !o !he +oman in !he
sho. "ecase i!s no! righ! !o "e ea!ing !o**ee +hen Egene is 4ea4 in !he "e4 an4 #m
*righ!ene4 "/ !he !+o "lack .in!s on his +hi!e co**in5The man +i!h 7a4 is sa/ing- No- mis!er-
/o can! lea)e a chil4s co**in in a carriage no more5 # 4i4 !ha! once- +en! in *or a .in! an4 !he/
ro""e4 !ha! li!!le co**in o! o* !he "loo4/ carriage5 Can /o cre4i! !ha!N #! +as em.!/- !hank
Go4- "! !here /o are5 7es.era!e !imes +e li)e in- 4es.era!e5 The man +i!h 7a4 li*!s his .in!
an4 !akes a long s+allo+ an4 +hen he .!s his glass 4o+n !heres a hollo+ son4 in !he co**in5
7a4 no4s a! me5Lell "e going in a min!e- son- "! +hen he goes !o .! his glass on !he co**in
a*!er !he long s+allo+ # .sh i! a+a/5
Tha!s Egenes co**in5 #ll !ell Mam /o .! /or glass on Egenes co**in5
No+- son5 No+- son5
7a4- !ha!s Egenes co**in5
The o!her man sa/s-Lill +e ha)e ano!her .in!- mis!erN
7a4 sa/s !o me-Lai! o!si4e ano!her *e+ min!es- Francis5 No5
7on! "e a "a4 "o/5
No5
D3
The o!her man sa/s- $/ Pess- i* !ha! +as m/ son #4 kick his arse *rom here !o !he Con!/ Kerr/5
He ha)e no righ! !o "e !alkin !o his *a!her in !ha! manner on a sorro+*l 4a/5 #* a man can!
ha)e a .in! !he 4a/ o* a *neral +ha!s !he se o* li)in a! all- a! all5 7a4 sa/s- All righ!5Lell go5
The/ *inish !heir .in!s an4 +i.e !he +e! "ro+n s!ains o** !he co**in +i!h !heir slee)es5The man
clim"s . !o !he 4ri)ers sea! o* !he carriage an4 7a4 an4 # ri4e insi4e5 He has !he co**in on his
la. an4 he .resses i! agains! his ches!5 A! home or room is *ille4 +i!h "ig .eo.le- Mam-
Gran4ma- An! Aggie- her hs"an4- <a Kea!ing- Uncle <a! Sheehan- Uncle Tom Sheehan- +ho is
Mams ol4es! "ro!her an4 +ho ne)er came near s "e*ore "ecase he ha!es .eo.le *rom !he
Nor!h o* #relan45 Uncle Tom has his +i*e- Pane- +i!h him5 Shes *rom Gal+a/ an4 .eo.le sa/ she
has !he look o* a S.aniar4 an4 !ha!s +h/ no one in !he *amil/ !alks !o her5
The man !akes !he co**in *rom 7a4 an4 +hen he "rings i! in!o !he room Mam moans- Oh- no-
oh- Go4- no5 The man !ells Gran4ma hell "e "ack in a+hile !o !ake s !o !he gra)e/ar45
Gran4ma !ells him he4 "e!!er no! come "ack !o !his hose in a 4rnken s!a!e "ecase !his chil4
!ha!s going !o !he gra)e/ar4 s**ere4 grea!l/ an4 4eser)es a "i! o* 4igni!/ an4 she +on! .! .
+i!h a 4ri)er !ha!s 4rnk an4 rea4/ !o *all o! o* !he high sea!5
The man sa/s- Misss- # 4ro)e 4oIens o chil4ren !o !he gra)e/ar4 an ne)er once *ell o! o* an/
sea!- high or lo+5
The men are 4rinking s!o! *rom "o!!les again an4 !he +omen are si..ing sherr/ *rom Jam Jars5
Uncle <a! Sheehan !ells e)er/one-This is m/ s!o!- !his is m/ s!o!- an4 Gran4ma sa/s- Tis all
righ!- <a!5 No one +ill !ake /or s!o!5Then he sa/s he +an!s !o sing SThe Roa4 !o RasheenT
!ill <a Kea!ing sa/s- No- <a!- /o can! sing on !he 4a/ o* a *neral5,o can sing !he nigh! "e*ore5
$! Uncle <a! kee.s sa/ing-This is m/ s!o! an4 # +an! !o sing SThe Roa4 !o Rasheen-T an4
e)er/one kno+s he !alks like !ha! "ecase he +as 4ro..e4 on his hea45 He s!ar!s !o sing his
song "! s!o.s +hen Gran4ma !akes !he li4 o** !he co**in an4 Mam so"s- Oh- Pess- oh- Pess-
+ill i! e)er s!o.N Lill # "e le*! +i!h one chil4N
Mam is si!!ing on a chair a! !he hea4 o* !he "e45 Shes s!roking Egenes hair an4 *ace an4
han4s5 She !ells him !ha! o* all !he chil4ren DE
in !he +orl4 he +as !he s+ee!es! an4 !he mos! 4elica!e an4 lo)ing5 She !ells him !is a !erri"le
!hing !o lose him "! isn! he in hea)en no+ +i!h his "ro!her an4 his sis!er an4 isn! !ha! a
com*or! !o s- kno+ing Oli)er is no longer lonesome *or his !+in5 S!ill- she .!s her hea4 4o+n
ne9! !o Egene an4 cries so har4 all !he +omen in !he room cr/ +i!h her5 She cries !ill <a
Kea!ing !ells her +e ha)e !o go "e*ore !he 4arkness *alls- !ha! +e can! "e in gra)e/ar4s in !he
4ark5
Gran4ma +his.ers !o An! Aggie-Lholl .! !he chil4 in !he co**inN an4 An! Aggie +his.ers- #
+on!5Tha!s !he Jo" *or !he mo!her5 Uncle <a! hears !hem5 #ll .! !he chil4 in !he co**in- he
sa/s5 He lim.s !o !he "e4 an4 .laces his arms aron4 Mams shol4ers5 She looks . a! him an4
her *ace is 4renche45 He sa/s- #ll .! !he chil4 in !he co**in- Angela5 Oh- <a!- she sa/s5 <a!5
# can 4o i!- he sa/s5 Sre hes onl/ a small chil4 an # ne)er li*!e4 a small chil4 "e*ore in m/ li*e5 #
ne)er ha4 a small chil4 in me arms5 # +on! 4ro. him- Angela5 # +on!5 Hones! !o Go4- # +on!5 #
kno+ /o +on!- <a!5 # kno+ /o +on!5
#ll li*! him an # +on! "e singinSThe Roa4 !o Rasheen5T
# kno+ /o +on!- <a!- Mam sa/s5
<a! .lls 4o+n !he "lanke! Mam .! !here !o kee. Egene +arm5 Egenes *ee! are +hi!e an4
"righ! +i!h li!!le "le )eins5 <a! "en4s o)er- .icks . Egene an4 hol4s him agains! his ches!5 He
kisses Egenes *orehea4 an4 !hen e)er/one in !he room kisses Egene5 He .laces Egene in
!he co**in an4 s!e.s "ack5Le are all ga!here4 aron4 looking a! Egene *or !he las! !ime5 Uncle
<a! sa/s- See- # 4i4n! 4ro. him- Angela- an4 she !oches his *ace5
An! Aggie goes !o !he ." *or !he 4ri)er5 He .!s !he li4 on !he co**in an4 scre+s i! 4o+n5 He
sa/s- Lhos comin in !he carriageN an4 !akes !he co**in !o !he carriage5 Theres room onl/ *or
Mam an4 7a4- Malach/ an4 me5 Gran4ma sa/s-,e go ahea4 !o !he gra)e/ar4 an4 +ell +ai!
here5
# 4on! kno+ +h/ +e can! kee. Egene5 # 4on! kno+ +h/ !he/ ha)e !o sen4 him a+a/ +i!h
!ha! man +ho .!s his .in! on !he +hi!e co**in5 # 4on! kno+ +h/ !he/ ha4 !o sen4 Margare!
a+a/ an4 Oli)er5 #! is a "a4 !hing !o .! m/ sis!er an4 m/ "ro!hers in a "o9 an4 # +ish # col4 sa/
some!hing !o someone5
DD
5
5
5
The horse clo.:clo..e4 !hrogh !he s!ree!s o* Limerick5 Malach/ sai4- Are +e going !o see
Oli)erN an4 7a4 sai4- No- Oli)er is in hea)en an4 4on! ask me +ha! hea)en is "ecase # 4on!
kno+5
Mam sai4- Hea)en is a .lace +here Oli)er an4 Egene an4 Margare! are ha../ an4 +arm an4
+ell see !hem !here some 4a/5 Malach/ sai4-The horse 4i4 his 4oo4oo on !he s!ree! an4 !here
+as a smell- an4 Mam an4 7a4 ha4 !o smile5
A! !he gra)e/ar4 !he 4ri)er clim"s 4o+n an4 o.ens !he 4oor o* !he carriage5 Gimme !ha! co**in-
he sa/s- an #ll carr/ i! . !o !he gra)e5 He /anks a! !he co**in an4 s!m"les5 Mam sa/s-,ore
no! carr/ing m/ chil4 in !he con4i!ion /ore in5 She !rns !o 7a45,o carr/ him- she sa/s5 7o
+ha! /o like- sa/s !he 4ri)er5 7o +ha! /o "loo4/ +ell like- an4 he clim"s . !o his sea!5
#!s ge!!ing 4ark no+ an4 !he co**in seems +hi!er !han e)er in 7a4s arms5 Mam !akes or
han4s an4 +e *ollo+ 7a4 !hrogh !he gra)es5The Jack4a+s are Kie! in !he !rees "ecase !heir
4a/ is nearl/ o)er an4 !he/ ha)e !o res! so !ha! !he/ can ge! . earl/ in !he morning an4 *ee4
!heir "a"ies5
T+o men +i!h sho)els are +ai!ing "/ a small o.en gra)e5 One man sa/s-,e are )er/ la!e5 Goo4
!hing !his is a small Jo" or +e4 "e gone5 He clim"s in!o !he gra)e5 Han4 i! !o me- he sa/s- an4
7a4 han4s him !he co**in5
The man s.rinkles some s!ra+ an4 grass on !he co**in an4 as he clim"s o! !he o!her man
sho)els in !he ear!h5 Mam le!s o! a long cr/- Oh- Pess- Pess- an4 a Jack4a+ croaks in a !ree5 #
+ish # ha4 a rock !o hi! !ha! Jack4a+5 Lhen !he men *inish sho)eling in !he ear!h !he/ +i.e
!heir *orehea4s an4 +ai!5 One sa/s- Ah- +ell- no+- !heres sall/ a li!!le some!hing *or !he
!hirs! !ha!s in i!5
7a4 sa/s- Oh- /es- /es- an4 gi)es !hem mone/5 The/ sa/- Sorr/ *or /or !ro"les- an4 !he/ lea)e5
Le make or +a/ "ack !o !he carriage a! !he gra)e/ar4 ga!e "! !he carriage is gone5 7a4 looks
aron4 in !he 4arkness an4 comes "ack shaking his hea45 Mam sa/s- Tha! 4ri)er is no!hing "!
a 4ir!/ ol4 4rnkar4- Go4 *orgi)e me5
D1
#!s a long +alk *rom !he gra)e/ar4 !o or room5 Mam !ells 7a4- These chil4ren nee4 some
norishmen! an4 /o ha)e mone/ le*! *rom !he 4ole !his morning5 #* /ore !hinking o* going !o
!he ."s !onigh! /o can *orge! i!5Lere !aking !hem !o Nagh!ons an4 !he/ can ha)e *ish an4
chi.s an4 lemona4e *or !isn! e)er/ 4a/ !he/ "r/ a "ro!her5 The *ish an4 chi.s are 4elicios
+i!h )inegar an4 sal! an4 !he lemona4e is !ar! in or !hroa!s5
Lhen +e ge! home !he room is em.!/5There are em.!/ s!o! "o!!les on !he !a"le an4 !he *ire
is o!5 7a4 ligh!s !he .ara**in oil lam. an4 /o can see !he hollo+ le*! in !he .illo+ "/ Egenes
hea45,o e9.ec! !o hear him an4 see him !o44ling across !he room- clim"ing . on !he "e4 !o
look o! !he +in4o+ *or Oli)er5
7a4 !ells Mam hes going o! *or a +alk5 She sa/s no5 She kno+s +ha! hes . !o- !ha! he can!
+ai! !o s.en4 his las! *e+ shillings in !he ."s5 All righ!- he sa/s5 He ligh!s !he *ire an4 Mam
makes !ea an4 soon +ere in "e45
Malach/ an4 # are "ack in !he "e4 +here Egene 4ie45 # ho.e hes no! col4 in !ha! +hi!e co**in
in !he gra)e/ar4 !hogh # kno+ hes no! !here an/more "ecase angels come !o !he gra)e/ar4
an4 o.en !he co**in an4 hes *ar *rom !he Shannon 4am.ness !ha! kills- . in !he sk/ in hea)en
+i!h Oli)er an4 Margare! +here !he/ ha)e .len!/ o* *ish an4 chi.s an4 !o**ee an4 no an!s !o
"o!her /o- +here all !he *a!hers "ring home !he mone/ *rom !he La"or E9change an4 /o
4on! ha)e !o "e rnning aron4 !o ."s !o *in4 !hem5
1(
###
Mam sa/s she can! s.en4 ano!her min!e in !ha! room on Har!s!onge S!ree!5 She sees Egene
morning- noon an4 nigh!5 She sees him clim"ing !he "e4 !o look o! a! !he s!ree! *or Oli)er an4
some!imes she sees Oli)er o!si4e an4 Egene insi4e- !he !+o o* !hem cha!!ing a+a/5 Shes
ha../ !he/re cha!!ing like !ha! "! she 4oesn! +an! !o "e seeing an4 hearing !hem !he res! o*
her li*e5 #!s a shame !o mo)e +hen +ere so near Leam/s Na!ional School "! i* she 4oesn!
mo)e soon shell go o! o* her min4 an4 +in4 . in !he lna!ic as/lm5
Le mo)e !o Ro4en Lane on !o. o* a .lace calle4 $arrack Hill5 There are si9 hoses on one si4e
o* !he lane- one on !he o..osi!e si4e5 The hoses are calle4 !+o .- !+o 4o+n- !+o rooms on
!o.- !+o on !he "o!!om5 Or hose is a! !he en4 o* !he lane- !he las! o* !he si95 Ne9! !o or 4oor
is a small she4- a la)a!or/- an4 ne9! !o !ha! a s!a"le5 Mam goes !o !he S!5Oincen! 4e <al Socie!/
!o see i* !heres an/ chance o* ge!!ing *rni!re5 The man sa/s hell gi)e s a 4ocke! *or a !a"le-
!+o chairs- an4 !+o "e4s5 He sa/s +ell ha)e !o go !o a secon4han4 *rni!re sho. 4o+n in !he
#rish!o+n an4 hal !he *rni!re home orsel)es5 Mam sa/s +e can se !he .ram she ha4 *or
!he !+ins an4 +hen she sa/s !ha! she cries5 She +i.es her e/es on her slee)es an4 asks !he man
i* !he "e4s +ere ge!!ing are secon4han45 He sa/s o* corse !he/ are- an4 she sa/s shes )er/
+orrie4 a"o! slee.ing in "e4s some1%
one migh! ha)e 4ie4 in- es.eciall/ i* !he/ ha4 !he consm.!ion5 The man sa/s- #m )er/ sorr/-
"! "eggars can! "e choosers5 #! !akes s all 4a/ !o hal !he *rni!re on !he .ram *rom one
en4 o* Limerick !o !he o!her5There are *or +heels on !he .ram "! one is "ocke!/- i! +an!s !o
go in a 4i**eren! 4irec!ion5Le ha)e !+o "e4s- one si4e"oar4 +i!h a mirror- a !a"le an4 !+o
chairs5 Lere ha../ +i!h !he hose5Le can +alk *rom room !o room an4 . an4 4o+n !he
s!airs5,o *eel )er/ rich +hen /o can go . an4 4o+n !he s!airs all 4a/ as mch as /o .lease5
7a4 ligh!s !he *ire an4 Mam makes !he !ea5 He si!s a! !he !a"le on one chair- she si!s on !he
o!her an4 Malach/ an4 # si! on !he !rnk +e "rogh! *rom America5 Lhile +ere 4rinking or
!ea an ol4 man .asses or 4oor +i!h a "cke! in his han45 He em.!ies !he "cke! in!o !he
la)a!or/ an4 *lshes an4 !heres a .o+er*l s!ink in or ki!chen5 Mam goes !o !he 4oor an4
sa/s-Lh/ are /o em.!/ing /or "cke! in or la)a!or/N He raises his ca. !o her5 ,or la)a!or/-
misssN Ah- no5 ,ore making a "i! o* a mis!ake !here- ha- ha5This is no! /or la)a!or/5 Sre-
isn! !his !he la)a!or/ *or !he +hole lane5,oll see .assing /or 4oor here !he "cke!s o* ele)en
*amilies an4 # can !ell /o i! ge!s )er/ .o+er*l here in !he +arm +ea!her- )er/ .o+er*l
al!oge!her5 Tis 7ecem"er no+- !hank Go4- +i!h a chill in !he air an4 Chris!mas aron4 !he
corner an4 !he la)a!or/ isn! !ha! "a4- "! !he 4a/ +ill come +hen /oll "e calling *or a gas
mask5 So- goo4 nigh! !o /o- misss- an4 # ho.e /oll "e ha../ in /or hose5
Mam sa/s- Lai! a min!e- sir5 Col4 /o !ell me +ho cleans !his la)a!or/N
CleansN Ah- Pass- !ha!s a goo4 one5 Cleans- she sa/s5 #s i! Joking /o areN These hoses +ere
"il! in !he !ime o* Reen Oic!oria hersel* an4 i* !his la)a!or/ +as e)er cleane4 i! ms! ha)e
"een 4one "/ someone in !he mi44le o* !he nigh! +hen no one +as lookin5
An4 he sh**les . !he lane laghing a+a/ !o himsel*5 Mam comes "ack !o her chair an4 her
!ea5 Le can! s!a/ here- she sa/s5Tha! la)a!or/ +ill kill s +i!h all 4iseases5
7a4 sa/s- Le can! mo)e again5 Lhere +ill +e ge! a hose *or si9 shillings a +eekN Lell kee.
!he la)a!or/ clean orsel)es5 Lell "oil "cke!s o* +a!er an4 !hro+ !hem in !here5
Oh- +ill +eN sa/s Mam- an4 +here +ill +e ge! !he coal or !r* or "locks !o "e "oiling +a!erN
7a4 sa/s no!hing5 He *inishes his !ea an4 looks *or a nail !o hang or one .ic!re5The man in !he
.ic!re has a !hin *ace5 He +ears a /el1&
lo+ skllca. an4 a "lack ro"e +i!h a cross on his ches!5 7a4 sa/s he +as a <o.e- Leo !he
Thir!een!h- a grea! *rien4 o* !he +orkingman5 He "rogh! !his .ic!re all !he +a/ *rom America
+here he *on4 i! !hro+n o! "/ someone +ho ha4 no !ime *or !he +orkingman5 Mam sa/s
hes !alking a lo! o* "loo4/ nonsense an4 he sa/s she shol4n! sa/ "loo4/ in *ron! o* !he
chil4ren5 7a4 *in4s a nail "! +on4ers ho+ hes going !o ge! i! in!o !he +all +i!ho! a hammer5
Mam sa/s he col4 go "orro+ one *rom !he .eo.le ne9! 4oor "! he sa/s /o 4on! go aron4
"orro+ing *rom .eo.le /o 4on! kno+5 He leans !he .ic!re agains! !he +all an4 4ri)es !he nail
+i!h !he "o!!om o* a Jam Jar5The Jam Jar "reaks an4 c!s his han4 an4 a "lo" o* "loo4 *alls on
!he <o.es hea45 He +ra.s his han4 in !he 4ish rag an4 !ells Mam- Rick- Kick- +i.e !he "loo4
o** !he <o.e "e*ore i! 4ries5 She !ries !o +i.e !he "loo4 a+a/ +i!h her slee)e "! i!s +ool an4
s.rea4s !he "loo4 !ill !he +hole si4e o* !he <o.es *ace is smeare45 7a4 sa/s- Lor4 a"o)e-
Angela- /o)e 4es!ro/e4 !he <o.e en!irel/- an4 she sa/s-Arrah- s!o. /or +hining- +ell ge!
some .ain! an4 go o)er his *ace some 4a/- an4 7a4 sa/s- Hes !he onl/ <o.e !ha! +as e)er a
*rien4 !o !he +orkingman an4 +ha! are +e !o sa/ i* someone *rom !he S!5Oincen! 4e <al
Socie!/ comes in an4 sees "loo4 all o)er himN Mam sa/s- # 4on! kno+5 #!s /or "loo4 an4 !is a
sa4 !hing +hen a man can! e)en 4ri)e a nail s!raigh!5 #! Js! goes !o sho+ ho+ seless /o
are5,o4 "e "e!!er o** 4igging *iel4s an4 an/+a/ # 4on! care5 # ha)e .ain in m/ "ack an4 #m
going !o "e45
Och- +ha! am # going !o 4oN 7a4 sa/s5
Take 4o+n !he <o.e an4 hi4e him in !he coal hole n4er !he s!airs +here he +on! "e seen an4
hell "e o! o* harms +a/5 # can!- sa/s 7a45 #! +ol4 "e "a4 lck5 Coal hole is no .lace *or a
<o.e5Lhen !he <o.e is .- hes .5
Si! /orsel*- sa/s Mam5
# +ill- sa/s 7a45
This is or *irs! Chris!mas in Limerick an4 !he girls are o! in !he lane- ski..ing ro.e an4 singing-
Chris!mas is coming
An4 !he goose is ge!!ing *a!-
<lease .! a .enn/
#n !he ol4 mans ha!5
1'
#* /o ha)en! a .enn/
A ha.enn/ +ill 4o
An4 i* /o ha)en! a ha.enn/
Go4 "less /o5
$o/s !ease !he girls an4 call o!-
Ma/ /or mo!her ha)e an acci4en!
A"roa4 in !he loo5
Mam sa/s she4 like !o ha)e a nice Chris!mas 4inner "! +ha! can /o 4o +hen !he La"or
E9change re4ces !he 4ole !o si9!een shillings a*!er Oli)er an4 Egene 4ie4N ,o .a/ !he ren! o*
si9 shillings- /o ha)e !en shillings le*!- an4 +ha! se is !ha! !o *or .eo.leN
7a4 can! ge! an/ +ork5 He ge!s . earl/ on +eek4a/s- ligh!s !he *ire- "oils +a!er *or !he !ea
an4 his sha)ing mg5 He .!s on a shir! an4 a!!aches a collar +i!h s!4s5 He .!s on his !ie an4
his ca. an4 goes !o !he La"or E9change !o sign *or !he 4ole5 He +ill ne)er lea)e !he hose
+i!ho! collar an4 !ie5 A man +i!ho! collar an4 !ie is a man +i!h no res.ec! *or himsel*5 ,o
ne)er kno+ +hen !he clerk a! !he La"or E9change migh! !ell /o !heres a Jo" going a! Ranks
Flor Mills or !he Limerick Cemen! Com.an/- an4 e)en i* i!s a la"oring Jo" +ha! +ill !he/ !hink
i* /o a..ear +i!ho! collar an4 !ieN
$osses an4 *oremen al+a/s sho+ him res.ec! an4 sa/ !he/re rea4/ !o hire him- "! +hen he
o.ens his mo!h an4 !he/ hear !he Nor!h o* #relan4 accen!- !he/ !ake a Limerickman ins!ea45
Tha!s +ha! he !ells Mam "/ !he *ire an4 +hen she sa/s-Lh/ 4on! /o 4ress like a .ro.er
+orkingmanN he sa/s hell ne)er gi)e an inch- ne)er le! !hem kno+- an4 +hen she sa/s- Lh/
can! /o !r/ !o !alk like a LimerickmanN he sa/s hell ne)er sink !ha! lo+ an4 !he grea!es!
sorro+ o* his li*e is !ha! his sons are no+ a**lic!e4 +i!h !he Limerick accen!5 She sa/s- Sorr/ *or
/or !ro"les an4 # ho.e !ha!s all /oll e)er ha)e- an4 he sa/s !ha! some 4a/- +i!h Go4s hel.-
+ell ge! o! o* Limerick an4 *ar *rom !he Shannon !ha! kills5
# ask 7a4 +ha! a**lic!e4 means an4 he sa/s- Sickness- son- an4 !hings !ha! 4on! *i!5
Lhen hes no! looking *or +ork 7a4 goes *or long +alks- miles in!o !he con!r/5 He asks
*armers i* !he/ nee4 an/ hel.- !ha! he gre+ . on 1B
a *arm an4 can 4o an/!hing5 #* !he/ hire him he goes !o +ork righ! a+a/ +i!h his ca. on an4 his
collar an4 !ie5 He +orks so har4 an4 long !he *armers ha)e !o !ell him !o s!o.5 The/ +on4er ho+
a man can +ork !hrogh a long ho! 4a/ +i!h no !hogh! o* *oo4 or 4rink5 7a4 smiles5 He ne)er
"rings home !he mone/ he earns on *arms5Tha! mone/ seems !o "e 4i**eren! *rom !he 4ole-
+hich is s..ose4 !o "e "rogh! home5 He !akes !he *arm mone/ !o !he ." an4 4rinks i!5 #*
hes no! home +hen !he Angels rings a! si9 oclock Mam kno+s he ha4 a 4a/ o* +ork5 She
ho.es he migh! !hink o* his *amil/ an4 .ass !he ." e)en once- "! he ne)er 4oes5 She ho.es
he migh! "ring home some!hing *rom !he *arm- .o!a!oes- ca""age- !rni.s- carro!s- "! hell
ne)er "ring home an/!hing "ecase he4 ne)er s!oo. so lo+ as !o ask a *armer *or an/!hing5
Mam sa/s !is all righ! *or her !o "e "egging a! !he S!5Oincen! 4e <al Socie!/ *or a 4ocke! *or
*oo4 "! he can! s!ick a *e+ s.4s in his .ocke!5 He sa/s i!s 4i**eren! *or a man5,o ha)e !o
kee. !he 4igni!/5 Lear /or collar an4 !ie- kee. . !he a..earance- an4 ne)er ask *or an/!hing5
Mam sa/s- # ho.e i! kee.s *ine *or /o5 Lhen !he *arm mone/ is gone he rolls home singing an4
cr/ing o)er #relan4 an4 his 4ea4 chil4ren- mos!l/ a"o! #relan45 #* he sings Ro44/ McCorle/- i!
means he ha4 onl/ !he .rice o* a .in! or !+o5 #* he sings Ke)in $arr/- i! means he ha4 a goo4
4a/- !ha! he is no+ *alling 4o+n 4rnk an4 rea4/ !o ge! s o! o* "e4- line s . an4 make s
.romise !o 4ie *or #relan4- nless Mam !ells him lea)e s alone or shell "rain him +i!h !he
.oker5
,o +ol4n! 4o !ha!- Angela5
# +ol4 an4 more5,o "e!!er s!o. !he nonsense an4 go !o "e45 $e4- "e4- "e45Lha!s !he se o*
going !o "e4N #* # go !o "e4 #ll onl/ ha)e !o ge! . again an4 # can! slee. in a .lace +here
!heres a ri)er sen4ing .oison !o s in mis! an4 *og5
He goes !o "e4- .on4s !he +all +i!h his *is!- sings a +oe*l song- *alls aslee.5 Hes . a!
4a/ligh! "ecase no one shol4 slee. "e/on4 !he 4a+n5 He +akes Malach/ an4 me an4 +ere
!ire4 *rom "eing ke.! . !he nigh! "e*ore +i!h his !alking an4 singing5Le com.lain an4 sa/
+ere sick- +ere !ire4- "! he .lls "ack !he o)ercoa!s !ha! co)er s an4 *orces s o! on !he
*loor5 #!s 7ecem"er an4 i!s *reeIing an4 +e can see or "rea!h5 Le .ee in!o !he "cke! "/ !he
"e4room 4oor an4 rn 4o+n s!airs *or !he +arm!h o* !he *ire 7a4 has alrea4/ s!ar!e45 Le +ash
or *aces an4 han4s in a "asin !ha! si!s n4er !he +a!er !a. "/ !he 4oor5The 1C
.i.e !ha! lea4s !o !he !a. has !o "e hel4 !o !he +all "/ a .iece o* !+ine loo.e4 aron4 a nail5
E)er/!hing aron4 !he !a. is 4am.- !he *loor- !he +all- !he chair !he "asin si!s on5 The +a!er
*rom !he !a. is ic/ an4 or *ingers !rn nm"5 7a4 sa/s !his is goo4 *or s- i! +ill make men o*
s5 He !hro+s !he ic/ +a!er on his *ace an4 neck an4 ches! !o sho+ !heres no!hing !o *ear5Le
hol4 or han4s !o !he *ire *or !he hea! !ha!s in i! "! +e can! s!a/ !here long "ecase +e ha)e
!o 4rink or !ea an4 ea! or "rea4 an4 go !o school5 7a4 makes s sa/ grace "e*ore meals an4
grace a*!er meals an4 he !ells s "e goo4 "o/s a! school "ecase Go4 is +a!ching e)er/ mo)e
an4 !he sligh!es! 4iso"e4ience +ill sen4 s s!raigh! !o hell +here +ell ne)er ha)e !o +orr/
a"o! !he col4 again5 An4 he smiles5
T+o +eeks "e*ore Chris!mas Malach/ an4 # come home *rom school in a hea)/ rain an4 +hen
+e .sh in !he 4oor +e *in4 !he ki!chen em.!/5The !a"le an4 chairs an4 !rnk are gone an4 !he
*ire is 4ea4 in !he gra!e5 The <o.e is s!ill !here an4 !ha! means +e ha)en! mo)e4 again5 7a4
+ol4 ne)er mo)e +i!ho! !he <o.e5 The ki!chen *loor is +e!- li!!le .ools o* +a!er all aron4-
an4 !he +alls are !+inkling +i!h !he 4am.5Theres a noise .s!airs an4 +hen +e go . +e *in4
7a4 an4 Mam an4 !he missing *rni!re5 #!s nice an4 +arm !here +i!h a *ire "laIing in !he
gra!e- Mam si!!ing in !he "e4- an4 7a4 rea4ing The #rish<ress an4 smoking a cigare!!e "/ !he
*ire5 Mam !ells s !here +as a !erri"le *loo4- !ha! !he rain came 4o+n !he lane an4 .ore4 in
n4er or 4oor5The/ !rie4 !o s!o. i! +i!h rags "! !he/ onl/ !rne4 so..ing +e! an4 le! !he rain
in5 <eo.le em.!/ing !heir "cke!s ma4e i! +orse an4 !here +as a sickening s!ink in !he ki!chen5
She !hinks +e shol4 s!a/ .s!airs as long as !here is rain5 Lell "e +arm !hrogh !he +in!er
mon!hs an4 !hen +e can go 4o+ns!airs in !he s.ring!ime i* !here is an/ sign o* a 4r/ness in !he
+alls or !he *loor5 7a4 sa/s i!s like going a+a/ on or holi4a/s !o a +arm *oreign .lace like
#!al/5Tha!s +ha! +ell call !he .s!airs *rom no+ on- #!al/5 Malach/ sa/s !he <o.e is s!ill on !he
+all 4o+ns!airs an4 hes going !o "e all col4 an4 col4n! +e "ring him .N
"! Mam sa/s- No- hes going !o s!a/ +here he is "ecase # 4on! +an! him on !he +all glaring
a! me in !he "e45 #sn! i! enogh !ha! +e 4ragge4 him all !he +a/ *rom $rookl/n !o $el*as! !o
7"lin !o LimerickN All # +an! no+ is a li!!le .eace- ease an4 com*or!5
5
5
5
13
Mam !akes Malach/ an4 me !o !he S!5Oincen! 4e <al Socie!/ !o s!an4 in !he Kee an4 see i*
!heres an/ chance o* ge!!ing some!hing *or !he Chris!mas 4inner?a goose or a ham- "! !he
man sa/s e)er/one in Limerick is 4es.era!e !his Chris!mas5 He gi)es her a 4ocke! *or groceries
a! McGra!hs sho. an4 ano!her one *or !he "!cher5
No goose- sa/s !he "!cher- no ham5 No *anc/ i!ems +hen /o "ring !he 4ocke! *rom !he
S!5Oincen! 4e <al5Lha! /o can ha)e no+- misss- is "lack .44ing an4 !ri.e or a shee.s hea4
or a nice .igs hea45 No harm in a .igs hea4- misss- .len!/ o* mea! an4 chil4ren lo)e i!- slice
!ha! cheek- sla!her i! +i!h ms!ar4 an4 /ore in hea)en- !hogh # s..ose !he/ +ol4n! ha)e
!he likes o* !ha! in America +here !he/re ma4 *or !he s!eak an4 all classes o* .ol!r/- *l/ing-
+alking or s+imming i!sel*5 He !ells Mam- no- she can! ha)e "oile4 "acon or sasages an4 i*
she has an/ sense shell !ake !he .igs hea4 "e*ore !he/re all gone !he +a/ !he .oor .eo.le o*
Limerick are clamoring *or !hem5
Mam sa/s !he .igs hea4 isn! righ! *or Chris!mas an4 he sa/s !is more !han !he Hol/ Famil/ ha4
in !ha! col4 s!a"le in $e!hlehem long ago5,o +ol4n! *in4 !hem com.laining i* someone
o**ere4 !hem a nice *a! .igs hea45
No- !he/ +ol4n! com.lain- sa/s Mam- "! !he/4 ne)er ea! !he .igs hea45The/ +ere Pe+ish5
An4 +ha! 4oes !ha! ha)e !o 4o +i!h i!N A .igs hea4 is a .igs hea45 An4 a Pe+ is a Pe+ an4 !is
agains! !heir religion an4 # 4on! "lame !hem5
The "!cher sa/s- Are /o a "i! o* an e9.er!- misss- on !he Pe+s an4 !he .ig5
# am no!- sa/s Mam- "! !here +as a Pe+ish +oman- Mrs5 Lei"o+i!I- in Ne+ ,ork- an4 # 4on!
kno+ +ha! +e +ol4 ha)e 4one +i!ho! her5 The "!cher !akes !he .igs hea4 o** a shel* an4
+hen Malach/ sa/s- Ooh- look a! !he 4ea4 4og- !he "!cher an4 Mam "rs! o! laghing5 He
+ra.s !he hea4 in ne+s.a.er- han4s i! !o Mam an4 sa/s- Ha../ Chris!mas5 Then he +ra.s .
some sasages an4 !ells her- Take !hese sasages *or /or "reak*as! on Chris!mas 7a/5 Mam
sa/s- Oh- # can! a**or4 sasages- an4 he sa/s- Am # asking /o *or mone/N Am #N Take !hese
sasages5 The/ migh! hel. make . *or !he lack o* a goose or a ham5
Sre- /o 4on! ha)e !o 4o !ha!- sa/s Mam5
1E
# kno+ !ha!- misss5 #* # ha4 !o 4o i!- # +ol4n!5
Mam sa/s she has a .ain in her "ack- !ha! #ll ha)e !o carr/ !he .igs hea45 # hol4 i! agains! m/
ches! "! i!s 4am. an4 +hen !he ne+s.a.er "egins !o *all a+a/ e)er/one can see !he hea45
Mam sa/s- #m ashame4 o* me li*e !ha! !he +orl4 shol4 kno+ +ere ha)ing .igs hea4 *or
Chris!mas5 $o/s *rom Leam/s Na!ional School see me an4 !he/ .oin! an4 lagh5A+- Ga+4- look
a! Frankie McCor! an his .igs sno!5 #s !ha! +ha! !he ,anks a!e *or Chris!mas 4inner- FrankieN
One calls !o ano!her- He/- Chris!/- 4o /o kno+ ho+ !o a!e a .igs hea4N
No- # 4on!- <a44/5
Gra" him "/ !he ears an che+ !he *ace o**a him5
An4 Chris!/ sa/s- He/- <a44/- 4o /o kno+ !he onl/ .ar! o* !he .ig !he McCor!s 4on! a!eN
No- # 4on!- Chris!/5
The onl/ .ar! !he/ 4on! a!e is !he oink5
A*!er a *e+ s!ree!s !he ne+s.a.er is gone al!oge!her an4 e)er/one can see !he .igs hea45 His
nose is *la! agains! m/ ches! an4 .oin!ing . a! m/ chin an4 # *eel sorr/ *or him "ecase hes
4ea4 an4 !he +orl4 is laghing a! him5 M/ sis!er an4 !+o "ro!hers are 4ea4- !oo- "! i* an/one
laghe4 a! !hem #4 hi! !hem +i!h a rock5
# +ish 7a4 +ol4 come an4 hel. s "ecase Mam has !o s!o. e)er/ *e+ s!e.s an4 lean agains!
a +all5 Shes hol4ing her "ack an4 !elling s shell ne)er "e a"le !o clim" $arrack Hill5 E)en i*
7a4 came he +ol4n! "e mch se "ecase he ne)er carries an/!hing- .arcels- "ags- .ackages5
#* /o carr/ sch !hings /o lose /or 4igni!/5Tha!s +ha! he sa/s5 He carrie4 !he !+ins +hen
!he/ +ere !ire4 an4 he carrie4 !he <o.e- "! !ha! +as no! !he same as carr/ing or4inar/ !hings
like a .igs hea45 He !ells Malach/ an4 me !ha! +hen /o gro+ . /o ha)e !o +ear a collar an4
!ie an4 ne)er le! .eo.le see /o carr/ !hings5 Hes .s!airs si!!ing "/ !he *ire- smoking a
cigare!!e- rea4ing The #rish<ress- +hich he lo)es "ecase i!s 7e Oaleras .a.er an4 he !hinks
7e Oalera is !he grea!es! man in !he +orl45 He looks a! me an4 !he .igs hea4 an4 !ells Mam i!s
a 4isgrace*l !hing !o le! a "o/ carr/ an o"Jec! like !ha! !hrogh !he s!ree!s o* Limerick5 She
!akes o** her coa! an4 eases hersel* in!o !he "e4 an4 !ells him !ha! ne9! Chris!mas he can go o!
an4 *in4 !he 4inner5 Shes +orn o! an4 gas.ing *or a c. o* !ea so +ol4 he 4ro. his gran4
airs- "oil !he +a!er *or !he !ea an4 *r/ some "rea4 "e*ore his !+o small sons s!ar)e !o 4ea!h5
1D
On Chris!mas morning he ligh!s !he *ire earl/ so !ha! +e can ha)e sasages an4 "rea4 an4 !ea5
Mam sen4s me !o Gran4ma !o see i* +e can "orro+ a .o! *or !he .igs hea45 Gran4ma
sa/s-Lha! are /e ha)ing *or /eer 4innerN <igs hea4Q Pess- Mar/ an Pose.h- !ha!s goin
"e/on4 !he "e/on4s5 Col4n! /or *a!her ge! o! an4 *in4 a ham or a goose a! leas!N
Lha! kin4 o* man is he a! all- a! allN
Mam .!s !he hea4 in !he .o!- Js! co)ere4 +i!h +a!er- an4 +hile !he .ig is "oiling a+a/ 7a4
!akes Malach/ an4 me !o Mass a! !he Re4em.!oris! chrch5 #!s +arm in !he chrch an4 s+ee!
+i!h *lo+ers an4 incense an4 can4les5 He !akes s !o see !he $a"/ Pess in !he cri"5 Hes a "ig
*a! "a"/ +i!h *air crls like Malach/5 7a4 !ells s !ha!s Pess
mo!her !here- Mar/- in !he "le 4ress- an4 his *a!her- S!5 Pose.h- !he ol4 man +i!h !he "ear45
He sa/s !he/re sa4 "ecase !he/ kno+ Pess +ill gro+ . an4 "e kille4 so !ha! +e can all go !o
hea)en5 # ask +h/ !he $a"/ Pess has !o 4ie an4 7a4 sa/s /o can! ask Kes!ions like !ha!5
Malach/ sa/s-Lh/N an4 7a4 !ells him "e Kie!5
Mam is in a !erri"le s!a!e a! home5There isn! enogh coal !o cook !he 4inner- !he +a!er isn!
"oiling an/more an4 she sa/s shes 4emen!e4 +i!h +orr/5Lell ha)e !o go 4o+n !he 7ock Roa4
again !o see i* !heres an/ coal or !r* l/ing aron4 *rom !he lorries5 Srel/ +ell *in4 some!hing
on !he roa4 !his 4a/ o* all 4a/s5 E)en !he .oores! o* !he .oor 4on! go o! on Chris!mas 7a/
.icking coal o** !he roa45Theres no se asking 7a4 !o go "ecase he +ill ne)er s!oo. !ha! lo+
an4 e)en i* he 4i4 he +on! carr/ !hings !hrogh !he s!ree!s5 #!s a rle he has5 Mam can! go
"ecase o* !he .ain in her "ack5
She sa/s-,oll ha)e !o go- Frank- an4 !ake Malach/ +i!h /o5 #!s a long +a/ !o !he 7ock Roa4
"! +e 4on! min4 "ecase or "ellies are *ille4 +i!h sasages an4 "rea4 an4 i!s no!
raining5Le carr/ a can)as "ag Mam "orro+e4 *rom Mrs5 Hannon ne9! 4oor an4 Mam is righ!-
!here is no one on !he 7ock Roa45The .oor are all a! home ha)ing .igs hea4 or ma/"e a goose
an4 +e ha)e !he 7ock Roa4 !o orsel)es5Le *in4 "i!s o* coal an4 !r* s!ck in cracks on !he
roa4 an4 in !he +alls o* !he coal /ar4s5Le *in4 "i!s o* .a.er an4 car4"oar4 !ha! +ill "e se*l in
s!ar!ing !he *ire again5Lere +an4ering aron4 !r/ing !o *ill !he "ag +hen <a Kea!ing comes
along5 He ms! ha)e +ashe4 himsel* *or Chris!mas "ecase hes no! as "lack as he +as +hen
Egene 4ie45 He +an!s !o kno+ +ha! +ere 4oing +i!h !ha! "ag an4 +hen Malach/ !ells him he
sa/s- Pess- Mar/ an4 Hol/ S!5 Pose.hQ Chris!mas 7a/ an4 /e 4on! ha)e a *ire *or /eer .igs
hea45Tha!s a "loo4/ 4isgrace5 11
He !akes s !o So!hs ."- +hich is no! s..ose4 !o "e o.en- "! hes a reglar cs!omer an4
!heres a "ack 4oor *or men +ho +an! !heir .in! !o cele"ra!e !he "ir!h4a/ o* !he $a"/ Pess
a"o)e in !he cri"5 He or4ers his .in! an4 lemona4e *or s an4 asks !he man i* !heres an/
chance o* ge!!ing a *e+ lm.s o* coal5 The man sa/s hes "een ser)ing 4rink *or !+en!/:se)en
/ears an4 no"o4/ e)er aske4 him *or coal "e*ore5 <a sa/s i! +ol4 "e a *a)or an4 !he man sa/s
i* <a aske4 *or !he moon he4 *l/ . an4 "ring i! "ack5The man lea4s s !o !he coal hole n4er
!he s!airs an4 !ells s !ake +ha! +e can carr/5 #!s real coal an4 no! "i!s *rom !he 7ock Roa4 an4
i* +e can! carr/ i! +e can 4rag i! along !he gron45
#! !akes s a long !ime !o go *rom So!hs ." !o $arrack Hill "ecase o* a hole in !he "ag5 # .ll
!he "ag an4 i!s Malach/s Jo" !o .ick . !he lm.s !ha! *all !hrogh !he hole an4 .! !hem "ack
again5Then i! s!ar!s !o rain an4 +e can! s!an4 in a 4oor+a/ !ill i! .asses "ecase +e ha)e !ha!
coal an4 i!s lea)ing a "lack !rail along !he .a)emen! an4 Malach/ is !rning "lack *rom .icking
. !he lm.s- .shing !hem in!o !he "ag an4 +i.ing !he rain *rom his *ace +i!h his +e! "lack
han4s5 # !ell him hes "lack- he !ells me #m "lack- an4 a +oman in a sho. !ells s ge! a+a/ *rom
!ha! 4oor- !is Chris!mas 7a/ an4 she 4oesn! +an! !o "e looking a! A*rica5
Le ha)e !o kee. 4ragging !he "ag or +ell ne)er ha)e or Chris!mas 4inner5 #! +ill !ake ages !o
ge! a *ire going an4 ages more !o ge! or 4inner "ecase !he +a!er has !o "e "oiling +hen Mam
.!s in !he hea4 o* ca""age an4 !he .o!a!oes !o kee. !he .ig com.an/ in !he .o!5 Le 4rag !he
"ag . OConnell A)ene an4 +e see .eo.le in !heir hoses si!!ing aron4 !a"les +i!h all kin4s
o* 4ecora!ions an4 "righ! ligh!s5 A! one hose !he/ .sh . !he +in4o+ an4 !he chil4ren .oin!
an4 lagh an4 call !o s- Look a! !he 8ls5Lhere are /eer s.earsN
Malach/ makes *aces a! !hem an4 +an!s !o !hro+ coal a! !hem "! # !ell him i* he !hro+s coal
!heres less *or !he .ig an4 +ell ne)er ge! or 4inner5
The 4o+ns!airs in or hose is a lake again *rom !he rain .oring n4er !he 4oor "! i! 4oesn!
ma!!er "ecase +ere 4renche4 an/+a/ an4 +e can +a4e !hrogh !he +a!er5 7a4 comes 4o+n
an4 4rags !he "ag .s!airs !o #!al/5 He sa/s +ere goo4 "o/s *or ge!!ing so mch coal- !ha! !he
7ock Roa4 ms! ha)e "een co)ere4 +i!h i!5Lhen Mam sees s she s!ar!s !o lagh- an4 !hen
she cries5 Shes laghing "ecase %((
+ere so "lack an4 cr/ing "ecase +ere so..ing +e!5 She !ells s !ake o** all or clo!hes an4
she +ashes !he coal o** or han4s an4 *aces5 She !ells 7a4 !he .igs hea4 can +ai! a +hile so
!ha! +e can ha)e a Jam Jar o* ho! !ea5
#!s raining o!si4e an4 !heres a lake 4o+ns!airs in or ki!chen "! . here in #!al/ !he *ire is
going again an4 !he room is so 4r/ an4 +arm !ha!- a*!er or !ea- Malach/ an4 # 4oIe o** in !he
"e4 an4 +e 4on! +ake !ill 7a4 !ells s !he 4inner is rea4/5 Or clo!hes are s!ill +e!- so Malach/
si!s on !he !rnk a! !he !a"le +ra..e4 in Mams re4 American o)ercoa! an4 #m +ra..e4 in an
ol4 coa! !ha! Mams *a!her le*! "ehin4 +hen he +en! !o As!ralia5
There are 4elicios smells in !he room- ca""age- .o!a!oes- an4 !he .igs hea4- "! +hen 7a4
li*!s !he hea4 *rom !he .o! !o a .la!e Malach/ sa/s- Oh- !he .oor .ig5 # 4on! +an! !o ea! !he
.oor .ig5 Mam sa/s- #* /o +ere hngr/ /o4 ea! i!5 No+ s!o. !he nonsense an4 ea! /or
4inner5
7a4 sa/s-Lai! a min!e5 He !akes slices *rom !he !+o cheeks- .laces !hem on or .la!es an4
smears !hem +i!h ms!ar45 He !akes !he .la!e !ha! hol4s !he .igs hea4 an4 .!s i! on !he *loor
n4er !he !a"le5 No+- he sa/s !o Malach/- !ha!s ham- an4 Malach/ ea!s i! "ecase hes no!
looking a! +ha! i! came *rom an4 i! isn! .igs hea4 an/more5The ca""age is so*! an4 ho! an4
!here are .len!/ o* .o!a!oes +i!h "!!er an4 sal!5 Mam .eels or .o!a!oes "! 7a4 ea!s his skin
an4 all5 He sa/s all !he norishmen! o* a .o!a!o is in !he skin an4 Mam sa/s i!s a goo4 !hing
hes no! ea!ing eggs- he4 "e che+ing !he shells an4 all5 He sa/s he +ol4- an4 i!s a 4isgrace
!ha! !he #rish !hro+ o! millions o* .o!a!o skins e)er/ 4a/ an4 !ha!s +h/ !hosan4s are 4/ing
o* consm.!ion an4 srel/ !heres norishmen! in !he shell o* an egg since +as!e is !he eigh!h
4ea4l/ sin5 #* he ha4 his +a/- an4 Mam sa/s- Ne)er min4 /or +a/5 Ea! /or 4inner5
He ea!s hal* a .o!a!o +i!h i!s skin on an4 .!s !he o!her hal* "ack in !he .o!5 He ea!s a small
slice o* !he .igs cheek an4 a lea* o* ca""age an4 lea)es !he res! on his .la!e *or Malach/ an4
me5 He makes more !ea an4 +e ha)e !ha! +i!h "rea4 an4 Jam so !ha! no one can sa/ +e 4i4n!
ha)e a s+ee! on Chris!mas 7a/5
#!s 4ark no+ an4 s!ill raining o!si4e an4 !he coal is glo+ing in !he gra!e +here Mam an4 7a4
si! an4 smoke !heir cigare!!es5Theres no!hing !o 4o +hen /or clo!hes are +e! "! ge! "ack
in!o "e4 +here i!s %(%
coI/ an4 /or *a!her can !ell /o a s!or/ a"o! ho+ Cchlain "ecame a Ca!holic an4 /o *all
aslee. an4 4ream a"o! !he .ig s!an4ing in !he cri" a! !he Re4em.!oris! chrch cr/ing "ecase
he an4 !he $a"/ Pess an4 Cchlain all ha)e !o gro+ . an4 4ie5
The angel !ha! "rogh! Margare! an4 !he !+ins comes again an4 "rings s ano!her "ro!her-
Michael5 7a4 sa/s he *on4 Michael on !he se)en!h s!e. o* !he s!airs !o #!al/5 He sa/s !ha!s
+ha! /o ha)e !o +a!ch *or +hen /o ask *or a ne+ "a"/- !he Angel on !he Se)en!h S!e.5
Malach/ +an!s !o kno+ ho+ /o can ge! a ne+ "ro!her *rom !he Angel on !he Se)en!h S!e. i*
/o 4on! ha)e an/ s!airs in /or hose an4 7a4 !ells him !ha! asking !oo man/ Kes!ions is an
a**lic!ion5 Malach/ +an!s !o kno+ +ha! an a**lic!ion is5
A**lic!ion5 #4 like !o kno+ +ha! !ha! +or4 means5 A**lic!ion- "! 7a4 sa/s- Och- chil4- !he +orl4
is an a**lic!ion an4 e)er/!hing in i!- .!s on his ca. an4 goes !o !he $e4*or4 Ro+ Hos.i!al !o see
Mam an4 Michael5 Shes in !he hos.i!al +i!h !he .ain in her "ack an4 she has !he "a"/ +i!h her
!o make sre he +as heal!h/ +hen he +as le*! on !he se)en!h s!e.5 # 4on! n4ers!an4 !his
"ecase #m sre angels +ol4 ne)er lea)e a sick "a"/ on !he se)en!h s!e.5Theres no se
asking 7a4 or Mam a"o! !his5 The/ sa/- ,ore ge!!ing as "a4 as /or "ro!her *or asking
Kes!ions5 Go .la/5
# kno+ !ha! "ig .eo.le 4on! like Kes!ions *rom chil4ren5The/ can ask all !he Kes!ions !he/
like- Ho+s schoolN Are /o a goo4 "o/N 7i4 /o sa/ /or .ra/ersN "! i* /o ask !hem 4i4 !he/
sa/ !heir .ra/ers /o migh! "e hi! on !he hea45
7a4 "rings Mam home +i!h !he ne+ "a"/ an4 she has !o s!a/ in "e4 *or a *e+ 4a/s +i!h !he
.ain in her "ack5 She sa/s !his "a"/ is !he s.i!!ing image o* or sis!er +ho 4ie4- +i!h his +a)/
"lack hair- his lo)el/ "le e/es- an4 !he gorgeos e/e"ro+s5Tha!s +ha! Mam sa/s5 # +an! !o
kno+ i* !he "a"/ +ill "e s.i!!ing5 # also +an! !o kno+ +hich is !he se)en!h s!e. "ecase !here
are nine s!e.s on !he s!airs an4 #4 like !o kno+ i* /o con! *rom !he "o!!om or !he !o.5 7a4
4oesn! min4 ans+ering !his Kes!ion5 Angels come 4o+n *rom a"o)e- he sa/s- an4 no! . *rom
ki!chens like ors +hich are lakes *rom Oc!o"er !ill A.ril5 So # *in4 !he se)en!h s!e. "/ con!ing
*rom !he !o.5
5
5
5
%(&
The "a"/ Michael has a col45 His hea4 is s!**e4 an4 he can "arel/ "rea!he5 Mam +orries
"ecase i!s Sn4a/ an4 !he 7is.ensar/ *or !he .oor is close45 #* /o go !o !he 4oc!ors hose
an4 !he mai4 sees /ore *rom !he lo+er classes she !ells /o go !o !he 7is.ensar/ +here /o
"elong5 #* /o !ell her !he chil4 is 4/ing in /or arms shell sa/ !he 4oc!or is in !he con!r/ ri4ing
his horse5 Mam cries "ecase !he "a"/ is s!rggling !o ge! air !hrogh his mo!h5 She !ries !o
clear his nos!rils +i!h a "i! o* rolle4:. .a.er "! shes a*rai4 !o .sh i! !oo *ar .5 7a4
sa/s-Theres no nee4 *or !ha!5,ore no! s..ose4 !o "e .shing !hings insi4e a chil4s hea45 #!
looks like hes going !o kiss !he "a"/5 #ns!ea4- he has his mo!h on !he li!!le nose an4 hes
scking scking !he "a4 s!** o! o* Michaels hea45 He s.i!s i! in!o !he *ire- Michael gi)es o! a
lo4 cr/ an4 /o can see him 4ra+ing !he air in!o his hea4 an4 kicking his legs an4 laghing5
Mam looks a! 7a4 as i* he Js! came 4o+n *rom hea)en an4 7a4 sa/s-Tha!s +ha! +e 4i4 in
An!rim long "e*ore !here +ere 4oc!ors ri4ing !heir horses5 Michael en!i!les s !o a *e+ e9!ra
shillings on !he 4ole "! Mam sa/s i! isn! enogh an4 no+ she has !o go !o !he S!5Oincen! 4e
<al Socie!/ *or *oo45 One nigh! !here is a knock on !he 4oor an4 Mam sen4s me 4o+n !o see
+ho i! is5There are !+o men *rom !he S!5Oincen! 4e <al an4 !he/ +an! !o see m/ mo!her an4
*a!her5 # !ell !hem m/ .aren!s are .s!airs in #!al/ an4 !he/ sa/-Lha!N
U.s!airs +here !is 4r/5 #ll !ell !hem5
The/ +an! !o kno+ +ha! !ha! li!!le she4 is "esi4e or *ron! 4oor5 # !ell !hem i!s !he
la)a!or/5The/ +an! !o kno+ +h/ i! isn! in !he "ack o* !he hose an4 # !ell !hem i!s !he la)a!or/
*or !he +hole lane an4 i!s a goo4 !hing i!s no! in !he "ack o* or hose or +e4 ha)e .eo.le
!rai.sing !hrogh or ki!chen +i!h "cke!s !ha! +ol4 make /o sick5 The/ sa/- Are /o sre
!heres one la)a!or/ *or !he +hole laneN
# am5
The/ sa/- Mo!her o* Go45
Mam calls 4o+n *rom #!al/5Lhos 4o+n !hereN
The men5
Lha! menN
From !he S!5Oincen! 4e <al5
The/re care*l !he +a/ !he/ s!e. in!o !he lake in !he ki!chen an4 !he/ make !sk !sk an4 !! !!
noises an4 !he/ !ell one ano!her- #sn! !his %('
a 4isgraceN !ill !he/ ge! .s!airs !o #!al/5The/ !ell Mam an4 7a4 !he/re sorr/ !o 4is!r" !hem
"! !he Socie!/ has !o "e sre !he/re hel.ing 4eser)ing cases5 Mam o**ers !hem a c. o* !ea
"! !he/ look aron4 an4 sa/- No- !hank /o5The/ +an! !o kno+ +h/ +ere li)ing .s!airs5The/
+an! !o kno+ a"o! !he la)a!or/5The/ ask Kes!ions "ecase "ig .eo.le can ask all !he
Kes!ions !he/ like an4 +ri!e in no!e"ooks- es.eciall/ +hen !he/re +earing collars an4 !ies an4
si!s5 The/ ask ho+ ol4 Michael is- ho+ mch 7a4 ge!s a! !he La"or E9change- +hen 4i4 he
las! ha)e a Jo"- +h/ 4oesn! he ha)e a Jo" no+ an4 +ha! class o* an accen! is !ha! he hasN
7a4 !ells !hem !he la)a!or/ col4 kill s +i!h e)er/ class o* 4isease- !ha! !he ki!chen *loo4s in
!he +in!er an4 +e ha)e !o mo)e .s!airs !o s!a/ 4r/5 He sa/s !he Ri)er Shannon is res.onsi"le
*or all !he 4am.ness in !he +orl4 an4 killing s one "/ one5
Malach/ !ells !hem +ere li)ing in #!al/ an4 !he/ smile5 Mam asks i* !heres an/ chance o*
ge!!ing "oo!s *or Malach/ an4 me an4 !he/ sa/ shell ha)e !o come 4o+n !o OIanam Hose an4
a..l/5 She sa/s she hasn! "een *eeling +ell since !he "a"/ came an4 she +ol4n! "e a"le !o
s!an4 long in a Kee- "! !he/ sa/ e)er/one has !o "e !rea!e4 !he same- e)en a +oman 4o+n
in !he #rish!o+n !ha! ha4 !ri.le!s an4- !hank /o- +ell make or re.or! !o !he Socie!/5
Lhen !he/re lea)ing Malach/ +an!s !o sho+ !hem +here !he angel le*! Michael on !he
se)en!h s!e. "! 7a4 !ells him- No! no+- no! no+5 Malach/ cries an4 one o* !he men gi)es him
a .iece o* !o**ee *rom his .ocke! an4 # +ish # ha4 some!hing !o cr/ a"o! so !ha! #4 ge! a .iece-
!oo5
# ha)e !o go 4o+ns!airs again an4 sho+ !he men +here !o s!e. !o kee. !heir *ee! 4r/5 The/
kee. shaking !heir hea4s an4 sa/ing- Go4 Almigh!/ an4 Mo!her o* Go4- !his is 4es.era!e5 Tha!s
no! #!al/ !he/ ha)e .s!airs- !ha!s Calc!!a5
7a4 is !elling Mam . in #!al/ she shol4 ne)er "eg like !ha!5 Lha! 4o /o mean- "egN
7on! /o ha)e an/ .ri4e- "egging *or "oo!s like !ha!N
An4 +ha! +ol4 /o 4o- Mr5 Gran4 MannerN Lol4 /o le! !hem go "are*oo!N
#4 ra!her *i9 !he shoes !he/ ha)e5
The shoes !he/ ha)e are *alling !o .ieces5
# can *i9 !hem- he sa/s5
%(B
,o can! *i9 an/!hing5,ore seless- she sa/s5
He comes home !he ne9! 4a/ +i!h an ol4 "ic/cle !ire5 He sen4s me !o Mr5 Hannon ne9! 4oor *or
!he loan o* a las! an4 a hammer5 He !akes Mams shar. kni*e an4 he hacks a! !he !ire !ill he has
.ieces !o *i! on !he soles an4 heels o* or shoes5 Mam !ells him hes going !o 4es!ro/ !he shoes
al!oge!her "! he .on4s a+a/ +i!h !he hammer- 4ri)ing !he nails !hrogh !he r""er .ieces
an4 in!o !he shoes5 Mam sa/s- Go4 a"o)e- i* /o le*! !he shoes alone !he/4 las! !ill Eas!er- a!
leas!- an4 +e migh! ge! !he "oo!s *rom !he S!5Oincen! 4e <al5 $! he +on! s!o. !ill !he soles
an4 heels are co)ere4 +i!h sKares o* r""er !ire +hich s!ick o! on each si4e o* !he shoe an4
*lo. "e*ore an4 "ehin45 He makes s .! on !he shoes an4 !ells s or *ee! +ill "e goo4 an4
+arm "! +e 4on! +an! !o +ear !hem an/more "ecase !he !ire .ieces are so lm./ +e
s!m"le +hen +e +alk aron4 #!al/5 He sen4s me "ack !o Mr5 Hannon +i!h !he las! an4
hammer an4 Mrs5 Hannon sa/s- Go4 a"o)e- +ha!s . +i!h /or shoesN She laghs an4 Mr5
Hannon shakes his hea4 an4 # *eel ashame45 # 4on! +an! !o go !o school ne9! 4a/ an4 # .re!en4
!o "e sick "! 7a4 ge!s s . an4 gi)es s or *rie4 "rea4 an4 !ea an4 !ells s +e shol4 "e
gra!e*l +e ha)e an/ shoes a! all- !ha! !here are "o/s in Leam/s Na!ional School +ho go !o
school "are*oo! on "i!!er 4a/s5 On or +a/ !o school Leam/s "o/s lagh a! s "ecase !he !ire
.ieces are so !hick !he/ a44 a *e+ inches !o or heigh! an4 !he "o/s sa/- Ho+s !he air .
!hereN There are si9 or se)en "are*oo! "o/s in m/ class an4 !he/ 4on! sa/ an/!hing an4 #
+on4er i* i!s "e!!er !o ha)e shoes +i!h r""er !ires !ha! make /o !ri. an4 s!m"le or !o go
"are*oo!5 #* /o ha)e no shoes a! all /oll ha)e all !he "are*oo! "o/s on /or si4e5 #* /o ha)e
r""er !ires on /or shoes /ore all alone +i!h /or "ro!her an4 /o ha)e !o *igh! /or o+n
"a!!les5 # si! on a "ench in !he school/ar4 she4 an4 !ake o** m/ shoes an4 s!ockings "! +hen #
go in!o !he class !he mas!er +an!s !o kno+ +here m/ shoes are5 He kno+s #m no! one o* !he
"are*oo! "o/s an4 he makes me go "ack !o !he /ar4- "ring in !he shoes an4 .! !hem on5Then
he sa/s !o !he class-There is sneering here5There is Jeering a! !he mis*or!nes o* o!hers5 #s !here
an/one in !his class !ha! !hinks hes .er*ec!N
Raise /or han4s5
There are no han4s5
#s !here an/one in !his class !ha! comes *rom a rich *amil/ +i!h mone/ galore !o s.en4 on
shoesN Raise /or han4s5
There are no han4s5
%(C
He sa/s-There are "o/s here +ho ha)e !o men4 !heir shoes +ha!e)er +a/ !he/ can5There are
"o/s in !his class +i!h no shoes a! all5 #!s no! !heir *al! an4 i!s no shame5 Or Lor4 ha4 no
shoes5 He 4ie4 shoeless5 7o /o see Him hanging on !he cross s.or!ing shoesN 7o /o- "o/sN
No- sir5
Lha! is i! /o 4on! see Or Lor4 4oingN
Hanging on !he cross an4 s.or!ing shoes- sir5
No+ i* # hear o* one "o/ in !his class Jeering an4 sneering a! McCor! or his "ro!her o)er !heir
shoes !he s!ick +ill come o!5Lha! +ill come o!- "o/sN
The s!ick- sir5
The s!ick +ill s!ing- "o/s5The ash .lan! +ill +his!le !hrogh !he air- i! +ill lan4 on !he "acksi4e o*
!he "o/ !ha! Jeers- !he "o/ !ha! sneers5 Lhere +ill i! lan4- "o/sN
On !he "o/ !ha! Jeers- sir5
An4N
The "o/ !ha! sneers- sir5
The "o/s "o!her s no more an4 +e +ear or shoes +i!h !he r""er !ires !he *e+ +eeks !o
Eas!er +hen !he S!5Oincen! 4e <al Socie!/ gi)es s !he gi*! o* "oo!s5
#* # ha)e !o ge! . in !he mi44le o* !he nigh! !o .ee in !he "cke! # go !o !he !o. o* !he s!airs an4
look 4o+n !o see i* !he angel migh! "e on !he se)en!h s!e.5 Some!imes #m sre !heres a ligh!
!here an4 i* e)er/ones aslee. # si! on !he s!e. in case !he angel migh! "e "ringing ano!her "a"/
or Js! coming *or a )isi!5 # ask Mam i* !he angel Js! "rings !he "a"ies an4 !hen *orge!s a"o!
!hem5 She sa/s- O* corse no!5 The angel ne)er *orge!s !he "a"ies an4 comes "ack !o make sre
!he "a"/ is ha../5
# col4 ask !he angel all kin4s o* Kes!ions an4 #m sre he4 ans+er- nless i!s a girl angel5 $!
#m sre a girl angel +ol4 ans+er Kes!ions- !oo5 # ne)er hear4 an/one sa/ !he/ 4i4n!5
# si! on !he se)en!h s!e. a long !ime an4 #m sre !he angel is !here5 # !ell him all !he !hings /o
can! !ell /or mo!her or *a!her *or *ear o* "eing hi! on !he hea4 or !ol4 go o! an4 .la/5 # !ell
him all a"o! school an4 ho+ #m a*rai4 o* !he mas!er an4 his s!ick +hen he roars a! s in #rish
an4 # s!ill 4on! kno+ +ha! hes !alking a"o! "ecase # came *rom America an4 !he o!her "o/s
+ere learning #rish a /ear "e*ore me5 %(3
# s!a/ on !he se)en!h s!e. !ill i! ge!s !oo col4 or 7a4 ge!s . an4 !ells me go "ack !o "e45 Hes
!he one +ho !ol4 me !he angel comes !o !he se)en!h s!e. in !he *irs! .lace an4 /o4 !hink he4
kno+ +h/ #m si!!ing !here5 # !ol4 him one nigh! !ha! # +as +ai!ing *or !he angel- an4 he sai4-
Och- no+- Francis- /ore a "i! o* a 4reamer5
# ge! "ack in!o "e4 "! # can hear him +his.er !o m/ mo!her5The .oor +ee la4 +as si!!ing on
!he s!airs !alking a+a/ !o an angel5 He laghs an4 m/ mo!her laghs an4 # !hink- #sn! i! crios
!he +a/ "ig .eo.le lagh o)er !he angel +ho "rogh! !hem a ne+ chil45 $e*ore Eas!er +e mo)e
"ack 4o+ns!airs !o #relan45 Eas!er is "e!!er !han Chris!mas "ecase !he air is +armer- !he +alls
are no! 4ri..ing +i!h !he 4am.- an4 !he ki!chen isn! a lake an/more- an4 i* +ere . earl/ +e
migh! ca!ch !he sn slan!ing *or a min!e !hrogh !he ki!chen +in4o+5
#n *ine +ea!her men si! o!si4e smoking !heir cigare!!es i* !he/ ha)e !hem- looking a! !he +orl4
an4 +a!ching s .la/5 Lomen s!an4 +i!h !heir arms *ol4e4- cha!!ing5The/ 4on! si! "ecase all
!he/ 4o is s!a/ a! home- !ake care o* !he chil4ren- clean !he hose an4 cook a "i! an4 !he men
nee4 !he chairs5The men si! "ecase !he/re +orn o! *rom +alking !o !he La"or E9change
e)er/ morning !o sign *or !he 4ole- 4iscssing !he +orl4s .ro"lems an4 +on4ering +ha! !o 4o
+i!h !he res! o* !he 4a/5 Some s!o. a! !he "ookie !o s!4/ !he *orm an4 .lace a shilling or !+o
on a sre !hing5 Some s.en4 hors in !he Carnegie Li"rar/ rea4ing English an4 #rish
ne+s.a.ers5A man on !he 4ole nee4s !o kee. . +i!h !hings "ecase all !he o!her men on !he
4ole are e9.er!s on +ha!s going on in !he +orl45 A man on !he 4ole ms! "e rea4/ in case
ano!her man on !he 4ole "rings . Hi!ler or Mssolini or !he !erri"le s!a!e o* !he Chinese
millions5 A man on !he 4ole goes home a*!er a 4a/ +i!h !he "ookie or !he ne+s.a.er an4 his
+i*e +ill no! "egr4ge him a *e+ min!es +i!h !he ease an4 .eace o* his cigare!!e an4 his !ea
an4 !ime !o si! in his chair an4 !hink o* !he +orl45 Eas!er is "e!!er !han Chris!mas "ecase 7a4
!akes s !o !he Re4em.!oris! chrch +here all !he .ries!s +ear +hi!e an4 sing5The/re ha../
"ecase Or Lor4 is in hea)en5 # ask 7a4 i* !he "a"/ in !he cri" is 4ea4 an4 he sa/s- No- He +as
!hir!/:!hree +hen He 4ie4 an4 !here He is- hanging on !he cross5 # 4on! n4ers!an4 ho+ He
gre+ . so *as! !ha! Hes hanging !here +i!h a ha! ma4e o* !horns an4 "loo4 e)er/%(E
+here- 4ri..ing *rom His hea4- His han4s- His *ee!- an4 a "ig hole near His "ell/5
7a4 sa/s #ll n4ers!an4 +hen # gro+ .5 He !ells me !ha! all !he !ime no+ an4 # +an! !o "e "ig
like him so !ha! # can n4ers!an4 e)er/!hing5 #! ms! "e lo)el/ !o +ake . in !he morning an4
n4ers!an4 e)er/!hing5 # +ish # col4 "e like all !he "ig .eo.le in !he chrch- s!an4ing an4
kneeling an4 .ra/ing an4 n4ers!an4ing e)er/!hing5 A! !he Mass .eo.le go . !o !he al!ar an4
!he .ries! .!s some!hing in!o !heir mo!hs5The/ come "ack !o !heir sea!s +i!h !heir hea4s
4o+n- !heir mo!hs mo)ing5 Malach/ sa/s hes hngr/ an4 he +an!s some- !oo5 7a4 sa/s-
Shsh- !ha!s Hol/ Commnion- !he "o4/ an4 "loo4 o* Or Lor45
$!- 7a45
Shsh- i!s a m/s!er/5
Theres no se asking more Kes!ions5 #* /o ask a Kes!ion !he/ !ell /o i!s a m/s!er/- /oll
n4ers!an4 +hen /o gro+ .- "e a goo4 "o/- ask /or mo!her- ask /or *a!her- *or !he lo)e o
Pess lea)e me alone- go o! an4 .la/5
7a4 ge!s his *irs! Jo" in Limerick a! !he cemen! *ac!or/ an4 Mam is ha../5 She +on! ha)e !o
s!an4 in !he Kee a! !he S!5 Oincen! 4e <al Socie!/ asking *or clo!hes an4 "oo!s *or Malach/
an4 me5 She sa/s i!s no! "egging- i!s chari!/- "! 7a4 sa/s i!s "egging an4 shame*l5 Mam sa/s
she can no+ .a/ o** !he *e+ .on4s she o+es a! Ka!hleen OConnells sho. an4 she can .a/
"ack +ha! she o+es her o+n mo!her5 She ha!es !o "e n4er o"liga!ion !o an/one- es.eciall/
her o+n mo!her5
The cemen! *ac!or/ is miles o!si4e Limerick an4 !ha! means 7a4 has !o "e o! o* !he hose "/
si9 in !he morning5 He 4oesn! min4 "ecase hes se4 !o !he long +alks5The nigh! "e*ore Mam
makes him a *lask o* !ea- a san4+ich- a har4:"oile4 egg5 She *eels sorr/ *or him !he +a/ he has
!o +alk !hree miles o! an4 !hree miles "ack5 A "ic/cle +ol4 "e han4/ "! /o4 ha)e !o "e
+orking a /ear *or !he .rice o* i!5
Fri4a/ is .a/4a/ an4 Mam is o! o* !he "e4 earl/- cleaning !he hose an4 singing5
%(D
An/one can see +h/ # +an!e4 /or kiss-
#! ha4 !o "e an4 !he reason is !his 5 5 5
There isn! mch !o clean in !he hose5 She s+ee.s !he ki!chen *loor an4 !he *loor o* #!al/
.s!airs5 She +ashes !he *or Jam Jars +e se *or mgs5 She sa/s i* 7a4s Jo" las!s +ell ge!
.ro.er c.s an4 ma/"e sacers an4 some 4a/- +i!h !he hel. o* Go4 an4 His $lesse4 Mo!her-
+ell ha)e shee!s on !he "e4 an4 i* +e sa)e a long !ime a "lanke! or !+o ins!ea4 o* !hose ol4
coa!s +hich .eo.le ms! ha)e le*! "ehin4 4ring !he Grea! Famine5 She "oils +a!er an4 +ashes
!he rags !ha! kee. Michael *rom shi!!ing all o)er !he .ram an4 !he hose i!sel*5 Oh- she sa/s-
+ell ha)e a lo)el/ !ea +hen /or <o. "rings home !he +ages !onigh!5
<o.5 Shes in a goo4 moo45
Sirens an4 +his!les go o** all o)er !he ci!/ +hen !he men *inish +ork a! hal*:.as! *i)e5 Malach/
an4 # are e9ci!e4 "ecase +e kno+ !ha! +hen /or *a!her +orks an4 "rings home !he +ages
/o ge! !he Fri4a/ <enn/5Le kno+ !his *rom o!her "o/s +hose *a!hers +ork an4 +e kno+ !ha!
a*!er /or !ea /o can go !o Ka!hleen OConnells sho. an4 "/ s+ee!s5 #* /or mo!her is in a
goo4 moo4 she migh! e)en gi)e /o !..ence !o go !o !he L/ric Cinema !he ne9! 4a/ !o see a
*ilm +i!h Pames Cagne/5
The men +ho +ork in *ac!ories an4 sho.s in !he ci!/ are coming in!o !he lanes !o ha)e !heir
s..er- +ash !hemsel)es an4 go !o !he ."5 The +omen go !o !he *ilms a! !he Colisem or !he
L/ric Cinema5The/ "/ s+ee!s an4 Lil4 Loo4"ine cigare!!es an4 i* !heir hs"an4s are +orking
a long !ime !he/ !rea! !hemsel)es !o "o9es o* $lack Magic chocola!es5The/ lo)e !he romance
*ilms an4 !he/ ha)e a grea! !ime cr/ing !heir e/es o! +hen !heres an nha../ en4ing or a
han4some lo)er goes a+a/ !o "e sho! "/ Hin4s an4 o!her non:Ca!holics5 Le ha)e !o +ai! a
long !ime *or 7a4 !o +alk !he miles *rom !he cemen! *ac!or/5Le can! ha)e or !ea !ill hes
home an4 !ha!s )er/ har4 "ecase /o smell !he cooking o* o!her *amilies in !he lane5 Mam
sa/s i!s a goo4 !hing .a/4a/ is Fri4a/ +hen /o can! ea! mea! "ecase !he smell o* "acon or
sasages in o!her hoses +ol4 4ri)e her o! o* her min45Le can s!ill ha)e "rea4 an4 cheese
an4 a nice Jam Jar o* !ea +i!h lashings o* milk an4 sgar an4 +ha! more 4o /o +an!N
The +omen are gone !o !he cinemas- !he men are in !he ."s- an4 %(1
s!ill 7a4 isn! home5 Mam sa/s i!s a long +a/ !o !he cemen! *ac!or/ e)en i* hes a *as! +alker5
She sa/s !ha! "! her e/es are +a!er/ an4 shes no! singing an/more5 Shes si!!ing "/ !he *ire
smoking a Lil4 Loo4"ine she go! on cre4i! *rom Ka!hleen OConnell5The *ag is !he onl/ l9r/
she has an4 shell ne)er *orge! Ka!hleen *or her goo4ness5 She 4oesn! kno+ ho+ long she can
kee. !he +a!er "oiling in !his ke!!le5Theres no se making !he !ea !ill 7a4 ge!s home "ecase i!
+ill "e s!e+e4- co44le4- "oile4 an4 n*i! !o 4rink5 Malach/ sa/s hes hngr/ an4 she gi)es him a
.iece o* "rea4 an4 cheese !o kee. him going5 She sa/s-This Jo" col4 "e !he sa)ing o* s5 Tis
har4 enogh *or him !o ge! a Jo" +i!h his nor!hern accen! an4 i* he loses !his one # 4on! kno+
+ha! +ere going !o 4o5
The 4arkness is in !he lane an4 +e ha)e !o ligh! a can4le5 She has !o gi)e s or !ea an4 "rea4
an4 cheese "ecase +ere so hngr/ +e can! +ai! ano!her min!e5 She si!s a! !he !a"le- ea!s a
"i! o* "rea4 an4 cheese- smokes her Lil4 Loo4"ine5 She goes !o !he 4oor !o see i* 7a4 is
coming 4o+n !he lane an4 she !alks a"o! !he .a/4a/s +hen +e searche4 *or him all o)er
$rookl/n5 She sa/s- Some 4a/ +ell all go "ack !o America an4 +ell ha)e a nice +arm .lace !o
li)e an4 a la)a!or/ 4o+n !he hall like !he one in Classon A)ene an4 no! !his *il!h/ !hing o!si4e
or 4oor5
The +omen are coming home *rom !he cinemas- laghing- an4 !he men- singing- *rom !he ."s5
Mam sa/s !heres no se +ai!ing . an/ longer5 #* 7a4 s!a/s in !he ."s !ill closing !ime !here
+ill "e no!hing le*! *rom his +ages an4 +e migh! as +ell go !o "e45 She lies in her "e4 +i!h
Michael in her arms5 #!s Kie! in !he lane an4 # can hear her cr/ing e)en !hogh she .lls an ol4
coa! o)er her *ace an4 # can hear in !he 4is!ance- m/ *a!her5
# kno+ i!s m/ *a!her "ecase hes !he onl/ one in Limerick +ho sings !ha! song *rom !he Nor!h-
Ro44/ McCorle/ goes !o 4ie on !he "ri4ge o* Toome !o4a/5 He comes ron4 !he corner a! !he
!o. o* !he lane an4 s!ar!s Ke)in $arr/5 He sings a )erse- s!o.s- hol4s on !o a +all- cries o)er
Ke)in $arr/5 <eo.le s!ick !heir hea4s o! +in4o+s an4 4oors an4 !ell him- For Pass sake- .! a
sock in i!5 Some o* s ha)e !o ge! . in !he morning *or +ork5 Go home an4 sing /or *eckin
.a!rio!ic songs5 He s!an4s in !he mi44le o* !he lane an4 !ells !he +orl4 !o s!e. o!si4e- hes
rea4/ !o *igh!- rea4/ !o *igh! an4 4ie *or #relan4- +hich is more !han he can sa/ *or !he men o*
Limerick- +ho are kno+n !he %%(
leng!h an4 "rea4!h o* !he +orl4 *or colla"ora!ing +i!h !he .er*i4ios Sa9ons5
Hes .shing in or 4oor an4 singing-
An4 i*- +hen all a )igil kee.-
The Les!s aslee.- !he Les!s aslee.Q
AlasQ an4 +ell m/ Erin +ee.-
Tha! Connach! lies in slm"er 4ee.-
$! harkQ a )oice like !hn4er s.ake
UThe Les!s a+akeQ !he Les!s a+akeQ
Sing- Oh- hrrah- le! Englan4 Kake-
Lell +a!ch !ill 4ea!h *or Erins sakeQ
He calls *rom !he "o!!om o* !he s!airs- Angela- Angela- is !here a 4ro. o* !ea in !his hoseN
She 4oesn! ans+er an4 he calls again- Francis- Malach/- come 4o+n here- "o/s5 # ha)e !he
Fri4a/ <enn/ *or /o5
# +an! !o go 4o+n an4 ge! !he Fri4a/ <enn/ "! Mam is so""ing +i!h !he coa! o)er her mo!h
an4 Malach/ sa/s- # 4on! +an! his ol4 Fri4a/ <enn/5 He can kee. i!5
7a4 is s!m"ling . !he s!airs- making a s.eech a"o! ho+ +e all ha)e !o 4ie *or #relan45 He
ligh!s a ma!ch an4 !oches i! !o !he can4le "/ Mams "e45 He hol4s !he can4le o)er his hea4
an4 marches aron4 !he room- singing-
See +ho comes o)er !he re4:"lossome4 hea!her-
Their green "anners kissing !he .re mon!ain air-Hea4s erec!- e/es !o *ron!- s!e..ing .ro4l/
!oge!her-Sre *ree4om si!s !hrone4 on each .ro4 s.iri! !here5 Michael +akes an4 le!s o! a
lo4 cr/- !he Hannons are "anging on !he +all ne9! 4oor- Mam is !elling 7a4 hes a 4isgrace an4
+h/ 4oesn! he ge! o! o* !he hose al!oge!her5
He s!an4s in !he mi44le o* !he *loor +i!h !he can4le o)er his hea45 He .lls a .enn/ *rom his
.ocke! an4 +a)es i! !o Malach/ an4 me5,or Fri4a/ <enn/- "o/s- he sa/s5 # +an! /o !o Jm.
o! o* !ha! "e4 an4 line . here like !+o sol4iers an4 .romise !o 4ie *or #relan4 an4 #ll gi)e !he
!+o o* /o !he Fri4a/ <enn/5
%%%
Malach/ si!s . in !he "e45 # 4on! +an! i!- he sa/s5 An4 # !ell him # 4on! +an! i!- ei!her5
7a4 s!an4s *or a min!e- s+a/ing- an4 .!s !he .enn/ "ack in his .ocke!5 He !rns !o+ar4 Mam
an4 she sa/s-,ore no! slee.ing in !his "e4 !onigh!5 He makes his +a/ 4o+ns!airs +i!h !he
can4le- slee.s on a chair- misses +ork in !he morning- loses !he Jo" a! !he cemen! *ac!or/- an4
+ere "ack on !he 4ole again5
%%&
#O
The mas!er sa/s i!s !ime !o .re.are *or Firs! Con*ession an4 Firs! Commnion- !o kno+ an4
remem"er all !he Kes!ions an4 ans+ers in !he ca!echism- !o "ecome goo4 Ca!holics- !o kno+
!he 4i**erence "e!+een righ! an4 +rong- !o 4ie *or !he Fai!h i* calle4 on5 The mas!er sa/s i!s a
glorios !hing !o 4ie *or !he Fai!h an4 7a4 sa/s i!s a glorios !hing !o 4ie *or #relan4 an4 #
+on4er i* !heres an/one in !he +orl4 +ho +ol4 like s !o li)e5 M/ "ro!hers are 4ea4 an4 m/
sis!er is 4ea4 an4 # +on4er i* !he/ 4ie4 *or #relan4 or !he Fai!h5 7a4 sa/s !he/ +ere !oo /ong !o
4ie *or an/!hing5 Mam sa/s i! +as 4isease an4 s!ar)a!ion an4 him ne)er ha)ing a Jo"5 7a4 sa/s-
Och- Angela- .!s on his ca. an4 goes *or a long +alk5
The mas!er sa/s +ere each !o "ring !hree.ence *or !he Firs! Commnion ca!echism +i!h !he
green co)er5 The ca!echism has all !he Kes!ions an4 ans+ers +e ha)e !o kno+ "/ hear! "e*ore
+e can recei)e Firs! Commnion5 Ol4er "o/s in !he *i*!h class ha)e !he !hick Con*irma!ion
ca!echism +i!h !he re4 co)er an4 !ha! cos!s si9.ence5 #4 lo)e !o "e "ig an4 im.or!an! an4
.ara4e aron4 +i!h !he re4 Con*irma!ion ca!echism "! # 4on! !hink #ll li)e !ha! long !he +a/
#m e9.ec!e4 !o 4ie *or !his or !ha!5 # +an! !o ask +h/ !here are so man/ "ig .eo.le +ho ha)en!
4ie4 *or #relan4 or !he Fai!h "! # kno+ i* /o ask a Kes!ion like !ha! /o ge! /o !he !hm. on
!he hea4 or /ore !ol4 go o! an4 .la/5
%%'
5
5
5
#!s )er/ han4/ !o ha)e Mike/ Mollo/ li)ing aron4 !he corner *rom me5 Hes ele)en- he has *i!s
an4 "ehin4 his "ack +e call him Mollo/ !he Fi!5 <eo.le in !he lane sa/ !he *i! is an a**lic!ion an4
no+ # kno+ +ha! a**lic!ion means5 Mike/ kno+s e)er/!hing "ecase he has )isions in his *i!s
an4 he rea4s "ooks5 Hes !he e9.er! in !he lane on Girls $o4ies an4 7ir!/ Things in General an4
he .romises- #ll !ell /o e)er/!hing- Frankie- +hen /ore ele)en like me an4 /ore no! so !hick
an4 ignoran!5 #!s a goo4 !hing he sa/s Frankie so #ll kno+ hes !alking !o me "ecase he has
crosse4 e/es an4 /o ne)er kno+ +ho hes looking a!5 #* hes !alking !o Malach/ an4 # !hink hes
!alking !o me he migh! go in!o a rage an4 ha)e a *i! !ha! +ill carr/ him o**5 He sa/s i!s a gi*! !o
ha)e crosse4 e/es "ecase /ore like a go4 looking !+o +a/s a! once an4 i* /o ha4 crosse4
e/es in !he ancien! Roman !imes /o ha4 no .ro"lem ge!!ing a goo4 Jo"5 #* /o look a! .ic!res
o* Roman em.erors /oll see !heres al+a/s a grea! hin! o* crosse4 e/es5Lhen hes no! ha)ing
!he *i! he si!s on !he gron4 a! !he !o. o* !he lane rea4ing !he "ooks his *a!her "rings home
*rom !he Carnegie Li"rar/5 His mo!her sa/s "ooks "ooks "ooks- hes rining his e/es +i!h !he
rea4ing- he nee4s an o.era!ion !o s!raigh!en !hem "! +holl .a/ *or i!5 She !ells him i* he kee.s
on s!raining his e/es !he/ll *loa! !oge!her !ill he has one e/e in !he mi44le o* his hea45 E)er
a*!er his *a!her calls him C/clo.s- +ho is in a Greek s!or/5
Nora Mollo/ kno+s m/ mo!her *rom !he Kees a! !he S!5Oincen! 4e <al Socie!/5 She !ells
Mam !ha! Mike/ has more sense !han !+el)e men 4rinking .in!s in a ."5 He kno+s !he names
o* all !he <o.es *rom S!5 <e!er !o <is !he Ele)en!h5 Hes onl/ ele)en "! hes a man- oh- a man
in4ee45 Man/ a +eek he sa)es !he *amil/ *rom .re s!ar)a!ion5 He "orro+s a han4car! *rom
Ai4an Farrell an4 knocks on 4oors all o)er Limerick !o see i* !here are .eo.le +ho +an! coal or
!r* 4eli)ere4- an4 4o+n !he 7ock Roa4 hell go !o hal "ack grea! "ags a hn4re4+eigh! or
more5 Hell rn messages *or ol4 .eo.le +ho can! +alk an4 i* !he/ 4on! ha)e a .enn/ !o gi)e
him a .ra/er +ill 4o5
#* he earns a li!!le mone/ he han4s i! o)er !o his mo!her- +ho lo)es her Mike/5 He is her +orl4-
her hear!s "loo4- her .lse- an4 i* an/!hing e)er ha..ene4 !o him !he/ migh! as +ell s!ick her
in !he lna!ic as/lm an4 !hro+ a+a/ !he ke/5
%%B
Mike/s *a!her- <e!er- is a grea! cham.ion5 He +ins "e!s in !he ."s "/ 4rinking more .in!s !han
an/one5 All he has !o 4o is go o! !o !he Jakes- s!ick his *inger 4o+n his !hroa! an4 "ring i! all .
so !ha! he can s!ar! ano!her ron45 <e!er is sch a cham.ion he can s!an4 in !he Jakes an4
!hro+ . +i!ho! sing his *inger5 Hes sch a cham.ion !he/ col4 cho. o** his *ingers an4
he4 carr/ on regar4less5 He +ins all !ha! mone/ "! 4oesn! "ring i! home5 Some!imes hes like
m/ *a!her an4 4rinks !he 4ole i!sel* an4 !ha!s +h/ Nora Mollo/ is o*!en car!e4 o** !o !he lna!ic
as/lm 4emen!e4 +i!h +orr/ o)er her hngr/ *amishing *amil/5 She kno+s as long as /ore in
!he as/lm /ore sa*e *rom !he +orl4 an4 i!s !ormen!s- !heres no!hing /o can 4o- /ore
.ro!ec!e4- an4 +ha!s !he se o* +orr/ing5 #!s +ell kno+n !ha! all !he lna!ics in !he as/lm
ha)e !o "e 4ragge4 in "! shes !he onl/ one !ha! has !o "e 4ragge4 o!- "ack !o her *i)e
chil4ren an4 !he cham.ion o* all .in! 4rinkers5 ,o can !ell +hen Nora Mollo/ is rea4/ *or !he
as/lm +hen /o see her chil4ren rnning aron4 +hi!e +i!h *lor *rom .oll !o !oe5Tha!
ha..ens +hen <e!er 4rinks !he 4ole mone/ an4 lea)es her 4es.era!e an4 she kno+s !he men
+ill come !o !ake her a+a/5 ,o kno+ shes insi4e *ran!ic +i!h !he "aking5 She +an!s !o make
sre !he chil4ren +on! s!ar)e +hile shes gone an4 she roams Limerick "egging *or *lor5 She
goes !o .ries!s- nns- <ro!es!an!s- Rakers5 She goes !o Ranks Flor Mills an4 "egs *or !he
s+ee.ings *rom !he *loor5 She "akes 4a/ an4 nigh!5 <e!er "egs her !o s!o. "! she screams- This
is +ha! comes o* 4rinking !he 4ole5 He !ells her !he "rea4 +ill onl/ go s!ale5Theres no se
!alking !o her5 $ake "ake "ake5 #* she ha4 !he mone/ she4 "ake all !he *lor in Limerick an4
regions "e/on45 #* !he men 4i4n! come *rom !he lna!ic as/lm !o !ake her a+a/ she4 "ake !ill
she *ell !o !he *loor5 The chil4ren s!** !hemsel)es +i!h so mch "rea4 .eo.le in !he lane sa/
!he/re looking like loa)es5 S!ill !he "rea4 goes s!ale an4 Mike/ is so "o!here4 "/ !he +as!e he
!alks !o a rich +oman +i!h a cook"ook an4 she !ells him make "rea4 .44ing5 He "oils !he har4
"rea4 in +a!er an4 sor milk an4 !hro+s in a c. o* sgar an4 his "ro!her lo)es i! e)en i* !ha!s
all !he/ ha)e !he *or!nigh! !heir mo!her is in !he lna!ic as/lm5 M/ *a!her sa/s- 7o !he/ !ake
her a+a/ "ecase shes gone ma4 "aking "rea4 or 4oes she go ma4 "aking "rea4 "ecase
!he/re !aking her a+a/N
Nora comes home calm as i* she ha4 "een a! !he seasi4e5 She al+a/s sa/s-Lheres Mike/N #s he
ali)eN She +orries o)er Mike/ "ecase hes %%C
no! a .ro.er Ca!holic an4 i* he ha4 a *i! an4 4ie4 +ho kno+s +here he migh! +in4 . in !he
ne9! li*e5 Hes no! a .ro.er Ca!holic "ecase he col4 ne)er recei)e his Firs! Commnion *or
*ear o* ge!!ing an/!hing on his !onge !ha! migh! case a *i! an4 choke him5 The mas!er !rie4
o)er an4 o)er +i!h "i!s o* !he Limerick Lea4er "! Mike/ ke.! s.i!!ing !hem o! !ill !he mas!er
go! in!o a s!a!e an4 sen! him !o !he .ries!- +ho +ro!e !o !he "isho.- +ho sai4- 7on! "o!her me-
han4le i! /orsel*5The mas!er sen! a no!e home sa/ing Mike/ +as !o .rac!ice recei)ing
Commnion +i!h his *a!her or mo!her "! e)en !he/ col4n! ge! him !o s+allo+ a .iece o* !he
Limerick Lea4er in !he sha.e o* a +a*er5The/ e)en !rie4 a .iece o* "rea4 sha.e4 like !he +a*er
+i!h "rea4 an4 Jam an4 i! +as no se5 The .ries! !ells Mrs5 Mollo/ no! !o +orr/5 Go4 mo)es in
m/s!erios +a/s His +on4ers !o .er*orm an4 srel/ He has a s.ecial .r.ose *or Mike/- *i!s an4
all5 She sa/s- #sn! i! remarka"le he can s+all/ all kin4s o* s+ee!s an4 "ns "! i* he has !o
s+all/ !he "o4/ o* Or Lor4 he goes in!o a *i!N #sn! !ha! remarka"leN She +orries Mike/ migh!
ha)e !he *i! an4 4ie an4 go !o hell i* he has an/ class o* a sin on his sol !hogh e)er/one kno+s
hes an angel o! o* hea)en5 Mike/ !ells her Go4 is no! going !o a**lic! /o +i!h !he *i! an4 !hen
"oo! /o in!o hell on !o. o* i!5Lha! kin4 o* a Go4 +ol4 4o a !hing like !ha!N
Are /o sre- Mike/N
# am5 # rea4 i! in a "ook5
He si!s n4er !he lam..os! a! !he !o. o* !he lane an4 laghs o)er his Firs! Commnion 4a/-
+hich +as all a co45 He col4n! s+allo+ !he +a*er "! 4i4 !ha! s!o. his mo!her *rom .ara4ing
him aron4 Limerick in his li!!le "lack si! *or The Collec!ionN She sai4 !o Mike/-Lell- #m no!
l/ing so #m no!5 #m onl/ sa/ing !o !he neigh"ors- Heres Mike/ in his Firs! Commnion
si!5Tha!s all #m sa/ing- min4 /o5 Heres Mike/5 #* !he/ !hink /o s+allie4 /or Firs!
Commnion +ho am # !o con!ra4ic! !hem an4 4isa..oin! !hemN Mike/s *a!her sai4- 7on!
+orr/- C/clo.s5,o ha)e loa4s o* !ime5 Pess 4i4n! "ecome a .ro.er Ca!holic !ill he !ook !he
"rea4 an4 +ine a! !he Las! S..er an4 He +as !hir!/!hree /ears o* age5 Nora Mollo/ sai4-Lill
/o s!o. calling him C/clo.sN
He has !+o e/es in his hea4 an4 hes no! a Greek5 $! Mike/s *a!her- cham.ion o* all .in!
4rinkers- is like m/ ncle <a Kea!ing- he 4oesn! gi)e a *i44lers *ar! +ha! !he +orl4 sa/s an4
!ha!s !he +a/ #4 like !o "e m/sel*5
Mike/ !ells me !he "es! !hing a"o! Firs! Commnion is The Col%%3
lec!ion5 ,or mo!her has !o ge! /o a ne+ si! someho+ so she can sho+ /o o** !o !he
neigh"ors an4 rela!ions an4 !he/ gi)e /o s+ee!s an4 mone/ an4 /o can go !o !he L/ric
Cinema !o see Charlie Cha.lin5 Lha! a"o! Pames Cagne/N
Ne)er min4 Pames Cagne/5 Lo!s o* "la!her5 Charlie Cha.lin is /or onl/ man5 $! /o ha)e !o "e
+i!h /or mo!her on The Collec!ion5The gro+n:. .eo.le o* Limerick are no! going !o "e
han4ing o! mone/ !o e)er/ li!!le Tom 7ick an4 Mick +i!h a Firs! Commnion si! !ha! 4oesn!
ha)e his mo!her +i!h him5
Mike/ go! o)er *i)e shillings on his Firs! Commnion 4a/ an4 a!e so man/ s+ee!s an4 "ns he
!hre+ . in !he L/ric Cinema an4 Frank Goggin- !he !icke! man- kicke4 him o!5 He sa/s he
4i4n! care "ecase he ha4 mone/ le*! o)er an4 +en! !o !he Sa)o/ Cinema !he same 4a/ *or a
.ira!e *ilm an4 a!e Ca4"r/ chocola!e an4 4rank lemona4e !ill his s!omach s!ck o! a mile5 He
can! +ai! *or Con*irma!ion 4a/ "ecase /ore ol4er- !heres ano!her collec!ion an4 !ha! "rings
more mone/ !han Firs! Commnion5 Hell go !o !he cinema !he res! o* his li*e- si! ne9! !o girls
*rom lanes an4 4o 4ir!/ !hings like an e9.er!5 He lo)es his mo!her "! hell ne)er ge! marrie4 *or
*ear he migh! ha)e a +i*e in an4 o! o* !he lna!ic as/lm5Lha!s !he se o* ge!!ing marrie4
+hen /o can si! in cinemas an4 4o 4ir!/ !hings +i!h girls *rom lanes +ho 4on! care +ha! !he/
4o "ecase !he/ alrea4/ 4i4 i! +i!h !heir "ro!hers5 #* /o 4on! ge! marrie4 /o +on! ha)e an/
chil4ren a! home "a+ling *or !ea an4 "rea4 an4 gas.ing +i!h !he *i! an4 looking in e)er/
4irec!ion +i!h !heir e/es5Lhen hes ol4er hell go !o !he ." like his *a!her- 4rink .in!s galore-
s!ick !he *inger 4o+n !he !hroa! !o "ring i! all .- 4rink more .in!s- +in !he "e!s an4 "ring !he
mone/ home !o his mo!her !o kee. her *rom going 4emen!e45 He sa/s hes no! a .ro.er
Ca!holic +hich means hes 4oome4 so he can 4o an/!hing he "loo4/ +ell likes5 He sa/s- #ll !ell
/o more +hen /o gro+ .- Frankie5,ore !oo /ong no+ an4 /o 4on! kno+ /or arse *rom
/or el"o+5 The mas!er- Mr5 $enson- is )er/ ol45 He roars an4 s.i!s all o)er s e)er/ 4a/5 The
"o/s in !he *ron! ro+ ho.e he has no 4iseases *or i!s !he s.i! !ha! carries all !he 4iseases an4
he migh! "e s.rea4ing consm.!ion righ! an4 le*!5 He !ells s +e ha)e !o kno+ !he ca!echism
"ack+ar4s- *or+ar4s an4 si4e+a/s5Le ha)e !o kno+ !he Ten Comman4men!s- !he %%E
Se)en Oir!es- 7i)ine an4 Moral- !he Se)en Sacramen!s- !he Se)en 7ea4l/ Sins5Le ha)e !o
kno+ "/ hear! all !he .ra/ers- !he Hail Mar/- !he Or Fa!her- !he Con*i!eor- !he A.os!les Cree4-
!he Ac! o* Con!ri!ion- !he Li!an/ o* !he $lesse4 Oirgin Mar/5Le ha)e !o kno+ !hem in #rish an4
English an4 i* +e *orge! an #rish +or4 an4 se English he goes in!o a rage an4 goes a! s +i!h
!he s!ick5 #* he ha4 his +a/ +e4 "e learning or religion in La!in- !he langage o* !he sain!s +ho
commne4 in!ima!el/ +i!h Go4 an4 His Hol/ Mo!her- !he langage o* !he earl/ Chris!ians- +ho
h44le4 in !he ca!acom"s an4 +en! *or!h !o 4ie on rack an4 s+or4- +ho e9.ire4 in !he *oaming
Ja+s o* !he ra)enos lion5 #rish is *ine *or .a!rio!s- English *or !rai!ors an4 in*ormers- "! i!s !he
La!in !ha! gains s en!rance !o hea)en i!sel*5 #!s !he La!in !he mar!/rs .ra/e4 in +hen !he
"ar"arians .lle4 o! !heir nails an4 c! !heir skin o** inch "/ inch5 He !ells s +ere a 4isgrace
!o #relan4 an4 her long sa4 his!or/- !ha! +e4 "e "e!!er o** in A*rica .ra/ing !o "sh or !ree5 He
!ells s +ere ho.eless- !he +ors! class he e)er ha4 *or Firs! Commnion "! as sre as Go4
ma4e li!!le a..les hell make Ca!holics o* s- hell "ea! !he i4ler o! o* s an4 !he Sanc!i*/ing
Grace in!o s5
$ren4an Rigle/ raises his han45 Le call him Res!ion Rigle/ "ecase hes al+a/s asking
Kes!ions5 He can! hel. himsel*5 Sir- he sa/s- +ha!s Sanc!i*/ing GraceN
The mas!er rolls his e/es !o hea)en5 Hes going !o kill Rigle/5 #ns!ea4 he "arks a! him- Ne)er
min4 +ha!s Sanc!i*/ing Grace- Rigle/5 Tha!s none o* /or "siness5 ,ore here !o learn !he
ca!echism an4 4o +ha! /ore !ol45,ore no! here !o "e asking Kes!ions5 There are !oo man/
.eo.le +an4ering !he +orl4 asking Kes!ions an4 !ha!s +ha! has s in !he s!a!e +ere in an4 i*
# *in4 an/ "o/ in !his class asking Kes!ions # +on! "e res.onsi"le *or +ha! ha..ens5 7o /o
hear me- Rigle/N
# 4o5
# 4o +ha!N
# 4o- sir5
He goes on +i!h his s.eech- There are "o/s in !his class +ho +ill ne)er kno+ !he Sanc!i*/ing
Grace5 An4 +h/N $ecase o* !he gree45 # ha)e hear4 !hem a"roa4 in !he school/ar4 !alking
a"o! Firs! Commnion 4a/- !he ha..ies! 4a/ o* /or li*e5 Are !he/ !alking a"o! recei)ing !he
"o4/ an4 "loo4 o* Or Lor4N Oh- no5Those gree4/ li!!le "lagar4s are !alking a"o! !he mone/
!he/ll ge!-The Collec!ion5The/ll go *rom %%D
hose !o hose in !heir li!!le si!s like "eggars *or The Collec!ion5 An4 +ill !he/ !ake an/ o* !ha!
mone/ an4 sen4 i! !o !he li!!le "lack "a"ies in A*ricaN Lill !he/ !hink o* !hose li!!le .agans
4oome4 *ore)er *or lack o* "a.!ism an4 kno+le4ge o* !he Tre Fai!hN Li!!le "lack "a"ies 4enie4
kno+le4ge o* !he M/s!ical $o4/ o* Chris!N Lim"o is .acke4 +i!h li!!le "lack "a"ies *l/ing aron4
an4 cr/ing *or !heir mo!hers "ecase !he/ll ne)er "e a4mi!!e4 !o !he ine**a"le .resence o* Or
Lor4 an4 !he glorios com.an/ o* sain!s- mar!/rs- )irgins5 Oh- no5 #!s o** !o !he cinemas- or
Firs! Commnion "o/s rn !o +allo+ in !he *il!h s.e+e4 across !he +orl4 "/ !he 4e)ils
henchmen in Holl/+oo45 #sn! !ha! righ!- McCor!N
Tis- sir5
Res!ion Rigle/ raises his han4 again5There are looks aron4 !he room an4 +e +on4er i* i!s
sici4e hes a*!er5
Lha!s henchmen- sirN
The mas!ers *ace goes +hi!e- !hen re45 His mo!h !igh!ens an4 o.ens an4 s.i! *lies
e)er/+here5 He +alks !o Res!ion an4 4rags him *rom his sea!5 He snor!s an4 s!!!ers an4 his
s.i! *lies aron4 !he room5 He *logs Res!ion across !he shol4ers- !he "o!!om- !he legs5 He
gra"s him "/ !he collar an4 4rags him !o !he *ron! o* !he room5 Look a! !his s.ecimen- he roars5
Res!ion is shaking an4 cr/ing5 #m sorr/- sir5
The mas!er mocks him5 #m sorr/- sir5Lha! are /o sorr/ *orN
#m sorr/ # aske4 !he Kes!ion5 #ll ne)er ask a Kes!ion again- sir5 The 4a/ /o 4o- Rigle/- +ill
"e !he 4a/ /o +ish Go4 +ol4 !ake /o !o His "osom5Lha! +ill /o +ish- Rigle/N
Tha! Go4 +ill !ake me !o His "osom- sir5
Go "ack !o /or sea!- /o oma4han- /o .ol!roon- /o !hing *rom !he *ar 4ark corner o* a "og5
He si!s 4o+n +i!h !he s!ick "e*ore him on !he 4esk5 He !ells Res!ion !o s!o. !he +him.ering
an4 "e a man5 #* he hears a single "o/ in !his class asking *oolish Kes!ions or !alking a"o! The
Collec!ion again hell *log !ha! "o/ !ill !he "loo4 s.r!s5
Lha! +ill # 4o- "o/sN
Flog !he "o/- sir5
TillN
Till !he "loo4 s.r!s- sir5
No+- Clohess/- +ha! is !he Si9!h Comman4men!N
%%1
Tho shal! no! commi! a4l!er/5
Tho shal! no! commi! a4l!er/ +ha!N
Tho shal! no! commi! a4l!er/- sir5
An4 +ha! is a4l!er/- Clohess/N
#m.re !hogh!s- im.re +or4s- im.re 4ee4s- sir5
Goo4- Clohess/5,ore a goo4 "o/5,o ma/ "e slo+ an4 *orge!*l in !he sir 4e.ar!men! an4 /o
ma/ no! ha)e a shoe !o /or *oo! "! /ore .o+er*l +i!h !he Si9!h Comman4men! an4 !ha!
+ill kee. /o .re5 <a44/ Clohess/ has no shoe !o his *oo!- his mo!her sha)es his hea4 !o kee.
!he lice a+a/- his e/es are re4- his nose al+a/s sno!!/5The sores on his kneeca.s ne)er heal
"ecase he .icks a! !he sca"s an4 .!s !hem in his mo!h5 His clo!hes are rags he has !o share
+i!h his si9 "ro!hers an4 a sis!er an4 +hen he comes !o school +i!h a "loo4/ nose or a "lack
e/e /o kno+ he ha4 a *igh! o)er !he clo!hes !ha! morning5 He ha!es school5 Hes se)en going
on eigh!- !he "igges! an4 ol4es! "o/ in !he class- an4 he can! +ai! !o gro+ . an4 "e *or!een
so !ha! he can rn a+a/ an4 .ass *or se)en!een an4 Join !he English arm/ an4 go !o #n4ia +here
i!s nice an4 +arm an4 hell li)e in a !en! +i!h a 4ark girl +i!h !he re4 4o! on her *orehea4 an4
hell "e l/ing !here ea!ing *igs- !ha!s +ha! !he/ ea! in #n4ia- *igs- an4 shell cook !he crr/ 4a/
an4 nigh! an4 .lonk on a klele an4 +hen he has enogh mone/ hell sen4 *or !he +hole
*amil/ an4 !he/ll all li)e in !he !en! es.eciall/ his .oor *a!her +hos a! home coghing . grea!
go"s o* "loo4 "ecase o* !he consm.!ion5 Lhen m/ mo!her sees <a44/ on !he s!ree! she
sa/s- Lisha- look a! !ha! .oor chil45 Hes a skele!on +i!h rags an4 i* !he/ +ere making a *ilm
a"o! !he *amine he4 srel/ "e .! in !he mi44le o* i!5
# !hink <a44/ likes me "ecase o* !he raisin an4 # *eel a "i! gil!/ "ecase # +asn! !ha! generos
in !he *irs! .lace5 The mas!er- Mr5 $enson- sai4 !he go)ernmen! +as going !o gi)e s !he *ree
lnch so +e +ol4n! ha)e !o "e going home in !he *reeIing +ea!her5 He le4 s 4o+n !o a col4
room in !he 4ngeons o* Leam/s School +here !he char+oman- Nellie Ahearn- +as han4ing
o! !he hal* .in! o* milk an4 !he raisin "n5The milk +as *roIen in !he "o!!les an4 +e ha4 !o
mel! i! "e!+een or !highs5 The "o/s Joke4 an4 sai4 !he "o!!les +ol4 *reeIe or !hings o** an4
!he mas!er roare4-An/ more o* !ha! !alk an4 #ll +arm !he "o!!les on !he "acks o* /eer hea4s5
Le all searche4 or raisin "ns *or a raisin "! Nellie sai4 !he/ ms! ha)e *orgo!!en !o .! !hem
in an4 %&(
she4 inKire *rom !he man +ho 4eli)ere45Le searche4 again e)er/ 4a/ !ill a! las! # *on4 a
raisin in m/ "n an4 hel4 i! .5 The "o/s s!ar!e4 grosing an4 sai4 !he/ +an!e4 a raisin an4
Nellie sai4 i! +asn! her *al!5 She4 ask !he man again5 No+ !he "o/s +ere "egging me *or !he
raisin an4 o**ering me e)er/!hing- a slg o* !heir milk- a .encil- a comic "ook5 To"/ Macke/ sai4
# col4 ha)e his sis!er an4 Mr5 $enson hear4 him an4 !ook him o! !o !he hall+a/ an4 knocke4
him aron4 !ill he ho+le45 # +an!e4 !he raisin *or m/sel* "! # sa+ <a44/ Clohess/ s!an4ing in
!he corner +i!h no shoes an4 !he room +as *reeIing an4 he +as shi)ering like a 4og !ha! ha4
"een kicke4 an4 # al+a/s *el! sa4 o)er kicke4 4ogs so # +alke4 o)er an4 ga)e <a44/ !he raisin
"ecase # 4i4n! kno+ +ha! else !o 4o an4 all !he "o/s /elle4 !ha! # +as a *ool an4 a *eckin eeJi!
an4 #4 regre! !he 4a/ an4 a*!er # han4e4 !he raisin !o <a44/ # longe4 *or i! "! i! +as !oo la!e
no+ "ecase he .she4 i! righ! in!o his mo!h an4 gl.e4 i! an4 looke4 a! me an4 sai4 no!hing
an4 # sai4 in m/ hea4 +ha! kin4 o* an eeJi! are /o !o "e gi)ing a+a/ /or raisin5 Mr5 $enson
ga)e me a look an4 sai4 no!hing an4 Nellie Ahearn sai4-,ore a grea! ol,ankee- Frankie5
The .ries! +ill come soon !o e9amine s on !he ca!echism an4 e)er/!hing else5 The mas!er
himsel* has !o sho+ s ho+ !o recei)e Hol/ Commnion5 He !ells s ga!her ron4 him5 He *ills
his ha! +i!h !he Limerick Lea4er !orn in!o li!!le "i!s5 He gi)es <a44/ Clohess/ !he ha!- kneels
on !he *loor- !ells <a44/ !o !ake one "i! o* .a.er an4 .lace i! on his !onge5 He sho+s s ho+ !o
s!ick o! !he !onge- recei)e !he "i! o* .a.er- hol4 i! a momen!- 4ra+ in !he !onge- *ol4 /or
han4s in .ra/er- look !o+ar4 hea)en- close /or e/es in a4ora!ion- +ai! *or !he .a.er !o mel! in
/or mo!h- s+allo+ i!- an4 !hank Go4 *or !he gi*!- !he Sanc!i*/ing Grace +a*!ing in on !he o4or
o* sanc!i!/5Lhen he s!icks o! his !onge +e ha)e !o hol4 in !he lagh "ecase +e ne)er sa+ a
"ig .r.le !onge "e*ore5 He o.ens his e/es !o ca!ch !he "o/s +ho are giggling "! he can! sa/
an/!hing "ecase he s!ill has Go4 on his !onge an4 i!s a hol/ momen!5 He ge!s o** his knees
an4 !ells s kneel aron4 !he classroom *or !he Hol/ Commnion .rac!ice5 He goes aron4 !he
room .lacing "i!s o* .a.er on or !onges an4 mm"ling in La!in5 Some "o/s giggle an4 he
roars a! !hem !ha! i* !he giggling 4oesn! s!o. i!s no! Hol/ Commnion !he/ll "e ge!!ing "! !he
Las! Ri!es an4 +ha! is !ha! sacramen! calle4- McCor!N
%&%
E9!reme Unc!ion- sir5
Tha!s righ!- McCor!5 No! "a4 *or a ,ank *rom !he sin*l shores o* Amerika/5
He !ells s +e ha)e !o "e care*l !o s!ick o! or !onges *ar enogh so !ha! !he Commnion
+a*er +on! *all !o !he *loor5 He sa/s-Tha!s !he +ors! !hing !ha! can ha..en !o a .ries!5 #* !he
+a*er sli4es o** /or !onge !ha! .oor .ries! has !o ge! 4o+n on his !+o knees- .ick i! . +i!h
his o+n !onge an4 lick !he *loor aron4 i! in case i! "once4 *rom one s.o! !o ano!her5 The
.ries! col4 ge! a s.lin!er !ha! +ol4 make his !onge s+ell !o !he siIe o* a !rni. an4 !ha!s
enogh !o choke /o an4 kill /o en!irel/5
He !ells s !ha! ne9! !o a relic o* !he Tre Cross !he Commnion +a*er is !he holies! !hing in !he
+orl4 an4 or Firs! Commnion is !he holies! momen! in or li)es5Talking a"o! Firs!
Commnion makes !he mas!er all e9ci!e45 He .aces "ack an4 *or!h- +a)es his s!ick- !ells s +e
ms! ne)er *orge! !ha! !he momen! !he Hol/ Commnion is .lace4 on or !onges +e "ecome
mem"ers o* !ha! mos! glorios congrega!ion- !he One- Hol/- Roman- Ca!holic an4 A.os!olic
Chrch- !ha! *or !+o !hosan4 /ears men- +omen an4 chil4ren ha)e 4ie4 *or !he Fai!h- !ha! !he
#rish ha)e no!hing !o "e ashame4 o* in !he mar!/r 4e.ar!men!5 Ha)en! +e .ro)i4e4 mar!/rs
galoreN Ha)en! +e "are4 or necks !o !he <ro!es!an! a9N Ha)en! +e mon!e4 !he sca**ol4-
singing- as i* em"arking on a .icnic- ha)en! +e- "o/sN
Le ha)e- sir5
Lha! ha)e +e 4one- "o/sN
$are4 or necks !o !he <ro!es!an! a9- sir5
An4N
Mon!e4 !he sca**ol4 singing- sir5
As i* N
Em"arking on a .icnic- sir5
He sa/s !ha!- .erha.s- in !his class !here is a *!re .ries! or a mar!/r *or !he Fai!h- !hogh he
4o"!s i! )er/ mch *or +e are !he laIies! gang o* ignoramses i! has e)er "een his mis*or!ne
!o !each5 $! i! !akes all kin4s- he sa/s- an4 srel/ Go4 ha4 some .r.ose +hen He sen! !he
likes o* /e !o in*es! !his ear!h5 Srel/ Go4 ha4 a .r.ose +hen among s He sen! Clohess/ +i!h
no shoes- Rigle/ +i!h his 4amna"le Kes!ions an4 McCor! hea)/ +i!h sin *rom America5 An4
remem"er !his- "o/s- Go4 4i4 no! sen4 His onl/ "ego!!en Son !o hang %&&
on !he cross so !ha! /e can go aron4 on /eer Firs! Commnion 4a/ +i!h !he .a+s cl!ching *or
The Collec!ion5 Or Lor4 4ie4 so !ha! /e migh! "e re4eeme45 #! is enogh !o recei)e !he gi*! o*
Fai!h5 Are /e lis!ening !o meN
Le are- sir5
An4 +ha!s enoghN
The gi*! o* Fai!h- sir5
Goo45 Go home5
A! nigh! !hree o* s si! n4er !he ligh! .ole a! !he !o. o* !he lane rea4ing- Mike/- Malach/ an4 #5
The Mollo/s are like s +i!h !heir *a!her 4rinking !he 4ole mone/ or !he +ages an4 lea)ing no
mone/ *or can4les or .ara**in oil *or !he lam.5 Mike/ rea4s "ooks an4 !he res! o* s rea4 comic
"ooks5 His *a!her- <e!er- "rings "ooks *rom !he Carnegie Li"rar/ so !ha! hell ha)e some!hing !o
4o +hen hes no! 4rinking .in!s or +hen hes looking a*!er !he *amil/ an/!ime Mrs5 Mollo/ is in
!he lna!ic as/lm5 He le!s Mike/ rea4 an/ "ook he likes an4 no+ Mike/ is rea4ing !his "ook
a"o! Cchlain an4 !alking as i* he kno+s e)er/!hing a"o! him5 # +an! !o !ell him # kne+ all
a"o! Cchlain +hen # +as !hree going on *or- !ha! # sa+ Cchlain in 7"lin- !ha! Cchlain
!hinks no!hing o* 4ro..ing in!o m/ 4reams5 # +an! !o !ell him s!o. !alking a"o! Cchlain- hes
mine- he +as mine /ears ago +hen # +as /ong- "! # can! "ecase Mike/ rea4s s a s!or/ #
ne)er hear4 o* "e*ore- a 4ir!/ s!or/ a"o! Cchlain +hich # can ne)er !ell m/ *a!her or mo!her-
!he s!or/ o* ho+ Emer "ecame Cchlains +i*e5 Cchlain +as ge!!ing !o "e an ol4 man o*
!+en!/:one5 He +as lonel/ an4 +an!e4 !o ge! marrie4- +hich ma4e him +eak- sa/s Mike/- an4
go! him kille4 in !he en45All !he +omen in #relan4 +ere ma4 a"o! Cchlain an4 !he/ +an!e4
!o marr/ him5 He sai4 !ha! +ol4 "e gran4- he +ol4n! min4 marr/ing all !he +omen o*
#relan45 #* he col4 *igh! all !he men o* #relan4 +h/ col4n! he marr/ all !he +omenN $! !he
King- Conor MacNessa- sai4- Tha!s all )er/ +ell *or /o- C- "! !he men o* #relan4 4on! +an!
!o "e lonel/ in !he *ar reaches o* !he nigh!5 The King 4eci4e4 !here +ol4 ha)e !o "e a con!es!
!o see +ho +ol4 marr/ Cchlain an4 i! +ol4 "e a .issing con!es!5 All !he +omen o* #relan4
assem"le4 on !he .lains o* Mir!hemne !o see +ho col4 .iss !he longes! an4 i! +as Emer5 She
+as !he cham.ion +oman .isser o* %&'
#relan4 an4 marrie4 Cchlain an4 !ha!s +h/ !o !his 4a/ she is calle4 Grea! $la44ere4 Emer5
Mike/ an4 Malach/ lagh o)er !his s!or/ !hogh # 4on! !hink Malach/ n4ers!an4s i!5 Hes
/ong an4 *ar *rom his Firs! Commnion an4 hes onl/ laghing o)er !he .iss +or45 Then Mike/
!ells me #)e commi!!e4 a sin "/ lis!ening !o a s!or/ !ha! has !ha! +or4 in i! an4 +hen # go !o m/
Firs! Con*ession #ll ha)e !o !ell !he .ries!5 Malach/ sa/s- Tha!s righ!5 <iss is a "a4 +or4 an4 /o
ha)e !o !ell !he .ries! "ecase
!is a sin +or45
# 4on! kno+ +ha! !o 4o5 Ho+ can # go !o !he .ries! an4 !ell him !his !erri"le !hing in m/ Firs!
Con*essionN All !he "o/s kno+ +ha! sins !he/re going !o !ell so !ha! !he/ll ge! !he Firs!
Commnion an4 make The Collec!ion an4 go !o see Pames Cagne/ an4 ea! s+ee!s an4 cakes a!
!he L/ric Cinema5The mas!er hel.e4 s +i!h or sins an4 e)er/one has !he same sins5 # hi! m/
"ro!her5 # !ol4 a lie5 # s!ole a .enn/ *rom m/ mo!hers .rse5 # 4iso"e/e4 m/ .aren!s- # a!e a
sasage on Fri4a/5 $! no+ # ha)e a sin no one else has an4 !he .ries! is going !o "e shocke4
an4 4rag me o! o* !he con*ession "o9 in!o !he aisle an4 o! in!o !he s!ree! +here e)er/one
+ill kno+ # lis!ene4 !o a s!or/ a"o! Cchlains +i*e "eing !he cham.ion +oman .isser in all
#relan45 #ll ne)er "e a"le !o make m/ Firs! Commnion an4 mo!hers +ill hol4 !heir small
chil4ren . an4 .oin! a! me an4 sa/- Look a! him5 Hes like Mike/ Mollo/- ne)er ma4e his Firs!
Commnion- +an4ering aron4 in a s!a!e o* sin- ne)er ma4e The Collec!ion- ne)er sa+ Pames
Cagne/5 #m sorr/ # e)er hear4 o* Firs! Commnion an4 The Collec!ion5 #m sick an4 # 4on! +an!
an/ !ea or "rea4 or an/!hing5 Mam !ells 7a4 i!s a s!range !hing +hen a chil4 +on! ha)e his
"rea4 an4 !ea an4 7a4 sa/s- Och- hes Js! ner)os o)er !he Firs! Commnion5 # +an! !o go o)er
!o him an4 si! on his la. an4 !ell him +ha! Mike/ Mollo/ 4i4 !o me "! #m !oo "ig !o "e si!!ing
on la.s an4 i* # 4i4 Malach/ +ol4 go o! in !he lane an4 !ell e)er/one # +as a "ig "a"/5 #4 like
!o !ell m/ !ro"les !o !he Angel on !he Se)en!h S!e. "! hes "s/ "ringing "a"ies !o mo!hers
all o)er !he +orl45 S!ill- #ll ask 7a45 7a4- 4oes !he Angel on !he Se)en!h S!e. ha)e o!her Jo"s
"esi4es "ringing "a"iesN
He 4oes5
Lol4 !he Angel on !he Se)en!h S!e. !ell /o +ha! !o 4o i* /o 4i4n! kno+ +ha! !o 4oN
%&B
Och- he +ol4- son- he +ol45Tha!s !he Jo" o* an angel- e)en !he one on !he se)en!h s!e.5
7a4 goes *or a long +alk- Mam !akes Michael an4 goes !o see Gran4ma- Malach/ .la/s in !he
lane- an4 # ha)e !he hose !o m/sel* so !ha! # can si! on !he se)en!h s!e. an4 !alk !o !he angel5 #
kno+ hes !here "ecase !he se)en!h s!e. *eels +armer !han !he o!her s!e.s an4 !heres a ligh!
in m/ hea45 # !ell him m/ !ro"les an4 # hear a )oice5 Fear no!- sa/s !he )oice5
Hes !alking "ack+ar4 an4 # !ell him # 4on! kno+ +ha! hes !alking a"o!5
7o no! *ear- sa/s !he )oice5 Tell !he .ries! /or sin an4 /oll "e *orgi)en5
Ne9! morning #m . earl/ an4 4rinking !ea +i!h 7a4 an4 !elling him a"o! !he Angel on !he
Se)en!h S!e.5 He .laces his han4 on m/ *orehea4 !o see i* #m *eeling all righ!5 He asks i* #m
sre # ha4 a ligh! in m/ hea4 an4 hear4 a )oice an4 +ha! 4i4 !he )oice sa/N
# !ell him !he )oice sai4 Fear no! an4 !ha! means 7o no! *ear5 7a4 !ells me !he angel is righ!- #
shol4n! "e a*rai4- an4 # !ell him +ha! Mike/ Mollo/ 4i4 !o me5 # !ell him all a"o! Grea!
$la44ere4 Emer an4 # e)en se !he .iss +or4 "ecase !he angel sai4- Fear no!5 7a4 .!s 4o+n
his Jam Jar o* !ea an4 .a!s !he "ack o* m/ han45 Och- och- och- he sa/s- an4 # +on4er i* hes
going 4emen!e4 like Mrs5 Mollo/- in an4 o! o* !he lna!ic as/lm- "! he sa/s- #s !ha! +ha! /o
+ere +orrie4 a"o! las! nigh!N
# !ell him i! is an4 he sa/s i!s no! a sin an4 # 4on! ha)e !o !ell !he .ries!5
$! !he Angel on !he Se)en!h S!e. sai4 # shol45
All righ!5 Tell !he .ries! i* /o like "! !he Angel on !he Se)en!h S!e. sai4 !ha! onl/ "ecase /o
4i4n! !ell me *irs!5 #sn! i! "e!!er !o "e a"le !o !ell /or *a!her /or !ro"les ra!her !han an angel
+ho is a ligh! an4 a )oice in /or hea4N
Tis- 7a45
The 4a/ "e*ore Firs! Commnion !he mas!er lea4s s !o S!5 Pose.hs Chrch *or Firs! Con*ession5
Le march in .airs an4 i* +e so mch as mo)e a li. on !he s!ree!s o* Limerick hell kill s on !he
s.o! an4 sen4 s !o hell "loa!e4 +i!h sin5Tha! 4oesn! s!o. !he "ragging a"o! !he "ig %&C
sins5Lillie Harol4 is +his.ering a"o! his "ig sin- !ha! he looke4 a! his sis!ers nake4 "o4/5
<a44/ Har!igan sa/s he s!ole !en shillings *rom his an!s .rse an4 ma4e himsel* sick +i!h ice
cream an4 chi.s5 Res!ion Rigle/ sa/s he ran a+a/ *rom home an4 s.en! hal* !he nigh! in a
4i!ch +i!h *or goa!s5 # !r/ !o !ell !hem a"o! Cchlain an4 Emer "! !he mas!er ca!ches me
!alking an4 gi)es me a !hm. on !he hea45 Le kneel in !he .e+s "/ !he con*ession "o9 an4 #
+on4er i* m/ Emer sin is as "a4 as looking a! /or sis!ers nake4 "o4/ "ecase # kno+ no+ !ha!
some !hings in !he +orl4 are +orse !han o!hers5 Tha!s +h/ !he/ ha)e 4i**eren! sins- !he
sacrilege- !he mor!al sin- !he )enial sin5Then !he mas!ers an4 gro+n:. .eo.le in general !alk
a"o! !he n*orgi)a"le sin- +hich is a grea! m/s!er/5 No one kno+s +ha! i! is an4 /o +on4er
ho+ /o can kno+ i* /o)e commi!!e4 i! i* /o 4on! kno+ +ha! i! is5 #* # !ell a .ries! a"o!
Grea! $la44ere4 Emer an4 !he .issing con!es! he migh! sa/ !ha!s !he n*orgi)a"le sin an4 kick
me o! o* !he con*ession "o9 an4 #ll "e 4isgrace4 all o)er Limerick an4 4oome4 !o hell
!ormen!e4 *ore)er "/ 4e)ils +ho ha)e no!hing else !o 4o "! s!a" me +i!h ho! .i!ch*orks !ill #m
+orn o!5
# !r/ !o lis!en !o Lillies con*ession +hen he goes in "! all # can hear is a hissing *rom !he .ries!
an4 +hen Lillie comes o! hes cr/ing5 #!s m/ !rn5 The con*ession "o9 is 4ark an4 !heres a "ig
crci*i9 hanging o)er m/ hea45 # can hear a "o/ mm"ling his con*ession on !he o!her si4e5 #
+on4er i* !heres an/ se !r/ing !o !alk !o !he Angel on !he Se)en!h S!e.5 # kno+ hes no!
s..ose4 !o "e hanging aron4 con*ession "o9es "! # *eel !he ligh! in m/ hea4 an4 !he )oice is
!elling me- Fear no!5 The .anel sli4es "ack "e*ore m/ *ace an4 !he .ries! sa/s- ,es- m/ chil4N
$less me- Fa!her- *or # ha)e sinne45This is m/ Firs! Con*ession5 ,es- m/ chil4- an4 +ha! sins ha)e
/o commi!!e4N
# !ol4 a lie5 # hi! m/ "ro!her5 # !ook a .enn/ *rom m/ mo!hers .rse5 # sai4 a crse5
,es- m/ chil45 An/!hing elseN
#- # lis!ene4 !o a s!or/ a"o! Cchlain an4 Emer5
Srel/ !ha!s no! a sin- m/ chil45 A*!er all +e are assre4 "/ cer!ain +ri!ers !ha! Cchlain
!rne4 Ca!holic in his las! momen!s as 4i4 his King- Conor MacNessa5
Tis a"o! Emer- Fa!her- an4 ho+ she marrie4 him5
Ho+ +as !ha!- m/ chil4N
She +on him in a .issing con!es!5
%&3
There is hea)/ "rea!hing5The .ries! has his han4 o)er his mo!h an4 hes making choking
son4s an4 !alking !o himsel*- Mo!her o Go45 Lho- +ho !ol4 /o !ha! s!or/- m/ chil4N
Mike/ Mollo/- Fa!her5
An4 +here 4i4 he hear i!N
He rea4 i! in a "ook- Fa!her5
Ah- a "ook5 $ooks can "e 4angeros *or chil4ren- m/ chil45 Trn /or min4 *rom !hose sill/
s!ories an4 !hink o* !he li)es o* !he sain!s5 Think o* S!5 Pose.h- !he Li!!le Flo+er- !he s+ee! an4
gen!le S!5 Francis o* Assisi- +ho lo)e4 !he "ir4s o* !he air an4 !he "eas!s o* !he *iel45Lill /o 4o
!ha!- m/ chil4N
# +ill- Fa!her5
Are !here an/ o!her sins- m/ chil4N
No- Fa!her5
For /or .enance sa/ !hree Hail Mar/s- !hree Or Fa!hers- an4 sa/ a s.ecial .ra/er *or me5
# +ill5 Fa!her- +as !ha! !he +ors! sinN
Lha! 4o /o meanN
Am # !he +ors! o* all !he "o/s- Fa!herN
No- m/ chil4- /o ha)e a long +a/ !o go5 No+ sa/ an Ac! o* Con!ri!ion an4 remem"er Or Lor4
+a!ches /o e)er/ min!e5 Go4 "less /o- m/ chil45
Firs! Commnion 4a/ is !he ha..ies! 4a/ o* /or li*e "ecase o* The Collec!ion an4 Pames
Cagne/ a! !he L/ric Cinema5The nigh! "e*ore # +as so e9ci!e4 # col4n! slee. !ill 4a+n5 #4 s!ill
"e slee.ing i* m/ gran4mo!her ha4n! come "anging a! !he 4oor5 Ge! .Q Ge! .Q Ge! !ha! chil4
o!a !he "e45 Ha..ies! 4a/ o* his li*e an him snorin a"o)e in !he "e45
# ran !o !he ki!chen5Take o** !ha! shir!- she sai45 # !ook o** !he shir! an4 she .she4 me in!o a !in
!" o* ic/ col4 +a!er5 M/ mo!her scr""e4 me- m/ gran4mo!her scr""e4 me5 # +as ra+- # +as
re45 The/ 4rie4 me5The/ 4resse4 me in m/ "lack )el)e! Firs! Commnion si! +i!h !he +hi!e
*rill/ shir!- !he shor! .an!s- !he +hi!e s!ockings- !he "lack .a!en! lea!her shoes5 Aron4 m/ arm
!he/ !ie4 a +hi!e sa!in "o+ an4 on m/ la.el !he/ .inne4 !he Sacre4 Hear! o* Pess- a .ic!re o*
!he Sacre4 Hear!- +i!h "loo4 4ri..ing *rom i!- *lames er.!ing all aron4 i! an4 on !o. a nas!/:
looking cro+n o* !horns5 %&E
Come here !ill # com" /or hair- sai4 Gran4ma5 Look a! !ha! mo.- i! +on! lie 4o+n5,o 4i4n!
ge! !ha! hair *rom m/ si4e o* !he *amil/5 Tha!s !ha! Nor!h o* #relan4 hair /o go! *rom /or
*a!her5 Tha!s !he kin4 o* hair /o see on <res"/!erians5 #* /or mo!her ha4 marrie4 a .ro.er
4ecen! Limerickman /o +ol4n! ha)e !his s!an4ing .- Nor!h o* #relan4- <res"/!erian hair5
She s.a! !+ice on m/ hea45
Gran4ma- +ill /o .lease s!o. s.i!!ing on m/ hea45
#* /o ha)e an/!hing !o sa/- sh! .5 A li!!le s.i! +on! kill /o5 Come on- +ell "e la!e *or !he
Mass5
Le ran !o !he chrch5 M/ mo!her .an!e4 along "ehin4 +i!h Michael in her arms5Le arri)e4 a!
!he chrch Js! in !ime !o see !he las! o* !he "o/s lea)ing !he al!ar rail +here !he .ries! s!oo4
+i!h !he chalice an4 !he hos!- glaring a! me5Then he .lace4 on m/ !onge !he +a*er- !he "o4/
an4 "loo4 o* Pess5 A! las!- a! las!5
#!s on m/ !onge5 # 4ra+ i! "ack5
#! s!ck5
# ha4 Go4 gle4 !o !he roo* o* m/ mo!h5 # col4 hear !he mas!ers )oice- 7on! le! !ha! hos!
!och /or !ee!h *or i* /o "i!e Go4 in !+o /oll roas! in hell *or e!erni!/5
# !rie4 !o ge! Go4 4o+n +i!h m/ !onge "! !he .ries! hisse4 a! me- S!o. !ha! clcking an4 ge!
"ack !o /or sea!5
Go4 +as goo45 He mel!e4 an4 # s+allo+e4 Him an4 no+- a! las!- # +as a mem"er o* !he Tre
Chrch- an o**icial sinner5 Lhen !he Mass en4e4 !here !he/ +ere a! !he 4oor o* !he chrch- m/
mo!her +i!h Michael in her arms- m/ gran4mo!her5 The/ each hgge4 me !o !heir "osoms5The/
each !ol4 me i! +as !he ha..ies! 4a/ o* m/ li*e5The/ each crie4 all o)er m/ hea4 an4 a*!er m/
gran4mo!hers con!ri"!ion !ha! morning m/ hea4 +as a s+am.5
Mam- can # go no+ an4 make The Collec!ionN
She sai4- A*!er /o ha)e a li!!le "reak*as!5
No- sai4 Gran4ma5,ore no! making no collec!ion !ill /o)e ha4 a .ro.er Firs! Commnion
"reak*as! a! m/ hose5 Come on5 Le *ollo+e4 her5 She "ange4 .o!s an4 ra!!le4 .ans an4
com.laine4 !ha! !he +hole +orl4 e9.ec!e4 her !o "e a! !heir "eck an4 call5 # a!e !he egg- # a!e
!he sasage- an4 +hen # reache4 *or more sgar *or m/ !ea she sla..e4 m/ han4 a+a/5
Go ais/ +i!h !ha! sgar5 #s i! a millionaire /o !hink # amN An Amer%&D
icanN #s i! "e4ecke4 in gli!!erin Je+elr/ /o !hink # amN Smo!here4 in *anc/ *rsN
The *oo4 chrne4 in m/ s!omach5 # gagge45 # ran !o her "ack/ar4 an4 !hre+ i! all .5 O! she
came5
Look a! +ha! he 4i45 Thrn . his Firs! Commnion "reak*as!5 Thrn . !he "o4/ an4 "loo4 o*
Pess5 # ha)e Go4 in me "ack/ar45 Lha! am # goin !o 4oN #ll !ake him !o !he Pesi!s *or !he/
kno+ !he sins o* !he <o.e himsel*5
She 4ragge4 me !hrogh !he s!ree!s o* Limerick5 She !ol4 !he neigh"ors an4 .assing s!rangers
a"o! Go4 in her "ack/ar45 She .she4 me in!o !he con*ession "o95
#n !he name o* !he Fa!her- !he Son- !he Hol/ Ghos!5 $less me- Fa!her- *or # ha)e sinne45 #!s a
4a/ since m/ las! con*ession5 A 4a/N An4 +ha! sins ha)e /o commi!!e4 in a 4a/- m/ chil4N
# o)ersle.!5 # nearl/ misse4 m/ Firs! Commnion5 M/ gran4mo!her sai4 # ha)e s!an4ing .-
Nor!h o* #relan4- <res"/!erian hair5 # !hre+ . m/ Firs! Commnion "reak*as!5 No+ Gran4ma
sa/s she has Go4 in her "ack/ar4 an4 +ha! shol4 she 4o5
The .ries! is like !he Firs! Con*ession .ries!5 He has !he hea)/ "rea!hing an4 !he choking
son4s5
Ah 5 5 5 ah 5 5 5 !ell /or gran4mo!her !o +ash Go4 a+a/ +i!h a li!!le +a!er an4 *or /or .enance
sa/ one Hail Mar/ an4 one Or Fa!her5 Sa/ a .ra/er *or me an4 Go4 "less /o- m/ chil45
Gran4ma an4 Mam +ere +ai!ing close !o !he con*ession "o95 Gran4ma sai4- Lere /o !elling
Jokes !o !ha! .ries! in !he con*ession "o9N #* !is a !hing # e)er *in4 o! /o +ere !elling Jokes !o
Pesi!s #ll !ear !he "loo4/ ki4ne/s o!a /o5 No+ +ha! 4i4 he sa/ a"o! Go4 in me "ack/ar4N
He sai4 +ash Him a+a/ +i!h a li!!le +a!er- Gran4ma5
Hol/ +a!er or or4inar/ +a!erN
He 4i4n! sa/- Gran4ma5
Lell- go "ack an4 ask him5
$!- Gran4ma 5 5 5
She .she4 me "ack in!o !he con*essional5
$less me- Fa!her- *or # ha)e sinne4- i!s a min!e since m/ las! con*ession5
A min!eQ Are /o !he "o/ !ha! +as Js! hereN
# am- Fa!her5
%&1
Lha! is i! no+N
M/ gran4ma sa/s- Hol/ +a!er or or4inar/ +a!erN
Or4inar/ +a!er- an4 !ell /or gran4mo!her no! !o "e "o!hering me again5
# !ol4 her- Or4inar/ +a!er- Gran4ma- an4 he sai4 4on! "e "o!hering him again5 7on! "e
"o!hering him again5Tha! "loo4/ ignoran! "og!ro!!er5 # aske4 Mam- Can # go no+ an4 make The
Collec!ionN # +an! !o see Pames Cagne/5
Gran4ma sai4- ,o can *orge! a"o! The Collec!ion an4 Pames Cagne/ "ecase /ore no! a
.ro.er Ca!holic !he +a/ /o le*! Go4 on !he gron45 Come on- go home5
Mam sai4-Lai! a min!e5Tha!s m/ son5Tha!s m/ son on his Firs! Commnion 4a/5 Hes going
!o see Pames Cagne/5
No hes no!5
,es he is5
Gran4ma sai4-Take him !hen !o Pames Cagne/ an4 see i* !ha! +ill sa)e his <res"/!erian Nor!h o*
#relan4 American sol5 Go ahea45 She .lle4 her sha+l aron4 her an4 +alke4 a+a/5
Mam sai4- Go4- i!s ge!!ing )er/ la!e *or The Collec!ion an4 /oll ne)er see Pames Cagne/5Lell
go !o !he L/ric Cinema an4 see i* !he/ll le! /o in an/+a/ in /or Firs! Commnion si!5
Le me! Mike/ Mollo/ on $arring!on S!ree!5 He aske4 i* # +as going !o !he L/ric an4 # sai4 # +as
!r/ing5Tr/ingN he sai45,o 4on! ha)e mone/N
# +as ashame4 !o sa/ no "! # ha4 !o an4 he sai4-Tha!s all righ!5 #ll ge! /o in5 #ll crea!e a
4i)ersion5
Lha!s a 4i)ersionN
# ha)e !he mone/ !o go an4 +hen # ge! in #ll .re!en4 !o ha)e !he *i! an4 !he !icke! man +ill "e
o! o* his min4 an4 /o can sli. in +hen # le! o! !he "ig scream5 #ll "e +a!ching !he 4oor an4
+hen # see /o in #ll ha)e a miraclos reco)er/5Tha!s a 4i)ersion5Tha!s +ha! # 4o !o ge! m/
"ro!hers in all !he !ime5
Mam sai4- Oh- # 4on! kno+ a"o! !ha!- Mike/5Lol4n! !ha! "e a sin an4 srel/ /o +ol4n!
+an! Frank !o commi! a sin on his Firs! Commnion 4a/5
Mike/ sai4 i* !here +as a sin i! +ol4 "e on his sol an4 he +asn! a .ro.er Ca!holic an/+a/ so
i! 4i4n! ma!!er5 He le! o! his scream an4 %'(
# sli..e4 in an4 sa! ne9! !o Res!ion Rigle/ an4 !he !icke! man- Frank Goggin- +as so +orrie4
o)er Mike/ he ne)er no!ice45 #! +as a !hrilling *ilm "! sa4 in !he en4 "ecase Pames Cagne/
+as a ."lic enem/ an4 +hen !he/ sho! him !he/ +ra..e4 him in "an4ages an4 !hre+ him in
!he 4oor- shocking his .oor ol4 #rish mo!her- an4 !ha! +as !he en4 o* m/ Firs! Commnion 4a/5
%'%
O
Gran4ma +on! !alk !o Mam an/more "ecase o* +ha! # 4i4 +i!h Go4 in her "ack/ar45 Mam
4oesn! !alk !o her sis!er-An! Aggie- or her "ro!her Uncle Tom5 7a4 4oesn! !alk !o an/one in
Mams *amil/ an4 !he/ 4on! !alk !o him "ecase hes *rom !he Nor!h an4 he has !he o44
manner5 No one !alks !o Uncle Toms +i*e- Pane- "ecase shes *rom Gal+a/ an4 she has !he
look o* a S.aniar45 E)er/one !alks !o Mams "ro!her Uncle <a!- "ecase he +as 4ro..e4 on his
hea4- hes sim.le- an4 he sells ne+s.a.ers5 E)er/one calls him The A""o! or A" Sheehan an4
no one kno+s +h/5 E)er/one !alks !o Uncle <a Kea!ing "ecase he +as gasse4 in !he +ar an4
marrie4 An! Aggie an4 i* !he/ 4i4n! !alk !o him he +ol4n! gi)e a *i44lers *ar! an/+a/ an4
!ha!s +h/ !he men in So!hs ." call him a gas man5
Tha!s !he +a/ #4 like !o "e in !he +orl4- a gas man- no! gi)ing a *i44lers *ar!- an4 !ha!s +ha! #
!ell !he Angel on !he Se)en!h S!e. !ill # remem"er /ore no! s..ose4 !o sa/ *ar! in !he
.resence o* an angel5
Uncle Tom an4 Gal+a/ Pane ha)e chil4ren "! +ere no! s..ose4 !o !alk !o !hem "ecase or
.aren!s are no! !alking5The/ ha)e a son an4 4agh!er- Gerr/ an4 <egg/- an4 Mam +ill /ell a! s
*or !alking !o !hem "! +e 4on! kno+ ho+ no! !o !alk !o or cosins5
<eo.le in *amilies in !he lanes o* Limerick ha)e !heir +a/s o* no! %'&
!alking !o each o!her an4 i! !akes /ears o* .rac!ice5There are .eo.le +ho 4on! !alk !o each
o!her "ecase !heir *a!hers +ere on o..osi!e si4es in !he Ci)il Lar in %1&&5 #* a man goes o**
an4 Joins !he English arm/ his *amil/ migh! as +ell mo)e !o ano!her .ar! o* Limerick +here
!here are *amilies +i!h men in !he English arm/5 #* an/one in /or *amil/ +as !he leas! +a/
*rien4l/ !o !he English in !he las! eigh! hn4re4 /ears i! +ill "e "rogh! . an4 !hro+n in /or
*ace an4 /o migh! as +ell mo)e !o 7"lin +here no one cares5 There are *amilies !ha! are
ashame4 o* !hemsel)es "ecase !heir *ore*a!hers ga)e . !heir religion *or !he sake o* a "o+l
o* <ro!es!an! so. 4ring !he Famine an4 !hose *amilies are kno+n e)er a*!er as so.ers5 #!s a
!erri"le !hing !o "e a so.er "ecase /ore 4oome4 *ore)er !o !he so.er .ar! o* hell5 #!s e)en
+orse !o "e an in*ormer5 The mas!er a! school sai4 !ha! e)er/!ime !he #rish +ere a"o! !o
4emolish !he English in a *air *igh! a *il!h/ in*ormer "e!ra/e4 !hem5 A man +hos 4isco)ere4 !o
"e an in*ormer 4eser)es !o "e hange4 or- e)en +orse- !o ha)e no one !alk !o him *or i* no one
!alks !o /o /ore "e!!er o** hanging a! !he en4 o* a ro.e5 #n e)er/ lane !heres al+a/s
someone no! !alking !o someone or e)er/one no! !alking !o someone or someone no! !alking !o
e)er/one5 ,o can al+a/s !ell +hen .eo.le are no! !alking "/ !he +a/ !he/ .ass each o!her5The
+omen hois! !heir noses- !igh!en !heir mo!hs an4 !rn !heir *aces a+a/5 #* !he +oman is
+earing a sha+l she !akes a corner an4 *lings i! o)er her shol4er as i* !o sa/- One +or4 or look
*rom /o- /o ma:*ace4 "i!ch- an4 #ll !ear !he con!enance *rom !he *ron! o* /or hea45 #!s
"a4 +hen Gran4ma +on! !alk !o s "ecase +e can! rn !o her +hen +e nee4 !o "orro+
sgar or !ea or milk5Theres no se going !o An! Aggie5 Shell onl/ "i!e /or hea4 o**5 Go home-
shell sa/- an4 !ell /or *a!her !o ge! o** his nor!hern arse an4 ge! a Jo" like !he 4ecen! men o*
Limerick5
The/ sa/ shes al+a/s angr/ "ecase she has re4 hair or she has re4 hair "ecase shes al+a/s
angr/5
Mam is *rien4l/ +i!h $ri4e/ Hannon- +ho li)es ne9! 4oor +i!h her mo!her an4 *a!her5 Mam an4
$ri4e/ !alk all !he !ime5 Lhen m/ *a!her goes *or his long +alk $ri4e/ comes in an4 she an4
Mam si! "/ !he *ire 4rinking !ea an4 smoking cigare!!es5 #* Mam has no!hing in !he hose $ri4e/
"rings !ea- sgar an4 milk5 Some!imes !he/ se !he same !ea lea)es o)er an4 o)er an4 Mam
sa/s !he !ea is s!e+e4- co44le4 an4 "oile45
%''
Mam an4 $ri4e/ si! so close !o !he *ire !heir shins !rn re4 an4 .r.le an4 "le5The/ !alk *or
hors an4 !he/ +his.er an4 lagh o)er secre! !hings5 Lere no! s..ose4 !o hear !he secre!
!hings so +ere !ol4 go o! an4 .la/5 # o*!en si! on !he se)en!h s!e. lis!ening an4 !he/ ha)e no
no!ion #m !here5 #! migh! "e lashing rain o! "! Mam sa/s- Rain or no- o! /o go- an4 shell
!ell s- #* /o see /or *a!her coming- rn in an4 !ell me5 Mam sa/s !o $ri4e/- 7i4 /o e)er hear
!ha! .oem !ha! someone ms! ha)e ma4e . a"o! me an4 himN
Lha! .oem- AngelaN
Tis calle4 SThe Man *rom !he Nor!h5T # go! !his .oem *rom Minnie MacA4ore/ in America5 #
ne)er hear4 !ha! .oem5 Sa/ i! *or me5
Mam sa/s !he .oem "! she laghs all !hrogh i! an4 # 4on! kno+ +h/-
He came *rom !he Nor!h so his +or4s +ere *e+
$! his )oice +as kin4 an4 his hear! +as !re5
An4 # kne+ "/ his e/es !ha! no gile ha4 he-
So # marrie4 m/ man *rom !he Nor!h Con!r/5
Oh- Garr/o+en ma/ "e more ga/
Than !his Kie! man *rom "esi4e Logh Neagh
An4 # kno+ !ha! !he sn shines so*!l/ 4o+n
On !he ri)er !ha! rns !hrogh m/ na!i)e !o+n5
$! !heres no!?an4 # sa/ i! +i!h Jo/ an4 +i!h .ri4eA "e!!er man in all Mns!er +i4e
An4 Limerick !o+n has no ha..ier hear!h
Than mine has "een +i!h m/ man *rom !he Nor!h5
# +ish !ha! in Limerick !he/ onl/ kne+
The kin4 kin4 neigh"ors # came n!o5
Small ha!e or scorn +ol4 !here e)er "e
$e!+een !he So!h an4 !he Nor!h Con!r/5
She al+a/s re.ea!s !he !hir4 )erse an4 laghs so har4 shes cr/ing an4 # 4on! kno+ +h/5 She
goes in!o h/s!erics +hen she sa/s- %'B
An4 Limerick !o+n has no ha..ier hear!h
Than mine has "een +i!h m/ man *rom !he Nor!h5
#* he comes "ack earl/ an4 sees $ri4e/ in !he ki!chen !he man *rom !he Nor!h sa/s- Gossi.-
gossi.- gossi.- an4 s!an4s !here +i!h his ca. on !ill she lea)es5
$ri4e/s mo!her an4 o!her .eo.le in or lane an4 lanes "e/on4 +ill come !o !he 4oor !o ask
7a4 i* hell +ri!e a le!!er !o !he go)ernmen! or a rela!ion in a 4is!an! .lace5 He si!s a! !he !a"le
+i!h his .en an4 "o!!le o* ink an4 +hen !he .eo.le !ell him +ha! !o +ri!e he sa/s- Och- no-
!ha!s no! +ha! /o +an! !o sa/- an4 he +ri!es +ha! he *eels like +ri!ing5The .eo.le !ell him
!ha!s +ha! !he/ +an!e4 !o sa/ in !he *irs! .lace- !ha! he has a lo)el/ +a/ +i!h !he English
langage an4 a *ine *is! *or !he +ri!ing5 The/ o**er him si9.ence *or his !ro"le "! he +a)es i!
a+a/ an4 !he/ han4 i! !o Mam "ecase hes !oo gran4 !o "e !aking si9.ence5 Lhen !he .eo.le
lea)e he !akes !he si9.ence an4 sen4s me !o Ka!hleen OConnells sho. *or cigare!!es5
Gran4ma slee.s in a "ig "e4 .s!airs +i!h a .ic!re o* !he Sacre4 Hear! o* Pess o)er her hea4
an4 a s!a!e o* !he Sacre4 Hear! on !he man!el.iece5 She +an!s !o s+i!ch *rom gasligh! !o
elec!ric ligh! some4a/ so !ha! shell ha)e a li!!le re4 ligh! n4er !he s!a!e *ore)er5 Her 4e)o!ion
!o !he Sacre4 Hear! is kno+n . an4 4o+n !he lane an4 in lanes "e/on45
Uncle <a! slee.s in a small "e4 in a corner o* !he same room +here Gran4ma can make sre he
comes in a! a .ro.er hor an4 kneels "/ !he "e4 !o sa/ his .ra/ers5 He migh! ha)e "een
4ro..e4 on his hea4- he ma/ no! kno+ ho+ !o rea4 an4 +ri!e- he ma/ 4rink one .in! !oo man/-
"! !heres no e9cse *or no! sa/ing his .ra/ers "e*ore he goes !o slee.5
Uncle <a! !ells Gran4ma he me! a man +ho is looking *or a .lace !o s!a/ !ha! +ill le! him +ash
himsel* morning an4 nigh! an4 gi)e him !+o meals a 4a/- 4inner an4 !ea5 His name is $ill Gal)in
an4 he has a goo4 Jo" 4o+n a! !he lime kiln5 Hes co)ere4 all !he !ime +i!h +hi!e lime 4s! "!
srel/ !ha!s "e!!er !han coal 4s!5
Gran4ma +ill ha)e !o gi)e . her "e4 an4 mo)e in!o !he small room5 Shell !ake !he Sacre4
Hear! .ic!re an4 lea)e !he s!a!e !o +a!ch %'C
o)er !he !+o men5 $esi4es- she has no .lace *or a s!a!e in her li!!le room5
$ill Gal)in comes a*!er +ork !o see !he .lace5 Hes small- all +hi!e- an4 he sn**les like a 4og5 He
asks Gran4ma i* she4 min4 !aking 4o+n !ha! s!a!e "ecase hes a <ro!es!an! an4 he +ol4n!
"e a"le !o slee.5 Gran4ma "arks a! Uncle <a! *or no! !elling her he +as 4ragging a <ro!es!an!
in!o !he hose5 Pess- she sa/s- !here +ill "e gossi. . an4 4o+n !he lane an4 "e/on45
Uncle <a! sa/s he 4i4n! kno+ $ill Gal)in +as a <ro!es!an!5 ,o col4 ne)er !ell "/ looking a!
him es.eciall/ !he +a/ hes co)ere4 +i!h lime5 He looks like an or4inar/ Ca!holic an4 /o4
ne)er imagine a <ro!es!an! +ol4 "e sho)eling lime5
$ill Gal)in sa/s his .oor +i*e !ha! Js! 4ie4 +as a Ca!holic an4 she ha4 !he +alls co)ere4 +i!h
.ic!res o* !he Sacre4 Hear! an4 !he Oirgin Mar/ sho+ing !heir hear!s5 Hes no! agains! !he
Sacre4 Hear! himsel*- i!s Js! !ha! seeing !he s!a!e +ill remin4 him o* his .oor +i*e an4 gi)e
him !he hear!ache5
Gran4ma sa/s- Ah- Go4 hel. s- +h/ 4i4n! /o !ell me !ha! in !he *irs! .laceN Sre # can .! !he
s!a!e on !he +in4o+sill in m/ room an4 /or hear! +on! "e !ormen!e4 a! !he sigh! o* i!5
E)er/ morning Gran4ma cooks $ills 4inner an4 !akes i! !o him a! !he lime kiln5 Mam +on4ers
+h/ he can! !ake i! +i!h him in !he morning an4 Gran4ma sa/s- 7o /o e9.ec! me !o ge! . a!
4a+n an4 "oil ca""age an4 .igs !oes *or his lor4shi. !o !ake in his 4inner canN
Mam !ells her- #n ano!her +eek school +ill "e o)er an4 i* /o gi)e Frank si9.ence a +eek hell
srel/ "e gla4 !o !ake $ill Gal)in his 4inner5
# 4on! +an! !o go !o Gran4mas e)er/ 4a/5 # 4on! +an! !o !ake $ill Gal)in his 4inner all !he +a/
4o+n !he 7ock Roa4- "! Mam sa/s !ha!s si9.ence +e col4 se an4 i* # 4on! 4o i! #m going
no+here else5
,ore s!a/ing in !he hose-she sa/s5,ore no! .la/ing +i!h /or .als5 Gran4ma +arns me !o
!ake !he 4inner can 4irec!l/ an4 no! "e mean4ering- looking !his +a/ an4 !ha!- kicking canis!ers
an4 rining !he !oes o* m/ shoes5 This 4inner is ho! an4 !ha!s !he +a/ $ill Gal)in +an!s i!5
Theres a lo)el/ smell *rom !he 4inner can- "oile4 "acon an4 ca""age an4 !+o "ig *lor/ +hi!e
.o!a!oes5 Srel/ he +on! no!ice i* # !r/ %'3
hal* a .o!a!o5 He +on! com.lain !o Gran4ma "ecase he har4l/ e)er !alks o!si4e o* a sn**le
or !+o5
#!s "e!!er i* # ea! !he o!her hal* .o!a!o so !ha! he +on! "e asking +h/ he go! a hal*5 # migh! as
+ell !r/ !he "acon an4 ca""age !oo an4 i* # ea! !he o!her .o!a!o hell srel/ !hink she 4i4n!
sen4 one a! all5 The secon4 .o!a!o mel!s in m/ mo!h an4 #ll ha)e !o !r/ ano!her "i! o*
ca""age- ano!her morsel o* "acon5There isn! mch le*! no+ an4 hell "e )er/ ss.icios so #
migh! as +ell *inish o** !he res!5 Lha! am # going !o 4o no+N Gran4ma +ill 4es!ro/ me- Mam
+ill kee. me in *or a /ear5 $ill Gal)in +ill "r/ me in lime5 #ll !ell him # +as a!!acke4 "/ a 4og on
!he 7ock Roa4 an4 he a!e !he +hole 4inner an4 #m lck/ # esca.e4 +i!ho! "eing ea!en m/sel*5
Oh- is !ha! soN sa/s $ill Gal)in5An4 +ha!s !ha! "i! o* ca""age hanging on /or ganse/N 7i4 !he
4og lick /o +i! his ca""age/ go"N Go home an4 !ell /or gran4mo!her /o a!e me +hole
4inner an4 #m *alling 4o+n +i!h !he hnger here in !his lime kiln5 Shell kill me5
Tell her 4on! kill /o !ill she sen4s me some class o* a 4inner an4 i* /o 4on! go !o her no+
an4 ge! me a 4inner #ll kill /o an4 !hro+ /or "o4/ in!o !he lime !here an4 !here +on! "e
mch le*! *or /or mo!her !o moan o)er5
Gran4ma sa/s- Lha! are /o 4oin "ack +i!h !ha! canN He col4 "ring !ha! "ack "/ himsel*5
He +an!s more 4inner5
Lha! 4o /o mean more 4innerN Pess a"o)e- is i! a hole he has in his legN
Hes *alling 4o+n +i!h !he hnger "elo+ in !he lime kiln5 #s i! co44in me /o areN
He sa/s sen4 him an/ class o* a 4inner5
# +ill no!5 # sen! him his 4inner5
He 4i4n! ge! i!5
He 4i4n!N Lh/ no!N
# a!e i!5
Lha!N
# +as hngr/ an4 # !as!e4 i! an4 # col4n! s!o.5
Pess- Mar/ an4 hol/ S!5 Pose.h5
She gi)es me a clo! on !he hea4 !ha! "rings !ears !o m/ e/es5 She screams a! me like a "anshee
an4 Jm.s aron4 !he ki!chen an4 !hrea!%'E
ens !o 4rag me !o !he .ries!- !he "isho.- !he <o.e himsel* i* he li)e4 aron4 !he corner5 She
c!s "rea4 an4 +a)es !he kni*e a! me an4 makes san4+iches o* "ra+n an4 col4 .o!a!oes5
Take !hese san4+iches !o $ill Gal)in an4 i* /o e)en look crosse/e4 a! !hem #ll skin /or hi4e5
O* corse she rns !o Mam an4 !he/ agree !he onl/ +a/ # can make . *or m/ !erri"le sin is !o
4eli)er $ill Gal)ins 4inner *or a *or!nigh! +i!ho! .a/5 #m !o "ring "ack !he can e)er/ 4a/ an4
!ha! means # ha)e !o si! +a!ching him s!** !he *oo4 in!o his go" an4 hes no! one !ha! +ol4
e)er ask /o i* /o ha4 a mo!h in /or hea45
E)er/ 4a/ # !ake !he can "ack Gran4ma makes me kneel !o !he s!a!e o* !he Sacre4 Hear! an4
!ell Him #m sorr/ an4 all !his o)er $ill Gal)in- a <ro!es!an!5
Mam sa/s- #m a mar!/r *or !he *ags an4 so is /or *a!her5 There ma/ "e a lack o* !ea or "rea4 in
!he hose "! Mam an4 7a4 al+a/s manage !o ge! !he *ags- !he Lil4 Loo4"ines5The/ ha)e !o
ha)e !he Loo4"ines in !he morning an4 an/!ime !he/ 4rink !ea5The/ !ell s e)er/ 4a/ +e
shol4 ne)er smoke- i!s "a4 *or /or lngs- i!s "a4 *or /or ches!- i! s!n!s /or gro+!h- an4
!he/ si! "/ !he *ire .**ing a+a/5 Mam sa/s- #* !is a !hing # e)er see /o +i!h a *ag in /or go" #ll
"reak /or *ace5 The/ !ell s !he cigare!!es ro! /or !ee!h an4 /o can see !he/re no! l/ing5The
!ee!h !rn "ro+n an4 "lack in !heir hea4s an4 *all o! one "/ one5 7a4 sa/s he has holes in his
!ee!h "ig enogh *or a s.arro+ !o raise a *amil/5 He has a *e+ le*! "! he ge!s !hem .lle4 a!
!he clinic an4 a..lies *or a *alse se!5 Lhen he comes home +i!h !he ne+ !ee!h he sho+s his "ig
ne+ +hi!e smile !ha! makes him look like an American an4 +hene)er he !ells s a ghos! s!or/
"/ !he *ire he .shes !he lo+er !ee!h . "e/on4 his li. !o his nose an4 *righ!ens !he li*e o! o*
s5 Mams !ee!h are so "a4 she has !o go !o $arring!ons Hos.i!al !o ha)e !hem all .lle4 a! !he
same !ime an4 +hen she comes home shes hol4ing a! her mo!h a rag "righ! +i!h "loo45 She
has !o si! . all nigh! "/ !he *ire "ecase /o can! lie 4o+n +hen /or gms are .m.ing "loo4
or /oll choke in /or slee.5 She sa/s shell gi)e . smoking en!irel/ +hen !his "lee4ing s!o.s
"! she nee4s one .** o* a *ag !his min!e *or !he com*or! !ha!s in i!5 She !ells Malach/ go !o
Ka!hleen OConnells sho. an4 ask her +ol4 she e)er le! her ha)e *i)e Loo4"ines !ill 7a4
collec!s !he 4ole on Thrs4a/5 #* an/one can ge! !he *ags %'D
o! o* Ka!hleen- Malach/ can5 Mam sa/s he has !he charm- an4 she !ells me- Theres no se
sen4ing /o +i!h /or long .ss an4 /or *a!hers o44 manner5
Lhen !he "lee4ing s!o.s an4 Mams gms heal she goes !o !he clinic *or her *alse !ee!h5 She
sa/s shell gi)e . !he smoking +hen her ne+ !ee!h are in "! she ne)er 4oes5 The ne+ !ee!h
r" on her gms an4 make !hem sore an4 !he smoke o* !he Loo4"ines eases !hem5 She an4
7a4 si! "/ !he *ire +hen +e ha)e one an4 smoke !heir cigare!!es an4 +hen !he/ !alk !heir !ee!h
clack5The/ !r/ !o s!o. !he clacking "/ mo)ing !heir Ja+s "ack an4 *or!h "! !ha! onl/ makes i!
+orse an4 !he/ crse !he 4en!is!s an4 !he .eo.le a"o)e in 7"lin +ho ma4e !he !ee!h an4
+hile !he/ crse !he/ clack5 7a4 claims !hese !ee!h +ere ma4e *or rich .eo.le in 7"lin an4
4i4n! *i! so !he/ +ere .asse4 on !o !he .oor o* Limerick +ho 4on! care "ecase /o 4on!
ha)e mch !o che+ +hen /ore .oor an/+a/ an4 /ore gra!e*l /o ha)e an/ class o* a !oo!h
in /or hea45 #* !he/ !alk !oo long !heir gms ge! sore an4 !he !ee!h ha)e !o come o!5Then
!he/ si! !alking "/ !he *ire +i!h !heir *aces colla.se45 E)er/ nigh! !he/ lea)e !he !ee!h in !he
ki!chen in Jam Jars *ille4 +i!h +a!er5 Malach/ +an!s !o kno+ +h/ an4 7a4 !ells him i! cleans
!hem5 Mam sa/s- No- /o can! ha)e !ee!h in /or hea4 +hile /ore slee.ing *or !he/ll sli. an4
choke /o !o 4ea!h en!irel/5 The !ee!h are !he case o* Malach/ going !o $arring!ons Hos.i!al
an4 me ha)ing an o.era!ion5 Malach/ +his.ers !o me in !he mi44le o* !he nigh!- 7o /o +an!
!o go 4o+ns!airs an4 see i* +e can +ear !he !ee!hN
The !ee!h are so "ig +e ha)e !ro"le ge!!ing !hem in!o or mo!hs "! Malach/ +on! gi)e .5
He *orces 7a4s ..er !ee!h in!o his mo!h an4 can! ge! !hem o! again5 His li.s are 4ra+n
"ack an4 !he !ee!h make a "ig grin5 He looks like a mons!er in a *ilm an4 i! makes me lagh "!
he .lls a! !hem an4 grn!s- Uck- ck- an4 !ears come !o his e/es5The more he goes Uck- ck-
!he har4er # lagh !ill 7a4 calls *rom .s!airs- Lha! are /o "o/s 4oingN Malach/ rns *rom me-
. !he s!airs- an4 no+ # hear 7a4 an4 Mam laghing !ill !he/ see he can choke on !he !ee!h5
The/ "o!h s!ick !heir *ingers in !o .ll o! !he !ee!h "! Malach/ ge!s *righ!ene4 an4 makes
4es.era!e ck ck son4s5 Mam sa/s-Lell ha)e !o !ake him !o !he hos.i!al- an4 7a4 sa/s hell
!ake him5 He makes me go in case !he 4oc!or has Kes!ions "ecase #m ol4er !han Malach/
an4 !ha! means # ms! ha)e s!ar!e4 all !he !ro"le5 7a4 rshes !hrogh !he s!ree!s +i!h
Malach/ in his arms an4 # !r/ !o kee. .5 # *eel sorr/ *or %'1
Malach/ . !here on 7a4s shol4er- looking "ack a! me- !ears on his cheeks an4 7a4s !ee!h
"lging in his mo!h5 The 4oc!or a! $arring!ons Hos.i!al sa/s- No "o!her5 He .ors oil in!o
Malach/s mo!h an4 has !he !ee!h o! in a min!e5Then he looks a! me an4 sa/s !o 7a4-Lh/ is
!ha! chil4 s!an4ing !here +i!h his mo!h hanging o.enN
7a4 sa/s-Tha!s a ha"i! he has- s!an4ing +i!h his mo!h o.en5 The 4oc!or sa/s- Come here !o
me5 He looks . m/ nose- in m/ ears- 4o+n m/ !hroa!- an4 *eels m/ neck5
The !onsils- he sa/s5 The a4enoi4s5 The/ ha)e !o come o!5 The sooner !he "e!!er or hell look
like an i4io! +hen he gro+s . +i!h !ha! go" +i4e as a "oo!5
Ne9! 4a/ Malach/ ge!s a "ig .iece o* !o**ee as a re+ar4 *or s!icking in !ee!h he can! ge! o! an4
# ha)e !o go !o !he hos.i!al !o ha)e an o.era!ion !ha! +ill close m/ mo!h5 On a Sa!r4a/
morning Mam *inishes her !ea an4 sa/s-,ore going !o 4ance5
7anceN Lh/N
,ore se)en /ears ol4- /o ma4e /or Firs! Commnion- an4 no+
!is !ime *or !he 4ancing5 #m !aking /o 4o+n !o Ca!herine S!ree! !o Mrs5 OConnors #rish
4ancing classes5,oll go !here e)er/ Sa!r4a/ morning an4 !ha!ll kee. /o o** !he
s!ree!s5Tha!ll kee. /o *rom +an4ering aron4 Limerick +i!h hooligans5 She !ells me +ash m/
*ace no! *orge!!ing ears an4 neck- com" m/ hair- "lo+ m/ nose- !ake !he look o** m/ *ace- +ha!
lookN ne)er min4- Js! !ake i! o**- .! on m/ s!ockings an4 m/ Firs! Commnion shoes +hich-
she sa/s- are 4es!ro/e4 "ecase # can! .ass a canis!er or a rock +i!ho! kicking i!5 Shes +orn
o! s!an4ing in !he Kee a! !he S!5Oincen! 4e <al Socie!/ "egging *or "oo!s *or me an4
Malach/ so !ha! +e can +ear o! !he !oes +i!h !he kicking5,or *a!her sa/s i!s ne)er !oo earl/
!o learn !he songs an4 4ances o* /or ances!ors5 Lha!s ances!orsN
Ne)er min4- she sa/s- /ore going !o 4ance5
# +on4er ho+ # can 4ie *or #relan4 i* # ha)e !o sing an4 4ance *or #relan4- !oo5 # +on4er +h/ !he/
ne)er sa/-,o can ea! s+ee!s an4 s!a/ home *rom school an4 go s+imming *or #relan45
Mam sa/s- 7on! ge! smar! or #ll +arm /or ear5
%B(
C/ril $enson 4ances5 He has me4als hanging *rom his shol4ers !o his kneeca.s5 He +ins
con!es!s all o)er #relan4 an4 he looks lo)el/ in his sa**ron kil!5 Hes a cre4i! !o his mo!her an4 he
ge!s his name in !he .a.er all !he !ime an4 /o can "e sre he "rings home !he o44 *e+
.on4s5 ,o 4on! see him roaming !he s!ree!s kicking e)er/!hing in sigh! !ill !he !oes hang o!
o* his "oo!s- oh- no- hes a goo4 "o/- 4ancing *or his .oor mo!her5
Mam +e!s an ol4 !o+el an4 scr"s m/ *ace !ill i! s!ings- she +ra.s !he !o+el aron4 her *inger
an4 s!icks i! in m/ ears an4 claims !heres enogh +a9 !here !o gro+ .o!a!oes- she +e!s m/ hair
!o make i! lie 4o+n- she !ells me sh! . an4 s!o. !he +hinging- !ha! !hese 4ancing lessons +ill
cos! her si9.ence e)er/ Sa!r4a/- +hich # col4 ha)e earne4 "ringing $ill Gal)in his 4inner an4
Go4 kno+s she can "arel/ a**or4 i!5 # !r/ !o !ell her- Ah- Mam- sre /o 4on! ha)e !o sen4 me !o
4ancing school +hen /o col4 "e smoking a nice Loo4"ine an4 ha)ing a c. o* !ea- "! she
sa/s- Oh- aren! /o cle)er5,ore going !o 4ance i* # ha)e !o gi)e . !he *ags *ore)er5
#* m/ .als see m/ mo!her 4ragging me !hrogh !he s!ree!s !o an #rish 4ancing class #ll "e
4isgrace4 en!irel/5The/ !hink i!s all righ! !o 4ance an4 .re!en4 /ore Fre4 As!aire "ecase /o
can Jm. all o)er !he screen +i!h Ginger Rogers5 There is no Ginger Rogers in #rish 4ancing an4
/o can! Jm. all o)er5 ,o s!an4 s!raigh! . an4 4o+n an4 kee. /or arms agains! /orsel*
an4 kick /or legs . an4 aron4 an4 ne)er smile5 M/ ncle <a Kea!ing sai4 #rish 4ancers look
like !he/ ha)e s!eel ro4s . !heir arses- "! # can! sa/ !ha! !o Mam- she4 kill me5
Theres a gramo.hone in Mrs5 OConnors .la/ing an #rish Jig or a reel an4 "o/s an4 girls are
4ancing aron4 kicking !heir legs o! an4 kee.ing !heir han4s !o !heir si4es5 Mrs5 OConnor is a
grea! *a! +oman an4 +hen she s!o.s !he recor4 !o sho+ !he s!e.s all !he *a! *rom her chin !o
her ankles Jiggles an4 # +on4er ho+ she can !each !he 4ancing5 She comes o)er !o m/ mo!her
an4 sa/s- So- !his is li!!le FrankieN # !hink +e ha)e !he makings o* a 4ancer here5 $o/s an4 girls-
4o +e ha)e !he makings o* a 4ancer hereN
Le 4o- Mrs5 OConnor5
Mam sa/s- # ha)e !he si9.ence- Mrs5 OConnor5
Ah- /es- Mrs5 McCor!- hol4 on a min!e5
She +a44les !o a !a"le an4 "rings "ack !he hea4 o* a "lack "o/ +i!h %B%
kink/ hair- "ig e/es- hge re4 li.s an4 an o.en mo!h5 She !ells me .! !he si9.ence in !he
mo!h an4 !ake m/ han4 o! "e*ore !he "lack "o/ "i!es me5 All !he "o/s an4 girls +a!ch an4
!he/ ha)e li!!le smiles5 # 4ro. in !he si9.ence an4 .ll m/ han4 "ack "e*ore !he mo!h sna.s
sh!5 E)er/one laghs an4 # kno+ !he/ +an!e4 !o see m/ han4 cagh! in !he mo!h5 Mrs5
OConnor gas.s an4 laghs an4 sa/s !o m/ mo!her- #sn! !ha! a ho+l- no+N Mam sa/s i!s a
ho+l5 She !ells me "eha)e m/sel* an4 come home 4ancing5
# 4on! +an! !o s!a/ in !his .lace +here Mrs5 OConnor can! !ake !he si9.ence hersel* ins!ea4 o*
le!!ing me nearl/ lose m/ han4 in !he "lack "o/s mo!h5 # 4on! +an! !o s!a/ in !his .lace
+here /o ha)e !o s!an4 in line +i!h "o/s an4 girls- s!raigh!en /or "ack- han4s "/ /or si4es-
look ahea4- 4on! look 4o+n- mo)e /or *ee!- mo)e /or *ee!- look a! C/ril- look a! C/ril- an4
!here goes C/ril- all 4resse4 . in his sa**ron kil! an4 !he me4als Jingling- me4als *or !his an4
me4als *or !ha! an4 !he girls lo)e C/ril an4 Mrs5 OConnor lo)es C/ril *or 4i4n! he "ring her
*ame an4 4i4n! she !each him e)er/ s!e. he kno+s- oh- 4ance- C/ril- 4ance- oh- Pess- he *loa!s
aron4 !he room- hes an angel o! o* hea)en an4 s!o. !he *ro+ning- Frankie McCor!- or /oll
ha)e a .ss on /o like a .on4 o* !ri.e- 4ance- Frankie- 4ance- .ick . /or *ee! *or !he lo)e o
Pess- one!+o!hree*or*i)esi9se)en one!+o!hree an4 a one!+o!hree- Mara- +ill /o hel. !ha!
Frankie McCor! "e*ore he !ies his !+o *ee! aron4 his .oll en!irel/- hel. him- Mara5 Mara is
a "ig girl a"o! !en5 She 4ances . !o me +i!h her +hi!e !ee!h an4 her 4ancers 4ress +i!h all
!he gol4 an4 /ello+ an4 green *igres !ha! are s..ose4 !o come *rom ol4en !imes an4 she
sa/s- Gi)e me /or han4- li!!le "o/- an4 she +heels me aron4 !he room !ill #m 4iII/ an4
making a .re eeJi! o* m/sel* an4 "lshing an4 *oolish !ill # +an! !o cr/ "! #m sa)e4 +hen !he
recor4 s!o.s an4 !he gramo.hone goes hoosh hoosh5
Mrs5 OConnor sa/s- Oh- !hank /o- Mara- an4 ne9! +eek- C/ril- /o can sho+ Frankie a *e+ o*
!he s!e.s !ha! ma4e /o *amos5Ne9! +eek- "o/s an4 girls- an4 4on! *orge! !he si9.ence *or
!he li!!le "lack "o/5 $o/s an4 girls lea)e !oge!her5 # make m/ o+n +a/ 4o+n !he s!airs an4 o!
!he 4oor ho.ing m/ .als +on! see me +i!h "o/s +ho +ear kil!s an4 girls +i!h +hi!e !ee!h an4
*anc/ 4resses *rom ol4en !imes5 Mam is ha)ing !ea +i!h $ri4e/ Hannon- her *rien4 *rom ne9!
4oor5 Mam sa/s- Lha! 4i4 /o learnN an4 makes me 4ance aron4 !he %B&
ki!chen- one!+o!hree*or*i)esi9se)en one!+o!hree an4 a one!+o!hree5 She has a goo4 lagh
+i!h $ri4e/5Tha!s no! !oo "a4 *or /or *irs! !ime5 #n a mon!h /oll "e like a reglar C/ril
$enson5
# 4on! +an! !o "e C/ril $enson5 # +an! !o "e Fre4 As!aire5 The/ !rn h/s!erical- laghing an4
sKir!ing !ea o! o* !heir mo!hs- Pess lo)e him- sa/s $ri4e/5 7oesn! he ha)e a grea! no!ion o*
himsel*5 Fre4 As!aire ho+ are /o5
Mam sa/s Fre4 As!aire +en! !o his lessons e)er/ Sa!r4a/ an4 4i4n! go aron4 kicking !he !oes
o! o* his "oo!s an4 i* # +an!e4 !o "e like him #4 ha)e !o go !o Mrs5 OConnors e)er/ +eek5
The *or!h Sa!r4a/ morning $ill/ Cam."ell knocks a! or 4oor5 Mrs5 McCor!- can Frankie
come o! an4 .la/N Mam !ells him- No- $ill/5 Frankie is going !o his 4ancing lesson5
He +ai!s *or me a! !he "o!!om o* $arrack Hill5 He +an!s !o kno+ +h/ #m 4ancing- !ha!
e)er/one kno+s 4ancing is a siss/ !hing an4 #ll +in4 . like C/ril $enson +earing a kil! an4
me4als an4 4ancing all o)er +i!h girls5 He sa/s ne9! !hing #ll "e si!!ing in !he ki!chen kni!!ing
socks5 He sa/s 4ancing +ill 4es!ro/ me an4 # +on! "e *i! !o .la/ an/ kin4 o* *oo!"all- soccer-
rg"/ or Gaelic *oo!"all i!sel* "ecase !he 4ancing !eaches /o !o rn like a siss/ an4 e)er/one
+ill lagh5 # !ell him #m *inishe4 +i!h !he 4ancing- !ha! # ha)e si9.ence in m/ .ocke! *or Mrs5
OConnor !ha!s s..ose4 !o go in!o !he "lack "o/s mo!h- !ha! #m going !o !he L/ric Cinema
ins!ea45 Si9.ence +ill ge! !he !+o o* s in +i!h !..ence le*! o)er *or !+o sKares o* Clee)es
!o**ee- an4 +e ha)e a grea! !ime looking a! Ri4ers o* !he <r.le Sage5 7a4 is si!!ing "/ !he *ire
+i!h Mam an4 !he/ +an! !o kno+ +ha! s!e.s # learne4 !o4a/ an4 +ha! !he/re calle45 # alrea4/
4i4 SThe Siege o* EnnisT an4 SThe Lalls o* Limerick-T +hich are real 4ances5 No+ # ha)e !o
make . names an4 4ances5 Mam sa/s she ne)er hear4 o* a 4ance calle4 SThe Siege o* 7ingleT
"! i* !ha!s +ha! # learne4 go ahea4- 4ance i!- an4 # 4ance aron4 !he ki!chen +i!h m/ han4s
4o+n "/ m/ si4es making m/ o+n msic- 4i44le/ e/e 4i e/e 4i e/e 4i44le/ e/e 4o /o 4o /o-
7a4 an4 Mam cla..ing in !ime +i!h m/ *ee!5 7a4 sa/s- Och- !ha!s a *ine 4ance an4 /oll "e a
.o+er*l #rish 4ancer an4 a cre4i! !o !he men +ho 4ie4 *or !heir con!r/5 Mam sa/s- Tha!
+asn! mch *or a si9.ence5
Ne9! +eek i!s a George Ra*! *ilm an4 !he +eek a*!er !ha! a co+"o/ *ilm +i!h George
O$rien5Then i!s Pames Cagne/ an4 # can! !ake %B'
$ill/ "ecase # +an! !o ge! a "ar o* chocola!e !o go +i!h m/ Clee)es
!o**ee an4 #m ha)ing a grea! !ime !ill !heres a !erri"le .ain in m/ Ja+ an4 i!s a !oo!h o! o* m/
gm s!ck in m/ !o**ee an4 !he .ain is killing me5 S!ill- # can! +as!e !he !o**ee so # .ll o! !he
!oo!h an4 .! i! in m/ .ocke! an4 che+ !he !o**ee on !he o!her si4e o* m/ mo!h "loo4 an4 all5
Theres .ain on one si4e an4 4elicios !o**ee on !he o!her an4 # remem"er +ha! m/ ncle <a
Kea!ing +ol4 sa/-There are !imes +hen /o +ol4n! kno+ +he!her !o shi! or go "lin45
# ha)e !o go home no+ an4 +orr/ "ecase /o can! go !hrogh !he +orl4 shor! a !oo!h
+i!ho! /or mo!her kno+ing5 Mo!hers kno+ e)er/!hing an4 shes al+a/s looking in!o or
mo!hs !o see i* !heres an/ class o* 4isease5 Shes !here "/ !he *ire an4 7a4 is !here an4 !he/re
asking me !he same ol4 Kes!ions- !he 4ance an4 !he name o* !he 4ance5 # !ell !hem # learne4
SThe Lalls o* CorkT an4 # 4ance aron4 !he ki!chen !r/ing !o hm a ma4e:. !ne an4 4/ing
+i!h !he .ain o* m/ !oo!h5 Mam sa/s- SLalls o Cork-T m/ e/e- !heres no sch 4ance- an4 7a4
sa/s- Come o)er here5 S!an4 !here "e*ore me5Tell s !he !r!h- 7i4 /o go !o /or 4ancing
classes !o4a/N
# can! !ell a lie an/more "ecase m/ gm is killing me an4 !heres "loo4 in m/ mo!h5 $esi4es- #
kno+ !he/ kno+ e)er/!hing an4 !ha!s +ha! !he/re !elling me no+5 Some snake o* a "o/ *rom
!he 4ancing school sa+ me going !o !he L/ric Cinema an4 !ol4 an4 Mrs5 OConnor sen! a no!e !o
sa/ she ha4n! seen me in ages an4 +as # all righ! "ecase # ha4 grea! .romise an4 col4 *ollo+
in !he *oo!s!e.s o* !he grea! C/ril $enson5
7a4 4oesn! care a"o! m/ !oo!h or an/!hing5 He sa/s #m going !o con*ession an4 4rags me
o)er !o !he Re4em.!oris! chrch "ecase i!s Sa!r4a/ an4 con*essions go on all 4a/5 He !ells
me #m a "a4 "o/- hes ashame4 o* me !ha! # +en! !o !he .ic!res ins!ea4 o* learning #relan4s
na!ional 4ances- !he Jig- !he reel- !he 4ances !ha! men an4 +omen *ogh! an4 4ie4 *or 4o+n
!hose sa4 cen!ries5 He sa/s !heres man/ a /ong man !ha! +as hange4 an4 no+ mol4ering in
a lime .i! !ha! +ol4 "e gla4 !o rise . an4 4ance !he #rish 4ance5 The .ries! is ol4 an4 # ha)e !o
/ell m/ sins a! him an4 he !ells me #m a hooligan *or going !o !he .ic!res ins!ea4 o* m/
4ancing lessons al!hogh he !hinks himsel* !ha! 4ancing is a 4angeros !hing almos! as "a4 as
!he *ilms- !ha! i! s!irs . !hogh!s sin*l in !hemsel)es- "! e)en i* 4ancing is an a"omina!ion #
sinne4 "/ !aking m/ mo!hers si9.ence %BB
an4 l/ing an4 !heres a ho! .lace in hell *or !he likes o* me- sa/ a 4eca4e o* !he rosar/ an4 ask
Go4s *orgi)eness *or /ore 4ancing a! !he ga!es o* hell i!sel*- chil45
#m se)en- eigh!- nine going on !en an4 s!ill 7a4 has no +ork5 He 4rinks his !ea in !he morning-
signs *or !he 4ole a! !he La"or E9change- rea4s !he .a.ers a! !he Carnegie Li"rar/- goes *or his
long +alks *ar in!o !he con!r/5 #* he ge!s a Jo" a! !he Limerick Cemen! Com.an/ or Ranks Flor
Mills he loses i! in !he !hir4 +eek5 He loses i! "ecase he goes !o !he ."s on !he !hir4 Fri4a/ o*
!he Jo"- 4rinks all his +ages an4 misses !he hal* 4a/ o* +ork on Sa!r4a/ morning5
Mam sa/s- Lh/ can! he "e like !he o!her men *rom !he lanes o* LimerickN The/re home "e*ore
!he Angels rings a! si9 oclock- !he/ han4 o)er !heir +ages- change !heir shir!s- ha)e !heir !ea-
ge! a *e+ shillings *rom !he +i*e an4 !he/re o** !o !he ." *or a .in! or !+o5 Mam !ells $ri4e/
Hannon !ha! 7a4 can! "e like !ha! an4 +on! "e like !ha!5 She sa/s hes a righ! "loo4/ *ool !he
+a/ he goes !o ."s an4 s!an4s .in!s !o o!her men +hile his o+n chil4ren are home +i!h !heir
"ellies s!ck !o !heir "ack"ones *or !he +an! o* a 4ecen! 4inner5 Hell "rag !o !he +orl4 he 4i4
his "i! *or #relan4 +hen i! +as nei!her .o.lar nor .ro*i!a"le- !ha! hell gla4l/ 4ie *or #relan4
+hen !he call comes- !ha! he regre!s he has onl/ one li*e !o gi)e *or his .oor mis*or!na!e
con!r/ an4 i* an/one 4isagrees !he/re in)i!e4 !o s!e. o!si4e an4 se!!le !his *or once an4 *or
all5 Oh- no- sa/s Mam- !he/ +on! 4isagree an4 !he/ +on! s!e. o!si4e- !ha! "nch o* !inkers
an4 knackers an4 "egr4gers !ha! hang aron4 !he ."s5The/ !ell him hes a gran4 man- e)en i*
hes *rom !he Nor!h- an4
!+ol4 "e an honor !o acce.! a .in! *rom sch a .a!rio!5 Mam !ells $ri4e/- # 4on! kno+ n4er
Go4 +ha! #m going !o 4o5 The 4ole is nine!een shillings an4 si9.ence a +eek- !he ren! is si9 an4
si9- an4 !ha! lea)es !hir!een shillings !o *ee4 an4 clo!he *i)e .eo.le an4 kee. s +arm in !he
+in!er5
$ri4e/ 4rags on her Loo4"ine- 4rinks her !ea an4 4eclares !ha! Go4 is goo45 Mam sa/s shes
sre Go4 is goo4 *or someone some+here "! He hasn! "een seen la!el/ in !he lanes o*
Limerick5 $ri4e/ laghs5 Oh- Angela- /o col4 go !o hell *or !ha!- an4 Mam sa/s- Aren! # !here
alrea4/- $ri4e/N
%BC
An4 !he/ lagh an4 4rink !heir !ea an4 smoke !heir Loo4"ines an4 !ell one ano!her !he *ag is
!he onl/ com*or! !he/ ha)e5
Tis5
Res!ion Rigle/ !ells me # ha)e !o go !o !he Re4em.!oris! chrch on Fri4a/ an4 Join !he "o/s
4i)ision o* !he Arch Con*ra!erni!/5 ,o ha)e !o Join5,o can! sa/ no5 All !he "o/s in !he lanes
an4 "ack s!ree!s !ha! ha)e *a!hers on !he 4ole or +orking in la"oring Jo"s ha)e !o Join5
Res!ion sa/s- ,or *a!her is a *oreigner *rom !he Nor!h an4 he 4on! ma!!er "! /o s!ill ha)e
!o Join5
E)er/one kno+s Limerick is !he holies! ci!/ in #relan4 "ecase i! has !he Arch Con*ra!erni!/ o*
!he Hol/ Famil/- !he "igges! so4ali!/ in !he +orl45 An/ ci!/ can ha)e a Con*ra!erni!/- onl/
Limerick has !he Arch5
Or Con*ra!erni!/ *ills !he Re4em.!oris! chrch *i)e nigh!s a +eek- !hree *or !he men- one *or
!he +omen- one *or !he "o/s5There is $ene4ic!ion an4 h/mn singing in English- #rish an4 La!in
an4 "es! o* all !he "ig .o+er*l sermon Re4em.!oris! .ries!s are *amos *or5 #!s !he sermon
!ha! sa)es millions o* Chinese an4 o!her hea!hens *rom +in4ing . in hell +i!h !he <ro!es!an!s5
The Res!ion sa/s /o ha)e !o Join !he Con*ra!erni!/ so !ha! /or mo!her can !ell !he S!5Oincen!
4e <al Socie!/ an4 !he/ll kno+ /ore a goo4 Ca!holic5 He sa/s his *a!her is a lo/al mem"er
an4 !ha!s ho+ he go! a goo4 .ensiona"le Jo" cleaning la)a!ories a! !he rail+a/ s!a!ion an4
+hen he gro+s . himsel* hell ge! a goo4 Jo" !oo nless he rns a+a/ an4 Joins !he Ro/al
Cana4ian Mon!e4 <olice so !ha! he can sing S#ll $e Calling ,o Ooo Ooo Ooo-T like Nelson
E44/ singing !o Peane!!e Mac7onal4 e9.iring +i!h consm.!ion !here on !he so*a5 #* he "rings
me !o !he Con*ra!erni!/ !he man in !he o**ice +ill +ri!e his name in a "ig "ook an4 some 4a/ he
migh! "e .romo!e4 !o .re*ec! o* a sec!ion- +hich is all he +an!s in li*e ne9! !o +earing !he
Mon!ie ni*orm5
The .re*ec! is hea4 o* a sec!ion +hich is !hir!/ "o/s *rom !he same lanes an4 s!ree!s5 E)er/
sec!ion has !he name o* a sain! +hose .ic!re is .ain!e4 on a shiel4 s!ck on !o. o* a .ole "/
!he .re*ec!s sea!5The .re*ec! an4 his assis!an! !ake !he a!!en4ance an4 kee. an e/e on s so
!ha! !he/ can gi)e s a !hm. on !he hea4 in case +e lagh 4ring $ene%B3
4ic!ion or commi! an/ o!her sacrileges5 #* /o miss one nigh! !he man in !he o**ice +an!s !o
kno+ +h/- +an!s !o kno+ i* /ore sli..ing a+a/ *rom !he Con*ra!erni!/ or he migh! sa/ !o !he
o!her man in !he o**ice- # !hink or li!!le *rien4 here has !aken !he so.5Tha!s !he +ors! !hing
/o can sa/ !o an/ Ca!holic in Limerick or #relan4 i!sel* "ecase o* +ha! ha..ene4 in !he Grea!
Famine5 #* /ore a"sen! !+ice !he man in !he o**ice sen4s /o a /ello+ smmons !o a..ear an4
e9.lain /orsel* an4 i* /ore a"sen! !hree !imes he sen4s The <osse- +hich is *i)e or si9 "ig
"o/s *rom /or sec!ion +ho search !he s!ree!s !o make sre /ore no! o! enJo/ing /orsel*
+hen /o shol4 "e on /or knees a! !he Con*ra!erni!/ .ra/ing *or !he Chinese an4 o!her los!
sols5 The <osse +ill go !o /or hose an4 !ell /or mo!her /or immor!al sol is in 4anger5
Some mo!hers +orr/ "! o!hers +ill sa/- Ge! a+a/ *rom m/ 4oor or #ll come o! an4 gi)e e)er/
one o /e a goo4 *ong in !he hole o* /eer arse5These are no! goo4 Con*ra!erni!/ mo!hers an4
!he 4irec!or +ill sa/ +e shol4 .ra/ *or !hem !ha! !he/ll see !he error o* !heir +a/s5
The +ors! !hing o* all is a )isi! *rom !he 4irec!or o* !he Con*ra!erni!/ himsel*- Fa!her Gore/5 Hell
s!an4 a! !he !o. o* !he lane an4 roar in !he )oice !ha! con)er!e4 !he Chinese millions- Lhere is
!he hose o* Frank McCor!N He roars e)en !hogh he has /or a44ress in his .ocke! an4
kno+s )er/ +ell +here /o li)e5 He roars "ecase he +an!s !he +orl4 !o kno+ /ore sli..ing
a+a/ *rom !he Con*ra!erni!/ an4 .!!ing /or immor!al sol in 4anger5The mo!hers are
!erri*ie4 an4 !he *a!hers +ill +his.er- #m no! here- #m no! here- an4 !he/ll make sre /o go
!o !he Con*ra!erni!/ *rom !his on o! so !he/ +on! "e 4isgrace4 an4 shame4 en!irel/ +i!h !he
neigh"ors m!!ering "ehin4 !heir han4s5
The Res!ion !akes me !o !he sec!ion S!5 Fin"ars- an4 !he .re*ec! !ells me si! o)er !here an4
sh! .5 His name is 7eclan Collo./- hes *or!een an4 he has lm.s on his *orehea4 !ha! look
like horns5 He has !hick ginger e/e"ro+s !ha! mee! in !he mi44le an4 hang o)er his e/es an4 his
arms hang 4o+n !o his kneeca.s5 He !ells me hes making !his !he "es! sec!ion in !he
Con*ra!erni!/ an4 i* #m e)er a"sen! hell "reak m/ arse an4 sen4 !he "i!s !o m/ mo!her5Theres
no e9cse *or a"sence "ecase !here +as a "o/ in ano!her sec!ion !ha! +as 4/ing an4 s!ill !he/
"rogh! him in on a s!re!cher5 He sa/s- #* /ore e)er a"sen! i! "e!!er "e a 4ea!h- no! a 4ea!h in
!he *amil/ "! /or o+n 4ea!h5 7o /o hear meN
%BE
# 4o- 7eclan5
$o/s in m/ sec!ion !ell me !ha! .re*ec!s ge! re+ar4s i* !here is .er*ec! a!!en4ance5 7eclan
+an!s !o ge! o! o* school as soon as he can an4 ge! a Jo" selling linolem a! Cannocks "ig
sho. on <a!rick S!ree!5 His ncle- Fonce/- sol4 linolem !here *or /ears an4 ma4e enogh
mone/ !o s!ar! his o+n sho. in 7"lin- +here he has his !hree sons selling linolem5 Fa!her
Gore/- !he 4irec!or- can easil/ ge! 7eclan !he re+ar4 o* a Jo" a! Cannocks i* hes a goo4 .re*ec!
an4 has .er*ec! a!!en4ance in his sec!ion an4 !ha!s +h/ 7eclan +ill 4es!ro/ s i* +ere a"sen!5
He !ells s- No one +ill s!an4 "e!+een me an4 !he linolem5
7eclan likes Res!ion Rigle/ an4 le!s him miss an occasional Fri4a/ nigh! "ecase !he
Res!ion sai4- 7eclan- +hen # gro+ . an4 ge! marrie4 #m going !o co)er m/ hose in linolem
an4 #ll "/ i! all *rom /o5
O!her "o/s in !he sec!ion !r/ !his !rick +i!h 7eclan "! he sa/s- $gger o**- /ell "e lck/ enogh
!o ha)e a .o! !o .iss in ne)er min4 /ar4s o* linolem5
7a4 sa/s +hen he +as m/ age in Toome he ser)e4 Mass *or /ears an4 i!s !ime *or me !o "e an
al!ar "o/5 Mam sa/s-Lha!s !he seN The chil4 4oesn! ha)e .ro.er clo!hes *or school ne)er
min4 !he al!ar5 7a4 sa/s !he al!ar "o/ ro"es +ill co)er !he clo!hes an4 she sa/s +e 4on! ha)e
!he mone/ *or ro"es an4 !he +ash !he/ nee4 e)er/ +eek5
He sa/s Go4 +ill .ro)i4e an4 makes me kneel on !he ki!chen *loor5 He !akes !he .ar! o* !he
.ries! *or he has !he +hole Mass in his hea4 an4 # ha)e !o kno+ !he res.onses5 He sa/s-
#n!roi"o a4 al!are 7ei- an4 # ha)e !o sa/- A4 7em Ki lae!i*ica! J)en!!em meam5
E)er/ e)ening a*!er !ea # kneel *or !he La!in an4 he +on! le! me mo)e !ill #m .er*ec!5 Mam sa/s
he col4 a! leas! le! me si! "! he sa/s La!in is sacre4 an4 i! is !o "e learne4 an4 reci!e4 on !he
knees5,o +on! *in4 !he <o.e si!!ing aron4 4rinking !ea +hile he s.eaks !he La!in5 The La!in is
har4 an4 m/ knees are sore an4 sca""/ an4 #4 like !o "e o! in !he lane .la/ing !hogh s!ill #4
like !o "e an al!ar "o/ hel.ing !he .ries! )es! in !he sacris!/- . !here on !he al!ar all 4ecke4 o!
in m/ re4 an4 +hi!e ro"es like m/ .al Pimm/ Clark- ans+ering !he .ries! in La!in- mo)ing !he "ig
"ook *rom one si4e o* !he !a"ernacle !o !he o!her- .oring +a!er an4 +ine in!o !he chalice-
.oring +a!er o)er !he .ries!s han4s- ringing !he "ell a! Consecra!ion- kneeling- "o+ing-
s+inging !he %BD
censer a! $ene4ic!ion- si!!ing o** !o !he si4e +i!h !he .alms o* m/ han4s on m/ knees all serios
+hile he gi)es his sermon- e)er/one in S!5 Pose.hs looking a! me an4 a4miring m/ +a/s5
#n a *or!nigh! # ha)e !he Mass in m/ hea4 an4 i!s !ime !o go !o S!5 Pose.hs !o see !he sacris!an-
S!e.hen Care/- +ho is in charge o* al!ar "o/s5 7a4 .olishes m/ "oo!s5 Mam 4arns m/ socks an4
!hro+s an e9!ra coal on !he *ire !o hea! . !he iron !o .ress m/ shir!5 She "oils +a!er !o scr"
m/ hea4- neck- han4s an4 knees an4 an/ inch o* skin !ha! sho+s5 She scr"s !ill m/ skin "rns
an4 !ells 7a4 she +ol4n! gi)e i! !o !he +orl4 !o sa/ her son +en! on !he al!ar 4ir!/5 She +ishes
# 4i4n! ha)e sca""/ knees *rom rnning aron4 kicking canis!ers an4 *alling 4o+n .re!en4ing #
+as !he grea!es! *oo!"aller in !he +orl45 She +ishes +e ha4 a 4ro. o* hair oil in !he hose "!
+a!er an4 s.i! +ill kee. m/ hair *rom s!icking . like "lack s!ra+ in a ma!!ress5 She +arns me
s.eak . +hen # go !o S!5 Pose.hs an4 4on! "e mm"ling in English or La!in5 She sa/s-
Tis a grea! .i!/ /o gre+ o! o* /or Firs! Commnion si! "! /o ha)e no!hing !o "e
ashame4 o*- /o come *rom goo4 "loo4- McCor!s- Sheehans- or m/ mo!hers *amil/ !he
Gil*o/les !ha! o+ne4 acre a*!er acre in Con!/ Limerick "e*ore !he English !ook i! a+a/ an4
ga)e i! !o *oo!.a4s *rom Lon4on5
7a4 hol4s m/ han4 going !hrogh !he s!ree!s an4 .eo.le look a! s "ecase o* !he +a/ +ere
sa/ing La!in "ack an4 *or!h5 He knocks a! !he sacris!/ 4oor an4 !ells S!e.hen Care/-This is m/
son- Frank- +ho kno+s !he La!in an4 is rea4/ !o "e an al!ar "o/5
S!e.hen Care/ looks a! him- !hen me5 He sa/s-Le 4on! ha)e room *or him- an4 closes !he
4oor5
7a4 is s!ill hol4ing m/ han4 an4 sKeeIes !ill i! hr!s an4 # +an! !o cr/ o!5 He sa/s no!hing on
!he +a/ home5 He !akes o** his ca.- si!s "/ !he *ire an4 ligh!s a Loo4"ine5 Mam is smoking-
!oo5Lell- she sa/s- is he going !o "e an al!ar "o/N
Theres no room *or him5
Oh5 She .**s on her Loo4"ine5 #ll !ell /o +ha! i! is- she sa/s5 Tis class 4is!inc!ion5 The/ 4on!
+an! "o/s *rom lanes on !he al!ar5 The/ 4on! +an! !he ones +i!h sca""/ knees an4 hair
s!icking .5 Oh- no- !he/ +an! !he nice "o/s +i!h hair oil an4 ne+ shoes !ha! ha)e *a!hers +i!h
si!s an4 !ies an4 s!ea4/ Jo"s5Tha!s +ha! i! is an4 !is har4 !o hol4 on !o !he Fai!h +i!h !he
sno""er/ !ha!s in i!5
Och- a/e5
Oh- och a/e m/ arse5 Tha!s all /o e)er sa/5,o col4 go !o !he %B1
.ries! an4 !ell him /o ha)e a son !ha! has a hea4 s!**e4 +i!h La!in an4 +h/ can! he "e an
al!ar "o/ an4 +ha! is he going !o 4o +i!h all !ha! La!inN
Och- he migh! gro+ . !o "e a .ries!5
# ask him i* # can go o! an4 .la/5,es- he sa/s- go o! an4 .la/5 Mam sa/s-,o migh! as +ell5
%C(
O#
Mr5ONeill is !he mas!er in !he *or!h class a! school5Le call him 7o!!/ "ecase hes small like a
4o!5 He !eaches in !he one classroom +i!h a .la!*orm so !ha! he can s!an4 a"o)e s an4
!hrea!en s +i!h his ash .lan! an4 .eel his a..le *or all !o see5The *irs! 4a/ o* school in
Se.!em"er he +ri!es on !he "lack"oar4 !hree +or4s +hich are !o s!a/ !here !he res! o* !he
/ear- Ecli4- geome!r/- i4io!5 He sa/s i* he ca!ches an/ "o/ in!er*ering +i!h !hese +or4s !ha!
"o/ +ill go !hrogh !he res! o* his li*e +i!h one han45 He sa/s an/one +ho 4oesn! n4ers!an4
!he !heorems o* Ecli4 is an i4io!5 No+- re.ea! a*!er me- An/one +ho 4oesn! n4ers!an4 !he
!heorems o* Ecli4 is an i4io!5 O* corse +e all kno+ +ha! an i4io! is "ecase !ha!s +ha! !he
mas!ers kee. !elling s +e are5
$ren4an Rigle/ raises his han45 Sir- +ha!s a !heorem an4 +ha!s a Ecli4N
Le e9.ec! 7o!!/ !o lash a! $ren4an !he +a/ all !he mas!ers 4o +hen /o ask !hem a Kes!ion
"! he looks a! $ren4an +i!h a li!!le smile5 Ah- no+- heres a "o/ +i!h no! one "! !+o
Kes!ions5 Lha! is /or name- "o/N
$ren4an Rigle/- sir5
This is a "o/ +ho +ill go *ar5Lhere +ill he go- "o/sN
Far- sir5
#n4ee4 an4 he +ill5The "o/ +ho +an!s !o kno+ some!hing a"o! %C%
!he grace- elegance an4 "ea!/ o* Ecli4 can go no+here "! .5 #n +ha! 4irec!ion an4 no o!her
can !his "o/ go- "o/sN
U.- sir5
Li!ho! Ecli4- "o/s- ma!hema!ics +ol4 "e a .oor 4o44ering !hing5 Li!ho! Ecli4 +e
+ol4n! "e a"le !o go *rom here !o !here5 Li!ho! Ecli4 !he "ic/cle +ol4 ha)e no +heel5
Li!ho! Ecli4 S!5 Pose.h col4 no! ha)e "een a car.en!er *or car.en!r/ is geome!r/ an4
geome!r/ is car.en!r/5 Li!ho! Ecli4 !his )er/ school col4 ne)er ha)e "een "il!5
<a44/ Clohess/ m!!ers "ehin4 me- Feckin Ecli45
7o!!/ "arks a! him5,o- "o/- +ha! is /or nameN
Clohess/- sir5
Ah- !he "o/ *lies on one +ing5Lha! is /or Chris!ian nameN
<a44/5
<a44/ +ha!N
<a44/- sir5
An4 +ha!- <a44/- +ere /o sa/ing !o McCor!N
# sai4 +e shol4 ge! 4o+n on or !+o knees an4 !hank Go4 *or Ecli45
#m sre /o 4i4- Clohess/5 # see !he lie *es!ering in /or !ee!h5Lha! 4o # see- "o/sN
The lie- sir5
An4 +ha! is !he lie 4oing- "o/sN
Fes!ering- sir5
Lhere- "o/s- +hereN
#n his !ee!h- sir5
Ecli4- "o/s- +as a Greek5Lha!- Clohess/- is a GreekN
Some class o* a *oreigner- sir5
Clohess/- /o are a hal*:+i!5 No+- $ren4an- srel/ /o kno+ +ha! a Greek isN
,es- sir5 Ecli4 +as a Greek5
7o!!/ gi)es him !he li!!le smile5 He !ells Clohess/ he shol4 mo4el himsel* on Rigle/- +ho
kno+s +ha! a Greek is5 He 4ra+s !+o lines si4e "/ si4e an4 !ells s !hese are .arallel lines an4
!he magical an4 m/s!erios !hing is !ha! !he/ ne)er mee!- no! i* !he/ +ere !o "e e9!en4e4 !o
in*ini!/- no! i* !he/ +ere e9!en4e4 !o Go4s shol4ers an4 !ha!- "o/s- is a long +a/ !hogh !here
is a German Pe+ +ho is .se!!ing !he +hole +orl4 +i!h his i4eas on .arallel lines5
Le lis!en !o 7o!!/ an4 +on4er +ha! all !his has !o 4o +i!h !he s!a!e %C&
o* !he +orl4 +i!h !he Germans marching e)er/+here an4 "om"ing e)er/!hing !ha! s!an4s5Le
can! ask him orsel)es "! +e can ge! $ren4an Rigle/ !o 4o i!5 An/one can see $ren4an is !he
mas!ers .e! an4 !ha! means he can ask an/ Kes!ion he likes5 A*!er school +e !ell $ren4an he
has !o ask !he Kes!ion !omorro+- Lha! se is Ecli4 an4 all !hose lines !ha! go on *ore)er
+hen !he Germans are "om"ing e)er/!hingN $ren4an sa/s he 4oesn! +an! !o "e !he mas!ers
.e!- he 4i4n! ask *or i!- an4 he 4oesn! +an! !o ask !he Kes!ion5 Hes a*rai4 i* he asks !ha!
Kes!ion 7o!!/ +ill a!!ack him5Le !ell him i* he 4oesn! ask !he Kes!ion +ell a!!ack him5 Ne9!
4a/ $ren4an raises his han45 7o!!/ gi)es him !he li!!le smile5 Sir- +ha! se is Ecli4 an4 all !he
lines +hen !he Germans are "om"ing e)er/!hing !ha! s!an4sN
The li!!le smile is gone5 Ah- $ren4an5 Ah- Rigle/5 Oh- "o/s- oh- "o/s5
He la/s his s!ick on !he 4esk an4 s!an4s on !he .la!*orm +i!h his e/es close45 Lha! se is
Ecli4N he sa/s5 UseN Li!ho! Ecli4 !he Messerschmi!! col4 ne)er ha)e !aken !o !he sk/5
Li!ho! Ecli4 !he S.i!*ire col4 no! 4ar! *rom clo4 !o clo45 Ecli4 "rings s grace an4 "ea!/
an4 elegance5Lha! 4oes he "ring s- "o/sN
Grace- sir5
An4N
$ea!/- sir5
An4N
Elegance- sir5
Ecli4 is com.le!e in himsel* an4 4i)ine in a..lica!ion5 7o /o n4ers!an4 !ha!- "o/sN
Le 4o- sir5
# 4o"! i!- "o/s- # 4o"! i!5To lo)e Ecli4 is !o "e alone in !his +orl45 He o.ens his e/es an4 sighs
an4 /o can see !he e/es are a li!!le +a!er/5
<a44/ Clohess/ is lea)ing !he school !ha! 4a/ an4 hes s!o..e4 "/ Mr5 O7ea- +ho !eaches !he
*i*!h class5 Mr5 O7ea sa/s- ,o- +ha!s /or nameN
Clohess/- sir5
Lha! class are /o inN
For!h class- sir5
%C'
No+ !ell me- Clohess/- is !ha! mas!er o* /ors !alking !o /o a"o! Ecli4N
He is- sir5
An4 +ha! is he sa/ingN
Hes sa/ing hes a Greek5
O* corse he is- /o 4i44ering oma4han5Lha! else is he sa/ingN
Hes sa/ing !here +ol4 "e no school +i!ho! Ecli45 Ah5 No+ is he 4ra+ing an/!hing on !he
"oar4N
Hes 4ra+ing lines si4e "/ si4e !ha! +ill ne)er mee! e)en i* !he/ lan4 on Go4s shol4ers5
Mo!her o Go45
No- sir5 Go4s shol4ers5
# kno+- /o i4io!5 Go home5
The ne9! 4a/ !heres a grea! noise a! or classroom 4oor an4 Mr5 O7ea is /elling- Come o!-
ONeill- /o chancer- /o .ol!roon5Le can hear e)er/!hing hes sa/ing "ecase o* !he "roken
glass o)er !he 4oor5 The ne+ hea4mas!er- Mr5 OHalloran- is sa/ing- No+- no+- Mr5 O7ea5
Con!rol /orsel*5 No Karreling in *ron! o* or ..ils5 Lell- !hen- Mr5 OHalloran- !ell him s!o.
!eaching !he geome!r/5 The geome!r/ is *or !he *i*!h *orm an4 no! !he *or!h5The geome!r/ is
mine5Tell him !o !each !he long 4i)ision an4 lea)e Ecli4 !o me5 Long 4i)ision +ill s!re!ch his
in!ellec! sch as i! is- Go4 hel. s5 # 4on! +an! !he min4s o* !hese "o/s 4es!ro/e4 "/ !ha!
chancer . !here on !he .la!*orm- him han4ing o! a..le skins an4 casing 4iarrhea righ! an4
le*!5 Tell him Ecli4 is mine- Mr5 OHalloran- or #ll .! a s!o. !o his gallo.5 Mr5 OHalloran !ells
Mr5 O7ea !o re!rn !o his classroom an4 asks Mr5 ONeill !o s!e. in!o !he hall5 Mr5 OHalloran
sa/s- No+- Mr5 ONeill- # ha)e aske4 /o "e*ore !o s!a/ a+a/ *rom Ecli45 ,o ha)e- Mr5
OHalloran- "! /o migh! as +ell ask me !o s!o. ea!ing m/ 4ail/ a..le5 #ll ha)e !o insis!- Mr5
ONeill5 No more Ecli45
Mr5 ONeill comes "ack !o !he room an4 his e/es are +a!er/ again5 He sa/s li!!le has change4
since !he !ime o* !he Greeks *or !he "ar"arians are +i!hin !he ga!es an4 !heir names are
legion5Lha! has change4 since !he !ime o* !he Greeks- "o/sN
#! is !or!re !o +a!ch Mr5 ONeill .eel !he a..le e)er/ 4a/- !o see !he leng!h o* i!- re4 or green-
an4 i* /ore . near him !o ca!ch !he *resh%CB
ness o* i! in /or nose5 #* /ore !he goo4 "o/ *or !ha! 4a/ an4 /o ans+er !he Kes!ions he
gi)es i! !o /o an4 le!s /o ea! i! !here a! /or 4esk so !ha! /o can ea! i! in .eace +i!h no one
!o "o!her /o !he +a/ !he/ +ol4 i* /o !ook i! in!o !he /ar45 Then !he/4 !ormen! /o- Gimme
a .iece- gimme a .iece- an4 /o4 "e lck/ !o ha)e an inch le*! *or /orsel*5
There are 4a/s +hen !he Kes!ions are !oo har4 an4 he !ormen!s s "/ 4ro..ing !he a..le .eel
in!o !he +as!e"aske!5Then he "orro+s a "o/ *rom ano!her class !o !ake !he +as!e"aske! 4o+n
!o !he *rnace !o "rn .a.ers an4 a..le .eel or hell lea)e i! *or !he char+oman- Nellie Ahearn-
!o !ake i! all a+a/ in her "ig can)as sack5Le4 like !o ask Nellie !o kee. !he .eel *or s "e*ore
!he ra!s ge! i! "! shes +ear/ *rom cleaning !he +hole school "/ hersel* an4 she sna.s a! s- #
ha)e o!her !hings !o "e 4oin +i!h me li*e "esi4es +a!chin a sca""/ "nch roo!in
aron4 *or !he skin o* an a..le5 Go +a/5
He .eels !he a..le slo+l/5 He looks aron4 !he room +i!h !he li!!le smile5 He !eases s- 7o /o
!hink- "o/s- # shol4 gi)e !his !o !he .igeons on !he +in4o+sillN Le sa/- No- sir- .igeons 4on!
ea! a..les5 <a44/ Clohess/ calls o!- T+ill gi)e !hem !he rns- sir- an4 +ell ha)e i! on or
hea4s a"roa4 in !he /ar45
Clohess/- /o are an oma4han5 7o /o kno+ +ha! an oma4han isN
# 4on!- sir5
#!s !he #rish- Clohess/- /or na!i)e !onge- Clohess/5 An oma4han is a *ool- Clohess/5,o are
an oma4han5Lha! is he- "o/sN
An oma4han- sir5
Clohess/ sa/s- Tha!s +ha! Mr5 O7ea calle4 me- sir- a 4i44ering oma4han5
He .ases in his .eeling !o ask s Kes!ions a"o! e)er/!hing in !he +orl4 an4 !he "o/ +i!h !he
"es! ans+ers +ins5 Han4s .- he sa/s- +ho is !he <resi4en! o* !he Uni!e4 S!a!es o* AmericaN
E)er/ han4 in !he class goes . an4 +ere all 4isgs!e4 +hen he asks a Kes!ion !ha! an/
oma4han +ol4 kno+5Le call o!- Roose)el!5 Then he sa/s-,o- Mlcah/- +ho s!oo4 a! !he
*oo! o* !he cross +hen Or Lor4 +as crci*ie4N
Mlcah/ is slo+5The T+el)e A.os!les- sir5
Mlcah/- +ha! is !he #rish +or4 *or *oolN
Oma4han- sir5
An4 +ha! are /o- Mlcah/N
An oma4han- sir5
%CC
Fin!an Sla!!er/ raises his han45 # kno+ +ho s!oo4 a! !he *oo! o* !he cross- sir5
O* corse Fin!an kno+s +ho s!oo4 a! !he *oo! o* !he cross5 Lh/ +ol4n! heN Hes al+a/s
rnning o** !o Mass +i!h his mo!her- +ho is kno+n *or her holiness5 Shes so hol/ her hs"an4
ran o** !o Cana4a !o c! 4o+n !rees- gla4 !o "e gone an4 ne)er !o "e hear4 *rom again5 She an4
Fin!an sa/ !he rosar/ e)er/ nigh! on !heir knees in !he ki!chen an4 rea4 all kin4s o* religios
magaIines= The Li!!le Messenger o* !he Sacre4Hear!-The Lan!ern-The Far Eas!- as +ell as e)er/
li!!le "ook .rin!e4 "/ !he Ca!holic Tr!h Socie!/5The/ go !o Mass an4 Commnion rain or shine
an4 e)er/ Sa!r4a/ !he/ con*ess !o !he Pesi!s +ho are kno+n *or !heir in!eres! in in!elligen!
sins no! !he sal sins /o hear *rom .eo.le in lanes +ho are kno+n *or ge!!ing 4rnk an4
some!imes ea!ing mea! on Fri4a/s "e*ore i! goes "a4 an4 crsing on !o. o* i!5 Fin!an an4 his
mo!her li)e on Ca!herine S!ree! an4 Mrs5 Sla!!er/s neigh"ors call her Mrs5 O**er:#!:U. "ecase
no ma!!er +ha! ha..ens- a "roken leg- a s.ille4 c. o* !ea- a 4isa..eare4 hs"an4- she sa/s-
Lell- no+- #ll o**er !ha! . an4 #ll ha)e no en4 o* #n4lgences !o ge! me in!o hea)en5 Fin!an is
Js! as "a45 #* /o .sh him in !he school/ar4 or call him names hell smile an4 !ell /o hell
.ra/ *or /o an4 hell o**er i! . *or his sol an4 /ors5The "o/s in Leam/s 4on! +an! Fin!an
.ra/ing *or !hem an4 !he/ !hrea!en !o gi)e him a goo4 *ong in !he arse i* !he/ ca!ch him .ra/ing
*or !hem5 He sa/s he +an!s !o "e a sain! +hen he gro+s .- +hich is ri4iclos "ecase /o
can! "e a sain! !ill /ore 4ea45 He sa/s or gran4chil4ren +ill "e .ra/ing !o his .ic!re5 One "ig
"o/ sa/s- M/ gran4chil4ren +ill .iss on /or .ic!re- an4 Fin!an Js! smiles5 His sis!er ran a+a/
!o Englan4 +hen she +as se)en!een an4 e)er/one kno+s he +ears her "lose a! home an4
crls his hair +i!h ho! iron !ongs e)er/ Sa!r4a/ nigh! so !ha! hell look gorgeos a! Mass on
Sn4a/5 #* he mee!s /o going !o Mass hell sa/- #sn! m/ hair gorgeos- FrankieN He lo)es !ha!
+or4- gorgeos- an4 no o!her "o/ +ill e)er se i!5 O* corse he kno+s +ho s!oo4 a! !he *oo! o*
!he cross5 He .ro"a"l/ kno+s +ha! !he/ +ere +earing an4 +ha! !he/ ha4 *or "reak*as! an4
no+ hes !elling 7o!!/ ONeill i! +as !he !hree Mar/s5 7o!!/ sa/s- Come . here- Fin!an- an4
!ake /or re+ar45 He !akes his !ime going !o !he .la!*orm an4 +e can! "elie)e or e/es +hen
he !akes o! a .ocke!kni*e !o c! !he a..le .eel in!o li!!le "i!s so !ha! he can ea! !hem one "/
one an4 no! "e s!**ing !he +hole !hing %C3
in!o his mo!h like !he res! o* s +hen +e +in5 He raises his han4- Sir- #4 like !o gi)e some o*
m/ a..le a+a/5
The a..le- Fin!anN No- in4ee45,o 4o no! ha)e !he a..le- Fin!an5 ,o ha)e !he .eel- !he mere
skin5,o ha)e no! nor +ill /o e)er achie)e heigh!s so 4iII/ /oll "e *eas!ing on !he a..le
i!sel*5 No! m/ a..le- Fin!an5 No+ 4i4 # hear /o sa/ /o +an! !o gi)e a+a/ /or re+ar4N
,o 4i4- sir5 #4 like !o gi)e !hree .ieces- !o Rigle/- Clohess/ an4 McCor!5
Lh/- Fin!anN
The/re m/ *rien4s- sir5
The "o/s aron4 !he room are sneering an4 n4ging each o!her an4 # *eel ashame4 "ecase
!he/ll sa/ # crl m/ hair an4 #ll "e !ormen!e4 in !he school/ar4 an4 +h/ 4oes he !hink #m his
*rien4N #* !he/ sa/ # +ear m/ sis!ers "lose !heres no se !elling !hem # 4on! ha)e a sis!er
"ecase !he/ll sa/- ,o4 +ear i! i* /o ha4 a sis!er5Theres no se sa/ing an/!hing in !he
school/ar4 "ecase !heres al+a/s someone +i!h an ans+er an4 !heres no!hing /o can 4o "!
.nch !hem in !he nose an4 i* /o +ere !o .nch e)er/one +ho has an ans+er /o4 "e
.nching morning noon an4 nigh!5 Rigle/ !akes !he "i! o* .eel *rom Fin!an5Thanks- Fin!an5 The
+hole class is looking a! Clohess/ "ecase hes !he "igges! an4 !he !oghes! an4 i* he sa/s
!hanks #ll sa/ !hanks5 He sa/s-Thanks )er/ mch- Fin!an- an4 "lshes an4 # sa/-Thanks )er/
mch- Fin!an- an4 # !r/ !o s!o. m/sel* *rom "lshing "! # can! an4 all !he "o/s sneer again an4
#4 like !o hi! !hem5
A*!er school !he "o/s call !o Fin!an- Hoi- Fin!an- are /o goin home !o crl /or gorgeos hairN
Fin!an smiles an4 clim"s !he s!e.s o* !he school/ar45A "ig "o/ *rom se)en!h class sa/s !o <a44/
Clohess/- # s..ose /o4 "e crlin /or hair !oo i* /o +asn! a "al4/ +i!h a sha)e4 hea45
<a44/ sa/s- Shrr.- an4 !he "o/ sa/s- Oh- an +hos goin !o make meN <a44/ !ries a .nch
"! !he "ig "o/ hi!s his nose an4 knocks him 4o+n an4 !heres "loo45 # !r/ !o hi! !he "ig "o/ "!
he gra"s me "/ !he !hroa! an4 "angs m/ hea4 agains! !he +all !ill # see ligh!s an4 "lack 4o!s5
<a44/ +alks a+a/ hol4ing his nose an4 cr/ing an4 !he "ig "o/ .shes me a*!er him5 Fin!an is
o!si4e on !he s!ree! an4 he sa/s- Oh- Francis- Francis- oh- <a!rick- <a!rick- +ha!s .N Lh/ are
/o cr/ing- <a!rickN an4 <a44/ sa/s- #m hngr/5 # can! *igh! no"o4/ "ecase #m s!ar)ing +i!h
!he hnger an *allin 4o+n an #m ashame4 o* mesel*5 %CE
Fin!an sa/s- Come +i!h me- <a!rick5 M/ mo!her +ill gi)e s some!hing- an4 <a44/ sa/s- Ah- no-
me nose is "lee4in5 7on! +orr/5 Shell .! some!hing on /or nose or a ke/ on !he "ack o*
/or neck5 Francis- /o ms! come- !oo5,o al+a/s look hngr/5 Ah- no- Fin!an5
Ah- 4o- Francis5
All righ!- Fin!an5
Fin!ans *la! is like a cha.el5There are !+o .ic!res- !he Sacre4 Hear! o* Pess an4 !he
#mmacla!e Hear! o* Mar/5 Pess is sho+ing His hear! +i!h !he cro+n o* !horns- !he *ire- !he
"loo45 His hea4 is !il!e4 !o !he le*! !o sho+ His grea! sorro+5 The Oirgin Mar/ is sho+ing her
hear! an4 i! +ol4 "e a .leasan! hear! i* i! 4i4n! ha)e !ha! cro+n o* !horns5 Her hea4 is !il!e4
!o !he righ! !o sho+ her sorro+ "ecase she kno+s her Son +ill come !o a sa4 en45
Theres a .ic!re on ano!her +all o* a man +i!h a "ro+n ro"e an4 "ir4s si!!ing all o)er him5
Fin!an sa/s- 7o /o kno+ +ho !ha! is- FrancisN NoN Tha!s /or .a!ron- S!5 Francis o* Assisi- an4
4o /o kno+ +ha! !o4a/ isN
The *or!h o* Oc!o"er5
Tha!s righ! an4 i!s his *eas! 4a/ an4 s.ecial *or /o "ecase /o can ask S!5 Francis *or
an/!hing an4 hell srel/ gi)e i! !o /o5Tha!s +h/ # +an!e4 /o !o come here !o4a/5 Si! 4o+n-
<a!rick- si! 4o+n- Francis5 Mrs5 Sla!!er/ comes in +i!h her rosar/ "ea4s in her han45 Shes ha../
!o mee! Fin!ans ne+ *rien4s an4 +ol4 +e like a cheese san4+ichN An4 look a! /or .oor
nose- <a!rick5 She !oches his nose +i!h !he cross on her rosar/ "ea4s an4 sa/s a li!!le .ra/er5
She !ells s !hese rosar/ "ea4s +ere "lesse4 "/ !he <o.e himsel* an4 +ol4 s!o. !he *lo+ o* a
ri)er i* reKes!e4 ne)er min4 <a!ricks .oor nose5 Fin!an sa/s he +on! ha)e a san4+ich
"ecase hes *as!ing an4 .ra/ing *or !he "o/ +ho hi! <a44/ an4 me5 Mrs5 Sla!!er/ gi)es him a
kiss on !he hea4 an4 !ells him hes a sain! o! o* hea)en an4 asks i* +e4 like ms!ar4 on or
san4+iches an4 # !ell her # ne)er hear4 o* ms!ar4 on cheese an4 #4 lo)e i!5 <a44/ sa/s- #
4nno5 # ne)er ha4 a sang+i4ge in me li*e- an4 +e all lagh an4 # +on4er ho+ /o col4 li)e !en
/ears like <a44/ an4 ne)er ha)e a san4+ich5 <a44/ laghs- !oo- an4 /o can see his !ee!h are
+hi!e an4 "lack an4 green5
Le ea! !he san4+ich an4 4rink !ea an4 <a44/ +an!s !o kno+ +here !he la)a!or/ is5 Fin!an
!akes him !hrogh !he "e4room !o !he "ack/ar4 %CD
an4 +hen !he/ come "ack <a44/ sa/s- # ha)e !o go home5 Me mo!herll kill me5 #ll +ai! *or /o
o!si4e- Frankie5
No+ # ha)e !o go !o !he la)a!or/ an4 Fin!an lea4s me !o !he "ack/ar45 He sa/s- # ha)e !o go- !oo-
an4 +hen # n"!!on m/ *l/ # can! .ee "ecase hes looking a! me an4 he sa/s-,o +ere
*ooling5,o 4on! ha)e !o go a! all5 # like !o look a! /o- Francis5Tha!s all5 # +ol4n! +an! !o
commi! an/ class o* a sin +i!h or Con*irma!ion coming ne9! /ear5 <a44/ an4 # lea)e !oge!her5
#m "rs!ing an4 rn "ehin4 a garage !o .ee5 <a44/ is +ai!ing *or me an4 as +e +alk along
Har!s!onge S!ree! he sa/s-Tha! +as a .o+er*l sang+i4ge- Frankie- an him an his mo!her is
)er/ hol/ "! # +ol4n! +an! !o go !o Fin!ans *la! an/more "ecase hes )er/ o44- isn! he-
FrankieN
He is- <a44/5
The +a/ he looks a! i! +hen /o !ake i! o!- !ha!s o44- isn! i!- FrankieN
Tis- <a44/5
A *e+ 4a/s la!er <a44/ +his.ers- Fin!an Sla!!er/ sai4 +e col4 come !o his *la! a! lnch!ime5 His
mo!her +on! "e !here an4 she lea)es his lnch *or him5 He migh! gi)e s some !oo an4 he has
lo)el/ milk5Lill +e goN
Fin!an si!s !+o ro+s *rom s5 He kno+s +ha! <a44/ is sa/ing !o me an4 he mo)es his e/e"ro+s
. an4 4o+n as i* !o sa/-Lill /o comeN # +his.er /es !o <a44/ an4 he no4s !o Fin!an an4 !he
mas!er "arks a! s !o s!o. +aggling or e/e"ro+s an4 or li.s or !he ash .lan! +ill sing across
or "acksi4es5
$o/s in !he school/ar4 see !he !hree o* s +alk o! an4 !he/ .ass remarks5 Oh- Ga+4- look a!
Fin!an an4 his ingles5 <a44/ sa/s- Fin!an- +ha!s an ingleN an4 Fin!an sa/s i!s Js! a "o/ *rom
ol4en !imes +ho si!s in a corner- !ha!s all5 He !ells s si! a! !he !a"le in his ki!chen an4 +e can
rea4 his comic "ooks i* +e like- Film Fn- !he $eano- !he 7an4/- or !he religios magaIines
or his mo!hers romance magaIines- !he Miracle an4 !he Oracle- +hich al+a/s ha)e s!ories
a"o! *ac!or/ girls +ho are .oor "! "ea!i*l in lo)e +i!h sons o* earls an4 )ice )ersa an4 !he
*ac!or/ girl en4s . !hro+ing hersel* in!o !he Thames +i!h !he ho.elessness onl/ !o "e resce4
"/ a .assing car.en!er +ho is .oor "! hones! an4 +ill lo)e !he *ac!or/ girl *or her o+n hm"le
sel* !hogh i! !rns o! !he .assing car.en!er is reall/ !he son o* a 4ke- +hich is mch higher
!han an earl- so !ha! no+ !he .oor *ac!or/ girl is a 4chess an4 can look %C1
4o+n her nose a! !he earl +ho s.rne4 her "ecase shes ha../ !en4ing her roses on her
!+el)e:!hosan4:acre es!a!e in Shro.shire an4 "eing kin4 !o her .oor ol4 mo!her- +ho re*ses
!o lea)e her hm"le li!!le co!!age *or all !he mone/ in !he +orl45 <a44/ sa/s- # 4on! +an! !o
rea4 no!hing- i!s all a co4- all !hem s!ories5 Fin!an remo)es !he clo!h co)ering his san4+ich an4
glass o* milk5 The milk looks cream/ an4 cool an4 4elicios an4 !he san4+ich "rea4 is almos! as
+hi!e5 <a44/ sa/s- #s !ha! a ham sang+i4geN an4 Fin!an sa/s-
Tis5 <a44/ sa/s-Tha!s a lo)el/ looking sang+i4ge an4 is !here ms!ar4 on i!N Fin!an no4s an4
slices !he san4+ich in !+o5 Ms!ar4 see.s o!5 He licks i! o** his *ingers an4 !akes a nice
mo!h*l o* milk5 He c!s !he san4+ich again in!o Kar!ers- eigh!hs- si9!een!hs- !akes The Li!!le
Mes:senger o* !he Sacre4 Hear! *rom !he .ile o* magaIines an4 rea4s +hile he ea!s his
san4+ich "i!s an4 4rinks his milk an4 <a44/ an4 # look a! him an4 # kno+ <a44/ is +on4ering
+ha! +ere 4oing here a! all- a! all- "ecase !ha!s +ha! #m +on4ering m/sel* ho.ing Fin!an +ill
.ass o)er !he .la!e !o s "! he 4oesn!- he *inishes !he milk- lea)es "i!s o* san4+ich on !he
.la!e- co)ers i! +i!h !he clo!h an4 +i.es his li.s in his 4ain!/ +a/- lo+ers his hea4- "lesses
himsel* an4 sa/s grace a*!er meals an4- Go4- +ell "e la!e *or school- an4 "lesses himsel* again
on !he +a/ o! +i!h hol/ +a!er *rom !he li!!le china *on! hanging "/ !he 4oor +i!h !he li!!le
image o* !he Oirgin Mar/ sho+ing her hear! an4 .oin!ing a! i! +i!h !+o *ingers as i* +e col4n!
make i! o! *or orsel)es5 #!s !oo la!e *or <a44/ an4 me !o rn an4 ge! !he "n an4 milk *rom
Nellie Ahearn an4 # 4on! kno+ ho+ #m going !o las! *rom no+ !ill # can rn home a*!er school
an4 ge! a .iece o* "rea45 <a44/ s!o.s a! !he school ga!e5 He sa/s- # can! go in !here s!ar)ing
+i!h !he hnger5 #4 *all aslee. an4 7o!!/4 kill me5
Fin!an is an9ios5 Come on- come on- +ell "e la!e5 Come on- Francis- hrr/ .5 #m no! going in-
Fin!an5,o ha4 /or lnch5Le ha4 no!hing5 <a44/ e9.lo4es5,ore a *eckin chancer-
Fin!an5Tha!s +ha! /o are an a *eckin "egr4ger !oo +i!h /or *eckin sang+i4ge an /or
*eckin
Sacre4 Hear! o* Pess on !he +all an /or *eckin hol/ +a!er5,o can kiss m/ arse- Fin!an5
Oh- <a!rick5
Oh- <a!rick m/ *eckin arse- Fin!an5 Come on- Frankie5 Fin!an rns in!o school an4 <a44/ an4 #
make or +a/ !o an orchar4 in $allinacrra5Le clim" a +all an4 a *ierce 4og comes a! s !ill %3(
<a44/ !alks !o him an4 !ells him hes a goo4 4og an4 +ere hngr/ an4 go home !o /or
mo!her5The 4og licks <a44/s *ace an4 !ro!s a+a/ +a)ing his !ail an4 <a44/ is 4eligh!e4 +i!h
himsel*5Le s!** a..les in!o or shir!s !ill +e can "arel/ ge! "ack o)er !he +all !o rn in!o a
long *iel4 an4 si! n4er a he4ge ea!ing !he a..les !ill +e can! s+allo+ ano!her "i! an4 +e s!ick
or *aces in!o a s!ream *or !he lo)el/ cool +a!er5Then +e rn !o o..osi!e en4s o* a 4i!ch !o shi!
an4 +i.e orsel)es +i!h grass an4 !hick lea)es5 <a44/ is sKa!!ing an4 sa/ing-Theres no!hing in
!he +orl4 like a goo4 *ee4 o* a..les- a 4rink o* +a!er an4 a goo4 shi!- "e!!er !han an/
sang+i4ge o* cheese an4 ms!ar4 an4 7o!!/ ONeill can sho)e his a..le . his arse5
There are !hree co+s in a *iel4 +i!h !heir hea4s o)er a s!one +all an4 !he/ sa/ moo !o s5 <a44/
sa/s- $eJass- !is milkin !ime- an4 hes o)er !he +all- s!re!che4 on his "ack n4er a co+ +i!h
her "ig 44er hanging in!o his *ace5 He .lls on a !ea! an4 sKir!s milk in!o his mo!h5 He s!o.s
sKir!ing an4 sa/s- Come on- Frankie- *resh milk5 Tis lo)el/5 Ge! !ha! o!her co+- !he/re all
rea4/ *or !he milkin5 # ge! n4er !he co+ an4 .ll on a !ea! "! she kicks an4 mo)es an4 #m
sre shes going !o kill me5 <a44/ comes o)er an4 sho+s me ho+ !o 4o i!- .ll har4 an4 s!raigh!
an4 !he milk comes o! in a .o+er*l s!ream5The !+o o* s lie n4er !he one co+ an4 +ere
ha)ing a grea! !ime *illing orsel)es +i!h milk +hen !heres a roar an4 !heres a man +i!h a s!ick
charging across !he *iel45 Lere o)er !he +all in a min!e an4 he can! *ollo+ s "ecase o* his
r""er "oo!s5 He s!an4s a! !he +all an4 shakes his s!ick an4 sho!s !ha! i* he e)er ca!ches s
+ell ha)e !he leng!h o* his "oo! . or arses an4 +e lagh "ecase +ere o! o* harms +a/
an4 #m +on4ering +h/ an/one shol4 "e hngr/ in a +orl4 *ll o* milk an4 a..les5
#!s all righ! *or <a44/ !o sa/ 7o!!/ can sho)e !he a..le . his arse "! # 4on! +an! !o ro"
orchar4s an4 milk co+s *ore)er an4 #ll al+a/s !r/ !o +in 7o!!/s a..le .eel so !ha! # can go
home an4 !ell 7a4 ho+ # ans+ere4 !he har4 Kes!ions5
Lere +alking "ack !hrogh $allinacrra5Theres rain an4 ligh!ning an4 +e rn "! i!s har4 *or
me +i!h !he sole o* m/ shoe *la..ing an4 !hrea!ening !o !ri. me5 <a44/ can rn all he +an!s in
his long "are *ee! an4 /o hear !hem sla..ing on !he .a)emen!5 M/ shoes an4 s!ockings are
soake4 an4 !he/ make !heir o+n son4- sKish- sKish5 <a44/ no!ices !ha! an4 +e make a song
*rom or !+o son4s- sla. sla.- sKish- sKish- sla. sKish- sKish sla.5Le lagh so har4 o)er
or song +e ha)e !o hol4 %3%
on !o one ano!her5 The rain ge!s hea)ier an4 +e kno+ +e can! s!an4 n4er a !ree or +ell "e
*rie4 en!irel/ so +e s!an4 "/ a 4oor +hich is o.ene4 in a min!e "/ a "ig *a! mai4 in a li!!le
+hi!e ha! an4 a "lack 4ress +i!h a li!!le +hi!e a.ron +ho !ells s ge! a+a/ *rom !his 4oor +ere
a 4isgrace5Le rn *rom !he 4oor an4 <a44/ calls "ack- Mllingar hei*er- "ee* !o !he heels- an4
he laghs !ill he chokes an4 has !o lean agains! a +all +i!h !he +eakness5 Theres no sense in
s!an4ing in *rom !he rain an/more- +ere soake4 !o !he skin- so +e !ake or !ime 4o+n
OConnell A)ene5 <a44/ sa/s he learne4 !ha! Mllingar hei*er !hing *rom his ncle <e!er- !he
one !ha! +as in #n4ia in !he English arm/ an4 !he/ ha)e a .ho!o o* him s!an4ing +i!h a gro. o*
sol4iers +i!h !heir helme!s an4 gns an4 "an4oliers aron4 !heir ches!s an4 !here are 4ark men
in ni*orm +ho are #n4ians an4 lo/al !o !he King5 Uncle <e!er ha4 a grea! !ime *or himsel* in a
.lace calle4 Kashmir- +hich is lo)elier !han Killarne/ !ha! !he/re al+a/s "ragging a"o! an4
singing5 <a44/ goes on again a"o! rnning a+a/ an4 +in4ing . in #n4ia in a silken !en! +i!h
!he girl +i!h !he re4 4o! an4 !he crr/ an4 !he *igs an4 hes making me hngr/ e)en i* #m
s!**e4 +i!h a..les an4 milk5
The rain is clearing an4 !here are "ir4s honking o)er or hea4s5 <a44/ sa/s !he/re 4cks or
geese or some!hing on !heir +a/ !o A*rica +here i!s nice an4 +arm5The "ir4s ha)e more sense
!han !he #rish5The/ come !o !he Shannon *or !heir holi4a/s an4 !hen !he/ go "ack !o !he +arm
.laces- ma/"e e)en #n4ia5 He sa/s hell +ri!e me a le!!er +hen hes o)er !here an4 # can come
!o #n4ia an4 ha)e m/ o+n girl +i!h a re4 4o!5 Lha!s !ha! 4o! *or- <a44/N
#! sho+s !he/re high class- !he Kali!/5
$!- <a44/- +ol4 !he Kali!/ in #n4ia !alk !o /o i* !he/ kne+ /o +ere *rom a lane in Limerick
an4 ha4 no shoesN
Corse !he/ +ol4- "! !he English Kali!/ +ol4n!5The English Kali!/ +ol4n! gi)e /o !he
s!eam o* !heir .iss5
S!eam o* !heir .issN Go4- <a44/- 4i4 /o !hink o* !ha! /orsel* N
Na+- na+- !ha!s +ha! m/ *a!her sa/s "elo+ in !he "e4 +hen hes coghin . !he go"s an4
"lamin !he English *or e)er/!hing5 An4 # !hink- S!eam o* !heir .iss5 #ll kee. !ha! *or m/sel*5 #ll
go aron4 Limerick sa/ing i!- S!eam o* !heir .iss- S!eam o* !heir .iss- an4 +hen # go !o America
some 4a/ #ll "e !he onl/ one +ho kno+s i!5 Res!ion Rigle/ is +o""ling !o+ar4 s on a "ig
+omans "ic/cle an4 calls !o me- Hoi- Frankie McCor!- /ore going !o "e kille45 7o!!/ ONeill
sen! a no!e !o /or hose an4 sai4 /o 4i4n! come "ack !o %3&
school a*!er lnch- !ha! /o +en! on !he mooch +i!h <a44/ Clohess/5 ,or mo!her is going !o
kill /o5 ,or *a!her is o! looking *or /o an4 hes going !o kill /o- !oo5
Oh- Go4- # *eel col4 an4 em.!/ an4 # +ish # col4 "e in #n4ia +here i!s nice an4 +arm an4
!heres no school an4 m/ *a!her col4 ne)er *in4 me !o kill me5 <a44/ !ells !he Res!ion- He
4i4n! go on !he mooch an4 # 4i4n! ei!her5 Fin!an Sla!!er/ s!ar)e4 s !o 4ea!h an4 +e +ere !oo
la!e *or !he "n an4 !he milk5 Then <a44/ sa/s !o me- 7on! min4 em- Frankie- !is all a
co45The/re al+a/s sen4in no!es !o or hose an4 +e +i.e or arses +i!h !hem5
M/ mo!her an4 *a!her +ol4 ne)er +i.e !heir arses +i!h a no!e *rom !he mas!er an4 #m a*rai4
no+ !o go home5The Res!ion ri4es o** on !he "ic/cle- laghing- an4 # 4on! kno+ +h/ "ecase
he once ran a+a/ *rom home an4 sle.! in a 4i!ch +i!h *or goa!s an4 !ha!s +orse !han
mooching *rom school hal* a 4a/ an/!ime5
# col4 !rn . !he $arrack Roa4 no+ an4 go home an4 !ell m/ .aren!s #m sorr/ # +en! on !he
mooch an4 # 4i4 i! "ecase o* !he hnger "! <a44/ sa/s- Come on- +ell go 4o+n !he 7ock
Roa4 an4 !hro+ rocks in !he Shannon5
Le !hro+ rocks in !he ri)er an4 +e s+ing on !he iron chains along !he "ank5 #!s ge!!ing 4ark
an4 # 4on! kno+ +here #m going !o slee.5 # migh! ha)e !o s!a/ !here "/ !he Shannon or *in4 a
4oor or # migh! ha)e !o go "ack o! !he con!r/ an4 *in4 a 4i!ch like $ren4an Rigle/ +i!h *or
goa!s5 <a44/ sa/s # can go home +i!h him- # can slee. on !he *loor an4 #ll 4r/ o!5
<a44/ li)es in one o* !he !all hoses on Ar!hrs Ra/ looking a! !he ri)er5 E)er/one in Limerick
kno+s !hese hoses are ol4 an4 migh! *all 4o+n a! an/ min!e5 Mam o*!en sa/s- # 4on! +an!
an/ o* /e going 4o+n !o Ar!hrs Ra/ an4 i* # *in4 /e !here #ll "reak /eer *aces5The .eo.le
4o+n !here are +il4 an4 /e col4 ge! ro""e4 an4 kille45 #!s raining again an4 small chil4ren are
.la/ing in !he hall+a/ an4 . !he s!airs5 <a44/ sa/s- Min4 /orsel*- "ecase some o* !he s!e.s
are missing an4 !here is shi! on !he ones !ha! are s!ill !here5 He sa/s !ha!s "ecase !heres onl/
one .ri)/ an4 i!s in !he "ack/ar4 an4 chil4ren 4on! ge! 4o+n !he s!airs in !ime !o .! !heir
li!!le arses on !he "o+l- Go4 hel. s5
Theres a +oman +i!h a sha+l si!!ing on !he *or!h *ligh! smoking a cigare!!e5 She sa/s- #s !ha!
/o- <a44/N
Tis- Mamm/5
%3'
#m *agge4 o!- <a44/5 Them s!e.s is killin me5 7i4 /o ha)e /or !eaN
# 4i4n!5
Lell- # 4on! kno+ i* !heres an/ "rea4 le*!5 Go . an see5 <a44/s *amil/ li)e in one "ig room
+i!h a high ceiling an4 a small *ire.lace5There are !+o !all +in4o+s an4 /o can see o! !o !he
Shannon5 His *a!her is in a "e4 in !he corner- groaning an4 s.i!!ing in!o a "cke!5 <a44/s
"ro!hers an4 sis!ers are on ma!!resses on !he *loor- slee.ing- !alking- looking a! !he
ceiling5Theres a "a"/ +i!h no clo!hes cra+ling o)er !o <a44/s *a!hers "cke! an4 <a44/ .lls
him a+a/5 His mo!her comes in- gas.ing- *rom !he s!airs5 Pess- #m 4ea4- she sa/s5 She *in4s
some "rea4 an4 makes +eak !ea *or <a44/ an4 me5 # 4on! kno+ +ha! #m s..ose4 !o 4o5The/
4on! sa/ an/!hing5The/ 4on! sa/ +ha! are /o 4oing here or go home or an/!hing !ill Mr5
Clohess/ sa/s- Lhos !ha!N an4 <a44/ !ells him- Tis Frankie McCor!5 Mr5 Clohess/ sa/s-
McCor!N Lha! class o* a name is !ha!N
M/ *a!her is *rom !he Nor!h- Mr5 Clohess/5
An4 +ha!s /or mo!hers nameN
Angela- Mr5 Clohess/5
Ah- Pa/ss- !+ol4n! "e Angela Sheehan- +ol4 i!N
T+ol4- Mr5 Clohess/5
Ah- Pa/ss- he sa/s- an4 he has a coghing *i! +hich "rings . all kin4s o* s!** *rom his insi4es
an4 has him hanging o)er !he "cke!5 Lhen !he cogh .asses he *alls "ack on !he .illo+5 Ah-
Frankie- # kne+ /or mo!her +ell5 7ance4 +i!h her- Mo!her o Chris!- #m 4/ing insi4e- 4ance4
+i!h her # 4i4 "elo+ in !he Lem"le/ Hall an4 a cham.ion 4ancer she +as !oo5
He hangs o)er !he "cke! again5 He gas.s *or air an4 reaches his arms o! !o ge! i!5 He s**ers
"! he +on! s!o. !alking5 Cham.ion 4ancer she +as- Frankie5 No! skinn/ min4 /o "! a
*ea!her in m/ arms an4 !here +as man/ a sorr/ man +hen she le*! Limerick5 Can /o 4ance-
FrankieN
Ah- no- Mr5 Clohess/5
<a44/ sa/s- He can- 7a4a5 He ha4 !he lessons *rom Mrs5 OConnor an4 C/ril $enson5
Lell- 4ance- Frankie5 Ron4 !he hose an min4 !he 4resser- Frankie5 Li*! !he *oo!- la45
# can!- Mr5 Clohess/5 #m no goo45
%3B
No goo4N Angelas Sheehans sonN 7ance- Frankie- or #ll ge! o!a !his "e4 an +heel /o ron4
!he hose5
M/ shoe is "roken- Mr5 Clohess/5
Frankie- Frankie- /ore "ringin !he cogh on me5Lill /o 4ance *or !he lo)e o Pess so # can
remem"er me /o!h +i!h /or mo!her in !he Lem"le/ Hall5Take o** !he *eckin shoe- Frankie-
an 4ance5 # ha)e !o make . 4ances an4 !nes !o go +i!h !hem !he +a/ # 4i4 a long !ime ago
+hen # +as /ong5 # 4ance aron4 !he room +i!h one shoe "ecase # *orgo! !o !ake i! o**5 # !r/
!o make . +or4s- Oh- The Lalls o* Limerick are *alling 4o+n- *alling 4o+n- *alling 4o+n- The
Lalls o* Limerick *alling 4o+n an4 !he Ri)er Shannon kills s5 Mr5 Clohess/ is laghing in !he
"e45 Oh- Pa/ss- # ne)er hear4 likes o !ha! on lan4 or sea5Tha!s a grea! leg *or !he 4ancing /o
ha)e !here- Frankie5 Oh- Pa/ss5 He coghs an4 "rings . ro.es o* green an4 /ello+ s!**5 #!
makes me sick !o look a! i! an4 # +on4er i* # shol4 go home *rom all !his sickness an4 !his
"cke! an4 le! m/ .aren!s kill me i* !he/ +an! !o5
<a44/ lies 4o+n on a ma!!ress "/ !he +in4o+ an4 # lie "esi4e him5 # kee. m/ clo!hes on like
e)er/"o4/ else an4 # e)en *orge! !o !ake o** m/ o!her shoe- +hich is +e! an4 sKish/ an4 s!inks5
<a44/ *alls aslee. righ! a+a/ an4 # look a! his mo!her si!!ing "/ !he "i! o* a *ire smoking ano!her
cigare!!e5 <a44/s *a!her groans an4 coghs an4 s.i!s in!o !he "cke!5 He sa/s- Feckin "loo4-
an4 she sa/s-,oll ha)e !o go in!o !he sana!orim sooner or la!er5
# +ill no!5The 4a/ !he/ .! /o in !here is !he en4 o* /o5 ,o col4 "e gi)in !he consm.!ion
!o !he chil4ren5 # col4 ge! !he gar4s !o !ake /o a+a/ /ore !ha! mch o* a 4anger !o !he
chil4ren5 #* !he/ +ere !o ge! i! !he/4 ha)e i! "e no+5
The *ire 4ies an4 Mrs5 Clohess/ clim"s o)er him in!o !he "e45 #n a min!e shes snoring e)en i*
hes s!ill coghing an4 laghing a"o! !he 4a/s o* his /o!h +hen he 4ance4 +i!h Angela
Sheehan ligh! as a *ea!her in !he Lem"le/ Hall5
#!s col4 in !he room an4 #m shi)ering in m/ +e! clo!hes5 <a44/ is shi)ering !oo "! hes aslee.
an4 he 4oesn! kno+ hes col45 # 4on! kno+ i* # shol4 s!a/ here or ge! . an4 go home "!
+ho +an!s !o "e +an4ering !he s!ree!s +hen a gar4 migh! ask /o +ha! /ore 4oing o!5 #!s
m/ *irs! !ime a+a/ *rom m/ *amil/ an4 # kno+ #4 ra!her "e in m/ o+n hose +i!h !he smell/
la)a!or/ an4 s!a"le ne9! 4oor5 #!s "a4 +hen %3C
or ki!chen is a lake an4 +e ha)e !o go . !o #!al/ "! i!s +orse in !he Clohess/s +hen /o
ha)e !o go 4o+n *or *ligh!s !o !he la)a!or/ an4 sli. on shi! all !he +a/ 4o+n5 #4 "e "e!!er o**
+i!h *or goa!s in a 4i!ch5
# 4ri*! in an4 o! o* slee. "! # ha)e !o +ake . *or goo4 +hen Mrs5 Clohess/ goes aron4
.lling a! her *amil/ !o ge! !hem .5 The/ all +en! !o "e4 +i!h !heir clo!hes on so !he/ 4on!
ha)e !o ge! 4resse4 an4 !heres no *igh!ing5 The/ grm"le an4 rn o! !he 4oor !o ge!
4o+ns!airs !o !he "ack/ar4 la)a!or/5 # ha)e !o go !oo an4 # rn 4o+n +i!h <a44/ "! his sis!er
<egg/ is on !he "o+l an4 +e ha)e !o .iss agains! a +all5 She sa/s- #ll !ell Ma +ha! /e 4i4- an4
<a44/ sa/s- Shrr. or #ll .sh /o 4o+n in!o !ha! *eckin la)a!or/5 She Jm.s o** !he la)a!or/-
.lls her 4ra+ers . an4 rns . !he s!airs cr/ing- #ll !ell- #ll !ell- an4 +hen +e ge! "ack !o !he
room Mrs5 Clohess/ gi)es <a44/ a "el! on !he hea4 *or +ha! he 4i4 !o his .oor li!!le sis!er5
<a44/ sa/s no!hing "ecase Mrs5 Clohess/ is s.ooning .orri4ge in!o mgs an4 Jam Jars an4 one
"o+l an4 !elling s !o ea! . an4 go !o school5 She si!s a! !he !a"le ea!ing her .orri4ge5 Her hair
is gra/ "lack an4 4ir!/5 #! 4angles in !he "o+l an4 .icks . "i!s o* .orri4ge an4 4ro.s o* milk5The
chil4ren slr. !he .orri4ge an4 com.lain !he/ 4i4n! ge! enogh- !he/re s!ar)ing +i!h !he
hnger5 The/ ha)e sno!!/ noses an4 sore e/es an4 sca""/ knees5 Mr5 Clohess/ coghs an4
sKirms on !he "e4 an4 "rings . !he grea! go"s o* "loo4 an4 # rn o! o* !he room an4 .ke
on !he s!airs +here !heres a s!e. missing an4 !heres a sho+er o* .orri4ge an4 "i!s o* a..le !o
!he *loor "elo+ +here .eo.le go "ack an4 *or!h !o !he la)a!or/ in !he /ar45 <a44/ comes 4o+n
an4 sa/s- Sre !ha!s all righ!5 E)er/+an ge!s sick an shi!s on !hem s!airs an !he +hole *eckin
.lace is *alling 4o+n an/+a/5
# 4on! kno+ +ha! #m s..ose4 !o 4o no+5 #* # go "ack !o school #ll "e kille4 an4 +h/ shol4 #
go "ack !o school or go home !o ge! kille4 +hen # can go o! !he roa4 an4 li)e on milk an4
a..les !he res! o* m/ li*e !ill # go !o America5 <a44/ sa/s- Come on5 School is all a co4 an/+a/
an !he mas!ers is all ma4men5
Theres a knock a! !he Clohess/s 4oor an4 i!s Mam hol4ing m/ li!!le "ro!her- Michael- "/ !he
han4- an4 Gar4 7enneh/- +ho is in charge o* school a!!en4ance5 Mam sees me an4 sa/s-Lha!
are /o 4oing +i!h one shoe onN an4 Gar4 7enneh/ sa/s-Ah- no+- misss- # !hink a more
im.or!an! Kes!ion +ol4 "e- Lha! are /o 4oing +i!h one shoe o**- ha- ha5
%33
Michael rns !o me5 Mamm/ +as cr/ing5 Mamm/ +as cr/ing *or /o- Frankie5
She sa/s-Lhere +ere /o all nigh!N
# +as here5
,o ha4 me 4emen!e45,or *a!her +alke4 e)er/ s!ree! in Limerick looking *or /o5
Mr5 Clohess/ sa/s-Lhos a! !he 4oorN
#!s m/ mo!her- Mr5 Clohess/5
Go4 a"o)e- is !ha! AngelaN
Tis- Mr5 Clohess/5
He s!rggles . on his el"o+s5 Lell- *or !he lo)e o* Go4- +ill /o come in- Angela5 7on! /o
kno+ meN
Mam looks .IIle45 #!s 4ark in !he room an4 she !ries !o make o! +ho is in !he "e45 He sa/s-
Tis me- 7ennis Clohess/- Angela5 Ah- no5
Tis- Angela5
Ah- no5
# kno+-Angela5 #m change45The cogh is killin me5 $! # remem"er !he nigh!s a! !he Lem"le/
Hall5A+- Pa/ss- /o +ere a grea! 4ancer5 Nigh!s a! !he Lem"le/ Hall- Angela- an4 !he *ish an4
chi.s a*!er5 Oh- "o/s- oh- "o/s- Angela5
M/ mo!her has !ears rnning 4o+n her *ace5 She sa/s-,o +ere a grea! 4ancer /orsel*- 7ennis
Clohess/5
Le col4 ha)e +on com.e!i!ions- Angela5 Fre4 an4 Ginger +ol4 ha)e "een lookin o)er !heir
shol4ers "! /o ha4 !o rn o** !o America5 A+- Pa/ss5 He has ano!her coghing *i! an4 +e
ha)e !o s!an4 an4 +a!ch him hang o)er !he "cke! again an4 "ring . !he "a4 s!** *rom his
insi4es5 Gar4 7enneh/ sa/s- # !hink- misss- +e *on4 !he "/ an #ll "e going5 He sa/s !o me- #*
/o e)er go on !he mooch again- "/- +ell ha)e /o in !he Jail a"o)e5 Are /o lis!enin !o me-
"/N
# am- Gar45
7on! "e !ormen!in /or mo!her- "/5 Tha!s +an !hing !he gar4s +on! .! . +i!h- !he
!ormen!in o* mo!hers5
# +on!- Gar45 # +on! !ormen! her5
He lea)es an4 Mam goes !o !he "e4 !o !ake Mr5 Clohess/s han45 His *ace is ca)e4 in all aron4
his e/es an4 his hair is shin/ "lack +i!h !he s+ea! rnning *rom !he !o. o* his hea45 His chil4ren
s!an4 aron4 !he "e4 looking a! him an4 looking a! Mam5 Mrs5 Clohess/ si!s "/ %3E
!he *ire ra!!ling !he .oker in !he gra!e an4 .shing !he "a"/ a+a/ *rom !he *ire5 She sa/s- Tis
his o+n "loo4/ *al! *or no! goin in!o hos.i!al- so !is5 Mr5 Clohess/ gas.s- #4 "e all righ! i* #
col4 li)e in a 4r/ .lace5 Angela- is America a 4r/ .laceN
Tis- 7ennis5
The 4oc!or !ol4 me go !o AriIona5 A *nn/ man !ha! 4oc!or5 AriIona ho+ are /o5 # 4on! ha)e
!he mone/ !o go aron4 !he corner *or a .in!5
Mam sa/s-,oll "e all righ!- 7ennis5 #ll ligh! a can4le *or /o5 Sa)e /or mone/- Angela5 M/
4ancin 4a/s are 4one5
# ha)e !o go no+- 7ennis5 M/ son has !o go !o school5 $e*ore /o go- Angela- +ill /o 4o one
!hing *or meN
# +ill- 7ennis- i* !is in m/ .o+er5
Lol4 /o e)er gi)e s a )erse o* !ha! song /o sang !he nigh! "e*ore /o +en! !o AmericaN
Tha!s a har4 song- 7ennis5 # +ol4n! ha)e !he +in4 *or i!5 Ah- come on- Angela5 # ne)er hear a
song an/more5 There isn! a song in !his hose5The +i*e !here 4oesn! ha)e a no!e in her hea4
an
no s!e. in her *oo!5
Mam sa/s- All righ!5 #ll !r/5
Oh- !he nigh!s o* !he Kerr/ 4ancing- Oh- !he ring o* !he .i.ers !ne-Oh- *or one o* !hose hors o*
gla4ness- gone- alas- like or /o!h !oo soon5Lhen !he "o/s "egan !o ga!her in !he glen o* a
Smmer nigh!-An4 !he Kerr/ .i.ers !ning ma4e s long +i!h +il4 4eligh!5 She s!o.s an4
.resses her han4 !o her ches!- Oh- Go4- m/ +in4 is gone5 Hel. me- Frank- +i!h !he song- an4 #
sing along- Oh- !o !hink o* i!- Oh- !o 4ream o* i!- *ills m/ hear! +i!h !ears5Oh- !he nigh!s o* !he
Kerr/ 4ancing- Oh- !he ring o* !he .i.ers !neOh- *or one o* !hose hors o* gla4ness- gone- alas-
like or /o!h !oo soon5 Mr5 Clohess/ !ries !o sing +i!h s- gone- alas- like or /o!h !oo soon-
"! i! "rings on !he cogh5 He shakes his hea4 an4 cries- # +ol4n! 4o"! /o- Angela5 #! !akes
me "ack5 Go4 "less /o5 Go4 "less /o- !oo- 7ennis- an4 !hanks- Mrs5 Clohess/- *or ha)ing
Frankie here o** !he s!ree!s5
%3D
T+as no !ro"le- Mrs5 McCor!5 Hes Kie! enogh5
Rie! enogh- sa/s Mr5 Clohess/- "! hes no! !he 4ancer his mo!her +as5
Mam sa/s- Tis har4 !o 4ance +i!h one shoe- 7ennis5
# kno+- Angela- "! /o4 +on4er +h/ he 4i4n! !ake i! o**5 #s he a "i! s!rangeN
Ah- some!imes he has !he o44 manner like his *a!her5 Oh- /es5 The *a!her is *rom !he Nor!h-
Angela- an4 !ha! +ol4 accon! *or i!5 The/4 !hink no!hing o* 4ancing +i!h one shoe in !he
Nor!h5
Le +alk . <a!rick S!ree! an4 OConnell S!ree!- <a44/ Clohess/ an4 Mam an4 Michael an4
m/sel*- an4 Mam so"s all !he +a/5 Michael sa/s- 7on! cr/- Mamm/5 Frankie +on! rn a+a/5
She li*!s him . an4 hgs him5 Oh- no- Michael- !isn! Frankie #m cr/ing a"o!5 Tis 7ennis
Clohess/ an4 !he 4ancing nigh!s a! !he Lem"le/ Hall an4 !he *ish an4 chi.s a*!er5 She comes
in!o !he school +i!h s5 Mr5 ONeill looks cross an4 !ells s si! 4o+n hell "e +i!h s in a min!e5
He !alks a long !ime a! !he 4oor +i!h m/ mo!her an4 +hen she lea)es he +alks "e!+een !he
sea!s an4 .a!s <a44/ Clohess/ on !he hea45
#m )er/ sorr/ *or !he Clohess/s an4 all !heir !ro"les "! # !hink !he/ sa)e4 me *rom ge!!ing
in!o !ro"le +i!h m/ mo!her5 %31
O##
There are Thrs4a/s +hen 7a4 ge!s his 4ole mone/ a! !he La"or E9change an4 a man migh!
sa/-Lill +e go *or a .in!- Malach/N an4 7a4 +ill sa/- One- onl/ one- an4 !he man +ill sa/- Oh-
Go4- /es- one- an4 "e*ore !he nigh! is o)er all !he mone/ is gone an4 7a4 comes home singing
an4 ge!!ing s o! o* "e4 !o line . an4 .romise !o 4ie *or #relan4 +hen !he call comes5 He e)en
ge!s Michael . an4 hes onl/ !hree "! !here he is singing an4 .romising !o 4ie *or #relan4 a!
!he *irs! o..or!ni!/5Tha!s +ha! 7a4 calls i!- !he *irs! o..or!ni!/5 #m nine an4 Malach/ is
eigh! an4 +e kno+ all !he songs5 Le sing all !he )erses o* Ke)in $arr/ an4 Ro44/ McCorle/-
SThe Les!s Aslee.-T SO7onnell A"-TSThe $o/s o* Le9*or45T Le sing an4 .romise !o 4ie
"ecase /o ne)er kno+ +hen 7a4 migh! ha)e a .enn/ or !+o le*! o)er *rom !he 4rinking an4
i* he gi)es i! !o s +e can rn !o Ka!hleen OConnells ne9! 4a/ *or !o**ee5 Some nigh!s he sa/s
Michael is !he "es! singer o* all an4 he gi)es him !he .enn/5 Malach/ an4 # +on4er +ha!s !he
se o* "eing eigh! an4 nine an4 kno+ing all !he songs an4 rea4/ !o 4ie +hen Michael ge!s !he
.enn/ so !ha! he can go !o !he sho. ne9! 4a/ an4 s!** his go" +i!h !o**ee galore5 No one can
ask him !o 4ie *or #relan4 a! !he age o* !hree- no! e)en <a4raig <earse- +ho +as sho! "/ !he
English in 7"lin in %1%3 an4 e9.ec!e4 !he +hole +orl4 !o 4ie +i!h him5 $esi4es- Mike/
Mollo/s *a!her sai4 an/one +ho +an!s !o 4ie *or #re%E(
lan4 is a 4onke/s arse5 Men ha)e "een 4/ing *or #relan4 since !he "eginning o* !ime an4 look a!
!he s!a!e o* !he con!r/5 #!s "a4 enogh !ha! 7a4 loses Jo"s in !he !hir4 +eek "! no+ he
4rinks all !he 4ole mone/ once a mon!h5 Mam ge!s 4es.era!e an4 in !he morning she has !he
"i!!er *ace an4 she +on! !alk !o him5 He has his !ea an4 lea)es !he hose earl/ *or !he long
+alk in!o !he con!r/5Lhen he re!rns in !he e)ening she s!ill +on! !alk !o him an4 she +on!
make his !ea5 #* !he *ire is 4ea4 *or !he +an! o* coal or !r* an4 !heres no +a/ o* "oiling +a!er
*or !he !ea- he sa/s- Och- a/e- an4 4rinks +a!er o! o* a Jam Jar an4 smacks his li.s !he +a/ he
+ol4 +i!h a .in! o* .or!er5 He sa/s goo4 +a!er is all a man nee4s an4 Mam makes a snor!ing
son45Lhen shes no! !alking !o him !he hose is hea)/ an4 col4 an4 +e kno+ +ere no!
s..ose4 !o !alk !o him ei!her *or *ear shell gi)e s !he "i!!er look5Le kno+ 7a4 has 4one !he
"a4 !hing an4 +e kno+ /o can make an/one s**er "/ no! !alking !o him5 E)en li!!le Michael
kno+s !ha! +hen 7a4 4oes !he "a4 !hing /o 4on! !alk !o him *rom Fri4a/ !o Mon4a/ an4
+hen he !ries !o li*! /o !o his la. /o rn !o Mam5
#m nine /ears ol4 an4 # ha)e a .al- Micke/ S.ellac/- +hose rela!ions are 4ro..ing one "/ one o*
!he gallo.ing consm.!ion5 # en)/ Micke/ "ecase e)er/ !ime someone 4ies in his *amil/ he
ge!s a +eek o** *rom school an4 his mo!her s!i!ches a "lack 4iamon4 .a!ch on his slee)e so !ha!
he can +an4er *rom lane !o lane an4 s!ree! !o s!ree! an4 .eo.le +ill kno+ he has !he grie* an4
.a! his hea4 an4 gi)e him mone/ an4 s+ee!s *or his sorro+5
$! !his smmer Micke/ is +orrie45 His sis!er- $ren4a- is +as!ing a+a/ +i!h !he consm.!ion
an4 i!s onl/ Ags! an4 i* she 4ies "e*ore Se.!em"er he +on! ge! his +eek o** *rom school
"ecase /o can! ge! a +eek o** *rom school +hen !heres no school5 He comes !o $ill/
Cam."ell an4 me !o ask i* +ell go aron4 !he corner !o S!5 Pose.hs Chrch an4 .ra/ *or $ren4a
!o hang on !ill Se.!em"er5 Lha!s in i! *or s- Micke/- i* +e go aron4 !he corner .ra/ingN
Lell- i* $ren4a hangs on an4 # ge! me +eek o** /e can come !o !he +ake an4 ha)e ham an4
cheese an4 cake an4 sherr/ an4 lemona4e an4 e)er/!hing an4 /e can lis!en !o !he songs an4
s!ories all nigh!5 Lho col4 sa/ no !o !ha!N Theres no!hing like a +ake *or ha)ing a %E%
goo4 !ime5Le !ro! aron4 !o !he chrch +here !he/ ha)e s!a!es o* S!5 Pose.h himsel* as +ell
as !he Sacre4 Hear! o* Pess- !he Oirgin Mar/ an4 S!5 ThVrWse o* Lisie9- !he Li!!le Flo+er5 # .ra/
!o !he Li!!le Flo+er "ecase she 4ie4 o* !he consm.!ion hersel* an4 she4 n4ers!an45 One o*
or .ra/ers ms! ha)e "een .o+er*l "ecase $ren4a s!a/s ali)e an4 4oesn! 4ie !ill !he secon4
4a/ o* school5Le !ell Micke/ +ere sorr/ *or his !ro"les "! hes 4eligh!e4 +i!h his +eek o**
an4 he ge!s !he "lack 4iamon4 .a!ch +hich +ill "ring !he mone/ an4 s+ee!s5 M/ mo!h is
+a!ering a! !he !hogh! o* !he *eas! a! $ren4as +ake5 $ill/ knocks on !he 4oor an4 !heres
Micke/s an!5LellN
Le came !o sa/ a .ra/er *or $ren4a an4 Micke/ sai4 +e col4 come !o !he +ake5
She /ells- Micke/Q
Lha!N
Come here5 7i4 /o !ell !his gang !he/ col4 come !o /or sis!ers +akeN
No5
$!- Micke/- /o .romise4 5 5 5
She slams !he 4oor in or *aces5Le 4on! kno+ +ha! !o 4o !ill $ill/ Cam."ell sa/s- Lell go "ack
!o S!5 Pose.hs an4 .ra/ !ha! *rom no+ on e)er/one in Micke/ S.ellac/s *amil/ +ill 4ie in !he
mi44le o* !he smmer an4 hell ne)er ge! a 4a/ o** *rom school *or !he res! o* his li*e5
One o* or .ra/ers is srel/ .o+er*l "ecase ne9! smmer Micke/ himsel* is carrie4 o** "/ !he
gallo.ing consm.!ion an4 he 4oesn! ge! a 4a/ o** *rom school an4 !ha! +ill srel/ !each him a
lesson5 <ro44/ Lo44/ ring !he "ell-
No! *or hea)en "! *or hell5
On Sn4a/ mornings in Limerick # +a!ch !hem go !o chrch- !he <ro!es!an!s- an4 # *eel sorr/ *or
!hem- es.eciall/ !he girls- +ho are so lo)el/- !he/ ha)e sch "ea!i*l +hi!e !ee!h5 # *eel sorr/
*or !he "ea!i*l <ro!es!an! girls- !he/re 4oome45Tha!s +ha! !he .ries!s !ell s5 O!si4e !he
Ca!holic Chrch !here is no sal)a!ion5 O!si4e !he Ca!holic Chrch !here is no!hing "!
4oom5An4 # +an! !o sa)e !hem5 <ro!es!an! girl- come +i!h me !o !he Tre Chrch5 ,oll "e
sa)e4 an4 /o +on! ha)e !he 4oom5 A*!er Mass on Sn4a/ # go +i!h m/ *rien4 $ill/ %E&
Cam."ell !o +a!ch !hem .la/ croKe! on !he lo)el/ la+n "esi4e !heir chrch on $arring!on
S!ree!5 CroKe! is a <ro!es!an! game5The/ hi! !he "all +i!h !he malle!- .ock an4 .ock again- an4
lagh5 # +on4er ho+ !he/ can lagh or 4on! !he/ e)en kno+ !he/re 4oome4N # *eel sorr/ *or
!hem an4 # sa/- $ill/- +ha!s !he se o* .la/ing croKe! +hen /ore 4oome4N
He sa/s- Frankie- +ha!s !he se o* no! .la/ing croKe! +hen /ore 4oome4N
Gran4ma sa/s !o Mam- ,or "ro!her <a!- "a4 leg an all- +as selling .a.ers all o)er Limerick "/
!he !ime he +as eigh! an4 !ha! Frank o* /ors is "ig an4 gl/ enogh !o +ork5
$! hes onl/ nine an4 s!ill in school5
School5 Tis school !ha! has him !he +a/ he is !alkin "ack an goin
aron4 +i!h !he sor .ss an !he o44 manner like his *a!her5 He col4 ge! o! an hel. .oor
<a! o* a Fri4a/ nigh! +hen !he Limerick Lea4er is a !on +eigh!5 He col4 rn . !he long
gar4en .a!hs o* !he Kali!/ an
sa)e <a!s .oor legs an earn a *e+ .ennies in!o !he "argain5 He has !o go !o !he Con*ra!erni!/
on Fri4a/ nigh!s5
Ne)er min4 !he Con*ra!erni!/5 Theres no!hin in !he ca!echism a"o! con*ra!erni!ies5
# mee! Uncle <a! a! !he Limerick Lea4er on Fri4a/ e)ening a! *i)e5 The man han4ing o! !he
.a.ers sa/s m/ arms are !ha! skinn/ #4 "e lck/ !o carr/ !+o s!am.s "! Uncle <a! s!icks eigh!
.a.ers n4er each arm5 He !ells me- #ll kill /o i* /o 4ro. em *or !is raining a"roa4- .el!ing
o! o* !he hea)ens5 He !ells me hg !he +alls going . OConnell S!ree! !o kee. !he .a.ers 4r/5
#m !o rn in +here !heres a 4eli)er/- clim" !he o!si4e s!e.s- in !he 4oor- . !he s!airs- /ell
<a.er- ge! !he mone/ !he/ o+e him *or !he +eek- 4o+n !he s!airs- gi)e him !he mone/ an4 on
!o !he ne9! s!o.5 Cs!omers gi)e him !i.s *or his !ro"les an4 he kee.s !hem *or himsel*5
Le make or +a/ . OConnell A)ene- o! $allinacrra- in "/ !he So!h Circlar Roa4- 4o+n
Henr/ S!ree! an4 "ack !o !he o**ice *or more .a.ers5 Uncle <a! +ears a ca. an4 a !hing like a
co+"o/ .oncho !o kee. his .a.ers 4r/ "! he com.lains his *ee! are killing him an4 +e s!o. in a
." *or a .in! *or his .oor *ee!5 Uncle <a Kea!ing is !here all "lack an4 ha)ing a .in! an4 he sa/s
!o Uncle <a!- A"- are /o going %E'
!o le! !ha! "o/ s!an4 !here +i!h his *ace hanging o! *or !he +an! o* a lemona4eN
Uncle <a! sa/s-LhaN an4 Uncle <a Kea!ing ge!s im.a!ien!5 Chris!- hes 4ragging /or *eckin
.a.ers all o)er Limerick an4 /o can!?Oh- ne)er min45Timm/- gi)e !he chil4 a lemona4e5
Frankie- 4on! /o ha)e a raincoa! a! homeN
No- Uncle <a5
,ore no! s..ose4 !o "e o! in !his +ea!her5 ,ore 4renche4 en!irel/5Lho sen! /o o! in
!his mckN
Gran4ma sai4 # ha4 !o hel. Uncle <a! "ecase o* his "a4 leg5 Corse she 4i4- !he ol "i!ch- "!
4on! !ell !hem # sai4 !ha!5 Uncle <a! is s!rggling o** !he sea! an4 ga!hering . his .a.ers5 Come
on- !is ge!!in 4ark5
He ho""les along !he s!ree!s calling- Anna Lie S+ee!s Lie- +hich 4oesn! son4 a "i! like
Limerick Lea4er an4 i! 4oesn! ma!!er "ecase e)er/one kno+s !his is A" Sheehan !ha! +as
4ro..e4 on his hea45 Here- A"- gi)e s a Lea4er- ho+s /or .oor leg- kee. !he change an ge!
/orsel* a *ag *or !is an a+*l *eckin nigh! !o "e o! sellin !he *eckin .a.ers5 Tanks- sa/s A"-
m/ ncle5Tanks- !anks- !anks- an4 i!s har4 !o kee. . +i!h him on !he s!ree!s "a4 as his leg is5
He sa/s- Ho+ man/ Lea4ers ha)e /o n4er /or o9!erN
One- Uncle <a!5
Take !ha! Lea4er in !o Mr5 Timone/5 He o+es me *or a *or!nigh! no+5 Ge! !ha! mone/ an
!heres a !i.5 Hes a goo4 man *or !he !i. an
4on! "e sho)in i! in /or .ocke! like /or cosin Gerr/5 Sho)e4 i! in his .ocke!- !he li!!le
"gger5
# "ang on !he 4oor +i!h !he knocker an4 !heres a grea! ho+l *rom a 4og so "ig he makes !he
4oor shake5A mans )oice sa/s- Macshla- Ki! !he "loo4/ racke! or #ll gi)e /o a goo4 *ong in
!he arse *or /orsel*5 The racke! s!o.s- !he 4oor o.ens an4 !he man is !here- +hi!e hair- !hick
glasses- +hi!e s+ea!er- a s!ick in his han45 He sa/s-Lho is i!N Lho 4o +e ha)eN
The .a.er- Mr5Timone/5
Le 4on! ha)e A" Sheehan here- 4o +eN
#m his ne.he+- sir5
#s i! Gerr/ Sheehan +e ha)e hereN
No- sir5 #m Frank McCor!5
Ano!her ne.he+N 7oes he make !hemN #s !here a li!!le ne.he+ *ac%EB
!or/ in !he "ack/ar4N Heres !he mone/ *or !he *or!nigh! an4 gi)e me !he .a.er or kee. i!5
Lha!s !he seN # can! rea4 an/more an4 Mrs5 Minihan !ha!s s..ose4 !o rea4 !o me 4i4n!
come5 Legless +i!h !he sherr/- !ha!s +ha! she is5Lha!s /or nameN
Frank- sir5
Can /o rea4N
# can- sir5
7o /o +an! !o earn a si9.enceN
# 4o- sir5
Come here !omorro+5,or name is Francis- isn! i!N
Frank- sir5
,or name is Francis5 There +as ne)er a S!5 Frank5 Tha!s a name *or gangs!ers an4 .oli!icians5
Come here !omorro+ a! ele)en an4 rea4 !o me5
# +ill- sir5
Are /o sre /o can rea4N
# am- sir5
,o can call me Mr5Timone/5
# +ill- Mr5Timone/5
Uncle <a! is mm"ling a! !he ga!e- r""ing his leg5 Lheres me mone/ an /ore no! s..ose4
!o "e cha!!in +i!h !he cs!omers an me here +i!h !he leg 4es!ro/e4 "e !he rain5 He has !o s!o.
a! !he ." a! <nchs Cross !o ha)e a .in! *or !he 4es!ro/e4 leg5A*!er !he .in! he sa/s he can!
+alk ano!her inch an4 +e ge! on a "s5 The con4c!or sa/s- Fares- .lease- *ares- "! Uncle <a!
sa/s- Go +a/ an 4on! "e "o!herin
me- can! /o see !he s!a!e o me legN
Oh- all righ!- A"- all righ!5
The "s s!o.s a! !he OConnell Monmen! an4 Uncle <a! goes !o !he Monmen! Fish an4 Chi.
Ca*V +here !he smells are so 4elicios m/ s!omach "ea!s +i!h !he hnger5 He ge!s a shillings
+or!h o* *ish an4 chi.s an4 m/ mo!h is +a!ering "! +hen +e ge! !o Gran4mas 4oor he gi)es
me a !hree.enn/ "i!- !ells me mee! him again ne9! Fri4a/ an4 go home no+ !o m/ mo!her5
The 4og Macshla is l/ing o!si4e Mr5 Timone/s 4oor an4 +hen # o.en !he li!!le gar4en ga!e !o
go . !he .a!h she rshes a! me an4 knocks me "ack o! on !he .a)emen! an4 she4 ea! m/
*ace i* Mr5Tim%EC
one/ 4i4n! come o! an4 *lail a! her +i!h his s!ick an4 /ell- Come in o! o* i!- /e hoor- /e
o)ergro+n man:ea!in "i!ch5 7i4n! /o ha)e /or "reak*as!- /o hoorN Are /o all righ!-
FrancisN Come in5 Tha! 4og is a righ! Hin4- so she is- an4 !ha!s +here # *on4 her mo!her
+an4ering aron4 $angalore5 #* e)er /ore ge!!ing a 4og- Francis- make sre i!s a $44his!5
Goo4:na!re4 4ogs- !he $44his!s5 Ne)er- ne)er ge! a Mahomme4an5 The/ll ea! /o slee.ing5
Ne)er a Ca!holic 4og5 The/ll ea! /o e)er/ 4a/ incl4ing Fri4a/s5 Si! 4o+n an4 rea4 !o me5
The Limerick Lea4er- Mr5Timone/N
No- no! !he "loo4/ Limerick Lea4er5 # +ol4n! +i.e !he hole o* m/ arse +i!h !he Limerick
Lea4er5 Theres a "ook o)er !here on !he !a"le- Glli)ers Tra)els5 Tha!s no! +ha! # +an! /o
!o rea45 Look in !he "ack *or ano!her !hing- A Mo4es! <ro.osal5 Rea4 !ha! !o me5 #! "egins- #! is
a melanchol/ o"Jec! !o !hose +ho +alk 5 5 5 7o /o ha)e !ha!N # ha)e !he +hole "loo4/ !hing in
m/ hea4 "! # s!ill +an! /o !o rea4 !o me5 He s!o.s me a*!er !+o or !hree .ages5 ,ore a goo4
rea4er5 An4 +ha! 4o /o !hink o* !ha!- Francis- !ha! a /ong heal!h/ chil4 +ell nrse4 is a! a
/ear ol4 a mos! 4elicios- norishing- an4 +holesome *oo4- +he!her s!e+e4- roas!e4- "ake4- or
"oile4- ehN Macshla +ol4 lo)e a 4inner o* a nice .lm. #rish in*an!- +ol4n! /o- /o ol
hoorN
He gi)es me si9.ence- an4 !ells me re!rn ne9! Sa!r4a/5 Mam is 4eligh!e4 # earne4 si9.ence
*or rea4ing !o Mr5 Timone/ an4 +ha! +as i! he +an!e4 rea4- !he Limerick Lea4erN # !ell her #
ha4 !o rea4 A Mo4es! <ro.osal *rom !he "ack o* Glli)ers Tra)els an4 she sa/s- Tha!s all
righ!- !is onl/ a chil4rens "ook5 ,o4 e9.ec! him !o +an! some!hing s!range *or hes a li!!le o**
in !he hea4 a*!er /ears in !he sn in !he English arm/ in #n4ia an4 !he/ sa/ he +as marrie4 !o
one o* !hem #n4ian +omen an4 she +as acci4en!all/ sho! "/ a sol4ier 4ring some class o* a
4is!r"ance5 Tha!s !he kin4 o* !hing !ha! +ol4 4ri)e /o !o chil4rens "ooks5 She kno+s !his
Mrs5 Minihan +ho li)es ne9! 4oor !o Mr5 Timone/ an4 se4 !o clean hose "! col4n! s!an4 i!
an/more !he +a/ he laghe4 a! !he Ca!holic Chrch an4 sai4 one mans sin +as ano!her mans
rom.5 Mrs5 Minihan 4i4n! min4 !he o44 4ro. o* sherr/ o* a Sa!r4a/ morning "! !hen he !rie4
!o !rn her in!o a $44his!- +hich he sai4 he +as himsel* an4 !he #rish +ol4 "e mch "e!!er
o** in general i* !he/ sa! n4er a !ree an4 +a!che4 !he Ten Comman4men!s an4 !he Se)en
7ea4l/ Sins *loa! 4o+n !he Shannon an4 *ar o! !o sea5
%E3
The ne9! Fri4a/ 7eclan Collo./ *rom !he Con*ra!erni!/ sees me on !he s!ree! 4eli)ering !he
.a.ers +i!h m/ ncle <a! Sheehan5 Hoi- Frankie McCor!- +ha! are /o 4oin +i!h A" SheehanN
Hes m/ ncle5
,ore s..ose4 !o "e a! !he Con*ra!erni!/5
#m +orking- 7eclan5
,ore no! s..ose4 !o "e +orking5 ,ore no! e)en !en an4 /ore 4es!ro/in !he .er*ec!
a!!en4ance in or sec!ion5 #* /ore no! !here ne9! Fri4a/ #ll gi)e /o a goo4 !hm. in !he go"-
4o /o hear meN
Uncle <a! sa/s- Go +a/- go +a/- or #ll +alk on /o5 Ah- sh! .- Mr5 S!.i4 !ha! +as 4ro..e4
on /or hea45 He .shes Uncle <a! on !he shol4er an4 knocks him "ack agains! !he +all5 # 4ro.
!he .a.ers an4 rn a! him "! he s!e.s asi4e an4 .nches me on !he "ack o* !he neck an4 m/
*orehea4 is ramme4 in!o !he +all an4 i! .!s me in sch a rage # can! see him an/more5 # go a!
him +i!h arms an4 legs an4 i* # col4 !ear his *ace o** +i!h m/ !ee!h # +ol4 "! he has long
arms like a gorilla an4 he Js! kee.s .shing me a+a/ so !ha! # can! !och him5 He sa/s-,o
ma4 *eckin eeJi!5 #ll 4es!ro/ /o in !he Con*ra!erni!/- an4 he rns a+a/5 Uncle <a! sa/s-,o
shol4n! "e *igh!in like !ha! an /o 4ro..e4 all me .a.ers an some o !hem is +e! an ho+
am # s..ose4 !o sell +e! .a.ers- an4 # +an!e4 !o Jm. on him !oo an4 hi! him *or !alking
a"o! .a.ers a*!er # s!oo4 . !o 7eclan Collo./5
A! !he en4 o* !he nigh! he gi)es me !hree chi.s *rom his "ag an4 si9.ence ins!ea4 o*
!hree.ence5 He com.lains i!s !oo mch mone/ an4 i!s all m/ mo!hers *al! *or going on !o
Gran4ma a"o! !he lo+ .a/5 Mam is 4eligh!e4 #m ge!!ing si9.ence on Fri4a/s *rom Uncle <a!
an4 si9.ence on Sa!r4a/s *rom Mr5Timone/5 A shilling a +eek makes a "ig 4i**erence an4 she
gi)es me !..ence !o see !he 7ea4 En4 Ki4s a! !he L/ric a*!er #m *inishe4 !he rea4ing5
Ne9! morning Mr5Timone/ sa/s-Lai! !ill +e ge! !o Glli)er- Francis5 ,oll kno+ Pona!han S+i*!
is !he grea!es! #rish +ri!er !ha! e)er li)e4- no- !he grea!es! man !o .! .en !o .archmen!5 A
gian! o* a man- Francis5 He laghs all !hrogh A Mo4es! <ro.osal an4 /o4 +on4er +ha! hes
laghing a! +hen i!s all a"o! cooking #rish "a"ies5 He sa/s-,oll lagh +hen /o gro+ .-
Francis5
,ore no! s..ose4 !o !alk "ack !o gro+n:.s "! Mr5 Timone/ is 4i**eren! an4 he 4oesn!
min4 +hen # sa/- Mr5 Timone/- "ig .eo.le are al+a/s !elling s !ha!5 Oh- /oll lagh +hen /o
gro+ .5 %EE
,oll n4ers!an4 +hen /o gro+ .5 E)er/!hing +ill come +hen /o gro+ .5
He le!s o! sch a roar o* a lagh # !hink hes going !o colla.se5 Oh- Mo!her o Go4-
Francis5,ore a !reasre5Lha!s . +i!h /oN 7o /o ha)e a "ee . /or arseN Tell me +ha!s
.5
No!hing- Mr5Timone/5
# !hink /o ha)e !he long .ss- Francis- an4 # +ish # col4 see i!5 Go o)er !o !he mirror on !he
+all- Sno+ Lhi!e- an4 !ell me i* /o ha)e !he long .ss5 Ne)er min45 Ps! !ell me +ha!s .5
7eclan Collo./ +as a! me las! nigh! an4 # go! in!o a *igh!5 He makes me !ell him a"o! !he
Con*ra!erni!/ an4 7eclan an4 m/ ncle <a! Sheehan- +ho +as 4ro..e4 on his hea4- an4 !hen
he !ells me he kno+s m/ ncle <a Kea!ing- +ho +as gasse4 in !he +ar an4 +orks in !he gas
+orks5 He sa/s- <a Kea!ing is a Je+el o* a man5An4 #ll !ell /o +ha! #ll 4o- Francis5 #ll !alk !o <a
Kea!ing an4 +ell go !o !he cra+!hm.ers a! !he Con*ra!erni!/5 #m a $44his! m/sel* an4 #
4on! hol4 +i!h *igh!ing "! # ha)en! los! i!5 The/re no! going !o in!er*ere +i!h m/ li!!le rea4er-
oh- "/ Pess- no5
Mr5Timone/ is an ol4 man "! he !alks like a *rien4 an4 # can sa/ +ha! # *eel5 7a4 +ol4 ne)er
!alk !o me like Mr5 Timone/5 He4 sa/- Och- a/e- an4 go *or a long +alk5
Uncle <a! Sheehan !ells Gran4ma he 4oesn! +an! me !o hel. +i!h !he .a.ers an/more- he can
ge! ano!her "o/ mch chea.er an4 he !hinks # shol4 "e gi)ing him some o* m/ Sa!r4a/
morning si9.ence an/+a/ since #4 ne)er ha)e !he rea4ing Jo" +i!ho! him5 A +oman ne9! 4oor
!o Mr5Timone/ !ells me #m +as!ing m/ !ime knocking on !he 4oor- Macshla "i! !he .os!man-
!he milkman an4 a .assing nn on !he same 4a/ an4 Mr5Timone/ col4n! s!o. laghing !hogh
he crie4 +hen !he 4og +as !aken a+a/ !o "e .! 4o+n5,o can "i!e .os!men an4 milkmen all
/o like "! !he case o* !he .assing nn goes all !he +a/ !o !he "isho. an4 he !akes s!e.s
es.eciall/ i* !he o+ner o* !he 4og is a kno+n $44his! an4 a 4anger !o goo4 Ca!holics aron4
him5 Mr5Timone/ +as !ol4 !his an4 crie4 an4 laghe4 so har4 !he 4oc!or came an4 sai4 he +as
gone "e/on4 recall so !he/ car!e4 him o** !o !he Ci!/ Home- +here !he/ kee. ol4 .eo.le +ho
are hel.less or 4emen!e45 Tha!s !he en4 o* m/ Sa!r4a/ si9.ence "! #ll rea4 !o Mr5Timone/
mone/ or no mone/5 # +ai! 4o+n !he s!ree! !ill !he +oman ne9! %ED
4oor goes in- # clim" in Mr5Timone/s +in4o+ *or Glli)ers Tra)els an4 +alk miles !o !he Ci!/
Home so !ha! he +on! miss his rea4ing5The man a! !he ga!e sa/s-Lha!N ,o +an! !o come in
an rea4 !o an ol manN #s i! co44in me /o areN Ge! o!a here "e*ore # call !he gar4s5 Col4 #
lea)e !he "ook *or someone else !o rea4 !o Mr5Timone/N
Lea)e i!5 Lea)e i! *or Pa/ss sake an 4on! "e "o!herin me5 #ll sen4 i! . !o him5
An4 he laghs5
Mam sa/s- Lha!s . +i!h /oN Lh/ are /o mo.ingN An4 # !ell her ho+ Uncle <a! 4oesn!
+an! me an/more an4 ho+ !he/ .! Mr5 Timone/ in !he Ci!/ Home *or laghing Js! "ecase
Macshla "i! !he .os!man- !he milkman an4 a .assing nn5 She laghs !oo an4 #m sre !he
+orl4 is gone ma45 Then she sa/s- Ah- #m sorr/ an4 i!s a .i!/ /o los! !+o Jo"s5,o migh! as
+ell s!ar! going !o !he Con*ra!erni!/ again !o kee. The <osse a+a/ an4- +orse- !he 4irec!or-
Fa!her Gore/5
7eclan !ells me si! in *ron! o* him an4 i* !heres an/ "lagar4ing hell "reak m/ *eckin neck *or
hell "e +a!ching me as long as hes .re*ec! an4 no li!!le shi! like me is going !o kee. him *rom a
li*e in linolem5
Mam sa/s she has !ro"le clim"ing !he s!airs an4 shes mo)ing her "e4 !o !he ki!chen5 She
laghs- #ll come "ack . !o Sorren!o +hen !he +alls are 4am. an4 !he rain rns n4er !he
4oor5 School is o)er an4 she can s!a/ in "e4 in !he ki!chen as long as she likes "ecase she
4oesn! ha)e !o ge! . *or s5 7a4 ligh!s !he *ire- makes !he !ea- c!s !he "rea4- makes sre +e
+ash or *aces an4 !ells s go o! an4 .la/5 He le!s s s!a/ in "e4 i* +e like "! /o ne)er +an!
!o s!a/ in "e4 +hen !heres no school5 Lere rea4/ !o rn o! an4 .la/ in !he lane !he min!e
+e +ake5
Then one 4a/ in Pl/ he sa/s +e can! go 4o+ns!airs5Le ha)e !o s!a/ . here an4 .la/5
Lh/- 7a4N
Ne)er min45 <la/ here +i!h Malach/ an4 Michael an4 /o can go 4o+n la!er +hen # !ell /o5
He s!an4s a! !he 4oor in case +e migh! ge! a no!ion !o +an4er 4o+n !he s!airs5Le .sh or
"lanke! . in !he air +i!h or *ee! an4 .re%E1
!en4 +ere in a !en!- Ro"in Hoo4 an4 his Merr/ Men5 Le hn! *leas an4 sKash !hem "e!+een
or !hm"nails5
Then !heres a "a"/s cr/ an4 Malach/ sa/s- 7a4- 4i4 Mam ge! a ne+ "a"/N
Och- a/e- son5
#m ol4er so # !ell Malach/ !he "e4 is in !he ki!chen so !ha! !he angel can *l/ 4o+n an4 lea)e !he
"a"/ on !he se)en!h s!e. "! Malach/ 4oesn! n4ers!an4 "ecase hes onl/ eigh! going on
nine an4 #ll "e !en ne9! mon!h5
Mam is in !he "e4 +i!h !he ne+ "a"/5 He has a "ig *a! *ace an4 hes re4 all o)er5Theres a
+oman in !he ki!chen in a nrses ni*orm an4 +e kno+ shes !here !o +ash ne+ "a"ies +ho
are al+a/s 4ir!/ *rom !he long Jorne/ +i!h !he angel5Le +an! !o !ickle !he "a"/ "! she sa/s-
No- no- /e can look a! him "! 4on! la/ a *inger5
7on! la/ a *inger5Tha!s !he +a/ nrses !alk5
Le si! a! !he !a"le +i!h or !ea an4 "rea4 looking a! or ne+ "ro!her "! he +on! e)en o.en
his e/es !o look "ack a! s so +e go o! an4 .la/5
#n a *e+ 4a/s Mam is o! o* !he "e4 hol4ing !he "a"/ on her la. "/ !he *ire5 His e/es are o.en
an4 +hen +e !ickle him he makes a grgling son4- his "ell/ shakes an4 !ha! makes s lagh5
7a4 !ickles him an4 sings a Sco!!ish song-
Oh- oh- s!o. /or !icklin- Pock-
S!o. /or !icklin- Pock5
S!o. /or !icklin-
#ckle ickle icklin
S!o. /or !icklin- Pock5
7a4 has a Jo" so $ri4e/ Hannon is a"le !o )isi! Mam an4 !he "a"/ an/ !ime she likes an4 *or
once Mam 4oesn! !ell s go o! an4 .la/ so !he/ can !alk a"o! secre! !hings5 The/ si! "/ !he
*ire smoking an4 !alking a"o! names5 Mam sa/s she likes !he names Ke)in an4 Sean "! $ri4e/
sa/s- Ah- no- !heres !oo man/ o* !hem in Limerick5 Pess- Angela- i* /o s!ck /or hea4 o! !he
4oor an4 calle4- Ke)in or Sean- come in *or /or !ea- /o4 ha)e hal* o Limerick rnning !o /or
4oor5
$ri4e/ sa/s i* she ha4 a son +hich .lease Go4 she +ill some 4a/ %D(
shell call him Ronal4 "ecase shes ma4 a"o! Ronal4 Colman !ha! /o see in !he Colisem
Cinema5 Or Errol- no+ !ha!s ano!her lo)el/ name- Errol Fl/nn5
Mam sa/s- Lill /o go +a/ o!a !ha!- $ri4e/5 #4 ne)er "e a"le !o s!ick m/ hea4 o! !he 4oor
an4 sa/- Errol- Errol- come in *or /or !ea5 Sre !he .oor chil4 +ol4 "e a laghings!ock5
Ronal4- sa/s $ri4e/- Ronal45 Hes gorgeos5
No- sa/s Mam- i! has !o "e #rish5 #sn! !ha! +ha! +e *ogh! *or all !hese /earsN Lha!s !he se o*
*igh!ing !he English *or cen!ries i* +ere going !o call or chil4ren Ronal4N
Pess- Angela- /ore s!ar!ing !o !alk like himsel* +i!h his #rish !his an4 his English !ha!5
S!ill an all- $ri4e/- hes righ!5
S44enl/ $ri4e/ is gas.ing- Pess- Angela- !heres some!hing +rong +i!h !ha! chil45
Mam is o! o* !he chair- hgging !he chil4- moaning5 Oh- Pess- $ri4e/- hes choking5
$ri4e/ sa/s- #ll rn *or m/ mo!her- an4 shes "ack in a min!e +i!h Mrs5 Hannon5 Cas!or oil-
sa/s Mrs5 Hannon5 7o /o ha)e i!N An/ oil5 Co4 li)er oilN Tha!ll 4o5
She .ors !he oil in!o !he "a"/s mo!h- !rns him o)er- .resses on his "ack- !rns him "ack
o)er- s!icks a s.oon 4o+n his !hroa! an4 "rings . a +hi!e "all5Tha!s i! no+- she sa/s5The milk5
#! collec!s an4 ge!s har4 in !heir li!!le !hroa!s so /o ha)e !o ease i! +i!h an/ class o* an oil5
Mam is cr/ing- Pess- # nearl/ los! him5 Oh- #4 4ie so # +ol45 Shes cl!ching !he "a"/ an4
cr/ing an4 !r/ing !o !hank Mrs5 Hannon5
,erra- 4on! men!ion i!- misss5Take !he chil4 an4 ge! "ack in!o !ha! "e4 *or !he !+o o /e ha4 a
grea! shock5
Lhile $ri4e/ an4 Mrs5 Hannon are hel.ing Mam !o !he "e4 # no!ice s.o!s o* "loo4 on her chair5
#s m/ mo!her "lee4ing !o 4ea!hN #s i! all righ! !o sa/- Look- !heres "loo4 on Mams chairN No-
/o can! sa/ an/!hing "ecase !he/ al+a/s ha)e secre!s5 # kno+ i* /o sa/ an/!hing !he gro+n:
. .eo.le +ill !ell /o- Ne)er min4- /ore al+a/s ga+king- none o* /or "siness- go o! an4
.la/5
# ha)e !o kee. i! insi4e or # can !alk !o !he angel5 Mrs5 Hannon an4 $ri4e/ lea)e an4 # si! on !he
se)en!h s!e.5 # !r/ !o !ell !he angel Mam is %D%
"lee4ing !o 4ea!h5 # +an! him !o !ell me- Fear no!- "! !he s!e. is col4 an4 !heres no ligh!- no
)oice5 #m sre hes gone *ore)er an4 # +on4er i* !ha! ha..ens +hen /o go *rom nine !o !en5
Mam 4oesn! "lee4 !o 4ea!h5 Shes o! o* !he "e4 ne9! 4a/ ge!!ing !he "a"/ rea4/ *or "a.!ism-
!elling $ri4e/ she col4 ne)er *orgi)e hersel* i* !he "a"/ 4ie4 an4 +en! !o Lim"o- a .lace *or
n"a.!iIe4 "a"ies- +here i! ma/ "e nice an4 +arm "!- s!ill- 4ark *ore)er an4 no ho.e o*
esca.e e)en on !he P4gmen! 7a/5
Gran4ma is !here !o hel. an4 she sa/s- Tha!s righ!- no ho.e in hea)en *or !he in*an! !ha!s no!
"a.!iIe45
$ri4e/ sa/s i! +ol4 "e a har4 Go4 !ha! +ol4 4o !he likes o* !ha!5 He has !o "e har4- sa/s
Gran4ma- o!her+ise /o4 ha)e all kin4s o* "a"ies clamorin !o ge! in!o hea)en- <ro!es!an!s an
e)er/!hing- an +h/ shol4 !he/ ge! in a*!er +ha! !he/ 4i4 !o s *or eigh! hn4re4 /earsN
The "a"ies 4i4n! 4o i!- sa/s $ri4e/5The/re !oo small5 The/ +ol4 i* !he/ go! !he chance- sa/s
Gran4ma5The/re !raine4 *or i!5
The/ 4ress !he "a"/ in !he Limerick lace 4ress +e +ere all "a.!iIe4 in5 Mam sa/s +e can all go
!o S!5 Pose.hs an4 +ere e9ci!e4 "ecase !here +ill "e lemona4e an4 "ns a*!er5
Malach/ sa/s- Mam- +ha!s !he "a"/s nameN
Al.honss Pose.h5
The +or4s *l/ o! o* m/ mo!h-Tha!s a s!.i4 name5 #!s no! e)en #rish5
Gran4ma glares a! me +i!h her ol4 re4 e/es5 She sa/s- Tha! *ella nee4s a goo4 cli!!her on !he
go"5 Mam sla.s me across !he *ace an4 sen4s me *l/ing across !he ki!chen5 M/ hear! is
.on4ing an4 # +an! !o cr/ "! # can! "ecase m/ *a!her isn! !here an4 #m !he man o* !he
*amil/5 Mam sa/s-,o go .s!airs +i!h /or "ig mo!h an4 4on! mo)e *rom !ha! room5
# s!o. a! !he se)en!h s!e. "! i!s s!ill col4- no ligh!- no )oice5 The hose is Kie! +i!h e)er/one
gone !o !he cha.el5 # si! an4 +ai! .s!airs- knocking !he *leas o** m/ arms an4 legs- +ishing # ha4
7a4 here- !hinking o* m/ li!!le "ro!her an4 his *oreign name- Al.honss- an a**lic!ion o* a name5
#n a+hile !here are )oices 4o+ns!airs an4 !here is !alk o* !ea- sherr/- lemona4e- "ns- an4 isn!
!ha! chil4 !he lo)elies! li!!le *ella in !he +orl4- li!!le Al.hie- *oreign name "! s!ill an all s!ill an
all no! a son4 %D&
o!a him !he +hole !ime hes !ha! goo4:na!re4 Go4 "less him sre hell li)e *ore)er +i!h !he
s+ee!ness !ha!s in him !he li!!le 4o!e s.i!!in
image o* his mo!her his *a!her his gran4ma his li!!le "ro!hers 4ea4 an
gone5
Mam calls *rom !he "o!!om o* !he s!airs- Frank- come 4o+n an4 ha)e lemona4e an4 a "n5
# 4on! +an! i!5,o can kee. i!5
# sai4 come 4o+n !his min!e *or i* # ha)e !o clim" !hese s!airs #ll +arm /or "ehin4 an4 /oll
re !he 4a/5
ReN Lha!s reN
Ne)er min4 +ha!s re5 Come 4o+n here a! once5
Her )oice is shar. an4 re son4s 4angeros5 #ll go 4o+n5 #n !he ki!chen Gran4ma sa/s- Look a!
!he long .ss on him5,o4 !hink he4 "e ha../ *or his li!!le "ro!her e9ce.! !ha! a "o/ !ha!s
going *rom nine !o !en is al+a/s a righ! .ain in !he arse an # kno+ *or 4i4n! # ha)e !+o o* em5
The lemona4e an4 "n are 4elicios an4 Al.hie !he ne+ "a"/ is chir.ing a+a/ enJo/ing his
"a.!ism 4a/ !oo innocen! !o kno+ his name is an a**lic!ion5
Gran4.a in !he Nor!h sen4s a !elegram mone/ or4er *or *i)e .on4s *or !he "a"/ Al.hie5 Mam
+an!s !o cash i! "! she can! go *ar *rom !he "e45 7a4 sa/s hell cash i! a! !he .os! o**ice5 She
!ells Malach/ an4 me !o go +i!h him5 He cashes i! an4 !ells s-All righ!- "o/s- go home an4 !ell
/or mo!her #ll "e home in a *e+ min!es5
Malach/ sa/s- 7a4- /ore no! !o go !o !he ."5 Mam sai4 /ore !o "ring home !he
mone/5,ore no! !o 4rink !he .in!5
No+- no+- son5 Go home !o /or mo!her5
7a4- gi)e s !he mone/5Tha! mone/ is *or !he "a"/5
No+- Francis- 4on! "e a "a4 "o/5 7o +ha! /or *a!her !ells /o5 He +alks a+a/ *rom s an4
in!o So!hs ."5
Mam is si!!ing "/ !he *ire.lace +i!h Al.hie in her arms5 She shakes her hea45 He +en! !o !he
."- 4i4n! heN
He 4i45
# +an! /e !o go "ack 4o+n !o !ha! ." an4 rea4 him o! o* i!5 # +an! /e !o s!an4 in !he mi44le o*
!he ." an4 !ell e)er/ man /or *a!her is 4rinking !he mone/ *or !he "a"/5,e are !o !ell !he
+orl4 !here isn! a %D'
scra. o* *oo4 in !his hose- no! a lm. o* coal !o s!ar! !he *ire- no! a 4ro. o* milk *or !he "a"/s
"o!!le5
Le +alk !hrogh !he s!ree!s an4 Malach/ .rac!ices his s.eech a! !he !o. o* his )oice- 7a4- 7a4-
!ha! *i)e .on4s is *or !he ne+ "a"/5Tha!s no! *or !he 4rink5The chil4 is a"o)e in !he "e4
"a+ling an4 roaring *or his milk an4 /ore 4rinking !he .in!5
Hes gone *rom So!hs ."5 Malach/ s!ill +an!s !o s!an4 an4 make his s.eech "! # !ell him +e
ha)e !o hrr/ an4 look in o!her ."s "e*ore 7a4 4rinks !he +hole *i)e .on4s5 Le can! *in4
him in o!her ."s ei!her5 He kno+s Mam +ol4 come *or him or sen4 s an4 !here are so man/
."s a! !his en4 o* Limerick an4 "e/on4 +e col4 "e looking *or a mon!h5Le ha)e !o !ell Mam
!heres no sign o* him an4 she !ells s +ere .re seless5 Oh- Pess- # +ish # ha4 m/ s!reng!h
an4 #4 search e)er/ ." in Limerick5 #4 !ear !he mo!h o! o* his hea4- so # +ol45 Go on- go
"ack 4o+n an4 !r/ all !he ."s aron4 !he rail+a/ s!a!ion an4 !r/ Nagh!ons *ish an4 chi.
sho.5
# ha)e !o go "/ m/sel* "ecase Malach/ has !he rns an4 can! s!ra/ *ar *rom !he "cke!5 #
search all !he ."s on <arnell S!ree! an4 aron45 # look in!o !he sngs +here !he +omen 4rink
an4 in all !he mens la)a!ories5 #m hngr/ "! #m a*rai4 !o go home !ill # *in4 m/ *a!her5 Hes
no! in Nagh!ons *ish an4 chi. sho. "! !heres a 4rnken man aslee. a! a !a"le in !he corner
an4 his *ish an4 chi.s are on !he *loor in !heir Limerick Lea4er +ra..ing an4 i* # 4on! ge! !hem
!he ca! +ill so # sho)e !hem n4er m/ Jerse/ an4 #m o! !he 4oor an4 . !he s!ree! !o si! on !he
s!e.s a! !he rail+a/ s!a!ion ea! m/ *ish an4 chi.s +a!ch !he 4rnken sol4iers .ass "/ +i!h !he
girls !ha! giggle !hank !he 4rnken man in m/ min4 *or 4ro+ning !he *ish an4 chi.s in )inegar
an4 smo!hering !hem in sal! an4 !hen remem"er !ha! i* # 4ie !onigh! #m in a s!a!e o* sin *or
s!ealing an4 # col4 go s!raigh! !o hell s!**e4 +i!h *ish an4 chi.s "! i!s Sa!r4a/ an4 i* !he
.ries!s are s!ill in !he con*ession "o9es # can clear m/ sol a*!er m/ *ee45
The 7ominican chrch is Js! . Glen!+or!h S!ree!5
$less me- Fa!her- *or # ha)e sinne4- i!s a *or!nigh! since m/ las! con*ession5 # !ell him !he sal
sins an4 !hen- # s!ole *ish an4 chi.s *rom a 4rnken man5
Lh/- m/ chil4N
# +as hngr/- Fa!her5
An4 +h/ +ere /o hngr/N
There +as no!hing in m/ "ell/- Fa!her5
%DB
He sa/s no!hing an4 e)en !hogh i!s 4ark # kno+ hes shaking his hea45 M/ 4ear chil4- +h/
can! /o go home an4 ask /or mo!her *or some!hingN
$ecase she sen! me o! looking *or m/ *a!her in !he ."s- Fa!her- an4 # col4n! *in4 him an4
she hasn! a scra. in !he hose "ecase hes 4rinking !he *i)e .on4s Gran4.a sen! *rom !he
Nor!h *or !he ne+ "a"/ an4 shes raging "/ !he *ire "ecase # can! *in4 m/ *a!her5 # +on4er i*
!his .ries! is aslee. "ecase hes )er/ Kie! !ill he sa/s- M/ chil4- # si! here5 # hear !he sins o* !he
.oor5 # assign !he .enance5 # "es!o+ a"sol!ion5 # shol4 "e on m/ knees +ashing !heir *ee!5 7o
/o n4ers!an4 me- m/ chil4N
# !ell him # 4o "! # 4on!5
Go home- chil45 <ra/ *or me5
No .enance- Fa!herN
No- m/ chil45
# s!ole !he *ish an4 chi.s5 #m 4oome45
,ore *orgi)en5 Go5 <ra/ *or me5
He "lesses me in La!in- !alks !o himsel* in English an4 # +on4er +ha! # 4i4 !o him5
# +ish # col4 *in4 m/ *a!her so # col4 sa/ !o Mam- Here he is an4 he has !hree .on4s le*! in
his .ocke!5 #m no! hngr/ no+ so # can go . one si4e o* OConnell S!ree! an4 4o+n !he o!her
an4 search ."s on !he si4e s!ree!s an4 !here he is in Gleesons- ho+ col4 # miss him +i!h his
singing-
Tis alone m/ concern i* !he gran4es! sr.rise
Lol4 "e shining a! me o! o* some"o4/s e/es5
Tis m/ .ri)a!e a**air +ha! m/ *eelings +ol4 "eLhile !he Green Glens o* An!rim +ere
+elcoming me5 M/ hear! is "anging a+a/ in m/ ches! an4 # 4on! kno+ +ha! !o 4o "ecase #
kno+ #m raging insi4e like m/ mo!her "/ !he *ire an4 all # can !hink o* 4oing is rnning in an4
gi)ing him a goo4 kick in !he leg an4 rnning o! again "! # 4on! "ecase +e ha)e !he
mornings "/ !he *ire +hen he !ells me a"o! Cchlain an4 7e Oalera an4 Roose)el! an4 i* hes
!here 4rnk an4 "/ing .in!s +i!h !he "a"/s mone/ he has !ha! look in his e/es Egene ha4
+hen he searche4 *or Oli)er an4 # migh! as +ell go home an4 !ell m/ mo!her a lie !ha! # ne)er
sa+ him col4n! *in4 him5
%DC
Shes in !he "e4 +i!h !he "a"/5 Malach/ an4 Michael are . in #!al/ aslee.5 # kno+ # 4on! ha)e
!o !ell Mam an/!hing- !ha! soon +hen !he ."s close hell "e home singing an4 o**ering s a
.enn/ !o 4ie *or #relan4 an4 i! +ill "e 4i**eren! no+ "ecase i!s "a4 enogh !o 4rink !he 4ole or
!he +ages "! a man !ha! 4rinks !he mone/ *or a ne+ "a"/ is gone "e/on4 !he "e/on4s as m/
mo!her +ol4 sa/5
%D3
O###
#m !en /ears ol4 an4 rea4/ !o go !o S!5Pose.hs Chrch *or m/ Con*irma!ion5 #n school !he
mas!er- Mr5 O7ea- .re.ares s5 Le ha)e !o kno+ all a"o! Sanc!i*/ing Grace- a .earl o* grea!
.rice- "ogh! *or s "/ Pess in His 4/ing5 Mr5 O7eas e/es roll in his hea4 +hen he !ells s !ha!
+i!h Con*irma!ion +e +ill "ecome .ar! o* 7i)ini!/5Le +ill ha)e !he Gi*!s o* !he Hol/
Ghos!=Lis4om- Un4ers!an4ing- Consel- For!i!4e- Kno+le4ge- <ie!/- !he Fear o* !he Lor45
<ries!s an4 mas!ers !ell s Con*irma!ion means /ore a !re sol4ier o* !he Chrch an4 !ha!
en!i!les /o !o 4ie an4 "e a mar!/r in case +ere in)a4e4 "/ <ro!es!an!s or Mahomme4ans or
an/ o!her class o* a hea!hen5 More 4/ing5 # +an! !o !ell !hem # +on! "e a"le !o 4ie *or !he Fai!h
"ecase #m alrea4/ "ooke4 !o 4ie *or #relan45
Mike/ Mollo/ sa/s- #s i! Jokin /o areN Tha! !hing a"o! 4/ing *or !he Fai!h is all a co45 Tis onl/
a sa/ing !he/ ma4e . !o *righ!en /o5 #relan4 !oo5 No one 4ies *or an/!hing an/more5All !he
4/ing is 4one5 # +ol4n! 4ie *or #relan4 or !he Fai!h5 # migh! 4ie *or m/ mo!her "! !ha!s all5
Mike/ kno+s e)er/!hing5 Hes going on *or!een5 He ge!s !he *i!s5 He has )isions5
The gro+n:.s !ell s i!s a glorios !hing !o 4ie *or !he Fai!h- onl/ +ere no! rea4/ *or !ha! /e!
"ecase Con*irma!ion 4a/ is like Firs! %DE
Commnion 4a/- /o make !he ron4s o* lanes an4 "ack s!ree!s an4 /o ge! cakes an4 s+ee!s
an4 mone/-The Collec!ion5
Tha!s +here .oor <e!er 7oole/ comes in5Le call him Rasimo4o "ecase he has a hm. on
his "ack like !he one on !he hnch"ack o* No!re 7ame- +hose real name +e kno+ is Charles
Lagh!on5 Rasimo4o has nine sis!ers an4 i! is sai4 his mo!her ne)er +an!e4 him "! !ha! +as
+ha! !he angel "rogh! her an4 i!s a sin !o Kes!ion +ha!s sen!5 Rasimo4o is ol4- hes
*i*!een5 His re4 hair s!icks . in all 4irec!ions5 He has green e/es an4 one rolls aron4 in his
hea4 so mch hes cons!an!l/ !a..ing his !em.le !o kee. i! +here i!s s..ose4 !o "e5 His righ!
leg is shor! an4 !+is!e4 an4 +hen he +alks he 4oes a li!!le !+irl/ 4ance an4 /o ne)er kno+
+hen hell *all5 Tha!s +hen /ore sr.rise45 He crses his leg- he crses !he +orl4- "! he
crses in a lo)el/ English accen! +hich he go! *rom !he ra4io- !he $$C5 $e*ore he lea)es his
hose he al+a/s s!icks his hea4 o! !he 4oor an4 !ells !he lane- Heres me hea4- me arse is
coming5Lhen he +as !+el)e Rasimo4o 4eci4e4 !ha! +i!h !he +a/ he looke4 an4 !he +a/ !he
+orl4 looke4 a! him !he "es! !hing +ol4 "e !o .re.are *or a Jo" +here he col4 "e hear4 an4
no! seen an4 +ha! "e!!er !han si!!ing "ehin4 a micro.hone a! !he $$C
in Lon4on rea4ing !he ne+sN
$! /o can! ge! !o Lon4on +i!ho! mone/ an4 !ha!s +h/ he ho""les . !o s !ha! Fri4a/- !he
4a/ "e*ore Con*irma!ion5 He has an i4ea *or $ill/ an4 me5 He kno+s !he ne9! 4a/ +ell "e
ge!!ing Con*irma!ion mone/ an4 i* +e .romise !o .a/ him a shilling each hell le! s clim" .
!he rains.o! "ehin4 his hose !his )er/ nigh! !o look in !he +in4o+ an4 see his sis!ers nake4
"o4ies +hen !he/ !ake !heir +eekl/ +ash5 # sign righ! a+a/5 $ill/ sa/s- # ha)e m/ o+n sis!er5
Lh/ shol4 # .a/ !o see /or nake4 sis!ersN
Rasimo4o sa/s !ha! looking a! /or o+n sis!ers nake4 "o4/ is !he +ors! sin o* all an4 hes no!
sre i* !heres a .ries! in !he +orl4 can *orgi)e /o- !ha! /o migh! ha)e !o go !o !he "isho.-
+ho e)er/one kno+s is a hol/ !error5
$ill/ signs5
Fri4a/ nigh! +e clim" !he +all o* Rasimo4os "ack/ar45 #!s a lo)el/ nigh! +i!h !he Pne moon
*loa!ing high o)er Limerick an4 /o can *eel a +arm "reeIe o** !he Shannon Ri)er5 Rasimo4o is
a"o! !o le! $ill/ . !he s.o! an4 +ho comes clam"ering o)er !he +all "! Mike/ Mollo/ !he
Fi! himsel* hissing a! Rasimo4o- Heres a shilling- %DD
Rasimo4o5 Le! me . !he s.o!5 Mike/ is *or!een no+- "igger !han an/ o* s an4 s!rong *rom
his Jo" 4eli)ering coal5 Hes "lack *rom !he coal like Uncle <a Kea!ing an4 all /o can see are !he
+hi!es o* his e/es an4 !he +hi!e *ro!h on his lo+er li.- +hich means he col4 ha)e !he *i!
an/!ime5
Rasimo4o sa/s-Lai!- Mike/5The/re *irs!5Lai!- m/ arse- sa/s Mike/- an4 hes a+a/ . !he
s.o!5 $ill/ com.lains "! Rasimo4o shakes his hea4- # can! hel. i!5 He comes e)er/ +eek
+i!h !he shilling5 # ha)e !o le! him . !he s.o! or hell "ea! me . an4 !ell m/ mo!her an4 !he
ne9! !hing she locks me in !he coal hole all 4a/ +i!h !he ra!s5The Fi! is . hanging on !o !he
s.o! +i!h one han45The o!her han4 is in his .ocke! mo)ing- mo)ing an4 +hen !he s.o! i!sel*
s!ar!s !o mo)e an4 creak Rasimo4o hisses- Mollo/- !heres !o "e no +hankin . !he s.o!5 He
ho.s aron4 !he /ar4 cackling5 His $$C accen! is gone an4 hes .re Limerick5 Pa/ss- Mollo/-
come 4o+n o** !ha! s.o! or #ll !ell me mo!her5 Mike/s han4 goes *as!er in his .ocke!- so *as!
!he s.o! gi)es a lrch an4 colla.ses an4 Mike/ is rolling on !he gron4 /el.ing- #m 4ea45 #m
4es!ro/e45 Oh- Go45,o can see !he *ro!h on his li.s an4 !he "loo4 !ha! comes *rom "i!ing his
!onge5
Rasimo4os mo!her comes screaming !hrogh !he 4oor- Lha! in !he name o* PessQ an4 !he
ki!chen ligh! *ills !he /ar45 The sis!ers are sKa+king *rom !he +in4o+ a"o)e5 $ill/ !ries !o
esca.e an4 she 4rags him o** !he +all5 She !ells him rn !o OConnor !he chemis! aron4 !he
corner !o ring . an am"lance or a 4oc!or or some!hing *or Mike/5 She screams a! s !o ge!
in!o !he ki!chen5 She kicks Rasimo4o in!o !he hall5 Hes on his han4s an4 knees an4 she 4rags
him !o !he coal hole n4er !he s!airs an4 locks him in5 S!a/ !here !ill /o come !o /or senses5
Hes cr/ing an4 calling !o her in a .re Limerick accen!5 Ah- Mamma- Mamma- le! me o!5The
ra!s is here5 # onl/ +an! !o go !o !he $$C- Mamma5 A+- Pass- Mamma- Pass5 #ll ne)er le!
an/one . !he s.o! again5 #ll sen4 mone/ *rom Lon4on- Mamma5 MammaQ
Mike/ is s!ill on his "ack- Jerking an4 !+is!ing aron4 !he /ar45The am"lance !akes him o** !o
!he hos.i!al +i!h a "roken shol4er an4 his !onge in ri""ons5
Or mo!hers are !here in no !ime5 Mrs5 7oole/ sa/s- #m 4isgrace4- so # am- 4isgrace45 M/
4agh!ers can! +ash !heirsel)es o* a Fri4a/ nigh! +i!ho! !he +hole +orl4 ga+king in !he
+in4o+ an4 !hem "o/s !here %D1
are in a s!a!e o* sin an4 shol4 "e !aken !o !he .ries! *or con*ession "e*ore !heir Con*irma!ion
!omorro+5
$! Mam sa/s- # 4on! kno+ a"o! !he res! o* !he +orl4 "! # sa)e4 a +hole /ear *or Franks
Con*irma!ion si! an4 #m no! going !o !he .ries! !o ha)e him !ell me m/ son is no! *i! *or
Con*irma!ion so !ha! #ll ha)e !o +ai! ano!her /ear +hen he gro+s o! o* !his si! an4 all
"ecase he clim"e4 a s.o! *or an innocen! ga+k a! !he scra+n/ arse o* Mona 7oole/5
She 4rags me home "/ !he ear an4 makes me kneel "e*ore !he <o.e5 S+ear- she sa/s- s+ear !o
!ha! <o.e !ha! /o 4i4n! look a! Mona 7oole/ in her .el!5 # s+ear5
#* /ore l/ing /o +on! "e in a s!a!e o* grace *or Con*irma!ion !omorro+ an4 !ha!s !he +ors!
kin4 o* sacrilege5
# s+ear5
Onl/ !he "isho. himsel* col4 *orgi)e a sacrilege like !ha!5 # s+ear5
All righ!5 Go !o "e4 an4 *rom !his 4a/ o! s!a/ *ar a+a/ *rom !ha! mis*or!na!e Rasimo4o
7oole/5
Le are all con*irme4 !he ne9! 4a/5The "isho. asks me a ca!echism Kes!ion-Lha! is !he For!h
Comman4men!N an4 # !ell him- Honor !h/ *a!her an4 !h/ mo!her5 He .a!s m/ cheek an4 !ha!
makes me a sol4ier o* !he Tre Chrch5 # kneel in !he .e+ an4 !hink o* Rasimo4o locke4 in !he
coal hole n4er !he s!airs an4 # +on4er- Shol4 # gi)e him !he shilling an/+a/ *or his career a!
!he $$CN
$! # *orge! all a"o! Rasimo4o "ecase m/ nose s!ar!s "lee4ing an4 # *eel 4iII/5 Con*irma!ion
"o/s an4 girls are o!si4e S!5 Pose.hs +i!h !heir .aren!s an4 !here is hgging an4 kissing in !he
"righ! sn an4 # 4on! care5 M/ *a!her is +orking an4 # 4on! care5 M/ mo!her kisses me an4 #
4on! care5 The "o/s !alk a"o! The Collec!ion an4 # 4on! care5 M/ nose +on! s!o. an4 Mam is
+orrie4 #ll rin m/ si!5 She rns in!o !he chrch !o see i* S!e.hen Care/- !he sacris!an- +ol4
s.are her a rag an4 he gi)es her some kin4 o* can)as clo!h !ha! makes m/ nose sore5 She sa/s-
7o /o +an! !o make /or collec!ionN an4 # !ell her # 4on! care5 Malach/ sa/s- 7o- 4o- Frankie-
an4 hes sa4 "ecase # .romise4 #4 !ake him !o !he L/ric Cinema !o see !he *ilm an4 s!**
orsel)es +i!h s+ee!s5 # +an! !o lie 4o+n5 # col4 lie 4o+n !here on !he s!e.s o* S!5 Pose.hs
%1(
an4 slee. *ore)er5 Mam sa/s- Gran4ma is making a nice "reak*as!- an4 !he men!ion o* *oo4
makes me so sick # rn !o !he e4ge o* !he .a)emen! !o !hro+ . an4 !he +hole +orl4 is looking
a! me an4 # 4on! care5 Mam sa/s she4 "e!!er !ake me home an4 .! me !o "e4 an4 m/ .als
look sr.rise4 !ha! an/one can go !o "e4 +hen !heres a collec!ion !o "e ma4e5
She hel.s me !ake o** m/ Con*irma!ion si! an4 .!s me !o "e45 She +e!s a rag an4 .laces i!
n4er m/ neck an4 a*!er a+hile !he "lee4ing s!o.s5 She "rings !ea "! !he look o* i! makes me
sick an4 # ha)e !o !hro+ . in !he "cke!5 Mrs5 Hannon comes in *rom ne9! 4oor an4 # can hear
her sa/ !ha!s a )er/ sick chil4 an4 he shol4 ha)e a 4oc!or5 Mam sa/s i!s Sa!r4a/- !he
7is.ensar/ is close4 an4 +here +ol4 /o ge! a 4oc!orN
7a4 comes home *rom his Jo" a! Ranks Flor Mills an4 !ells Mam #m going !hrogh a s!age-
gro+ing .ains5 Gran4ma comes . an4 sa/s !he same !hing5 She sa/s +hen "o/s go *rom !he
one nm"er /ear- +hich is nine- !o !he !+o nm"er /ear- +hich is !en- !he/re changing an4
.rone !o !he nose"lee45 She sa/s # migh! ha)e !oo mch "loo4 in me an/+a/ an4 a goo4
cleaning o! +ol4n! 4o me one "i! o* harm5 The 4a/ .asses an4 #m in an4 o! o* slee.5
Malach/ an4 Michael come in!o !he "e4 a! nigh! an4 # can hear Malach/ sa/- Frankie is )er/
ho!5 Michael sa/s- Hes "lee4ing on m/ leg5 Mam .!s !he +e! rag on m/ nose an4 a ke/ on m/
neck "! i! +on! s!o. !he "lee4ing5 On Sn4a/ morning !heres "loo4 on m/ ches! an4 all
aron4 me5 Mam !ells 7a4 #m "lee4ing !hrogh m/ "o!!om an4 he sa/s # migh! ha)e a case o*
!he rns- +hich is common +i!h !he gro+ing .ains5 7r5 Tro/ is or 4oc!or "! hes a+a/ on
holi4a/ an4 !he man !ha! comes !o see me on Mon4a/ has a smell o* +hiske/ on him5 He
e9amines me an4 !ells m/ mo!her # ha)e a "a4 col4 an4 kee. me in "e45 7a/s .ass an4 # slee.
an4 "lee45 Mam makes !ea an4 "ee* !ea an4 # 4on! +an! i!5 She e)en "rings ice cream an4 !he
look o* i! makes me sick5 Mrs5 Hannon comes in again an4 sa/s !ha! 4oc!or 4oesn! kno+ +ha!
hes !alking a"o!- see i* 7r5Tro/ is "ack5
Mam comes +i!h 7r5Tro/5 He *eels m/ *orehea4- rolls . m/ e/eli4s- !rns me o)er !o see m/
"ack- .icks me . an4 rns !o his mo!or car5 Mam rns a*!er him an4 he !ells her # ha)e !/.hoi4
*e)er5 Mam cries- Oh- Go4- oh- Go4- am # !o lose !he +hole *amil/N Lill i! e)er en4N
She ge!s in!o !he car- hol4s me in her la. an4 moans all !he +a/ !o !he Fe)er Hos.i!al a! !he
Ci!/ Home5
%1%
The "e4 has cool +hi!e shee!s5 The nrses ha)e clean +hi!e ni*orms an4 !he nn- Sis!er Ri!a- is
all in +hi!e5 7r5 Hm.hre/ an4 7r5 Cam."ell ha)e +hi!e coa!s an4 !hings hanging *rom !heir
necks +hich !he/ s!ick agains! m/ ches! an4 all o)er5 # slee. an4 slee. "! #m a+ake +hen !he/
"ring in Jars o* "righ! re4 s!** !ha! hang *rom !all .oles a"o)e m/ "e4 an4 !he/ s!ick !"es in!o
m/ ankles an4 !he "ack o* m/ righ! han45 Sis!er Ri!a sa/s-,ore ge!!ing "loo4- Francis5 Sol4iers
"loo4 *rom !he Sars*iel4 $arracks5
Mam is si!!ing "/ !he "e4 an4 !he nrse is sa/ing-,o kno+- misss- !his is )er/ nsal5 No one
is e)er allo+e4 in!o !he Fe)er Hos.i!al *or *ear !he/4 ca!ch some!hing "! !he/ ma4e an
e9ce.!ion *or /o +i!h his crisis coming5 #* he ge!s o)er !his hell srel/ reco)er5 # *all aslee.5
Mam is gone +hen # +ake "! !heres mo)emen! in !he room an4 i!s !he .ries!- Fa!her Gore/-
*rom !he Con*ra!erni!/ sa/ing Mass a! a !a"le in !he corner5 # 4ri*! o** again an4 no+ !he/re
+aking me an4 .lling 4o+n !he "e4clo!hes5 Fa!her Gore/ is !oching me +i!h oil an4 .ra/ing
in La!in5 # kno+ i!s E9!reme Unc!ion an4 !ha! means #m going !o 4ie an4 # 4on! care5The/ +ake
me again !o recei)e Commnion5 # 4on! +an! i!- #m a*rai4 # migh! ge! sick5 # kee. !he +a*er on
m/ !onge an4 *all aslee. an4 +hen # +ake . again i!s gone5 #!s 4ark an4 7r5 Cam."ell is
si!!ing "/ m/ "e45 Hes hol4ing m/ +ris! an4 looking a! his +a!ch5 He has re4 hair an4 glasses
an4 he al+a/s smiles +hen he !alks !o me5 He si!s no+ an4 hms an4 looks o! !he +in4o+5 His
e/es close an4 he snores a li!!le5 He !il!s o)er on !he chair an4 *ar!s an4 smiles !o himsel* an4 #
kno+ no+ #m going !o ge! "e!!er "ecase a 4oc!or +ol4 ne)er *ar! in !he .resence o* a 4/ing
"o/5 Sis!er Ri!as +hi!e ha"i! is "righ! in !he sn !ha! comes in !he +in4o+5 Shes hol4ing m/
+ris!- looking a! her +a!ch- smiling5 Oh- she sa/s- +ere a+ake- are +eN Lell- Francis- # !hink
+e)e come !hrogh !he +ors!5 Or .ra/ers are ans+ere4 an4 all !he .ra/ers o* !hose hn4re4s
o* li!!le "o/s a! !he Con*ra!erni!/5 Can /o imagine !ha!N Hn4re4s o* "o/s sa/ing !he rosar/ *or
/o an4 o**ering . !heir commnion5 M/ ankles an4 !he "ack o* m/ han4 are !hro""ing *rom
!he !"es "ringing in !he "loo4 an4 # 4on! care a"o! "o/s .ra/ing *or me5 # can hear !he s+ish
o* Sis!er Ri!as ha"i! an4 !he click o* her rosar/ "ea4s +hen she lea)es !he room5 # *all aslee.
an4 +hen # +ake i!s 4ark an4 7a4 is si!!ing "/ !he "e4 +i!h his han4 on mine5
Son- are /o a+akeN
# !r/ !o !alk "! #m 4r/- no!hing +ill come o! an4 # .oin! !o m/ %1&
mo!h5 He hol4s a glass o* +a!er !o m/ li.s an4 i!s s+ee! an4 cool5 He .resses m/ han4 an4
sa/s #m a grea! ol4 sol4ier an4 +h/ +ol4n! #N
7on! # ha)e !he sol4iers "loo4 in meN
The !"es are no! in me an/more an4 !he glass Jars are gone5 Sis!er Ri!a comes in an4 !ells 7a4
he has !o go5 # 4on! +an! him !o go "ecase he looks sa45 Hes like <a44/ Clohess/ !he 4a/ #
ga)e him !he raisin5Lhen he looks sa4 i!s !he +ors! !hing in !he +orl4 an4 # s!ar! cr/ing5 No+
+ha!s !hisN sa/s Sis!er Ri!a5 Cr/ing +i!h all !ha! sol4ier "loo4 in /oN Theres a "ig sr.rise *or
/o !omorro+- Francis5,oll ne)er gess5 Lell- #ll !ell /o- +ere "ringing /o a nice "isci!
+i!h /or !ea in !he morning5 #sn! !ha! a !rea!N An4 /or *a!her +ill "e "ack in a 4a/ or !+o-
+on! /o- Mr5 McCor!N
7a4 no4s an4 .!s his han4 on mine again5 He looks a! me- s!e.s a+a/- s!o.s- comes "ack-
kisses me on !he *orehea4 *or !he *irs! !ime in m/ li*e an4 #m so ha../ # *eel like *loa!ing o! o*
!he "e45 The o!her !+o "e4s in m/ room are em.!/5The nrse sa/s #m !he onl/ !/.hoi4 .a!ien!
an4 #m a miracle *or ge!!ing o)er !he crisis5 The room ne9! !o me is em.!/ !ill one morning a
girls )oice sa/s- ,oo hoo- +hos !hereN
#m no! sre i* shes !alking !o me or someone in !he room "e/on45 ,oo hoo- "o/ +i!h !he
!/.hoi4- are /o a+akeN
# am5
Are /o "e!!erN
# am5
Lell- +h/ are /o hereN
# 4on! kno+5 #m s!ill in !he "e45The/ s!ick nee4les in me an4 gi)e me me4icine5
Lha! 4o /o look likeN
# +on4er-Lha! kin4 o* a Kes!ion is !ha!N # 4on! kno+ +ha! !o !ell her5
,oo hoo- are /o !here- !/.hoi4 "o/N
# am5
Lha!s /or nameN
Frank5
Tha!s a goo4 name5 M/ name is <a!ricia Ma4igan5 Ho+ ol4 are /oN
Ten5
Oh5 She son4s 4isa..oin!e45
$! #ll "e ele)en in Ags!- ne9! mon!h5
%1'
Lell- !ha!s "e!!er !han !en5 #ll "e *or!een in Se.!em"er5 7o /o +an! !o kno+ +h/ #m in !he
Fe)er Hos.i!alN
# 4o5
# ha)e 4i.h!heria an4 some!hing else5
Lha!s some!hing elseN
The/ 4on! kno+5 The/ !hink # ha)e a 4isease *rom *oreign .ar!s "ecase m/ *a!her se4 !o "e
in A*rica5 # nearl/ 4ie45 Are /o going !o !ell me +ha! /o look likeN
# ha)e "lack hair5
,o an4 millions5
# ha)e "ro+n e/es +i!h "i!s o* green !ha!s calle4 haIel5 ,o an4 !hosan4s5
# ha)e s!i!ches on !he "ack o* m/ righ! han4 an4 m/ !+o *ee! +here !he/ .! in !he sol4iers
"loo45
Oh- Go4- 4i4 !he/N
The/ 4i45
,o +on! "e a"le !o s!o. marching an4 sal!ing5
Theres a s+ish o* ha"i! an4 click o* "ea4s an4 !hen Sis!er Ri!as )oice5 No+- no+- +ha!s !hisN
Theres !o "e no !alking "e!+een !+o rooms es.eciall/ +hen i!s a "o/ an4 a girl5 7o /o hear
me- <a!riciaN
# 4o- Sis!er5
7o /o hear me- FrancisN
# 4o- Sis!er5
,o col4 "e gi)ing !hanks *or /or !+o remarka"le reco)eries5,o col4 "e sa/ing !he
rosar/5,o col4 "e rea4ing The Li!!le Messenger o*!he Sacre4 Hear! !ha!s "esi4e /or "e4s5
7on! le! me come "ack an4 *in4 /o !alking5
She comes in!o m/ room an4 +ags her *inger a! me5 Es.eciall/ /o- Francis- a*!er !hosan4s o*
"o/s .ra/e4 *or /o a! !he Con*ra!erni!/5 Gi)e !hanks- Francis- gi)e !hanks5
She lea)es an4 !heres silence *or a+hile5 Then <a!ricia +his.ers- Gi)e !hanks- Francis- gi)e
!hanks- an4 sa/ /or rosar/- Francis- an4 # lagh so har4 a nrse rns in !o see i* #m all righ!5
Shes a )er/ s!ern nrse *rom !he Con!/ Kerr/ an4 she *righ!ens me5Lha!s !his- FrancisN
LaghingN Lha! is !here !o lagh a"o!N Are /o an4 !ha! Ma4igan girl !alkingN #ll re.or! /o
!o Sis!er Ri!a5Theres !o "e no laghing *or /o col4 "e 4oing serios 4amage !o /or in!ernal
a..ara!s5 She .lo4s o! an4 <a!ricia +his.ers again in a hea)/ Kerr/ accen!- No laghing-
Francis- /o col4 "e 4oin serios 4amage !o /or in!er%1B
nal a..ara!s5 Sa/ /or rosar/- Francis- an4 .ra/ *or /or in!ernal a..ara!s5
Mam )isi!s me on Thrs4a/s5 #4 like !o see m/ *a!her- !oo- "! #m o! o* 4anger- crisis !ime is
o)er- an4 #m allo+e4 onl/ one )isi!or5 $esi4es- she sa/s- hes "ack a! +ork a! Ranks Flor Mills
an4 .lease Go4 !his Jo" +ill las! a +hile +i!h !he +ar on an4 !he English 4es.era!e *or *lor5 She
"rings me a chocola!e "ar an4 !ha! .ro)es 7a4 is +orking5 She col4 ne)er a**or4 i! on !he 4ole5
He sen4s me no!es5 He !ells me m/ "ro!hers are all .ra/ing *or me- !ha! # shol4 "e a goo4 "o/-
o"e/ !he 4oc!ors- !he nns- !he nrses- an4 4on! *orge! !o sa/ m/ .ra/ers5 Hes sre S!5 P4e
.lle4 me !hrogh !he crisis "ecase hes !he .a!ron sain! o* 4es.era!e cases an4 # +as in4ee4
a 4es.era!e case5 <a!ricia sa/s she has !+o "ooks "/ her "e45 One is a .oe!r/ "ook an4 !ha!s
!he one she lo)es5The o!her is a shor! his!or/ o* Englan4 an4 4o # +an! i!N She gi)es i! !o
Seams- !he man +ho mo.s !he *loors e)er/ 4a/- an4 he "rings i! !o me5 He sa/s- #m no!
s..ose4 !o "e "ringing an/!hing *rom a 4i.!eria room !o a !/.hoi4 room +i!h all !he germs
*l/ing aron4 an4 hi4ing "e!+een !he .ages an4 i* /o e)er ca!ch 4i.!eria on !o. o* !he !/.hoi4
!he/ll kno+ an4 #ll lose m/ goo4 Jo" an4 "e o! on !he s!ree! singing .a!rio!ic songs +i!h a !in
c. in m/ han4- +hich # col4 easil/ 4o "ecase !here isn! a song e)er +ri!!en a"o! #relan4s
s**erings # 4on! kno+ an4 a *e+ songs a"o! !he Jo/ o* +hiske/ !oo5
Oh- /es- he kno+s Ro44/ McCorle/5 Hell sing i! *or me righ! enogh "! hes "arel/ in!o !he
*irs! )erse +hen !he Kerr/ nrse rshes in5Lha!s !his- SeamsN SingingN O* all !he .eo.le in
!his hos.i!al /o shol4 kno+ !he rles agains! singing5 # ha)e a goo4 min4 !o re.or! /o !o
Sis!er Ri!a5
Ah- Go4- 4on! 4o !ha!- nrse5
Oer/ +ell- Seams5 #ll le! i! go !his one !ime5,o kno+ !he singing col4 lea4 !o a rela.se in
!hese .a!ien!s5
Lhen she lea)es he +his.ers hell !each me a *e+ songs "ecase singing is goo4 *or .assing !he
!ime +hen /ore "/ /orsel* in a !/.hoi4 room5 He sa/s <a!ricia is a lo)el/ girl !he +a/ she
o*!en gi)es him s+ee!s *rom !he .arcel her mo!her sen4s e)er/ *or!nigh!5 He s!o.s mo..ing !he
*loor an4 calls !o <a!ricia in !he ne9! room- # +as !elling Frankie /ore a lo)el/ girl- <a!ricia- an4
she sa/s-,ore a lo)el/ man- Seams5 He smiles "ecase hes an ol4 man o* *or!/ an4 he ne)er
ha4 %1C
chil4ren "! !he ones he can !alk !o here in !he Fe)er Hos.i!al5 He sa/s- Heres !he "ook-
Frankie5 #sn! i! a grea! .i!/ /o ha)e !o "e rea4ing all a"o! Englan4 a*!er all !he/ 4i4 !o s- !ha!
!here isn! a his!or/ o* #relan4 !o "e ha4 in !his hos.i!al5 The "ook !ells me all a"o! King Al*re4
an4 Lilliam !he ConKeror an4 all !he kings an4 Keens 4o+n !o E4+ar4- +ho ha4 !o +ai!
*ore)er *or his mo!her- Oic!oria- !o 4ie "e*ore he col4 "e king5 The "ook has !he *irs! "i! o*
Shakes.eare # e)er rea45
# 4o "elie)e- in4ce4 "/ .o!en! circms!ances
Tha! !ho ar! mine enem/5
The his!or/ +ri!er sa/s !his is +ha! Ca!herine- +ho is a +i*e o* Henr/ !he Eigh!h- sa/s !o Car4inal
Lolse/- +ho is !r/ing !o ha)e her hea4 c! o**5 # 4on! kno+ +ha! i! means an4 # 4on! care
"ecase i!s Shakes.eare an4 i!s like ha)ing Je+els in m/ mo!h +hen # sa/ !he +or4s5 #* # ha4 a
+hole "ook o* Shakes.eare !he/ col4 kee. me in !he hos.i!al *or a /ear5
<a!ricia sa/s she 4oesn! kno+ +ha! in4ce4 means or .o!en! circms!ances an4 she 4oesn!
care a"o! Shakes.eare- she has her .oe!r/ "ook an4 she rea4s !o me *rom "e/on4 !he +all a
.oem a"o! an o+l an4 a .ss/ca! !ha! +en! !o sea in a green "oa! +i!h hone/ an4 mone/ an4
i! makes no sense an4 +hen # sa/ !ha! <a!ricia ge!s h**/ an4 sa/s !ha!s !he las! .oem shell
e)er rea4 !o me5 She sa/s #m al+a/s reci!ing !he lines *rom Shakes.eare an4 !he/ make no
sense ei!her5 Seams s!o.s mo..ing again an4 !ells s +e shol4n! "e *igh!ing o)er .oe!r/
"ecase +ell ha)e enogh !o *igh! a"o! +hen +e gro+ . an4 ge! marrie45 <a!ricia sa/s shes
sorr/ an4 #m sorr/ !oo so she rea4s me .ar! o* ano!her .oem +hich # ha)e !o remem"er so #
can sa/ i! "ack !o her earl/ in !he morning or la!e a! nigh! +hen !here are no nns or nrses
a"o!-
The +in4 +as a !orren! o* 4arkness among !he gs!/ !rees-The moon +as a ghos!l/ galleon
!osse4 .on clo4/ seas-The roa4 +as a ri""on o* moonligh! o)er !he .r.le moor-An4 !he
high+a/man came ri4ing
Ri4ing ri4ing
The high+a/man came ri4ing- . !o !he ol4 inn:4oor5 %13
He4 a French cocke4:ha! on his *orehea4- a "nch o* lace a! his chin-A coa! o* !he clare! )el)e!-
an4 "reeches o* "ro+n 4oe:skin-The/ *i!!e4 +i!h ne)er a +rinkle- his "oo!s +ere . !o !he
!high5An4 he ro4e +i!h a Je+elle4 !+inkle-
His .is!ol "!!s a:!+inkle-
His ra.ier hil! a:!+inkle- n4er !he Je+elle4 sk/5 E)er/ 4a/ # can! +ai! *or !he 4oc!ors an4
nrses !o lea)e me alone so # can learn a ne+ )erse *rom <a!ricia an4 *in4 o! +ha!s ha..ening
!o !he high+a/man an4 !he lan4lor4s re4:li..e4 4agh!er5 # lo)e !he .oem "ecase i!s
e9ci!ing an4 almos! as goo4 as m/ !+o lines o* Shakes.eare5The re4coa!s are a*!er !he
high+a/man "ecase !he/ kno+ he !ol4 her- #ll come !o !hee "/ moonligh!- !hogh hell shol4
"ar !he +a/5
#4 lo)e !o 4o !ha! m/sel*- come "/ moonligh! *or <a!ricia in !he ne9! room no! gi)ing a *i44lers
*ar! !hogh hell shol4 "ar !he +a/5 Shes rea4/ !o rea4 !he las! *e+ )erses +hen in comes !he
nrse *rom Kerr/ sho!ing a! her- sho!ing a! me- # !ol4 /e !here +as !o "e no !alking "e!+een
rooms5 7i.!h!eria is ne)er allo+e4 !o !alk !o !/.hoi4 an4 )isa )ersa5 # +arne4 /e5An4 she calls
o!- Seams- !ake !his one5Take !he "/5 Sis!er Ri!a sai4 one more +or4 o! o* him an4 .s!airs
+i!h him5 Le ga)e /e a +arning !o s!o. !he "la!hering "! /e +ol4n!5Take !he "/- Seams-
!ake him5
Ah- no+- nrse- sre isn! he harmless5 Tis onl/ a "i! o .oe!r/5 Take !ha! "/- Seams- !ake him
a! once5
He "en4s o)er me an4 +his.ers-Ah- Go4- #m sorr/- Frankie5 Heres /or English his!or/ "ook5
He sli.s !he "ook n4er m/ shir! an4 li*!s me *rom !he "e45 He +his.ers !ha! #m a *ea!her5 # !r/
!o see <a!ricia +hen +e .ass !hrogh her room "! all # can make o! is a "lr o* 4ark hea4 on a
.illo+5
Sis!er Ri!a s!o.s s in !he hall !o !ell me #m a grea! 4isa..oin!men! !o her- !ha! she e9.ec!e4
me !o "e a goo4 "o/ a*!er +ha! Go4 ha4 4one *or me- a*!er all !he .ra/ers sai4 "/ hn4re4s o*
"o/s a! !he Con*ra!erni!/- a*!er all !he care *rom !he nns an4 nrses o* !he Fe)er Hos.i!al-
a*!er !he +a/ !he/ le! m/ mo!her an4 *a!her in !o see me- a !hing rarel/ allo+e4- an4 !his is
ho+ # re.ai4 !hem l/ing in !he "e4 reci!ing sill/ .oe!r/ "ack an4 *or!h +i!h <a!ricia Ma4igan
kno+ing )er/ +ell !here +as a "an on all !alk "e!+een !/.hoi4 an4 4i.h!heria5 She sa/s #ll ha)e
%1E
.len!/ o* !ime !o re*lec! on m/ sins in !he "ig +ar4 .s!airs an4 # shol4 "eg Go4s *orgi)eness
*or m/ 4iso"e4ience reci!ing a .agan English .oem a"o! a !hie* on a horse an4 a mai4en +i!h
re4 li.s +ho commi!s a !erri"le sin +hen # col4 ha)e "een .ra/ing or rea4ing !he li*e o* a sain!5
She ma4e i! her "siness !o rea4 !ha! .oem so she 4i4 an4 #4 "e +ell a4)ise4 !o !ell !he .ries!
in con*ession5
The Kerr/ nrse *ollo+s s .s!airs gas.ing an4 hol4ing on !o !he "anis!er5 She !ells me # "e!!er
no! ge! !he no!ion shell "e rnning . !o !his .ar! o* !he +orl4 e)er/ !ime # ha)e a li!!le .ain or
a !+inge5 There are !+en!/ "e4s in !he +ar4- all +hi!e- all em.!/5 The nrse !ells Seams .!
me a! !he *ar en4 o* !he +ar4 agains! !he +all !o make sre # 4on! !alk !o an/one +ho migh! "e
.assing !he 4oor- +hich is )er/ nlikel/ since !here isn! ano!her sol on !his +hole *loor5 She
!ells Seams !his +as !he *e)er +ar4 4ring !he Grea! Famine long ago an4 onl/ Go4 kno+s
ho+ man/ 4ie4 here "rogh! in !oo la!e *or an/!hing "! a +ash "e*ore !he/ +ere "rie4 an4
!here are s!ories o* cries an4 moans in !he *ar reaches o* !he nigh!5 She sa/s !+ol4 "reak /or
hear! !o !hink o* +ha! !he English 4i4 !o s- !ha! i* !he/ 4i4n! .! !he "ligh! on !he .o!a!o !he/
4i4n! 4o mch !o !ake i! o**5 No .i!/5 No *eeling a! all *or !he .eo.le !ha! 4ie4 in !his )er/ +ar4-
chil4ren s**ering an4 4/ing here +hile !he English *eas!e4 on roas! "ee* an4 gIIle4 !he "es!
o* +ine in !heir "ig hoses- li!!le chil4ren +i!h !heir mo!hs all green *rom !r/ing !o ea! !he
grass in !he *iel4s "e/on4- Go4 "less s an4 sa)e s an4 gar4 s *rom *!re *amines5
Seams sa/s !+as a !erri"le !hing in4ee4 an4 he +ol4n! +an! !o "e +alking !hese halls in !he
4ark +i!h all !he li!!le green mo!hs ga.ing a! him5The nrse !akes m/ !em.era!re- Tis . a
"i!- ha)e a goo4 slee. *or /orsel* no+ !ha! /ore a+a/ *rom !he cha!!er +i!h <a!ricia Ma4igan
"elo+ +ho +ill ne)er kno+ a gra/ hair5
She shakes her hea4 a! Seams an4 he gi)es her a sa4 shake "ack5 Nrses an4 nns ne)er !hink
/o kno+ +ha! !he/re !alking a"o!5 #* /ore !en going on ele)en /ore s..ose4 !o "e
sim.le like m/ ncle <a! Sheehan +ho +as 4ro..e4 on his hea45,o can! ask Kes!ions5,o
can! sho+ /o n4ers!an4 +ha! !he nrse sai4 a"o! <a!ricia Ma4igan- !ha! shes going !o 4ie-
an4 /o can! sho+ /o +an! !o cr/ o)er !his girl +ho !agh! /o a lo)el/ .oem +hich !he nn
sa/s is "a45 The nrse !ells Seams she has !o go an4 hes !o s+ee. !he lin! *rom n4er m/ "e4
an4 mo. . a "i! aron4 !he +ar45 Seams !ells me shes a righ! ol "i!ch *or rnning !o Sis!er
Ri!a an4 com.laining a"o! !he %1D
.oem going "e!+een !he !+o rooms- !ha! /o can! ca!ch a 4isease *rom a .oem nless i!s lo)e
ha ha an4 !ha!s no! "loo4/ likel/ +hen /ore +ha!N !en going on ele)enN He ne)er hear4 !he
likes o* i!- a li!!le *ella shi*!e4 .s!airs *or sa/ing a .oem an4 he has a goo4 min4 !o go !o !he
Limerick Lea4er an4 !ell !hem .rin! !he +hole !hing e9ce.! he has !his Jo" an4 he4 lose i! i*
e)er Sis!er Ri!a *on4 o!5An/+a/- Frankie- /oll "e o!a here one o* !hese *ine 4a/s an4 /o
can rea4 all !he .oe!r/ /o +an! !hogh # 4on! kno+ a"o! <a!ricia "elo+- # 4on! kno+ a"o!
<a!ricia- Go4 hel. s5
He kno+s a"o! <a!ricia in !+o 4a/s "ecase she go! o! o* !he "e4 !o go !o !he la)a!or/ +hen
she +as s..ose4 !o se a "e4.an an4 colla.se4 an4 4ie4 in !he la)a!or/5 Seams is mo..ing
!he *loor an4 !here are !ears on his cheeks an4 hes sa/ing- Tis a 4ir!/ ro!!en !hing !o 4ie in a
la)a!or/ +hen /ore lo)el/ in /orsel*5 She !ol4 me she +as sorr/ she ha4 /o reci!ing !ha!
.oem an4 ge!!ing /o shi*!e4 *rom !he room- Frankie5 She sai4 !+as all her *al!5
#! +asn!- Seams5
# kno+ an4 4i4n! # !ell her !ha!5
<a!ricia is gone an4 #ll ne)er kno+ +ha! ha..ene4 !o !he high+a/man an4 $ess- !he lan4lor4s
4agh!er5 # ask Seams "! he 4oesn! kno+ an/ .oe!r/ a! all es.eciall/ English .oe!r/5 He kne+
an #rish .oem once "! i! +as a"o! *airies an4 ha4 no sign o* a high+a/man in i!5 S!ill hell ask
!he men in his local ." +here !heres al+a/s someone reci!ing some!hing an4 hell "ring i!
"ack !o me5Lon! # "e "s/ mean+hile rea4ing m/ shor! his!or/ o* Englan4 an4 *in4ing o! all
a"o! !heir .er*i4/5 Tha!s +ha! Seams sa/s- .er*i4/- an4 # 4on! kno+ +ha! i! means an4 he
4oesn! kno+ +ha! i! means "! i* i!s some!hing !he English 4o i! ms! "e !erri"le5
He comes !hree !imes a +eek !o mo. !he *loor an4 !he nrse is !here e)er/ morning !o !ake m/
!em.era!re an4 .lse5 The 4oc!or lis!ens !o m/ ches! +i!h !he !hing hanging *rom his
neck5The/ all sa/- An4 ho+s or li!!le sol4ier !o4a/N A girl +i!h a "le 4ress "rings meals !hree
!imes a 4a/ an4 ne)er !alks !o me5 Seams sa/s shes no! righ! in !he hea4 so 4on! sa/ a +or4
!o her5
The Pl/ 4a/s are long an4 # *ear !he 4ark5There are onl/ !+o ceiling ligh!s in !he +ar4 an4
!he/re s+i!che4 o** +hen !he !ea !ra/ is !aken a+a/ an4 !he nrse gi)es me .ills5The nrse !ells
me go !o slee. "! # can! "ecase # see .eo.le in !he nine!een "e4s in !he +ar4 all 4/ing an4
green aron4 !heir mo!hs +here !he/ !rie4 !o ea! grass an4 moaning %11
*or so. <ro!es!an! so. an/ so. an4 # co)er m/ *ace +i!h !he .illo+ ho.ing !he/ +on! come
an4 s!an4 aron4 !he "e4 cla+ing a! me an4 ho+ling *or "i!s o* !he chocola!e "ar m/ mo!her
"rogh! las! +eek5 No- she 4i4n! "ring i!5 She ha4 !o sen4 i! in "ecase # can! ha)e an/ more
)isi!ors5 Sis!er Ri!a !ells me a )isi! !o !he Fe)er Hos.i!al is a .ri)ilege an4 a*!er m/ "a4 "eha)ior
+i!h <a!ricia Ma4igan an4 !ha! .oem # can! ha)e !he .ri)ilege an/more5 She sa/s #ll "e going
home in a *e+ +eeks an4 m/ Jo" is !o concen!ra!e on ge!!ing "e!!er an4 learn !o +alk again
a*!er "eing in "e4 *or si9 +eeks an4 # can ge! o! o* "e4 !omorro+ a*!er "reak*as!5 # 4on! kno+
+h/ she sa/s # ha)e !o learn ho+ !o +alk +hen #)e "een +alking since # +as a "a"/ "! +hen
!he nrse s!an4s me "/ !he si4e o* !he "e4 # *all !o !he *loor an4 !he nrse laghs- See- /ore a
"a"/ again5
# .rac!ice +alking *rom "e4 !o "e4 "ack an4 *or!h "ack an4 *or!h5 # 4on! +an! !o "e a "a"/5 #
4on! +an! !o "e in !his em.!/ +ar4 +i!h no <a!ricia an4 no high+a/man an4 no re4:li..e4
lan4lor4s 4agh!er5 # 4on! +an! !he ghos!s o* chil4ren +i!h green mo!hs .oin!ing "on/
*ingers a! me an4 clamoring *or "i!s o* m/ chocola!e "ar5 Seams sa/s a man in his ." kne+ all
!he )erses o* !he high+a/man .oem an4 i! has a )er/ sa4 en45Lol4 # like him !o sa/ i! "ecase
he ne)er learne4 ho+ !o rea4 an4 he ha4 !o carr/ !he .oem in his hea4N
He s!an4s in !he mi44le o* !he +ar4 leaning on his mo. an4 reci!es- Tlo!:!lo!- in !he *ros!/
silenceQ Tlo!:!lo! in !he echoing nigh!Q
Nearer he came an4 nearerQ Her *ace +as like a ligh!Q
Her e/es gre+ +i4e *or a momen!- she 4re+ one las! 4ee. "rea!h-Then her *inger mo)e4 in !he
moonligh!-
Her mske! sha!!ere4 !he moonligh!-
Sha!!ere4 her "reas! in !he moonligh! an4 +arne4 him?+i!h her 4ea!h5 He hears !he sho! an4
esca.es "! +hen he learns a! 4a+n ho+ $ess 4ie4 he goes in!o a rage an4 re!rns *or re)enge
onl/ !o "e sho! 4o+n "/ !he re4coa!s5
$loo4:re4 +ere his s.rs in !he gol4en noonM +ine:re4 +as his )el)e! coa!-Lhen !he/ sho! him
4o+n on !he high+a/-
7o+n like a 4og on !he high+a/-
An4 he la/ in his "loo4 on !he high+a/- +i!h a "nch o* lace a! his !hroa!5 &((
Seams +i.es his slee)e across his *ace an4 sni**les5 He sa/s- There +as no call a! all !o shi*! /o
. here a+a/ *rom <a!ricia +hen /o 4i4n! e)en kno+ +ha! ha..ene4 !o !he high+a/man an4
$ess5 Tis a )er/ sa4 s!or/ an4 +hen # sai4 i! !o m/ +i*e she +ol4n! s!o. cr/ing !he +hole nigh!
!ill +e +en! !o "e45 She sai4 !here +as no call *or !hem re4coa!s !o shoo! !ha! high+a/man-
!he/ are res.onsi"le *or hal* !he !ro"les o* !he +orl4 an4 !he/ ne)er ha4 an/ .i!/ on !he #rish-
ei!her5 No+ i* /o +an! !o kno+ an/ more .oems- Frankie- !ell me an4 #ll ge! !hem *rom !he
." an4 "ring em "ack in m/ hea45
The girl +i!h !he "le 4ress +hos no! righ! in !he hea4 s44enl/ sa/s one 4a/-Lol4 /o like a
"ook *or !o rea4N an4 she "rings me TheAmaIing Res! o* Mr5 Ernes! $liss "/ E5 <hilli.s
O..enheim- +hich is all a"o! an Englishman +ho is *e4 . an4 4oesn! kno+ +ha! !o 4o +i!h
himsel* e)er/ 4a/ e)en !hogh hes so rich he can! con! his mone/5 His manser)an! "rings
him !he morning .a.er !he !ea !he egg !he !oas! an4 marmala4e an4 he sa/s-Take i! a+a/- li*e
is em.!/5 He can! rea4 his .a.er- he can! ea! his egg- an4 he .ines a+a/5 His 4oc!or !ells him
go an4 li)e among !he .oor in !he Eas! En4 o* Lon4on an4 hell learn !o lo)e li*e- +hich he 4oes
an4 *alls in lo)e +i!h a girl +ho is .oor "! hones! an4 )er/ in!elligen! an4 !he/ ge! marrie4 an4
mo)e in!o his hose in !he Les! En4 +hich is !he rich .ar! "ecase i!s easier !o hel. !he .oor
an4 no! "e *e4 . +hen /ore nice an4 com*or!a"le5 Seams likes me !o !ell him +ha! #m
rea4ing5 He sa/s !ha! s!or/ a"o! Mr5 Ernes! $liss is a ma4e:. s!or/ "ecase no one in his righ!
min4 +ol4 ha)e !o go !o a 4oc!or o)er ha)ing !oo mch mone/ an4 no! ea!ing his egg !hogh
/o ne)er kno+5 #! migh! "e like !ha! in Englan45,o4 ne)er *in4 !he likes o* !ha! in #relan45 #*
/o 4i4n! ea! /or egg here /o4 "e car!e4 o** !o !he lna!ic as/lm or re.or!e4 !o !he
"isho.5
# can! +ai! !o go home an4 !ell Malach/ a"o! !his man +ho +on! ea! his egg5 Malach/ +ill *all
4o+n on !he *loor laghing "ecase sch a !hing col4 ne)er ha..en5 Hell sa/ #m making i! .
"! +hen # !ell him !his s!or/ is a"o! an Englishman hell n4ers!an45 # can! !ell !he girl in !he
"le 4ress !ha! !his s!or/ +as sill/ "ecase she migh! ha)e a *i!5 She sa/s i* /ore *inishe4 +i!h
!ha! "ook #ll "ring /o ano!her one "ecase !heres a +hole "o9 o* "ooks le*! "ehin4 "/
.a!ien!s *rom !he ol4 4a/s5 She "rings me a "ook calle4 Tom $ro+nsSchool:7a/s- +hich is
har4 !o rea4- an4 no en4 o* "ooks "/ <5 G5Lo4e&(%
hose- +ho makes me lagh o)er Ukri4ge an4 $er!ie Loos!er an4 Pee)es an4 all !he Mlliners5
$er!ie Loos!er is rich "! he ea!s his egg e)er/ morning *or *ear o* +ha! Pee)es migh! sa/5 #
+ish # col4 !alk !o !he girl in !he "le 4ress or an/one a"o! !he "ooks "! #m a*rai4 !he Kerr/
nrse or Sis!er Ri!a migh! *in4 o! an4 !he/4 mo)e me !o a "igger +ar4 .s!airs +i!h *i*!/
em.!/ "e4s an4 Famine ghos!s galore +i!h green mo!hs an4 "on/ *ingers .oin!ing5 A! nigh! #
lie in "e4 !hinking a"o! Tom $ro+n an4 his a4)en!res a! Rg"/ School an4 all !he charac!ers
in <5 G5Lo4ehose5 # can 4ream a"o! !he re4:li..e4 lan4lor4s 4agh!er an4 !he high+a/man-
an4 !he nrses an4 nns can 4o no!hing a"o! i!5 #!s lo)el/ !o kno+ !he +orl4 can! in!er*ere
+i!h !he insi4e o* /or hea45
#!s Ags! an4 #m ele)en5 #)e "een in !his hos.i!al *or !+o mon!hs an4 # +on4er i* !he/ll le!
me o! *or Chris!mas5The Kerr/ nrse !ells me # shol4 ge! 4o+n on m/ !+o knees an4 !hank
Go4 #m ali)e a! all a! all an4 no! "e com.laining5
#m no! com.laining- nrse- #m onl/ +on4ering i* #ll "e home *or Chris!mas5
She +on! ans+er me5 She !ells me "eha)e m/sel* or shell sen4 Sis!er Ri!a . !o me an4 !hen
#ll "eha)e m/sel*5 Mam comes !o !he hos.i!al on m/ "ir!h4a/ an4 sen4s . a .ackage +i!h !+o
chocola!e "ars an4 a no!e +i!h names o* .eo.le in !he lane !elling me ge! "e!!er an4 come
home an4 /ore a grea! sol4ier- Frankie5 The nrse le!s me !alk !o her !hrogh !he +in4o+ an4
i!s har4 "ecase !he +in4o+s are high an4 # ha)e !o s!an4 on Seamss shol4ers5 # !ell Mam #
+an! !o go home "! she sa/s #m a "i! !oo +eak an4 srel/ #ll "e o! in no !ime5 Seams sa/s-
Tis a gran4 !hing !o "e ele)en "ecase an/ 4a/ no+ /oll "e a man sha)ing an4 all an4 rea4/
!o ge! o! an4 ge! a Jo" an4 4rink /or .in! goo4 as an/ man5
A*!er *or!een +eeks Sis!er Ri!a !ells me # can go home an4 aren! # a lck/ "o/ !ha! !he 4a/ +ill
"e !he *eas! o* S!5 Francis o* Assisi5 She !ells me # +as a )er/ goo4 .a!ien!- e9ce.! *or !ha! li!!le
.ro"lem +i!h !he .oem an4 <a!ricia Ma4igan- Go4 res! her- an4 #m in)i!e4 !o come "ack an4
ha)e a "ig Chris!mas 4inner in !he hos.i!al5 Mam comes *or me an4 +i!h m/ +eak legs i! !akes
s a long !ime !o +alk !o !he "s a! Union Cross5 She sa/s-Take /or !ime5A*!er !hree an4 a hal*
mon!hs +e can s.are an hor5
<eo.le are a! !heir 4oors on $arrack Roa4 an4 Ro4en Lane !elling me i!s gran4 !o see me "ack-
!ha! #m a grea! sol4ier- a cre4i! !o m/ &(&
*a!her an4 mo!her5 Malach/ an4 Michael rn . !o me in !he lane an4 sa/- Go4- /ore +alking
)er/ slo+5 Can! /o rn an/moreN
#!s a "righ! 4a/ an4 #m ha../ !ill # see 7a4 si!!ing in !he ki!chen +i!h Al.hie on his la. an4
!heres an em.!/ *eeling in m/ hear! "ecase # kno+ hes o! o* +ork again5 All along # +as sre
he ha4 a Jo"- Mam !ol4 me he 4i4- an4 # !hogh! !here +ol4 "e no shor!age o* *oo4 an4 shoes5
He smiles a! me an4 !ells Al.hie- Och- !heres /or "ig "ro!her home *rom !he hos.i!al5
Mam !ells him +ha! !he 4oc!or sai4- !ha! #m !o ha)e .len!/ o* norishing *oo4 an4 res!5The
4oc!or sai4 "ee* +ol4 "e !he righ! !hing *or "il4ing me . again5 7a4 no4s5 Mam makes "ee*
!ea *rom a c"e an4 Malach/ an4 Mike +a!ch me 4rink i!5The/ sa/ !he/4 like some !oo "!
Mam sa/s go a+a/- /e 4i4n! ha)e !he !/.hoi45 She sa/s !he 4oc!or +an!s me !o go !o "e4
earl/5 She !rie4 !o ge! ri4 o* !he *leas "! !he/re +orse !han e)er +i!h !he +arm +ea!her +ere
ha)ing5 $esi4es- she sa/s- !he/ +on! ge! mch o! o* /o all "ones an4 li!!le skin5 # lie in "e4
an4 !hink o* !he hos.i!al +here !he +hi!e shee!s +ere change4 e)er/ 4a/ an4 !here +asn! a
sign o* a *lea5There +as a la)a!or/ +here /o col4 si! an4 rea4 /or "ook !ill someone aske4 i*
/o +ere 4ea45There +as a "a!h +here /o col4 si! in ho! +a!er as long as /o like4 an4 sa/-
# 4o "elie)e-
#n4ce4 "/ .o!en! circms!ances
Tha! !ho ar! mine enem/-
An4 sa/ing !ha! hel.s me *all aslee.5
Lhen Malach/ an4 Michael ge! . *or school in !he morning Mam !ells me # can s!a/ in "e45
Malach/ is in *i*!h class no+ +i!h Mr5 O7ea an4 he likes !o !ell e)er/one hes learning !he "ig
re4 ca!echism *or Con*irma!ion an4 Mr5 O7ea is !elling !hem all a"o! s!a!e o* grace an4 Ecli4
an4 ho+ !he English !ormen!e4 !he #rish *or eigh! hn4re4 long /ears5
# 4on! +an! !o s!a/ in "e4 an/more5 The Oc!o"er 4a/s are lo)el/ an4 # +an! !o si! o!si4e
looking . !he lane a! !he +a/ !he sn slan!s along !he +all o..osi!e or hose5 Mike/ Molone/
"rings me <5 G5 Lo4ehose "ooks his *a!her ge!s *rom !he li"rar/ an4 # ha)e grea! 4a/s +i!h
Ukri4ge an4 $er!ie Loos!er an4 all !he Mlliners5 7a4 le!s me &('
rea4 his *a)ori!e "ook- Pohn Mi!chels Pail Pornal- +hich is all a"o! a grea! #rish re"el !he
English con4emne4 !o e9ile in Oan 7iemens lan4 in As!ralia5The English !ell Pohn Mi!chel hes
*ree !o come an4 go as he .leases all o)er Oan 7iemens lan4 i* he gi)es his +or4 o* honor as a
gen!leman he +on! !r/ !o esca.e5 He gi)es his +or4 !ill a shi. comes !o hel. him esca.e an4 he
goes !o !he o**ice o* !he English magis!ra!e an4 sa/s- #m esca.ing- Jm.s on his horse an4
+in4s . in Ne+ ,ork5 7a4 sa/s he 4oesn! min4 i* # rea4 sill/ English "ooks "/ <5 G5Lo4ehose
as long as # 4on! *orge! !he men +ho 4i4 !heir "i! an4 ga)e !heir li)es *or #relan45
# can! s!a/ a! home *ore)er an4 Mam !akes me "ack !o Leam/s School in No)em"er5 The ne+
hea4mas!er- Mr5 OHalloran- sa/s hes sorr/- #)e misse4 o)er !+o mon!hs o* school an4 # ha)e
!o "e .! "ack in *i*!h class5 Mam sa/s srel/ #m rea4/ *or si9!h class5A*!er all- she sa/s- hes
misse4 onl/ a *e+ +eeks5 Mr5 OHalloran sa/s hes sorr/- !ake !he "o/ ne9! 4oor !o Mr5 O7ea5
Le +alk along !he hall+a/ an4 # !ell Mam # 4on! +an! !o "e in *i*!h class5 Malach/ is in !ha!
class an4 # 4on! +an! !o "e in a class +i!h m/ "ro!her +ho is a /ear /onger5 # ma4e m/
Con*irma!ion las! /ear5 He 4i4n!5 #m ol4er5 #m no! "igger an/more "ecase o* !he !/.hoi4 "!
#m ol4er5
Mam sa/s- #! +on! kill /o5
She 4oesn! care an4 #m .! in!o !ha! class +i!h Malach/ an4 # kno+ all his *rien4s are !here
sneering a! me "ecase # +as .! "ack5 Mr5 O7ea makes me si! in !he *ron! an4 !ells me ge!
!ha! sor look o** m/ .ss or #ll *eel !he en4 o* his ash .lan!5
Then a miracle ha..ens an4 i!s all "ecase o* S!5 Francis o* Assisi- m/ *a)ori!e sain!- an4 Or
Lor4 Himsel*5 # *in4 a .enn/ in !he s!ree! !ha! *irs! 4a/ "ack a! school an4 # +an! !o rn !o
Ka!hleen OConnells *or a "ig sKare o* Clee)es !o**ee "! # can! rn "ecase m/ legs are s!ill
+eak *rom !he !/.hoi4 an4 some!imes # ha)e !o hol4 on !o a +all5 #m 4es.era!e *or !he
Clee)es !o**ee "! #m also 4es.era!e !o ge! o! o* *i*!h class5
# kno+ # ha)e !o go !o !he s!a!e o* S!5 Francis o* Assisi5 Hes !he onl/ one +ho +ill lis!en "!
hes a! !he o!her en4 o* Limerick an4 i! !akes me an hor !o +alk !here- si!!ing on s!e.s- hol4ing
on !o +alls5 #!s a .enn/ !o ligh! a can4le an4 # +on4er i* # shol4 Js! ligh! !he can4le an4 kee.
!he .enn/5 No- S!5 Francis +ol4 kno+5 He lo)es !he "ir4 in &(B
!he air an4 !he *ish in !he s!ream "! hes no! a *ool5 # ligh! !he can4le- # kneel a! his s!a!e an4
"eg him !o ge! me o! o* *i*!h class +here #m s!ck +i!h m/ "ro!her- +ho is .ro"a"l/ going
aron4 !he lane no+ "ragging !ha! his "ig "ro!her +as ke.! "ack5 S!5 Francis 4oesn! sa/ a +or4
"! # kno+ hes lis!ening an4 # kno+ hell ge! me o! o* !ha! class5 #!s !he leas! he col4 4o a*!er
all m/ !ro"le coming !o his s!a!e- si!!ing on s!e.s- hol4ing on !o +alls- +hen # col4 ha)e gone
!o S!5 Pose.hs Chrch an4 li! a can4le !o !he Li!!le Flo+er or !he Sacre4 Hear! o* Pess
Himsel*5Lha!s !he se o* "eing name4 a*!er him i* hes going !o 4eser! me in m/ hor o* nee4N
# ha)e !o si! in Mr5 O7eas class lis!ening !o !he ca!echism an4 all !he o!her s!** he !agh! las!
/ear5 #4 like !o raise m/ han4 an4 gi)e !he ans+ers "! he sa/s- $e Kie!- le! /or "ro!her
ans+er5 He gi)es !hem !es!s in ari!hme!ic an4 makes me si! !here an4 correc! !hem5 He 4ic!a!es
!o !hem in #rish an4 makes me correc! +ha! !he/)e +ri!!en5Then he gi)es me s.ecial
com.osi!ions !o +ri!e an4 makes me rea4 !hem !o !he class "ecase o* all # learne4 *rom him
las! /ear5 He !ells !he class- Frank McCor! is going !o sho+ /o ho+ +ell he learne4 !o +ri!e in
!his class las! /ear5 Hes going !o +ri!e a com.osi!ion on Or Lor4- aren! /o- McCor!N Hes
going !o !ell s +ha! i! +ol4 "e like i* Or Lor4 ha4 gro+n . in Limerick +hich has !he Arch
Con*ra!erni!/ o* !he Hol/ Famil/ an4 is !he holies! ci!/ in #relan45Le kno+ !ha! i* Or Lor4 ha4
gro+n . in Limerick He +ol4 ne)er ha)e "een crci*ie4 "ecase !he .eo.le o* Limerick +ere
al+a/s goo4 Ca!holics an4 no! gi)en !o crci*i9ion5 So- McCor!- /o are !o go home an4 +ri!e
!ha! com.osi!ion an4 "ring i! in !omorro+5
7a4 sa/s Mr5 O7ea has a grea! imagina!ion "! 4i4n! Or Lor4 s**er enogh on !he cross
+i!ho! s!icking Him in Limerick on !o. o* i! +i!h !he 4am. *rom !he Ri)er Shannon5 He .!s on
his ca. an4 goes *or a long +alk an4 # ha)e !o !hink a"o! Or Lor4 "/ m/sel* an4 +on4er +ha!
#m going !o +ri!e !omorro+5 The ne9! 4a/ Mr5 O7ea sa/s- All righ!- McCor!- rea4 /or
com.osi!ion !o !he class5 The name o* m/ com.osi!ion is?
The !i!le- McCor!- !he !i!le5
The !i!le o* m/ com.osi!ion is-SPess an4 !he Lea!her5T
Lha!N
SPess an4 !he Lea!her5T
&(C
All righ!- rea4 i!5
This is m/ com.osi!ion5 # 4on! !hink Pess Lho is Or Lor4 +ol4 ha)e like4 !he +ea!her in
Limerick "ecase i!s al+a/s raining an4 !he Shannon kee.s !he +hole ci!/ 4am.5 M/ *a!her
sa/s !he Shannon is a killer ri)er "ecase i! kille4 m/ !+o "ro!hers5Lhen /o look a! .ic!res o*
Pess Hes al+a/s +an4ering aron4 ancien! #srael in a shee!5 #! ne)er rains !here an4 /o ne)er
hear o* an/one coghing or ge!!ing consm.!ion or an/!hing like !ha! an4 no one has a Jo"
!here "ecase all !he/ 4o is s!an4 aron4 an4 ea! manna an4 shake !heir *is!s an4 go !o
crci*i9ions5
An/!ime Pess go! hngr/ all He ha4 !o 4o +as +alk . !he roa4 !o a *ig !ree or an orange !ree
an4 ha)e His *ill5 #* He +an!e4 a .in! He col4 +a)e His han4 o)er a "ig glass an4 !here +as !he
.in!5 Or He col4 )isi! Mar/ Mag4alene an4 her sis!er- Mar!ha- an4 !he/4 gi)e Him His 4inner
no Kes!ions aske4 an4 He4 ge! his *ee! +ashe4 an4 4rie4 +i!h Mar/ Mag4alenes hair +hile
Mar!ha +ashe4 !he 4ishes- +hich # 4on! !hink is *air5Lh/ shol4 she ha)e !o +ash !he 4ishes
+hile her sis!er si!s o! !here cha!!ing a+a/ +i!h Or Lor4N #!s a goo4 !hing Pess 4eci4e4 !o "e
"orn Pe+ish in !ha! +arm .lace "ecase i* he +as "orn in Limerick he4 ca!ch !he consm.!ion
an4 "e 4ea4 in a mon!h an4 !here +ol4n! "e an/ Ca!holic Chrch an4 !here +ol4n! "e an/
Commnion or Con*irma!ion an4 +e +ol4n! ha)e !o learn !he ca!echism an4 +ri!e
com.osi!ions a"o! Him5The En45
Mr5 O7ea is Kie! an4 gi)es me a s!range look an4 #m +orrie4 "ecase +hen hes Kie! like
!ha! i! means someone is going !o s**er5 He sa/s- McCor!- +ho +ro!e !ha! com.osi!ionN
# 4i4- sir5
7i4 /or *a!her +ri!e !ha! com.osi!ionN
He 4i4n!- sir5
Come here- McCor!5
# *ollo+ him o! !he 4oor- along !he hall !o !he hea4mas!ers room5 Mr5 O7ea sho+s him m/
com.osi!ion an4 Mr5 OHalloran gi)es me !he s!range look- !oo5 7i4 /o +ri!e !his com.osi!ionN
# 4i4- sir5
#m !aken o! o* !he *i*!h class an4 .! in!o Mr5 OHallorans si9!h class +i!h all !he "o/s # kno+-
<a44/ Clohess/- Fin!an Sla!!er/- The Res!ion Rigle/- an4 +hen school is o)er !ha! 4a/ # ha)e
!o go "ack 4o+n !o !he s!a!e o* S!5 Francis o* Assisi !o !hank him e)en i* m/ legs &(3
are s!ill +eak *rom !he !/.hoi4 an4 # ha)e !o si! on s!e.s an4 hol4 on !o +alls an4 # +on4er +as
i! some!hing goo4 # sai4 in !ha! com.osi!ion or some!hing "a45
Mr5Thomas L5 OHalloran !eaches !hree classes in one room- si9!h- se)en!h- eigh!h5 He has a
hea4 like <resi4en! Roose)el! an4 he +ears gol4 glasses5 He +ears si!s- na)/ "le or gra/- an4
!heres a gol4 +a!ch chain !ha! hangs across his "ell/ *rom .ocke! !o .ocke! in his +ais!coa!5
Le call him Ho../ "ecase he has a shor! leg an4 ho.s +hen he +alks5 He kno+s +ha! +e call
him an4 he sa/s-,es- #m Ho../ an4 #ll ho. on /o5 He carries a long s!ick- a .oin!er- an4 i* /o
4on! .a/ a!!en!ion or gi)e a s!.i4 ans+er he gi)es /o !hree sla.s on each han4 or +hacks
/o across !he "acks o* /or legs5 He makes /o learn e)er/!hing "/ hear!- e)er/!hing- an4 !ha!
makes him !he har4es! mas!er in !he school5 He lo)es America an4 makes s kno+ all !he
American s!a!es in al.ha"e!ical or4er5 He makes char!s o* #rish grammar- #rish his!or/ an4
alge"ra a! home- hangs !hem on an easel an4 +e ha)e !o chan! or +a/ !hrogh !he cases-
conJga!ions an4 4eclensions o* #rish- *amos names an4 "a!!les- .ro.or!ions- ra!ios-
eKa!ions5 Le ha)e !o kno+ all !he im.or!an! 4a!es in #rish his!or/5 He !ells s +ha! is
im.or!an! an4 +h/5 No mas!er e)er !ol4 s +h/ "e*ore5 #* /o aske4 +h/ /o4 "e hi! on !he
hea45 Ho../ 4oesn! call s i4io!s an4 i* /o ask a Kes!ion he 4oesn! go in!o a rage5 Hes !he
onl/ mas!er +ho s!o.s an4 sa/s- 7o /e n4ers!an4 +ha! #m !alking a"o!N 7o /e +an! !o ask a
Kes!ionN
#!s a shock !o e)er/one +hen he sa/s- !he $a!!le o* Kinsale in si9!een nogh! one +as !he
sa44es! momen! in #rish his!or/- a close "a!!le +i!h crel!/ an4 a!roci!ies on "o!h si4es5
Crel!/ on "o!h si4esN The #rish si4eN Ho+ col4 !ha! "eN All !he o!her mas!ers !ol4 s !he #rish
al+a/s *ogh! no"l/- !he/ al+a/s *ogh! !he *air *igh!5 He reci!es an4 makes s remem"er-
The/ +en! *or!h !o "a!!le- "! !he/ al+a/s *ell-Their e/es +ere *i9e4 a"o)e !he sllen shiel4s5
No"l/ !he/ *ogh! an4 "ra)el/- "! no! +ell-
An4 sank hear!:+on4e4 "/ a s"!le s.ell5
#* !he/ los! i! +as "ecase o* !rai!ors an4 in*ormers5 $! # +an! !o kno+ a"o! !hese #rish
a!roci!ies5
Sir- 4i4 !he #rish commi! a!roci!ies a! !he $a!!le o* KinsaleN
&(E
The/ 4i4- in4ee45 #! is recor4e4 !ha! !he/ kille4 .risoners "! !he/ +ere no "e!!er nor +orse
!han !he English5
Mr5 OHalloran can! lie5 Hes !he hea4mas!er5 All !hese /ears +e +ere !ol4 !he #rish +ere
al+a/s no"le an4 !he/ ma4e "ra)e s.eeches "e*ore !he English hange4 !hem5 No+ Ho../
OHalloran is sa/ing !he #rish 4i4 "a4 !hings5 Ne9! !hing hell "e sa/ing !he English 4i4 goo4
!hings5 He sa/s-,o ha)e !o s!4/ an4 learn so !ha! /o can make . /or o+n min4 a"o!
his!or/ an4 e)er/!hing else "! /o can! make . an em.!/ min45 S!ock /or min4- s!ock /or
min45 #! is /or hose o* !reasre an4 no one in !he +orl4 can in!er*ere +i!h i!5 #* /o +on !he
#rish S+ee.s!akes an4 "ogh! a hose !ha! nee4e4 *rni!re +ol4 /o *ill i! +i!h "i!s an4
.ieces o* r""ishN ,or min4 is /or hose an4 i* /o *ill i! +i!h r""ish *rom !he cinemas i! +ill
ro! in /or hea45,o migh! "e .oor- /or shoes migh! "e "roken- "! /or min4 is a .alace5 He
calls s one "/ one !o !he *ron! o* !he room an4 looks a! or shoes5 He +an!s !o kno+ +h/
!he/re "roken or +h/ +e ha)e no shoes a! all5 He !ells s !his is a 4isgrace an4 hes going !o
ha)e a ra**le !o raise mone/ so !ha! +e can ha)e s!rong +arm "oo!s *or !he +in!er5 He gi)es s
"ooks o* !icke!s an4 +e s+arm all o)er Limerick *or Leam/s School "oo! *n4- *irs! .riIe *i)e
.on4s- *i)e .riIes o* a .on4 each5 Ele)en "o/s +i!h no "oo!s ge! ne+ "oo!s5 Malach/ an4 #
4on! ge! an/ "ecase +e ha)e shoes on or *ee! e)en i* !he soles are +orn a+a/ an4 +e
+on4er +h/ +e ran all o)er Limerick selling !icke!s so !ha! o!her "o/s col4 ge! "oo!s5 Fin!an
Sla!!er/ sa/s +e gain .lenar/ #n4lgences *or +orks o* chari!/ an4 <a44/ Clohess/ sa/s- Fin!an-
+ol4 /o e)er go an4 ha)e a goo4 shi! *or /orsel*5
# kno+ +hen 7a4 4oes !he "a4 !hing5 # kno+ +hen he 4rinks !he 4ole mone/ an4 Mam is
4es.era!e an4 has !o "eg a! !he S!5Oincen! 4e <al Socie!/ an4 ask *or cre4i! a! Ka!hleen
OConnells sho. "! # 4on! +an! !o "ack a+a/ *rom him an4 rn !o Mam5 Ho+ can # 4o !ha!
+hen #m . +i!h him earl/ e)er/ morning +i!h !he +hole +orl4 aslee.N He ligh!s !he *ire an4
makes !he !ea an4 sings !o himsel* or rea4s !he .a.er !o me in a +his.er !ha! +on! +ake .
!he res! o* !he *amil/5 Mike/ Mollo/ s!ole Cchlain- !he Angel on !he Se)en!h S!e. is gone
some.lace else- "! m/ *a!her in !he morning is s!ill mine5 He ge!s !he #rish<ress earl/ an4
!ells me a"o! !he +orl4- Hi!ler- Mssolini- Franco5 He &(D
sa/s !his +ar is none o* or "siness "ecase !he English are . !o !heir !ricks again5 He !ells me
a"o! !he grea! Roose)el! in Lashing!on an4 !he grea! 7e Oalera in 7"lin5 #n !he morning +e
ha)e !he +orl4 !o orsel)es an4 he ne)er !ells me # shol4 4ie *or #relan45 He !ells me a"o! !he
ol4 4a/s in #relan4 +hen !he English +ol4n! le! !he Ca!holics ha)e schools "ecase !he/
+an!e4 !o kee. !he .eo.le ignoran!- !ha! !he Ca!holic chil4ren me! in he4ge schools in !he
4e.!hs o* !he con!r/ an4 learne4 English- #rish- La!in an4 Greek5 The .eo.le lo)e4 learning5
The/ lo)e4 s!ories an4 .oe!r/ e)en i* none o* !his +as an/ goo4 *or ge!!ing a Jo"5 Men- +omen
an4 chil4ren +ol4 ga!her in 4i!ches !o hear !hose grea! mas!ers an4 e)er/one +on4ere4 a!
ho+ mch a man col4 carr/ in his hea45The mas!ers riske4 !heir li)es going *rom 4i!ch !o 4i!ch
an4 he4ge !o he4ge "ecase i* !he English cagh! !hem !eaching !he/ migh! "e !rans.or!e4 !o
*oreign .ar!s or +orse5 He !ells me school is eas/ no+- /o 4on! ha)e !o si! in a 4i!ch learning
/or sms or !he glorios his!or/ o* #relan45 # shol4 "e goo4 in school an4 some 4a/ #ll go "ack
!o America an4 ge! an insi4e Jo" +here #ll "e si!!ing a! a 4esk +i!h !+o *on!ain .ens in m/
.ocke!- one re4 an4 one "le- making 4ecisions5 #ll "e in o! o* !he rain an4 #ll ha)e a si! an4
shoes an4 a +arm .lace !o li)e an4 +ha! more col4 a man +an!N He sa/s /o can 4o an/!hing
in America- i!s !he lan4 o* o..or!ni!/5,o can "e a *isherman in Maine or a *armer in
Cali*ornia5 America is no! like Limerick- a gra/ .lace +i!h a ri)er !ha! kills5 Lhen /o ha)e /or
*a!her !o /orsel* "/ !he *ire in !he morning /o 4on! nee4 Cchlain or !he Angel on !he
Se)en!h S!e. or an/!hing5 A! nigh! he hel.s s +i!h or e9ercises5 Mam sa/s !he/ call i!
home+ork in America "! here i!s e9ercises- !he sms- !he English- !he #rish- !he his!or/5 He
can! hel. s +i!h #rish "ecase hes *rom !he Nor!h an4 lacking in !he na!i)e !onge5 Malach/
o**ers !o !each him all !he #rish +or4s he kno+s "! 7a4 sa/s i!s !oo la!e- /o can! !each an ol4
4og a ne+ "ark5 $e*ore "e4 +e si! aron4 !he *ire an4 i* +e sa/- 7a4- !ell s a s!or/- he makes
. one a"o! someone in !he lane an4 !he s!or/ +ill !ake s all o)er !he +orl4- . in !he air-
n4er !he sea an4 "ack !o !he lane5 E)er/one in !he s!or/ is a 4i**eren! color an4 e)er/!hing is
.si4e 4o+n an4 "ack+ar45 Mo!or cars an4 .lanes go n4er +a!er an4 s"marines *l/ !hrogh
!he air5 Sharks si! in !rees an4 gian! salmon s.or! +i!h kangaroos on !he moon5 <olar "ears
+res!le +i!h ele.han!s in As!ralia an4 .engins !each 8ls ho+ !o .la/ "ag.i.es5A*!er !he
s!or/ he &(1
!akes s .s!airs an4 kneels +i!h s +hile +e sa/ or .ra/ers5Le sa/ !he Or Fa!her- !hree Hail
Mar/s- Go4 "less !he <o.e5 Go4 "less Mam- Go4 "less or 4ea4 sis!er an4 "ro!hers- Go4 "less
#relan4- Go4 "less 7e Oalera- an4 Go4 "less an/one +ho gi)es 7a4 a Jo"5 He sa/s- Go !o slee.-
"o/s- "ecase hol/ Go4 is +a!ching /o an4 He al+a/s kno+s i* /ore no! goo45
# !hink m/ *a!her is like !he Hol/ Trini!/ +i!h !hree .eo.le in him- !he one in !he morning +i!h
!he .a.er- !he one a! nigh! +i!h !he s!ories an4 !he .ra/ers- an4 !hen !he one +ho 4oes !he
"a4 !hing an4 comes home +i!h !he smell o* +hiske/ an4 +an!s s !o 4ie *or #relan45 # *eel sa4
o)er !he "a4 !hing "! # can! "ack a+a/ *rom him "ecase !he one in !he morning is m/ real
*a!her an4 i* # +ere in America # col4 sa/- # lo)e /o- 7a4- !he +a/ !he/ 4o in !he *ilms- "! /o
can! sa/ !ha! in Limerick *or *ear /o migh! "e laghe4 a!5,ore allo+e4 !o sa/ /o lo)e Go4
an4 "a"ies an4 horses !ha! +in "! an/!hing else is a so*!ness in !he hea45
7a/ an4 nigh! +ere !ormen!e4 in !ha! ki!chen +i!h .eo.le em.!/ing !heir "cke!s5 Mam sa/s
i!s no! !he Ri)er Shannon !ha! +ill kill s "! !he s!ink *rom !ha! la)a!or/ o!si4e or 4oor5 #!s
"a4 enogh in !he +in!er +hen e)er/!hing *lo+s o)er an4 see.s n4er or 4oor "! +orse in
!he +arm +ea!her +hen !here are *lies an4 "le"o!!les an4 ra!s5 There is a s!a"le ne9! !o !he
la)a!or/ +here !he/ kee. !he "ig horse *rom Ga""e!!s coal /ar45 His name is Finn !he Horse
an4 +e all lo)e him "! !he s!a"le man *rom !he coal /ar4 4oesn! !ake .ro.er care o* !he
s!a"le an4 !he s!ink !ra)els !o or hose5The s!ink *rom !he la)a!or/ an4 !he s!a"le a!!rac!s ra!s
an4 +e ha)e !o chase !hem +i!h or ne+ 4og- Lck/5 He lo)es !o corner !he ra!s an4 !hen +e
smash !hem !o "i!s +i!h rocks or s!icks or s!a" !hem +i!h !he ha/ *ork in !he s!a"le5The horse
himsel* is *righ!ene4 "/ !he ra!s an4 +e ha)e !o "e care*l +hen he rears .5 He kno+s +ere
no! ra!s "ecase +e "ring him a..les +hen +e ro" an orchar4 o! !he con!r/5
Some!imes !he ra!s esca.e an4 rn in!o or hose an4 in!o !he coal hole n4er !he s!airs
+here i!s .i!ch 4ark an4 /o can! see !hem5 E)en +hen +e "ring in a can4le +e can! *in4
!hem "ecase !he/ 4ig holes e)er/+here an4 +e 4on! kno+ +here !o look5 #* +e ha)e a *ire +e
can "oil +a!er an4 .or i! slo+l/ in *rom !he ke!!le s.o! an4 !ha! +ill 4ri)e !hem o! o* !he hole
"e!+een or legs an4 o! !he 4oor again nless &%(
Lck/ is !here !o ca!ch !hem in his !ee!h an4 shake !he li*e o! o* !hem5 Le e9.ec! him !o ea!
!he ra!s "! hell lea)e !hem in !he lane +i!h !heir g!s hanging o! an4 rn !o m/ *a!her *or a
.iece o* "rea4 4i..e4 in !ea5 <eo.le in !he lane sa/ !ha!s a .ecliar +a/ *or a 4og !o "eha)e
"! !hen +ha! +ol4 /o e9.ec! *rom a 4og o* !he McCor!s5 The min!e !heres a sign o* a ra!
or a men!ion o* one Mam is o! !he 4oor an4 . !he lane5 She4 ra!her +alk !he s!ree!s o*
Limerick *ore)er !han s!a/ one min!e in a hose !ha! has a ra! in i! an4 she can ne)er res!
"ecase she kno+s !ha! +i!h !he s!a"le an4 !he la)a!or/ !heres al+a/s a ra! near"/ +i!h his
*amil/ +ai!ing *or !heir 4inner5 Le *igh! !he ra!s an4 +e *igh! !he s!ink *rom !ha! la)a!or/5Le4
like !o kee. or 4oor o.en in !he +arm +ea!her "! /o can! +hen .eo.le are !ro!!ing 4o+n
!he lane !o em.!/ !heir "rimming "cke!s5 Some *amilies are +orse !han o!hers an4 7a4 ha!es
all o* !hem e)en !hogh Mam !ells him i!s no! !heir *al! i* !he "il4ers a hn4re4 /ears ago
.! . hoses +i!h no la)a!ories "! !his one o!si4e or 4oor5 7a4 sa/s !he .eo.le shol4
em.!/ !heir "cke!s in !he mi44le o* !he nigh! +hen +e are aslee. so !ha! +e +on! "e
4is!r"e4 "/ !he s!ink5 The *lies are nearl/ as "a4 as !he ra!s5 On +arm 4a/s !he/ s+arm !o !he
s!a"le an4 +hen a "cke! is em.!ie4 !he/ s+arm !o !he la)a!or/5 #* Mam cooks an/!hing !he/
s+arm in!o !he ki!chen an4 7a4 sa/s i!s 4isgs!ing !o !hink !he *l/ si!!ing !here on !he sgar
"o+l +as on !he !oile! "o+l- or +ha!s le*! o* i!- a min!e ago5 #* /o ha)e an o.en sore !he/
*in4 i! an4 !ormen! /o5 $/ 4a/ /o ha)e !he *lies- "/ nigh! /o ha)e !he *leas5 Mam sa/s
!heres one goo4 !hing a"o! *leas- !he/re clean- "! *lies are *il!h/- /o ne)er kno+ +here
!he/ came *rom an4 !he/ carr/ 4iseases galore5
Le can chase !he ra!s an4 kill !hem5Le can sla. a! !he *lies an4 !he *leas an4 kill !hem "!
!heres no!hing +e can 4o a"o! !he neigh"ors an4 !heir "cke!s5 #* +ere o! in !he lane
.la/ing an4 +e see someone +i!h a "cke! +e call !o or o+n hose- $cke! coming- close !he
4oor- close !he 4oor- an4 +hoe)er is insi4e rns !o !he 4oor5 #n +arm +ea!her +e rn !o close
!he 4oor all 4a/ "ecase +e kno+ +hich *amilies ha)e !he +ors! "cke!s5There are *amilies
+hose *a!hers ha)e Jo"s an4 i* !he/ ge! in!o !he ha"i! o* cooking +i!h crr/ +e kno+ !heir
"cke!s +ill s!ink !o !he hea)ens an4 make s sick5 No+ +i!h !he +ar on an4 men sen4ing
mone/ *rom Englan4 more an4 more *amilies are cooking +i!h crr/ an4 or hose is *ille4 +i!h
!he s!ink 4a/ an4 nigh!5Le kno+ !he *amilies +i!h !he crr/- +e kno+ !he ones +i!h !he
ca""age5 Mam is &%%
sick all !he !ime- 7a4 !akes longer an4 longer +alks in!o !he con!r/- an4 +e .la/ o!si4e as
mch as +e can an4 *ar *rom !he la)a!or/5 7a4 4oesn! com.lain a"o! !he Ri)er Shannon
an/more5 He kno+s no+ !he la)a!or/ is +orse an4 he !akes me +i!h him !o !he To+n Hall !o
com.lain5The man !here sa/s- Mis!er- all # can !ell /o is /o can mo)e5 7a4 sa/s +e can!
a**or4 !o mo)e an4 !he man sa/s !heres no!hing he can 4o5 7a4 sa/s-This is no! #n4ia5This is a
Chris!ian con!r/5The lane nee4s more la)a!ories5 The man sa/s- 7o /o e9.ec! Limerick !o
s!ar! "il4ing la)a!ories in hoses !ha! are *alling 4o+n an/+a/- !ha! +ill "e 4emolishe4 a*!er
!he +arN 7a4 sa/s !ha! la)a!or/ col4 kill s all5 The man sa/s +e li)e in 4angeros !imes5
Mam sa/s i!s har4 enogh kee.ing a *ire going !o cook !he Chris!mas 4inner "! i* #m going !o
Chris!mas 4inner a! !he hos.i!al #ll ha)e !o +ash m/sel* *rom !o. !o "o!!om5 She +ol4n! gi)e
i! !o Sis!er Ri!a !o sa/ # +as neglec!e4 or ri.e *or ano!her 4isease5 She "oils a .o! o* +a!er earl/
in !he morning "e*ore Mass an4 nearl/ scal4s !he scal. o** me5 She scors m/ ears an4 scr"s
m/ skin so har4 i! !ingles5 She can a**or4 !..ence *or !he "s o! !o !he hos.i!al "! #ll ha)e !o
+alk "ack an4 !ha! +ill "e goo4 *or me "ecase #ll "e s!**e4 +i!h *oo4 an4 no+ she has !o ge!
!he *ire going again *or !he .igs hea4 an4 ca""age an4 *lor/ +hi!e .o!a!oes +hich she go!
once again !hrogh !he kin4ness o* !he S!5Oincen! 4e <al Socie!/ an4 shes 4e!ermine4 !his
+ill "e !he las! !ime +e cele"ra!e !he "ir!h o* Or Lor4 +i!h .igs hea45 Ne9! /ear +ell ha)e a
goose or a nice ham an4 +h/ +ol4n! +e- isn! Limerick *amos !he +orl4 o)er *or !he hamN
Sis!er Ri!a sa/s- No+ +ol4 /o look a! !his- or li!!le sol4ier looking so heal!h/5 No mea! on !he
"ones "! s!ill5 No+ !ell me- 4i4 /o go !o Mass !his morningN
# 4i4- Sis!er5
An4 4i4 /o recei)eN
# 4i4- Sis!er5
She !akes me in!o an em.!/ +ar4 an4 !ells me si! !here on !ha! chair i! +on! "e long no+ !ill #
ge! m/ 4inner5 She lea)es an4 # +on4er i* #ll "e ea!ing +i!h nns an4 nrses or +ill # "e in a
+ar4 +i!h chil4ren ha)ing !heir Chris!mas 4inner5 #n a+hile m/ 4inner is "rogh! in "/ !he girl in
!he "le 4ress +ho "rogh! me !he "ooks5 She .laces !he !ra/ on !he si4e o* a "e4 an4 # .ll .
a chair5 She *ro+ns a! me an4 &%&
scre+s . her *ace5,o- she sa/s- !ha!s /or 4inner an #m no! "ringin
/o an/ "ooks5
The 4inner is 4elicios- !rke/- mashe4 .o!a!oes- .eas- Jell/ an4 cs!ar4- an4 a .o! o* !ea5 The
Jell/ an4 cs!ar4 4ish looks 4elicios an4 # can! resis! i! so #ll ha)e i! *irs! !heres no one !here
!o no!ice "! +hen #m ea!ing i! !he girl in !he "le 4ress comes in +i!h "rea4 an4 sa/s- Lha!
are /o 4oinN
No!hing5
,es- /o are5 ,ore a!in !he s+ee! "e*ore !he 4inner- an4 she rns o! calling- Sis!er Ri!a-
Sis!er Ri!a- come in Kick- an4 !he nn rshes in- Francis- are /o all righ!N
# am- Sis!er5
Hes no! all righ!- Sis!er5 He 4o "e a!in his Jell/ an cs!ar4 "e*ore his 4inner5Tha!s a sin- Sis!er5
Ah- no+- 4ear- /o rn along an4 #ll !alk !o Francis a"o! !ha!5 7o- Sis!er- !alk !o him or all !he
chil4er in !he hos.i!al +ill "e a!in
!heir s+ee! "e*ore !heir 4inner an !hen +here +ill +e "eN
#n4ee4- in4ee4- +here +ill +e "eN Rn along no+5
The girl lea)es an4 Sis!er Ri!a smiles a! me5 Go4 lo)e her- she 4oesn! miss a !hing e)en in her
con*sion5Le ha)e !o "e .a!ien! +i!h her- Francis- !he +a/ shes !oche45
She lea)es an4 i!s Kie! in !ha! em.!/ +ar4 an4 +hen #m *inishe4 # 4on! kno+ +ha! !o 4o
"ecase /ore no! s..ose4 !o 4o an/!hing !ill !he/ !ell /o5 Hos.i!als an4 schools al+a/s !ell
/o +ha! !o 4o5 # +ai! a long !ime !ill !he girl in !he "le 4ress comes in *or !he !ra/5 Are /o
*inishe4N she sa/s5
# am5
Lell- !ha!s all /ore ge!!in an no+ /o can go home5 Srel/ girls +ho are no! righ! in !he
hea4 can! !ell /o go home an4 # +on4er i* # shol4 +ai! *or Sis!er Ri!a5 A nrse in !he hall+a/
!ells me Sis!er Ri!a is ha)ing her 4inner an4 is no! !o "e "o!here45 #!s a long +alk *rom Union
Cross !o $arrack Hill an4 +hen # ge! home m/ *amil/ are . in #!al/ an4 +ell in!o !heir .igs hea4
an4 ca""age an4 *lor/ +hi!e .o!a!oes5 # !ell !hem a"o! m/ Chris!mas 4inner5 Mam +an!s !o
kno+ i* # ha4 i! +i!h !he nrses an4 nns an4 she ge!s a "i! angr/ +hen # !ell her # a!e alone in a
+ar4 an4 !ha!s no +a/ !o !rea! a chil45 She !ells me si! 4o+n an4 ha)e some .igs hea4 an4 #
*orce i! in!o m/ mo!h an4 #m so s!**e4 # ha)e !o lie on !he "e4 +i!h m/ "ell/ s!icking o! a
mile5
&%'
5
5
5
#!s earl/ in !he morning an4 !heres a mo!or car o!si4e or 4oor- !he *irs! one +e)e e)er seen
in !he lane5There are men in si!s looking in !he 4oor o* !he s!a"le o* Finn !he Horse an4 !here
ms! "e some!hing +rong "ecase /o ne)er see men +i!h si!s in !he lane5 #!s Finn !he Horse5
Hes l/ing on !he *loor o* !he s!a"le looking . !he lane an4 !heres +hi!e s!** like milk aron4
his mo!h5The s!a"le man +ho !akes care o* Finn !he Horse sa/s he *on4 him like !ha! !his
morning an4 i!s s!range "ecase hes al+a/s . an4 rea4/ *or his *ee45 The men are shaking
!heir hea4s5 M/ "ro!her Michael sa/s !o one o* !he men- Mis!er- +ha!s . +i!h FinnN
Sick horse- son5 Go home5
The s!a"le man +ho !akes care o* Finn has !he +hiske/ smell on him5 He sa/s !o Michael-Tha!
horse is a goner5Le ha)e !o shoo! him5 Michael .lls a! m/ han45 Frank- !he/re no! !o shoo!
him5 Tell !hem5,ore "ig5
The s!a"le man sa/s- Go home- "o/5 Go home5
Michael a!!acks him- kicks him- scra+"s !he "ack o* his han4- an4 !he man sen4s Michael *l/ing5
Hol4 !ha! "ro!her o* /ors- he !ells me- hol4 him5
One o* !he o!her men !akes some!hing /ello+ an4 "ro+n *rom a "ag- goes !o Finn- .!s i! !o his
hea4 an4 !heres a shar. crack5 Finn shi)ers5 Michael screams a! !he man an4 a!!acks him !oo
"! !he man sa/s- The horse +as sick- son5 Hes "e!!er o**5
The men in si!s 4ri)e a+a/ an4 !he s!a"le man sa/s he has !o +ai! *or !he lorr/ !o !ake Finn
a+a/- he can! lea)e him alone or !he ra!s +ill "e a! him5 He +an!s !o kno+ i* +e4 kee. an e/e
on !he horse +i!h or 4og Lck/ +hile he goes !o !he ."- hes "le mol4/ *or a .in!5 No ra!
has a chance !o ge! near Finn !he Horse !he +a/ Michael is !here +i!h a s!ick small as he is5The
man comes "ack smelling o* .or!er an4 !hen !heres !he "ig lorr/ !o !ake !he horse a+a/- a "ig
lorr/ +i!h !hree men an4 !+o grea! .lanks !ha! slo.e *rom !he "ack o* !he lorr/ !o Finns hea45
The !hree men an4 !he s!a"le man !ie ro.es aron4 Finn an4 .ll him . !he .lanks an4 !he
.eo.le in !he lane /ell a! !he men "ecase o* !he nails an4 "roken +oo4 in !he .lanks !ha!
ca!ch a! Finn an4 !ear o! "i!s o* his hi4e an4 s!reak !he .lanks +i!h "righ! .ink horse "loo45
,e are 4es!ro/in !ha! horse5
&%B
Can! /e ha)e res.ec! *or !he 4ea4N
Go eas/ +i!h !ha! .oor horse5
The s!a"le man sa/s- For !he lo)e o Pa/ss +ha! are /e sKa+kin
a"o!N Tis onl/ a 4ea4 horse- an4 Michael rns a! him again +i!h his hea4 4o+n an4 his small
*is!s *l/ing !ill !he s!a"le man gi)es him a sho)e !ha! sen4s him on his "ack an4 Mam goes a! !he
s!a"le man in sch a rage he rns . !he .lanks an4 o)er Finns "o4/ !o esca.e5 He comes "ack
4rnk in !he e)ening !o slee. i! o** an4 a*!er he lea)es !heres a smol4ering in !he ha/ an4 !he
s!a"le "rns 4o+n !he ra!s rnning . !he lane +i!h e)er/ "o/ an4 4og chasing !hem !ill !he/
esca.e in!o !he s!ree!s o* res.ec!a"le .eo.le5
&%C
#X
Mam sa/s-Al.hie is enogh5#m +orn o!5Tha!s !he en4 o* i!5No more chil4ren5
7a4 sa/s- The goo4 Ca!holic +oman ms! .er*orm her +i*el/ 4!ies an4 s"mi! !o her hs"an4
or *ace e!ernal 4amna!ion5 Mam sa/s- As long as !here are no more chil4ren e!ernal 4amna!ion
son4s a!!rac!i)e enogh !o me5
Lha! is 7a4 !o 4oN Theres a +ar on5 English agen!s are recri!ing #rishmen !o +ork in !heir
mni!ions *ac!ories- !he .a/ is goo4- !here are no Jo"s in #relan4- an4 i* !he +i*e !rns her "ack
!o /o !heres no shor!age o* +omen in Englan4 +here !he a"le men are o** *igh!ing Hi!ler an4
Mssolini an4 /o can 4o an/!hing /o like as long as /o remem"er /ore #rish an4 lo+er
class an4 4on! !r/ !o rise a"o)e /or s!a!ion5 Families . an4 4o+n !he lane are ge!!ing
!elegram mone/ or4ers *rom !heir *a!hers in Englan45The/ rsh !o !he .os! o**ice !o cash !he
mone/ or4ers so !he/ can sho. an4 sho+ !he +orl4 !heir goo4 *or!ne on Sa!r4a/ nigh! an4
Sn4a/ morning5The "o/s ge! !heir hair c! on Sa!r4a/s- !he +omen crl !heir hair +i!h iron
!ongs ho! *rom !he *ire5 The/re )er/ gran4 no+ !he +a/ !he/ .a/ si9.ence or e)en a shilling *or
sea!s a! !he Sa)o/ Cinema +here /oll mee! a "e!!er class o* .eo.le !han !he lo+er classes
+ho *ill !he !..enn/ sea!s in !he go4s a! !he L/ric Cinema an4 are ne)er 4one sho!ing a! !he
screen- !he kin4 o* .eo.le i* /o 4on! min4 +ho are lia"le !o cheer on !he A*ricans +hen !he/
&%3
!hro+ s.ears a! TarIan or !he #n4ians +hen !he/re scal.ing !he Uni!e4 S!a!es Ca)alr/5The ne+
rich .eo.le go home a*!er Mass on Sn4a/s all airs an4 s!** !hemsel)es +i!h mea! an4
.o!a!oes- s+ee!s an4 cakes galore- an4 !he/ !hink no!hing o* 4rinking !heir !ea *rom 4elica!e
li!!le c.s +hich s!an4 in sacers !o ca!ch !he !ea !ha! o)er*lo+s an4 +hen !he/ li*! !he c.s
!he/ s!ick o! !heir li!!le *ingers !o sho+ ho+ re*ine4 !he/ are5 Some s!o. going !o *ish an4 chi.
sho.s al!oge!her "ecase /o see no!hing in !hose .laces "! 4rnken sol4iers an4 nigh! girls
an4 men !ha! 4rank !heir 4ole an4 !heir +i)es screeching a! !hem !o come home5The "ra)e
ne+ rich +ill "e seen a! !he Sa)o/ Res!aran! or !he S!ella 4rinking !ea- ea!ing li!!le "ns-
.a!!ing !heir li.s +i!h ser)ie!!es i* /o 4on! min4- coming home on !he "s an4 com.laining
!he ser)ice is no! +ha! i! se4 !o "e5The/ ha)e elec!rici!/ no+ so !he/ can see !hings !he/ ne)er
sa+ "e*ore an4 +hen 4arkness *alls !he/ !rn on !he ne+ +ireless !o hear ho+ !he +ar is
going5The/ !hank Go4 *or Hi!ler "ecase i* he ha4n! marche4 all o)er Ero.e !he men o*
#relan4 +ol4 s!ill "e a! home scra!ching !heir arses on !he Kee a! !he La"or E9change5
Some *amilies sing-
,i. a/e ai4/ a/e a/ a/e oh
,i. a/e ai4/ a/e a/-
Le 4on! care a"o! Englan4 or France-
All +e +an! is !he German a4)ance5
#* !heres a chill in !he air !he/ll !rn on !he elec!ric *ire *or !he com*or! !ha!s in i! an4 si! in
!heir ki!chens lis!ening !o !he ne+s 4eclaring ho+ sorr/ !he/ are *or !he English +omen an4
chil4ren 4/ing n4er !he German "om"s "! look +ha! Englan4 4i4 !o s *or eigh! hn4re4
/ears5
The *amilies +i!h *a!hers in Englan4 are a"le !o lor4 i! o)er !he *amilies !ha! 4on!5 A!
4inner!ime an4 !ea!ime !he ne+ rich mo!hers s!an4 a! !heir 4oors an4 call !o !heir chil4ren-
Mike/- Ka!hleen- <a44/- come in *or /eer 4inner5 Come in *or !he lo)el/ leg o lam" an4 !he
gorgeos green .eas an4 !he *lor/ +hi!e .o!a!oes5 Sean- Posie- <egg/- come in *or /eer !ea-
come in a! +ans! *or !he *resh "rea4 an4 "!!er an4 !he gorgeos "le 4ck egg +ha! no one
else in !he lane ha)e5
$ren4an- Annie- <a!s/- come in *or !he *rie4 "lack .44in- !he siIIlin sasages an4 !he lo)el/
!ri*le soake4 in !he "es! o* S.anish sherr/5 &%E
A! !imes like !his Mam !ells s !o s!a/ insi4e5Le ha)e no!hing "! "rea4 an4 !ea an4 she
4oesn! +an! !he !ormen!ing neigh"ors !o see s +i!h or !onges hanging o!- s**ering o)er
!he lo)el/ smells *loa!ing . an4 4o+n !he lane5 She sa/s !is eas/ !o see !he/re no! se4 !o
ha)ing an/!hing !he +a/ !he/ "rag a"o! e)er/!hing5 Tis a real lo+:class min4 !ha! +ill call o!
!he 4oor an4 !ell !he +orl4 +ha! !he/re ha)ing *or !he s..er5 She sa/s !is !heir +a/ o* ge!!ing
a rise o! o* s "ecase 7a4 is a *oreigner *rom !he Nor!h an4 he +on! ha)e an/!hing !o 4o
+i!h an/ o* !hem5 7a4 sa/s all !ha! *oo4 comes *rom English mone/ an4 no lck +ill come !o
!hose +ho !ook i! "! +ha! col4 /o e9.ec! *rom Limerick an/+a/- .eo.le +ho .ro*i! *rom
Hi!lers +ar- .eo.le +ho +ill +ork an4 *igh! *or !he English5 He sa/s hell ne)er go o)er !here
an4 hel. Englan4 +in a +ar5 Mam sa/s- No- /oll s!a/ here +here !heres no +ork an4 har4l/ a
lm. o* coal !o "oil +a!er *or !he !ea5 No- /oll s!a/ here an4 4rink !he 4ole +hen !he hmor is
on /o5,oll +a!ch /or sons going aron4 +i!h "roken shoes an4 !heir arses hanging o! o*
!heir !rosers5 E)er/ hose in !he lane has elec!rici!/ an4 +ere lck/ i* +e ha)e a can4le5 Go4
a"o)e- i* # ha4 !he *are #4 "e o** !o Englan4 m/sel* *or #m sre !he/ nee4 +omen in !he
*ac!ories5 7a4 sa/s a *ac!or/ is no .lace *or a +oman5
Mam sa/s- Si!!ing on /or arse "/ !he *ire is no .lace *or a man5 # sa/ !o him- Lh/ can! /o go
!o Englan4- 7a4- so +e can ha)e elec!rici!/ an4 a +ireless an4 Mam can s!an4 a! !he 4oor an4
!ell !he +orl4 +ha! +ere ha)ing a! 4inner!imeN
He sa/s- 7on! /o +an! !o ha)e /or *a!her here a! home +i!h /oN
# 4o "! /o can come "ack a! !he en4 o* !he +ar an4 +e can all go !o America5
He sighs- Och- a/e- och- a/e5 All righ! hell go !o Englan4 a*!er Chris!mas "ecase America is in
!he +ar no+ an4 !he case ms! "e Js!5 He4 ne)er go i* !he Americans ha4n! gone in5 He !ells
me #ll ha)e !o "e !he man o* !he hose- an4 he signs . +i!h an agen! !o +ork in a *ac!or/ in
Co)en!r/ +hich- e)er/one sa/s- is !he mos! "om"e4 ci!/ in Englan45The agen! sa/s-Theres
.len!/ o* +ork *or +illing men5,o can +ork o)er!ime !ill /o 4ro. an4 i* /o sa)e i! .- ma!e-
/oll "e Rocke*eller a! !he en4 o* !he +ar5 Lere . earl/ !o see 7a4 o** a! !he rail+a/ s!a!ion5
Ka!hleen OConnell a! !he sho. kno+s 7a4 is o** !o Englan4 an4 mone/ +ill "e &%D
*lo+ing "ack so shes ha../ !o le! Mam ha)e cre4i! *or !ea- milk- sgar- "rea4- "!!er an4 an
egg5
An egg5
Mam sa/s-This egg is *or /or *a!her5 He nee4s !he norishmen! *or !he long Jorne/ "e*ore
him5
#!s a har4:"oile4 egg an4 7a4 .eels o** !he shell5 He slices !he egg *i)e +a/s an4 gi)es each o*
s a "i! !o .! on or "rea45 Mam sa/s- 7on! "e sch a *ool5 7a4 sa/s-Lha! +ol4 a man "e
4oing +i!h a +hole egg !o himsel*N Mam has !ears on her e/elashes5 She .lls her chair o)er !o
!he *ire.lace5Le all ea! or "rea4 an4 egg an4 +a!ch her cr/ !ill she sa/s- Lha! are /e ga+kin
a!N an4 !rns a+a/ !o look in!o !he ashes5 Her "rea4 an4 egg are s!ill on !he !a"le an4 # +on4er
i* she has an/ .lans *or !hem5 The/ look 4elicios an4 #m s!ill hngr/ "! 7a4 ge!s . an4
"rings !hem !o her +i!h !he !ea5 She shakes her hea4 "! he .resses !hem on her an4 she ea!s
an4 4rinks- sn**ling an4 cr/ing5 He si!s o..osi!e her a +hile- silen!- !ill she looks . a! !he clock
an4 sa/s- Tis !ime !o go5 He .!s on his ca. an4 .icks . his "ag5 Mam +ra.s Al.hie in an ol4
"lanke! an4 +e se! o** !hrogh !he s!ree!s o* Limerick5 There are o!her *amilies in !he
s!ree!s5The going:a+a/ *a!hers +alk ahea4- !he mo!hers carr/ "a"ies or .sh .rams5 A mo!her
+i!h a .ram +ill sa/ !o o!her mo!hers- Go4 a"o)e- misss- /o ms! "e *agge4 o! carr/ing !ha!
chil45 Sre- +h/ 4on! /o s!ick him in!o !he .ram here an4 res! /or .oor arms5
<rams migh! "e .acke4 +i!h *or or *i)e "a"ies sKalling a+a/ "ecase !he .rams are ol4 an4
!he +heels "ocke!/ an4 !he "a"ies are rocke4 !ill !he/ ge! sick an4 !hro+ . !heir goo4/5
The men call !o each o!her5 Gran4 4a/- Mick5 Lo)el/ 4a/ *or !he Jorne/- Poe5 Tis- in4ee4- Mick5
Arrah- +e migh! as +ell ha)e a .in! "e*ore +e go- Poe5Le migh! as +ell- Mick5 Migh! as +ell "e
4rnk as !he +a/ +e are- Poe5
The/ lagh an4 !he +omen "ehin4 !hem are !ear/:e/e4 an4 re4:nose45 #n !he ."s aron4 !he
rail+a/ s!a!ion !he men are .acke4 in 4rinking !he mone/ !he agen!s ga)e !hem *or !ra)el
*oo45The/re ha)ing !he las! .in!- !he las! 4ro. o* +hiske/ on #rish soil- For Go4 kno+s i! migh!
"e !he las! +ell e)er ha)e- Mick- !he +a/ !he Perries are "om"ing !he "eJess o!a Englan4 an4
no! a min!e !oo soon a*!er +ha! !he/ 4i4 !o s an4 isn! i! a !ragic !hing en!irel/ !he +a/ +e
ha)e !o go o)er !here an4 sa)e !he arse o* !he ancien! *oe5
&%1
The +omen s!a/ o!si4e !he ."s !alking5 Mam !ells Mrs5 Meehan- The *irs! !elegram mone/
or4er # ge! #ll "e in !he sho. "/ing a "ig "reak*as! so !ha! +e can all ha)e or o+n egg o* a
Sn4a/ morning5 # look a! m/ "ro!her Malach/5 7i4 /o hear !ha!N Or o+n egg o* a Sn4a/
morning5 Oh- Go4- # alrea4/ ha4 .lans *or m/ egg5 Ta. i! aron4 !he !o.- gen!l/ crack !he shell-
li*! +i!h a s.oon- a 4a" o* "!!er 4o+n in!o !he /olk- sal!- !ake m/ !ime- a 4i. o* !he s.oon-
scoo.- more sal!- more "!!er- in!o !he mo!h- oh- Go4 a"o)e- i* hea)en has a !as!e i! ms! "e
an egg +i!h "!!er an4 sal!- an4 a*!er !he egg is !here an/!hing in !he +orl4 lo)elier !han *resh
+arm "rea4 an4 a mg o* s+ee! gol4en !eaN
Some men are alrea4/ !oo 4rnk !o +alk an4 !he English agen!s are .a/ing so"er men !o 4rag
!hem o! o* !he ."s an4 !hro+ !hem on a grea! horse:4ra+n *loa! !o "e hale4 !o !he s!a!ion
an4 4m.e4 in!o !he !rain5The agen!s are 4es.era!e !o ge! e)er/one o! o* !he ."s5 Come on-
men5 Miss !his !rain an4 /oll miss a goo4 Jo"5 Come on- men- +e ha)e !he Ginness in
Englan45Le ha)e !he Pameson5 No+- men- .lease- men5,ore 4rinking /or *oo4 mone/ an4
/oll ge! no more5 The men !ell !he agen!s !o kiss !heir #rish arses- !ha! !he agen!s are lck/
!he/re ali)e- lck/ !he/re no! hanging *rom !he neares! lam..os! a*!er +ha! !he/ 4i4 !o
#relan45 An4 !he men sing-
On Mon!Jo/ one Mon4a/ morning
High .on !he gallo+s !ree-
Ke)in $arr/ ga)e his /ong li*e
For !he case o* li"er!/5
The !rain +ails in !he s!a!ion an4 !he agen!s "eg !he +omen !o ge! !heir men o! o* !he ."s
an4 !he men s!m"le o! singing an4 cr/ing an4 hgging !heir +i)es an4 chil4ren an4
.romising !o sen4 so mch mone/ Limerick +ill "e !rne4 in!o ano!her Ne+ ,ork5The men
clim" !he s!a!ion s!e.s an4 !he +omen an4 chil4ren call a*!er !hem- Ke)in- lo)e- min4 /orsel*
an4 4on! "e +earing 4am. shir!s5 7r/ /or socks- Michael- or !he "nions +ill 4es!ro/ /o
en!irel/5 <a44/- go eas/ on !he 4rink- are /o lis!enin- <a44/N
7a4- 7a4- 4on! go- 7a45
Tomm/- 4on! *orge! !o sen4 !he mone/5The chil4ren are skin an4 "ones5
&&(
<e!er- 4on! *orge! !o "e !akin !he me4icine *or /or +eak ches!- Go4 hel. s5
Larr/- min4 !hem "loo4/ "om"s5
Chris!/- 4on! "e !alkin !o !hem English+omen5 The/re *ll o* 4iseases5
Packie- come "ack5 Sre +ell manage someho+5 7on! go- Pack:e:e- Pack:e:e- oh- Pess- 4on!
go5
7a4 .a!s or hea4s5 He !ells s remem"er or religios 4!ies "!- a"o)e all- o"e/ or mo!her5
He s!an4s "e*ore her5 She has !he "a"/ Al.hie in her arms5 She sa/s- Min4 /orsel*5 He 4ro.s
!he "ag an4 .!s his arms aron4 her5 The/ s!a/ !ha! +a/ a momen! !ill !he "a"/ /el.s "e!+een
!hem5 He no4s- .icks . his "ag- clim"s !he s!e.s !o !he s!a!ion- !rns !o +a)e an4 hes gone5
$ack a! home Mam sa/s- # 4on! care5 # kno+ i! son4s e9!ra)agan! "! #m going !o ligh! !he *ire
an4 make more !ea *or i! isn! e)er/ 4a/ /or *a!her goes !o Englan45
Le si! aron4 !he *ire an4 4rink or !ea an4 cr/ "ecase +e ha)e no *a!her- !ill Mam sa/s-
7on! cr/- 4on! cr/5 No+ !ha! /or *a!her is gone !o Englan4 srel/ or !ro"les +ill "e o)er5
Srel/5
Mam an4 $ri4e/ Hannon si! "/ !he *ire .s!airs in #!al/ smoking Loo4"ines- 4rinking !ea- an4 #
si! on !he s!airs lis!ening5 Le ha)e a *a!her in Englan4 so !ha! +e can ge! all +e +an! *rom
Ka!hleen OConnells sho. an4 .a/ +hen he s!ar!s sen4ing !he mone/ in a *or!nigh!5 Mam !ells
$ri4e/ she can! +ai! !o ge! o! o* !his "loo4/ lane !o a .lace +i!h a 4ecen! la)a!or/ !ha! +e
4on! ha)e !o share +i!h hal* !he +orl45 Lell all ha)e ne+ "oo!s an4 coa!s !o kee. o** !he rain
so +e +on! "e coming home *rom school *amishe45 Lell ha)e eggs an4 rashers on Sn4a/ *or
"reak*as! an4 ham an4 ca""age an4 .o!a!oes *or 4inner5 Lell ha)e elec!ric ligh! an4 +h/
shol4n! +eN Leren! Frank an4 Malach/ "orn !o i! in America +here e)er/one has i!N
All +e ha)e !o 4o no+ is +ai! *or !+o +eeks !ill !he !elegram "o/ knocks a! !he 4oor5 7a4 +ill
ha)e !o se!!le in!o his Jo" in Englan4- "/ +ork clo!hes an4 ge! a .lace !o s!a/- so !he *irs!
mone/ or4er +on! "e "ig- !hree .on4s or !hree .on4s !en- "! soon +ell "e like o!her
*amilies in !he lane- *i)e .on4s a +eek- .a/ing o** 4e"!s- "/ing ne+ &&%
clo!hes- .!!ing some!hing in !he sa)ings agains! !he !ime +ell .ack . an4 mo)e !o Englan4
en!irel/ an4 sa)e !here !o go !o America5 Mam hersel* col4 ge! a Jo" in an English *ac!or/
making "om"s or some!hing an4 Go4 kno+s +e +ol4n! kno+ orsel)es +i!h !he mone/
.oring in5 She +ol4n! "e ha../ i* +e gre+ . +i!h English accen!s "! "e!!er an English
accen! !han an em.!/ "ell/5
$ri4e/ sa/s i! 4oesn! ma!!er +ha! class o* an accen! an #rishman has *or hell ne)er *orge! +ha!
!he English 4i4 !o s *or eigh! hn4re4 long /ears5
Le kno+ +ha! Sa!r4a/s are in !he lane5 Le kno+ some *amilies like !he 7o+neses across
*rom s ge! !heir !elegram earl/ "ecase Mr5 7o+nes is a s!ea4/ man +ho kno+s ho+ !o ha)e a
.in! or !+o on a Fri4a/ an4 go home !o his "e45Le kno+ men like him rn !o !he .os! o**ice !he
min!e !he/re .ai4 so !heir *amilies +on! kno+ a min!e o* +ai!ing or +orr/5 Men like Mr5
7o+nes sen4 !heir sons RAF +ings !o +ear on !heir coa!s5Tha!s +ha! +e +an! an4 !ha!s +ha!
+e !ol4 7a4 "e*ore he le*!- 7on! *orge! !he RAF "a4ges- 7a45
Le see !he !elegram "o/s on !heir "ic/cles s+ing in!o !he lane5 The/re ha../ !elegram "o/s
"ecase !he !i.s !he/ ge! in !he lanes are "igger !han an/!hing !he/ ge! in !he gran4 s!ree!s an4
a)enes +here rich .eo.le +ill "egr4ge /o !he s!eam o* !heir .iss5 The *amilies !ha! ge! !he
earl/ !elegrams ha)e !ha! con!en!e4 look5 The/ll ha)e all 4a/ Sa!r4a/ !o enJo/ !he mone/5
The/ll sho.- !he/ll ea!- !he/ll ha)e all 4a/ !o !hink a"o! +ha! !he/ll 4o !ha! nigh! an4 !ha!s
almos! as goo4 as !he !hing i!sel* "ecase Sa!r4a/ nigh! +hen /o ha)e a *e+ shillings in /or
.ocke! is !he mos! 4elicios nigh! o* !he +eek5
There are *amilies 4on! ge! !he !elegram e)er/ +eek an4 /o kno+ !hem "/ !he an9ios look5
Mrs5 Meagher has +ai!e4 a! her 4oor e)er/ Sa!r4a/ *or !+o mon!hs5 M/ mo!her sa/s she4 "e
ashame4 o* her li*e !o +ai! a! !he 4oor like !ha!5 All !he chil4ren .la/ in !he lane an4 kee. an
e/e o! *or !he !elegram "o/5 Hoi- !elegram "o/- 4o /o ha)e an/!hing *or MeagherN an4 +hen
he sa/s no !he/ sa/- Are /o sreN an4 hell sa/- Corse #m sre5 # kno+ +ha! # ha)e in m/
*eckin .och5 E)er/one kno+s !he !elegram "o/s s!o. coming +hen !he Angels rings a! si9
an4 4arkness "rings 4es.era!ion !o !he +omen an4 chil4ren5
Telegram "o/- +ill /o look in /or .och againN <lease5 A+- Go45 # 4i45 # ha)e no!hing *or /e5
&&&
A+- Go4- .lease look5 Or name is Meagher5Lill /o lookN
# kno+ "loo4/ +ell /eer name is Meagher an4 # looke45 The chil4ren cla+ a! him . on his
"ic/cle an4 he kicks a! !hem- Pess- +ill /e ge! a+a/ *rom me5
Once !he Angels rings a! si9 in !he e)ening !he 4a/ is o)er5 The ones +i!h !he !elegrams are
ha)ing !heir s..er +i!h !he elec!ric ligh! "laIing a+a/ an4 !he ones !ha! 4i4n! ge! !he
!elegrams ha)e !o ligh! can4les an4 see i* Ka!hleen OConnell migh! le! !hem ha)e !ea an4
"rea4 !ill !his !ime ne9! +eek +hen srel/ +i!h !he hel. o* Go4 an4 His $lesse4 Mo!her !he
!elegram +ill come5
Mr5 Meehan a! !he !o. o* !he lane +en! !o Englan4 +i!h 7a4 an4 +hen !he !elegram "o/ s!o.s
a! Meehans +e kno+ +ell "e ne9!5 Mam has her coa! rea4/ !o go !o !he .os! o**ice "! she
+on! lea)e !he chair "/ !he *ire in #!al/ !ill she has !he !elegram in her han45 The !elegram "o/
ri4es 4o+n !he lane an4 s+ings o)er !o 7o+neses5 He han4s !hem !heir !elegram- !akes !he !i.
an4 !rns his "ic/cle aron4 !o hea4 "ack . !he lane5 Malach/ calls- Telegram "o/- 4o /o
ha)e some!hing *or McCor!N Ors is coming !o4a/5The !elegram "o/ shakes his hea4 an4 ri4es
a+a/5
Mam .**s on her Loo4"ine5Lell- +e ha)e all 4a/ !hogh #4 like !o 4o a "i! o* sho..ing earl/
"e*ore !he "es! hams are gone a! $arr/ !he "!cher5 She can! lea)e !he *ire an4 +e can! lea)e
!he lane *or *ear !he !elegram "o/ migh! come an4 *in4 no one a! home5Then +e4 ha)e !o +ai!
!ill Mon4a/ !o cash !he mone/ or4er an4 !ha! +ol4 4es!ro/ !he +eeken4 en!irel/5 Le4 ha)e
!o +a!ch !he Meehans an4 e)er/one else .ara4ing aron4 in !heir ne+ clo!hes an4 s!aggering
home +i!h eggs an4 .o!a!oes an4 sasages *or Sn4a/ an4 sailing o** !o !he *ilms on Sa!r4a/
nigh!5 No- +e can! mo)e an inch !ill !ha! !elegram "o/ comes5 Mam sa/s 4on! "e !oo +orrie4
"e!+een noon an4 !+o "ecase so man/ !elegram "o/s go *or !heir 4inner an4 !here +ill srel/
"e a "ig rsh "e!+een !+o an4 !he Angels5 Le 4on! ha)e a !hing !o +orr/ a"o! !ill si95 Le
s!o. e)er/ !elegram "o/5 Le !ell !hem or name is McCor!- !ha! !his is or *irs! !elegram- i!
shol4 "e !hree .on4s or more- !he/ migh! ha)e *orgo!!en !o .! or name on i! or or
a44ress- is he sreN is he sreN One "o/ !ells s hell inKire a! !he .os! o**ice5 He sa/s he
kno+s +ha! !is like !o +ai! *or !he !elegram "ecase his o+n *a!her is a 4rnken ol shi! o)er
in Englan4 !ha! ne)er sen! a .enn/5 Mam hears him insi4e an4 !ells s /o shol4 ne)er !alk
a"o! /or *a!her like !ha!5 The same !elegram "o/ comes "ack Js! "e*ore !he &&'
Angels a! si9 an4 !ells s he aske4 Mrs5 OConnell a! !he .os! o**ice i* !he/ ha4 an/!hing *or
McCor! all 4a/ an4 !he/ 4i4n!5 Mam !rns !o+ar4 !he 4ea4 ashes in !he *ire an4 scks a! !he
las! "i! o* goo4ness in !he Loo4"ine "!! cagh! "e!+een !he "ro+n !hm" an4 !he "rn!
mi44le *inger5 Michael +ho is onl/ *i)e an4 +on! n4ers!an4 an/!hing !ill hes ele)en like me
+an!s !o kno+ i* +ere ha)ing *ish an4 chi.s !onigh! "ecase hes hngr/5 Mam sa/s- Ne9!
+eek- lo)e- an4 he goes "ack o! !o .la/ in !he lane5
,o 4on! kno+ +ha! !o 4o +i!h /orsel* +hen !he *irs! !elegram 4oesn! come5,o can! s!a/
o! in !he lane .la/ing +i!h /or "ro!hers all nigh! "ecase e)er/one else is gone in an4 /o4
"e ashame4 !o s!a/ o! in !he lane !o "e !ormen!e4 +i!h smells o* sasages an4 rashers an4
*rie4 "rea45,o 4on! +an! !o look a! elec!ric ligh! coming !hrogh !he +in4o+s a*!er 4ark an4
/o 4on! +an! !o hear !he ne+s *rom !he $$C
or Ra4io Eireann *rom o!her .eo.les +irelesses5 Mrs5 Meagher an4 her chil4ren are gone in
an4 !heres onl/ !he 4im ligh! o* a can4le *rom !heir ki!chen5The/re ashame4 !oo5The/ s!a/
insi4e on Sa!r4a/ nigh!s an4 !he/ 4on! e)en go !o Mass on Sn4a/ mornings5 $ri4e/ Hannon
!ol4 Mam !ha! Mrs5 Meagher is in a cons!an! s!a!e o* shame o)er !he rags !he/ +ear an4 so
4es.era!e she goes 4o+n !o !he 7is.ensar/ *or !he ."lic assis!ance5 Mam sa/s !ha!s !he
+ors! !hing !ha! col4 ha..en !o an/ *amil/5 #!s +orse !han going on !he 4ole- i!s +orse !han
going !o !he S!5Oincen! 4e <al Socie!/- i!s +orse !han "egging on !he s!ree!s +i!h !he !inkers
an4 !he knackers5 #!s !he las! !hing /o4 4o !o kee. /orsel* o! o* !he .oor hose an4 !he
chil4ren *rom !he or.hanage5 Theres a sore a! !he !o. o* m/ nose "e!+een m/ e/e"ro+s- gra/
an4 re4 an4 i!ching5 Gran4ma sa/s- 7on! !och !ha! sore an4 4on! .! +a!er near i! or i!ll
s.rea45 #* /o "roke /or arm she4 sa/ 4on! !och !ha! +i!h +a!er i!ll s.rea45The sore
s.rea4s in!o m/ e/es an/+a/ an4 no+ !he/re re4 an4 /ello+ *rom !he s!** !ha! ooIes an4
makes !hem s!ick in !he morning5The/ s!ick so har4 # ha)e !o *orce m/ e/eli4s o.en +i!h m/
*ingers an4 Mam has !o scr" o** !ha! /ello+ s!** +i!h a 4am. rag an4 "oric .o+4er5The
e/elashes *all o** an4 e)er/ "i! o* 4s! in Limerick "lo+s in!o m/ e/es on +in4/ 4a/s5 Gran4ma
!ells me # ha)e nake4 e/es an4 she sa/s i!s m/ o+n *al!- all !ha! e/e !ro"le comes *rom
si!!ing . !here a! !he !o. o* !he lane n4er !he ligh! .ole in all kin4s o* +ea!her +i!h m/ nose
s!ck in "ooks an4 !he same !hing +ill ha..en &&B
!o Malach/ i* he 4oesn! gi)e o)er +i!h !he rea4ing5,o can see li!!le Michael is ge!!ing Js! as
"a4 s!icking his nose in "ooks +hen he shol4 "e o! .la/ing like a heal!h/ chil45 $ooks- "ooks-
"ooks- sa/s Gran4ma- /e +ill rin /eer e/es en!irel/5
Shes ha)ing !ea +i!h Mam an4 # hear her +his.er-The !hing !o 4o is gi)e him S!5 An!hon/s s.i!5
Lha!s !ha!N sa/s Mam5
,or *as!ing s.i! in !he morning5 Go !o him "e*ore he +akes an4 s.i! on his e/es *or !he s.i! o* a
*as!ing mo!her has .o+er*l cres in i!5 $! #m al+a/s a+ake "e*ore Mam5 # *orce m/ e/es
o.en long "e*ore she s!irs5 # can hear her coming across !he *loor an4 +hen she s!an4s o)er me
*or !he s.i! # o.en m/ e/es5 Go4- she sa/s- /or e/es are o.en5 # !hink !he/re ge!!ing "e!!er5
Tha!s goo4- an4 she goes "ack !o "e45
The e/es 4on! heal an4 she !akes me !o !he 7is.ensar/ +here !he .oor .eo.le see 4oc!ors an4
ge! !heir me4icines5 #!s !he .lace !o a..l/ *or ."lic assis!ance +hen a *a!her is 4ea4 or
4isa..eare4 an4 !heres no 4ole mone/- no +ages5
There are "enches along !he +alls "/ !he 4oc!ors o**ices5 The "enches are al+a/s .acke4 +i!h
.eo.le !alking a"o! !heir ailmen!s5 Ol4 men an4 +omen si! an4 groan an4 "a"ies scream an4
mo!hers sa/ hsh- lo)e- hsh5Theres a high .la!*orm in !he mi44le o* !he 7is.ensar/ +i!h a
con!er circling i! ches!:high5 Lhen /o +an! an/!hing /o s!an4 in a Kee "e*ore !ha!
.la!*orm !o see Mr5 Co**e/ or Mr5 Kane5The +omen in !he Kee are like !he +omen a! !he
S!5Oincen! 4e <al Socie!/5 The/ +ear sha+ls an4 !he/re res.ec!*l !o Mr5 Co**e/ an4 Mr5 Kane
"ecase i* !he/re no! !he/ migh! "e !ol4 go a+a/ an4 come "ack ne9! +eek +hen i!s !his
min!e /o nee4 !he ."lic assis!ance or a 4ocke! !o see !he 4oc!or5 Mr5 Co**e/ an4 Mr5 Kane
lo)e !o ha)e a goo4 lagh +i!h !he +omen5The/ll 4eci4e i* /ore 4es.era!e enogh *or !he
."lic assis!ance or i* /ore sick enogh !o see a 4oc!or5,o ha)e !o !ell !hem in *ron! o*
e)er/one +ha!s +rong +i!h /o an4 !he/ o*!en ha)e a goo4 lagh +i!h !ha!5The/ll sa/- An4
+ha! is i! /o +an!- Mrs5 OSheaN A 4ocke! *or !he 4oc!or- is i!N An4 +ha! is /or !ro"le- Mrs5
OSheaN A .ain- is i!N A !och o* !he +in4- ma/"e5 Or ma/"e !oo mch ca""age5 Oh- !he
ca""age +ill 4o i! righ! enogh5 The/ lagh an4 Mrs5 OShea laghs an4 all !he +omen lagh
an4 sa/ Mr5 Co**e/ an4 Mr5 Kane are *nn/ men- !he/4 gi)e Larel an4 Har4/ a rn *or !heir
mone/5
&&C
Mr5 Co**e/ sa/s- No+- +oman- +ha!s /or nameN
Angela McCor!- sir5
An4 +ha!s . +i!h /oN
Tis m/ son- sir5 He has !+o "a4 e/es5
Oh- "/ Go4- he 4oes- +oman5The/re 4es.era!e:looking e/es al!oge!her5The/ look like !+o
rising sns5The Pa.s col4 se him on !heir *lag- ha ha ha5 7i4 he .or aci4 on his *ace or +ha!N
Tis some class o* in*ec!ion- sir5 He ha4 !he !/.hoi4 las! /ear an4 !hen !his came5
All righ!- all righ!- +e 4on! nee4 !he li*e s!or/5 Heres /or 4ocke! !o 7r5Tro/5
T+o long "enches are *ille4 +i!h .a!ien!s *or 7r5Tro/5 Mam si!s ne9! !o a +oman +ho has a "ig
sore on her nose !ha! +on! go a+a/5 # !rie4 e)er/!hing- misss- e)er/ kno+n cre on Go4s
lo)el/ ear!h5 #m eigh!/!hree /ears o* age an4 #4 like !o go !o m/ gra)e heal!h/5 #s i! !oo mch
!o ask !ha! # mee! m/ Re4eemer +i!h a heal!h/ noseN An4 +ha!s . +i!h /orsel*- misssN
M/ son5The e/es5
Ah- Go4 "less s an4 sa)e s- look a! !hem e/es5The/re !he sores! !+o e/es # e)er seen in me
li*e5 # ne)er seen !ha! color re4 "e*ore5
Tis an in*ec!ion- misss5
Sre !heres a cre *or !ha!5,o nee4 !he cal5
Lha!s !ha! no+N
$a"ies are "orn +i!h !his !hing on !heir hea4s- a class o* a hoo4- rare an4 magical5 Ge! a cal
an4 .! !ha! on his hea4 an/ 4a/ !ha! has a !hree in i!- make him hol4 his "rea!h *or !hree
min!es e)en i* /o ha)e !o cla. /or han4 o)er his *ace- s.rinkle him +i!h hol/ +a!er !hree
!imes hea4 !o !oenail an4 his !+o e/es +ill shine in !he 4a+n5 An4 +here +ol4 # ge! a calN
7on! all !he mi4+i)es ha)e cals- misss5 Lha!s a mi4+i*e +i!ho! a calN #! cres all classes
o* 4isease an4 kee.s o** more5 Mam sa/s shell !alk !o Nrse OHalloran an4 see i* she has a
s.are cal5
7r5 Tro/ looks a! m/ e/es5 #n!o !he hos.i!al +i!h !his "o/ a! once5 Take him !o !he e/e +ar4 a!
!he Ci!/ Home5 Heres !he 4ocke! !o ge! him in5
Lha! 4oes he ha)e- 7oc!orN
The +ors! case o* conJnc!i)i!is #)e e)er seen in m/ li*e an4 some!hing else in !here # can!
make o!5 He nee4s !he e/e man5 &&3
Ho+ long +ill he "e in- 7oc!orN
Onl/ Go4 kno+s !ha!5 # shol4 ha)e seen !his chil4 +eeks ago5 There are !+en!/ "e4s in !he
+ar4 an4 !here are men an4 "o/s +i!h "an4ages aron4 !heir hea4s- "lack .a!ches on !heir
e/es- !hick glasses5 Some +alk aron4 !a..ing a! "e4s +i!h s!icks5A man cries all !he !ime !ha!
hell ne)er see again- hes !oo /ong- his chil4ren are "a"ies- hell ne)er see !hem again5 Pess
Chris!- oh- Pess Chris!- an4 !he nns are shocke4 a! !he +a/ he !akes !he name o* !he Lor4 in
)ain5 S!o. !ha!- Marice- s!o. !he "las.hem/5,o ha)e /or heal!h5,ore ali)e5Le all ha)e or
.ro"lems5 O**er i! . an4 !hink o* !he s**erings o* Or Lor4 on !he cross- !he cro+n o* !horns-
!he nails in His .oor han4s an4 *ee!- !he +on4 in His si4e5 Marice sa/s- Oh- Pess- look 4o+n
an4 ha)e .i!/ on me5 Sis!er $erna4e!!e +arns him i* he 4oesn! min4 his langage !he/ll .!
him in a +ar4 alone an4 he sa/s- Hea)enl/ Go4- an4 !ha! isn! as "a4 as Pess Chris! so shes
sa!is*ie45
#n !he morning # ha)e !o go 4o+ns!airs *or 4ro.s5 The nrse sa/s- Si! in !his high chair an4 heres
a nice s+ee!5 The 4oc!or has a "o!!le +i!h "ro+n s!** in i!5 He !ells me .! m/ hea4 "ack- !ha!s
righ!- no+ o.en .- o.en /or e/es an4 he .ors !he s!** in!o m/ righ! e/e an4 i!s a *lame
going !hrogh m/ skll5The nrse sa/s- O.en !he o!her e/e- come on "e a goo4 "o/- an4 she
has !o *orce !he e/eli4s o.en so !he 4oc!or can se! *ire !o !he o!her si4e o* m/ skll5 She +i.es
m/ cheeks an4 !ells me rn along .s!airs "! # can "arel/ see an4 # +an! !o s!ick m/ *ace in!o
an ic/ s!ream5The 4oc!or sa/s- Rn along- "e a man- "e a goo4 !roo.er5
The +hole +orl4 is "ro+n an4 "lrr/ on !he s!airs5 The o!her .a!ien!s are si!!ing "/ !heir "e4s
+i!h 4inner !ra/s an4 mine is !here !oo "! # 4on! +an! i! +i!h !he +a/ m/ skll is raging5 # si!
"/ m/ "e4 an4 a "o/ across !he +a/ sa/s- Hoi- 4on! /o +an! /or 4innerN #ll !ake i!- an4 he
comes *or i!5
# !r/ !o lie on !he "e4 "! a nrse sa/s- No+- no+- no l/ing on !he "e4 in !he mi44le o* !he
4a/5,or case isn! !ha! serios5 # ha)e !o si! +i!h m/ e/es close4 an4 e)er/!hing going "ro+n
an4 "lack- "lack an4 "ro+n an4 #m sre # ms! "e ha)ing a 4ream "ecase Lor4 Go4 a"o)e- is
!ha! !he li!!le *ella +i!h !he !/.hoi4- li!!le Frankie- !he moon +as a ghos!l/ galleon !osse4 .on
clo4/ seas- is !ha! /orsel*- Frankie- *or +asn! # .romo!e4 o! o* !he Fe)er Hos.i!al- !hank
Go4- +here !heres e)er/ class o* 4isease an4 /o ne)er kno+ +ha! germs /o migh! "e
"ringing home !o !he +i*e in /or clo!hes an4 &&E
+ha!s . +i!h /o- Frankie- an4 !he !+o e/es in /or hea4 all gone "ro+nN
# ha)e an in*ec!ion- Seams5
,erra- /oll "e o)er !ha! "e*ore /ore marrie4- Frankie5 The e/es nee4 e9ercise5The "link is
grea! )ale *or !he e/es5 # ha4 an ncle +i!h "a4 e/es an4 !he "link sa)e4 him5 He sa! an hor
e)er 4a/ an4 "linke4 an4 i! s!oo4 !o him in !he en45 Lon4 . +i!h .o+er*l e/es- so he 4i45
# +an! !o ask him more a"o! !he "link an4 !he .o+er*l e/es "! he sa/s- No+ 4o /o
remem"er !he .oem- Frankie- !he lo)el/ .oem o* <a!riciaN
He s!an4s in !he aisle "e!+een !he "e4s +i!h his mo. an4 his "cke! an4 sa/s !he high+a/man
.oem an4 all !he .a!ien!s s!o. !heir moaning an4 !he nns an4 nrses s!an4 an4 lis!en an4 on
an4 on goes Seams !ill he comes !o !he en4 an4 e)er/one goes ma4 cla..ing an4 cheering him
an4 he !ells !he +orl4 he lo)es !ha! .oem hell ha)e i! in his hea4 *ore)er no ma!!er +here he
goes an4 i* i! +asn! *or Frankie McCor! an4 his !/.hoi4 !here an4 .oor <a!ricia Ma4igan +i!h
!he 4i.!eria !ha!s gone Go4 res! her he4 ne)er kno+ !he .oem an4 !here # am *amos in !he
e/e +ar4 o* !he Ci!/ Home Hos.i!al an4 all "ecase o* Seams5
Mam can! come !o )isi! e)er/ 4a/- i!s a long +a/ o!- she 4oesn! al+a/s ha)e !he mone/ *or
!he "s an4 !he +alk is har4 on her corns5 She !hinks m/ e/es look "e!!er !hogh /o can! !ell
+i!h all !ha! "ro+n s!**- +hich looks an4 smells like io4ine an4 i* i!s an/!hing like io4ine i!
ms! "rn5 S!ill- !he/ sa/ !he "i!!erer !he me4icine !he Kicker !he cre5 She ge!s .ermission !o
!ake me *or a +alk aron4 !he gron4s +hen !he +ea!her clears an4 !heres a s!range sigh!-
Mr5Timone/ s!an4ing agains! !he +all +here !he ol4 .eo.le are +i!h his e/es raise4 !o !he sk/5 #
+an! !o !alk !o him an4 # ha)e !o ask Mam "ecase /o ne)er kno+ +ha!s righ! or +rong in a
hos.i!al5
Mr5Timone/5
Lho is i!N Lho 4o +e ha)eN
Frank McCor!- sir5
Francis- ah- Francis5
Mam sa/s- #m his mo!her- Mr5Timone/5
Lell- !hen- !he !+o o* /e are "lesse45 # ha)e nei!her ki!h nor kin nor Macshla m/ 4og5 An4
+ha! are /o 4oing in !his .lace- FrancisN
# ha)e an in*ec!ion in m/ e/es5
&&D
Ah- Pess- Francis- no! !he e/es- no! !he e/es5 Mo!her o* Chris!- /ore !oo /ong *or !ha!5
Mr5Timone/- +ol4 /o like me !o rea4 !o /oN
Li!h !hem e/es- FrancisN Ah- no- son- Sa)e !he e/es5 #m "e/on4 rea4ing5 #n m/ hea4 # ha)e
e)er/!hing # nee45 # +as smar! enogh !o .! !hings in m/ hea4 in m/ /o!h an4 no+ # ha)e a
li"rar/ in m/ hea45 The English sho! m/ +i*e5 The #rish .! 4o+n m/ .oor innocen! Macshla5
#sn! i! a Joke o* a +orl4N
Mam sa/s-Terri"le +orl4 "! Go4 is goo45
#n4ee4- misss5 Go4 ma4e !he +orl4- i!s a !erri"le +orl4- "! Go4 is goo45 Goo4:"/e- Francis5
Res! /or e/es an4 !hen rea4 !ill !he/ *all o! o* /or hea45Le ha4 goo4 !imes +i!h ol4
Pona!han S+i*!- 4i4n! +e- FrancisN
Le 4i4- Mr5Timone/5
Mam !akes me "ack !o !he e/e +ar45 She !ells me- 7on! "e cr/ing o)er Mr5Timone/- hes no!
e)en /or *a!her5 $esi4es /oll "e rining /or e/es5
Seams comes !o !he +ar4 !hree !imes a +eek an4 "rings ne+ .oems in his hea45 He sa/s-,o
ma4e <a!ricia sa4- Frankie- +hen /o 4i4n! like !he one a"o! !he o+l an4 !he .ss/ca!5
#m sorr/- Seams5
# ha)e i! in m/ hea4- Frankie- an4 #ll sa/ i! *or /o i* /o 4on! sa/
!is *oolish5
# +on!- Seams5
He sa/s !he .oem an4 e)er/one in !he +ar4 lo)es i!5The/ +an! !he +or4s an4 he sa/s i! !hree
more !imes !ill !he +hole +ar4 is sa/ing- The O+l an4 !he <ss/:ca! +en! !o sea
#n a "ea!i*l .ea:green "oa!5
The/ !ook some hone/- an4 .len!/ o* mone/
Lra..e4 . in a *i)e:.on4 no!e5
The O+l looke4 . !o !he s!ars a"o)e-
An4 sang !o a small gi!ar-
O lo)el/ <ss/- O <ss/- m/ lo)e-
Lha! a "ea!i*l <ss/ /o are-
,o are-
,o are5
Lha! a "ea!i*l <ss/ /o are5
&&1
The/ sa/ i! along +i!h Seams no+ an4 +hen i!s *inishe4 !he/ cheer an4 cla. an4 Seams
laghs- 4eligh!e4 +i!h himsel*5 Lhen hes gone +i!h his mo. an4 "cke! /o can hear !hem a!
all hors o* !he 4a/ an4 nigh!
O lo)el/ <ss/- O <ss/- m/ lo)e-
Lha! a "ea!i*l <ss/ /o are-
,o are-
,o are5
Lha! a "ea!i*l <ss/ /o are5
Then Seams comes +i!h no mo. an4 no "cke! an4 #m a*rai4 hes sacke4 o)er !he .oe!r/ "!
hes smiling an4 !elling me hes o** !o Englan4 !o +ork in a *ac!or/ an4 earn 4ecen! +ages *or a
change5 Hell +ork *or !+o mon!hs an4 "ring !he +i*e o)er an4 Go4 migh! "e .lease4 !o sen4
!hem chil4ren *or he has !o 4o some!hing +i!h all !he .oems in his hea4 an4 +ha! "e!!er !han
sa/ing !hem !o small ones in memor/ o* !ha! s+ee! <a!ricia Ma4igan 4ea4 o* !he 4i.!eria5
Goo4:"/e- Francis5 #* # ha4 !he righ! *is! #4 +ri!e !o /o "! #ll ge! !he +i*e !o +ri!e +hen she
comes o)er5 # migh! e)en learn !o rea4 an4 +ri!e m/sel* so !ha! !he chil4 !ha! comes +on!
ha)e a *ool *or a *a!her5 # +an! !o cr/ "! /o can! cr/ in !he e/e +ar4 +i!h "ro+n s!** in /or
e/es an4 nrses sa/ing-Lha!s !his +ha!s !his "e a man- an4 nns going on- O**er i! .- !hink o*
!he s**erings o* Or Lor4 on !he cross- !he cro+n o* !horns- !he lance in !he si4e- !he han4s
an4 *ee! !orn !o "i!s +i!h nails5
#m a mon!h in !he hos.i!al an4 !he 4oc!or sa/s # can go home e)en i* !heres s!ill a "i! o*
in*ec!ion "! i* # kee. !he e/es clean +i!h soa. an4 clean !o+els an4 "il4 . m/ heal!h +i!h
norishing *oo4 .len!/ o* "ee* an4 eggs #ll ha)e a .air o* s.arkling e/es in no !ime ha ha5 Mr5
7o+nes across !he +a/ comes "ack *rom Englan4 *or his mo!hers *neral5 He !ells Mrs5
7o+nes a"o! m/ *a!her5 She !ells $ri4e/ Hannon an4 $ri4e/ !ells m/ mo!her5 Mr5 7o+nes sa/s
!ha! Malach/ McCor! is gone .re ma4 +i!h !he 4rink- !ha! he sKan4ers his +ages in ."s all
o)er Co)en!r/- !ha! he sings #rish re"el songs +hich !he English 4on! min4 "ecase !he/re
se4 !o !he +a/ !he #rish carr/ on a"o! !he hn4re4s o* /ears o* s**ering- "! !he/ +on! .!
. +i!h an/ man &'(
!ha! s!an4s . in a ." an4 insl!s !he King an4 Reen o* Englan4- !heir !+o lo)el/ 4agh!ers
an4 !he Reen Mo!her hersel*5 #nsl!ing !he Reen Mo!her is going "e/on4 !he "e/on4s5Lha!
4i4 she e)er 4o !o an/one- !ha! .oor ol4 la4/N Time a*!er !ime Malach/ 4rinks a+a/ his ren!
mone/ an4 +in4s . slee.ing in .arks +hen !he lan4lor4 !hro+s him o!5 Hes a reglar
4isgrace- so he is- an4 Mr5 7o+nes is gla4 McCor! is no! a Limerickman "ringing shame !o !his
ancien! ci!/5The magis!ra!es in Co)en!r/ are losing !heir .a!ience an4 i* Malach/ McCor!
4oesn! s!o. !he "loo4/ nonsense hell "e kicke4 o! o* !he con!r/ en!irel/5 Mam !ells $ri4e/
she 4oesn! kno+ +ha! shes going !o 4o +i!h !hese s!ories *rom Englan4- she ne)er *el! so
4es.era!e in her li*e5 She can see Ka!hleen OConnell 4oesn! +an! !o gi)e an/ more cre4i! a!
!he sho. an4 her o+n mo!her "arks a! her i* she asks *or !he loan o* a shilling an4 !he
S!5Oincen! 4e <al Socie!/ +an! !o kno+ +hen shell s!o. asking *or chari!/ es.eciall/ +i!h a
hs"an4 in Englan45 Shes ashame4 o* !he +a/ +e look +i!h !he 4ir!/ ol4 !orn shir!s- ragge4/
ganse/s- "roken shoes- holes in or s!ockings5 She lies a+ake a! nigh! !hinking !he mos!
merci*l !hing o* all +ol4 "e !o .! !he *or "o/s in an or.hanage so !ha! she col4 go !o
Englan4 hersel* an4 *in4 some !/.e o* +ork +here she col4 "ring s all o)er in a /ear *or !he
"e!!er li*e5 There migh! "e "om"s "! she4 .re*er "om"s an/!ime !o !he shame o* "egging
*rom !his one an4 !ha! one5
No- no ma!!er +ha! she can! "ear !he !hogh! o* .!!ing s in !he or.hanage5Tha! migh! "e all
righ! i* /o ha4 !he likes o* $o/s To+n in America +i!h a nice .ries! like S.encer Trac/ "! /o
col4 ne)er !rs! !he Chris!ian $ro!hers o! in Glin +ho ge! !heir e9ercise "ea!ing "o/s an4
s!ar)ing !he li*e o! o* !hem5
Mam sa/s !heres no!hing le*! "! !he 7is.ensar/ an4 !he ."lic assis!ance- !he relie*- an4 shes
ashame4 o* her li*e !o go an4 ask *or i!5 #! means /ore a! !he en4 o* /or ro.e an4 ma/"e one
le)el a"o)e !inkers- knackers an4 s!ree! "eggars in general5 #! means /o ha)e !o cra+l "e*ore
Mr5 Co**e/ an4 Mr5 Kane an4 !hank Go4 !he 7is.ensar/ is a! !he o!her en4 o* Limerick so !ha!
.eo.le in or lane +on! kno+ +ere ge!!ing !he relie*5 She kno+s *rom o!her +omen i!s +ise
!o "e !here earl/ in !he morning +hen Mr5 Co**e/ an4 Mr5 Kane migh! "e in a goo4 moo45 #* /o
go la!e in !he morning !he/re lia"le !o "e crank/ a*!er seeing hn4re4s o* men +omen an4
chil4ren sick an4 asking *or hel.5 She +ill !ake s +i!h her !o .ro)e she has *or chil4ren !o
*ee45 She ge!s s . earl/ &'%
an4 !ells s *or once in or li)es 4on! +ash or *aces- 4on! com" or hair- 4ress in an/ ol4 rag5
She !ells me gi)e m/ sore e/es a goo4 r" an4 make !hem as re4 as # can *or !he +orse /o look
a! !he 7is.ensar/ !he more .i!/ /o ge! an4 !he "e!!er /or chances o* ge!!ing !he ."lic
assis!ance5 She com.lains !ha! Malach/ Michael an4 Al.hie look !oo heal!h/ an4 /o4 +on4er
+h/ on !his 4a/ o* 4a/s !he/ col4n! ha)e !heir sal sca""/ knees or !he o44 c! "rise or
"lack e/e5 #* +e mee! an/one in !he lane or !he s!ree!s o* Limerick +e are no! !o !ell !hem
+here +ere going5 She *eels ashame4 enogh +i!ho! !elling !he +hole +orl4 an4 +ai! !ill her
o+n mo!her hears5
There is a Kee alrea4/ o!si4e !he 7is.ensar/5There are +omen like Mam +i!h chil4ren in
!heir arms- "a"ies like Al.hie- an4 chil4ren .la/ing on !he .a)emen!5 The +omen com*or! !he
"a"ies agains! !he col4 an4 scream a! !he ones .la/ing in case !he/ rn in!o !he s!ree! an4 ge!
hi! "/ a mo!or car or a "ic/cle5There are ol4 men an4 +omen h44le4 agains! !he +all !alking
!o !hemsel)es or no! !alking a! all5 Mam +arns s no! !o +an4er *rom her an4 +e +ai! hal* an
hor *or !he "ig 4oor !o o.en5A man !ells s mo)e insi4e in .ro.er or4er an4 Kee . "e*ore
!he .la!*orm- !ha! Mr5 Co**e/ an4 Mr5 Kane +ill "e !here in a min!e +hen !he/ *inish !heir !ea
in !he room "e/on45A +oman com.lains her chil4ren are *reeIing +i!h !he col4 an4 col4n!
Co**e/ an4 Kane "loo4/ +ell hrr/ . +i!h !heir !ea5 The man sa/s shes a !ro"lemaker "! he
+on! !ake her name !his !ime +i!h !he col4 !ha!s in !he morning "! i* !heres ano!her +or4
shell "e a sorr/ +oman5 Mr5 Co**e/ an4 Mr5 Kane ge! . on !he .la!*orm an4 .a/ no a!!en!ion
!o !he .eo.le5 Mr5 Kane .!s on his glasses- !akes !hem o**- .olishes !hem- .!s !hem on- looks
a! !he ceiling5 Mr5 Co**e/ rea4s .a.ers- +ri!es some!hing- .asses .a.ers !o Mr5 Kane5The/
+his.er !o each o!her5The/ !ake !heir !ime5The/ 4on! look a! s5
Then Mr5 Kane calls !he *irs! ol4 man !o !he .la!*orm5Lha!s /or nameN
Timo!h/ Creagh- sir5
Creagh- hahN A *ine ol4 Limerick name /o ha)e !here5 # 4o- sir5 #n4ee4 # 4o5
An4 +ha! 4o /o +an!- CreaghN
Ah- sre- # 4o "e ha)in !hem .ains in me s!omach again an #4 like !o see 7r5 Feele/5
Lell- no+- Creagh- are /o sre i!s no! !he .in!s o* .or!er !ha! are going agains! /or s!omach5
&'&
Ah- no- in4ee4- sir5 Sre # har4l/ !och !he .in! a! all +i!h !he .ains5 M/ +i*e is home in !he "e4
an4 # ha)e !o !ake care o* her !oo5 Theres grea! laIiness in !he +orl4- Creagh5 An4 Mr5 Kane
sa/s !o !he .eo.le on !he Kee- 7i4 /e hear !ha!- la4iesN Grea! laIiness- isn! !hereN
An4 !he +omen sa/- Oh- !here is- in4ee4- Mr5 Kane- grea! laIiness5 Mr5 Creagh ge!s his 4ocke!
!o see !he 4oc!or- !he Kee mo)es ahea4 an4 Mr5 Kane is rea4/ *or Mam5
The ."lic assis!ance- is !ha! +ha! /o +an!- +oman- !he relie*N
Tis- Mr5 Kane5
An4 +heres /or hs"an4N
Oh- hes in Englan4- "!?
Englan4- is i!N An4 +here is !he +eekl/ !elegram- !he "ig *i)e .on4sN
He 4i4n! sen4 s a .enn/ in mon!hs- Mr5 Kane5
#s !ha! a *ac!N Lell- +e kno+ +h/- 4on! +eN Le kno+ +ha! !he men o* #relan4 are . !o in
Englan45Le kno+ !heres !he occasional Limerickman seen !ro!!ing aron4 +i!h a <icca4ill/
!ar!- 4on! +eN
He looks o! a! !he .eo.le on !he Kee an4 !he/ kno+ !he/re s..ose4 !o sa/- Le 4o- Mr5
Kane- an4 !he/ kno+ !he/re s..ose4 !o smile an4 lagh or !hings +ill go har4 +i!h !hem
+hen !he/ reach !he .la!*orm5The/ kno+ he migh! !rn !hem o)er !o Mr5 Co**e/ an4 hes
no!orios *or sa/ing no !o e)er/!hing5
Mam !ells Mr5 Kane !ha! 7a4 is in Co)en!r/ an4 no+here near <icca4ill/ an4 Mr5 Kane !akes o**
his glasses an4 s!ares a! her5Lha!s !hisN
Are +e ha)ing a li!!le con!ra4ic!ion hereN
Oh- no- Mr5 Kane- Go4 no5
# +an! /o !o kno+- +oman- !ha! i! is !he .olic/ here !o gi)e no relie* !o +omen +i!h hs"an4s
in Englan45 # +an! /o !o kno+ /ore !aking !he "rea4 *rom !he mo!hs o* more 4eser)ing
.eo.le +ho s!a/e4 in !his con!r/ !o 4o !heir "i!5
Oh- /es- Mr5 Kane5
An4 +ha!s /or nameN
McCor!- sir5
Tha!s no! a Limerick name5Lhere 4i4 /o ge! a name like !ha!N
M/ hs"an4- sir5 Hes *rom !he Nor!h5
Hes *rom !he Nor!h an4 he lea)es /o here !o ge! !he relie* *rom !he #rish Free S!a!e5 #s !his
+ha! +e *ogh! *or- is i!N
# 4on! kno+- sir5
&''
Lh/ 4on! /o go . !o $el*as! an4 see +ha! !he Orangemen +ill 4o *or /o- ahN
# 4on! kno+- sir5
,o 4on! kno+5 O* corse /o 4on! kno+5Theres grea! ignorance in !he +orl45
He looks o! a! !he .eo.le- # sai4 !heres grea! ignorance in !he +orl4- an4 !he .eo.le no4 !heir
hea4s an4 agree !heres grea! ignorance in !he +orl45 He +his.ers !o Mr5 Co**e/ an4 !he/ look
a! Mam- !he/ look a! s5 He !ells Mam a! las! !ha! she can ha)e !he ."lic assis!ance "! i* she
ge!s a single .enn/ *rom her hs"an4 shes !o 4ro. all claims an4 gi)e !he mone/ "ack !o !he
7is.ensar/5 She .romises she +ill an4 +e lea)e5 Le *ollo+ her !o Ka!hleen OConnells sho. !o
ge! !ea an4 "rea4 an4 a *e+ so4s o* !r* *or !he *ire5 Le clim" !he s!airs !o #!al/ an4 ge! !he *ire
going an4 i!s coI/ +hen +e ha)e or !ea5Lere all )er/ Kie!- e)en !he "a"/ Al.hie- "ecase
+e kno+ +ha! Mr5 Kane 4i4 !o or mo!her5
&'B
X
#!s col4 an4 +e! 4o+n in #relan4 "! +ere . in #!al/5Mam sa/s +e shol4 "ring !he .oor <o.e
. !o hang on !he +all o..osi!e !he +in4o+5 A*!er all hes a *rien4 o* !he +orkingman- hes
#!alian- an4 !he/re a +arm +ea!her .eo.le5 Mam si!s "/ !he *ire- shi)ering- an4 +e kno+
some!hing is +rong +hen she makes no mo)e *or a cigare!!e5 She sa/s she *eels a col4 coming
an4 she4 lo)e !o ha)e a !ar!/ 4rink- a lemona4e5 $! !heres no mone/ in !he hose- no! e)en
*or "rea4 in !he morning5 She 4rinks !ea an4 goes !o "e45 The "e4 creaks all nigh! +i!h her
!+is!ings an4 !rnings an4 she kee.s s a+ake +i!h her moaning *or +a!er5 #n !he morning- she
s!a/s in "e4- s!ill shi)ering- an4 +e kee. Kie!5 #* she slee.s long enogh Malach/ an4 # +ill "e
!oo la!e *or school5 Hors .ass an4 s!ill she makes no mo)e an4 +hen # kno+ i!s +ell .as!
school !ime # s!ar! !he *ire *or !he ke!!le5 She s!irs an4 calls *or lemona4e "! # gi)e her a Jam Jar
o* +a!er5 # ask her i* she4 like some !ea an4 she ac!s like a +oman gone 4ea*5 She looks *lshe4
an4 i!s o44 she 4oesn! e)en men!ion cigare!!es5 Le si! Kie!l/ "/ !he *ire- Malach/- Michael-
Al.hie- m/sel*5 Le 4rink or !ea +hile Al.hie che+s !he las! "i! o* "rea4 co)ere4 +i!h sgar5 He
makes s lagh !he +a/ he smears !he sgar all o)er his *ace an4 grins a! s +i!h his *a! s!ick/
cheeks5 $! +e can! lagh !oo mch or Mam +ill Jm. o! o* !he "e4 an4 or4er Malach/ an4
me o** !o school +here +ell "e kille4 *or "eing la!e5Le 4on! lagh long- !here is &'C
no more "rea4 an4 +ere hngr/- !he *or o* s5 Le can ge! no more cre4i! a! OConnells
sho.5Le can! go near Gran4ma- ei!her5 She /ells a! s all !he !ime "ecase 7a4 is *rom !he
Nor!h an4 he ne)er sen4s mone/ home *rom Englan4 +here he is +orking in a mni!ions
*ac!or/5 Gran4ma sa/s +e col4 s!ar)e !o 4ea!h *or all he cares5Tha! +ol4 !each Mam a lesson
*or marr/ing a man *rom !he Nor!h +i!h sallo+ skin- an o44 manner an4 a look o* !he
<res"/!erian a"o! him5 S!ill- #ll ha)e !o !r/ Ka!hleen OConnell once more5 #ll !ell her m/
mo!her is sick a"o)e in !he "e4- m/ "ro!hers are s!ar)ing an4 +ell all "e 4ea4 *or !he +an! o*
"rea45
# .! on m/ shoes an4 rn Kickl/ !hrogh !he s!ree!s o* Limerick !o kee. m/sel* +arm agains!
!he Fe"rar/ *ros!5,o can look in .eo.les +in4o+s an4 see ho+ coI/ i! is in !heir ki!chens
+i!h *ires glo+ing or ranges "lack an4 ho! e)er/!hing "righ! in !he elec!ric ligh! c.s an4
sacers on !he !a"les +i!h .la!es o* slice4 "rea4 .on4s o* "!!er Jars o* Jam smells o* *rie4
eggs an4 rashers coming !hrogh !he +in4o+s enogh !o make !he +a!er rn in /or mo!h
an4 *amilies si!!ing !here 4igging in all smiling !he mo!her cris. an4 clean in her a.ron e)er/one
+ashe4 an4 !he Sacre4 Hear! o* Pess looking 4o+n on !hem *rom !he +all s**ering an4 sa4
"! s!ill ha../ +i!h all !ha! *oo4 an4 ligh! an4 goo4 Ca!holics a! !heir "reak*as!5
# !r/ !o *in4 msic in m/ o+n hea4 "! all # can *in4 is m/ mo!her moaning *or lemona4e5
Lemona4e5 Theres a )an .lling a+a/ *rom So!hs ." lea)ing cra!es o* "eer an4 lemona4e
o!si4e an4 !here isn! a sol on !he s!ree!5 #n a secon4 # ha)e !+o "o!!les o* lemona4e .
n4er m/ Jerse/ an4 # san!er a+a/ !r/ing !o look innocen!5
Theres a "rea4 )an o!si4e Ka!hleen OConnells sho.5 The "ack 4oor is o.en on shel)es o*
s!eaming ne+l/ "ake4 "rea45The )an 4ri)er is insi4e !he sho. ha)ing !ea an4 a "n +i!h
Ka!hleen an4 i!s no !ro"le *or me !o hel. m/sel* !o a loa* o* "rea45 #!s +rong !o s!eal *rom
Ka!hleen +i!h !he +a/ shes al+a/s goo4 !o s "! i* # go in an4 ask her *or "rea4 shell "e
anno/e4 an4 !ell me #m rining her morning c. o* !ea- +hich she4 like !o ha)e in .eace ease
an4 com*or! !hank /o5 #!s easier !o s!ick !he "rea4 . n4er m/ Jerse/ +i!h !he lemona4e an4
.romise !o !ell e)er/!hing in con*ession5
M/ "ro!hers are "ack in "e4 .la/ing games n4er !he o)ercoa!s "! !he/ Jm. +hen !he/ see
!he "rea45 Le !ear a! !he loa* "ecase +ere !oo hngr/ !o slice i! an4 +e make !ea *rom !his
mornings lea)es5Lhen &'3
m/ mo!her s!irs Malach/ hol4s !he lemona4e "o!!le !o her li.s an4 she gas.s !ill she *inishes i!5
#* she likes i! !ha! mch #ll ha)e !o *in4 more lemona4e5
Le .! !he las! o* !he coal on !he *ire an4 si! aron4 !elling s!ories +hich +e make . !he +a/
7a4 4i45 # !ell m/ "ro!hers a"o! m/ a4)en!res +i!h !he lemona4e an4 "rea4 an4 # make .
s!ories a"o! ho+ # +as chase4 "/ ." o+ners an4 sho.kee.ers an4 ho+ # ran in!o S!5 Pose.hs
Chrch +here no one can *ollo+ /o i* /ore a criminal- no! e)en i* /o kille4 /or o+n
mo!her5 Malach/ an4 Michael look shocke4 o)er !he +a/ # go! !he "rea4 an4 lemona4e "!
!hen Malach/ sa/s i! +as onl/ +ha! Ro"in Hoo4 +ol4 ha)e 4one- ro" !he rich an4 gi)e !o !he
.oor5 Michael sa/s #m an o!la+ an4 i* !he/ ca!ch me !he/ll hang me *rom !he highes! !ree in
!he <eo.les <ark !he +a/ o!la+s are hange4 in *ilms a! !he L/ric Cinema5 Malach/ sa/s #
shol4 make sre #m in a s!a!e o* grace "ecase i! migh! "e har4 !o *in4 a .ries! !o come !o m/
hanging5 # !ell him a .ries! +ol4 ha)e !o come !o !he hanging5Tha!s +ha! .ries!s are *or5
Ro44/ McCorle/ ha4 a .ries! an4 so 4i4 Ke)in $arr/5 Malach/ sa/s !here +ere no .ries!s a! !he
hanging o* Ro44/ McCorle/ an4 Ke)in $arr/ "ecase !he/re no! men!ione4 in !he songs an4 he
s!ar!s singing !he songs !o .ro)e i! !ill m/ mo!her groans in !he "e4 an4 sa/s sh! .5
Al.hie !he "a"/ is aslee. on !he *loor "/ !he *ire5Le .! him in!o !he "e4 +i!h Mam so !ha!
hell "e +arm !hogh +e 4on! +an! him !o ca!ch her 4isease an4 4ie5 #* she +akes . an4 *in4s
him 4ea4 in !he "e4 "esi4e her !here +ill "e no en4 !o !he lamen!a!ions an4 shell "lame me on
!o. o* i!5
The !hree o* s ge! "ack in!o or o+n "e4- h44ling n4er !he o)ercoa!s an4 !r/ing no! !o roll
in!o !he hole in !he ma!!ress5 #!s .leasan! !here !ill Michael s!ar!s !o +orr/ o)er Al.hie ge!!ing
Mams 4isease an4 me ge!!ing hange4 *or an o!la+5 He sa/s i! isn! *air "ecase !ha! +ol4
lea)e him +i!h onl/ one "ro!her an4 e)er/one in !he +orl4 has "ro!hers galore5 He *alls aslee.
*rom !he +orr/ an4 soon Malach/ 4ri*!s o** an4 # lie !here !hinking o* Jam5Lol4n! i! "e lo)el/
!o ha)e ano!her loa* o* "rea4 an4 a Jar o* s!ra+"err/ Jam or an/ kin4 o* Jam5 # can! remem"er
e)er seeing a Jam )an making a 4eli)er/ an4 # +ol4n! +an! !o "e like Pesse Pames "las!ing m/
+a/ in!o a sho. 4eman4ing Jam5Tha! +ol4 srel/ lea4 !o a hanging5
Theres a col4 sn coming !hrogh !he +in4o+ an4 #m sre i! ms! "e +armer o!si4e an4
+ol4n! m/ "ro!hers "e sr.rise4 i* !he/ &'E
+oke an4 *on4 me !here +i!h more "rea4 an4 Jam5 The/4 go""le e)er/!hing an4 !hen go on
a"o! m/ sins an4 !he hanging5 Mam is s!ill aslee. !hogh her *ace is re4 an4 !heres a
s!rangling son4 +hen she snores5
# ha)e !o "e care*l going !hrogh !he s!ree! "ecase i!s a school 4a/ an4 i* Gar4 7enneh/
sees me hell 4rag me o** !o school an4 Mr5 OHalloran +ill knock me all o)er !he classroom5The
gar4 is in charge o* school a!!en4ance an4 he lo)es chasing /o on his "ic/cle an4 4ragging
/o o** !o school "/ !he ear5 Theres a "o9 si!!ing o!si4e !he 4oor o* one o* !he "ig hoses on
$arring!on S!ree!5 # .re!en4 !o knock on !he 4oor so !ha! # can see +ha!s in !he "o9- a "o!!le o*
milk- a loa* o* "rea4- cheese- !oma!oes an4- oh- Go4- a Jar o* marmala4e5 # can! sho)e all !ha!
n4er m/ Jerse/5 Oh- Go45 Shol4 # !ake !he +hole "o9N The .eo.le .assing "/ .a/ me no
a!!en!ion5 # migh! as +ell !ake !he +hole "o95 M/ mo!her +ol4 sa/ /o migh! as +ell "e hng
*or a shee. as a lam"5 # li*! !he "o9 an4 !r/ !o look like a messenger "o/ making a 4eli)er/ an4
no one sa/s a +or45 Malach/ an4 Michael are "esi4e !hemsel)es +hen !he/ see +ha!s in !he
"o9 an4 !he/re soon go""ling !hick c!s o* "rea4 sla!here4 +i!h gol4en marmala4e5 Al.hie has
!he marmala4e all o)er his *ace an4 hair an4 a goo4 "i! on his legs an4 "ell/5Le +ash 4o+n !he
*oo4 +i!h col4 !ea "ecase +e ha)e no *ire !o hea! i!5
Mam mm"les again *or lemona4e an4 # gi)e her hal* !he secon4 "o!!le !o kee. her Kie!5 She
calls *or more an4 # mi9 i! +i!h +a!er !o s!re!ch i! "ecase # can! "e s.en4ing m/ li*e rnning
aron4 li*!ing lemona4e *rom ."s5Lere ha)ing a *ine !ime o* i! !ill Mam "egins !o ra)e in !he
"e4 a"o! her lo)el/ li!!le 4agh!er !aken *rom her an4 her !+in "o/s gone "e*ore !he/ +ere
!hree an4 +h/ col4n! Go4 !ake !he rich *or a change an4 is !here an/ lemona4e in !he hoseN
Michael +an!s !o kno+ i* Mam +ill 4ie an4 Malach/ !ells him /o can! 4ie !ill a .ries!
comes5Then Michael +on4ers i* +ell e)er ha)e a *ire an4 ho! !ea again "ecase hes *reeIing in
!he "e4 e)en +i!h !he o)ercoa!s le*! o)er *rom ol4en !imes5 Malach/ sa/s +e shol4 go *rom
hose !o hose asking *or !r* an4 coal an4 +oo4 an4 +e col4 se Al.hies .ram !o carr/ !he
loa45Le shol4 !ake Al.hie +i!h s "ecase hes small an4 he smiles an4 .eo.le +ill see him
an4 *eel sorr/ *or him an4 s5Le !r/ !o +ash all !he 4ir! an4 lin! an4 *ea!hers an4 s!ick/
marmala4e "! +hen +e !och him +i!h +a!er he ho+ls5 Michael sa/s hell onl/ ge! 4ir!/ &'D
again in !he .ram so +ha!s !he se o* +ashing him5 Michael is small "! hes al+a/s sa/ing
remarka"le !hings like !ha!5
Le .sh !he .ram o! !o !he rich a)enes an4 roa4s "! +hen +e knock on !he 4oors !he
mai4s !ell s go a+a/ or !he/ll call !he .ro.er a!hori!ies an4 i!s a 4isgrace !o "e 4ragging a
"a"/ aron4 in a +reck o* a .ram !ha! smells !o !he hea)ens a *il!h/ con!ra.!ion !ha! /o
+ol4n! se !o hal a .ig !o !he slagh!erhose an4 !his is a Ca!holic con!r/ +here "a"ies
shol4 "e cherishe4 an4 ke.! ali)e !o han4 4o+n !he *ai!h *rom genera!ion !o genera!ion5
Malach/ !ells one mai4 !o kiss his arse an4 she gi)es him sch a clo! !he !ears lea. !o his e/es
an4 he sa/s hell ne)er in his li*e ask !he rich *or an/!hing again5 He sa/s !heres no se asking
an/more- !ha! +e shol4 go aron4 !he "acks o* !he hoses an4 clim" o)er !he +alls an4 !ake
+ha! +e +an!5 Michael can ring !he *ron! 4oor"ells !o kee. !he mai4s "s/ an4 Malach/ an4 #
can !hro+ coal an4 !r* o)er !he +alls an4 *ill !he .ram all aron4 Al.hie5
Le collec! !ha! +a/ *rom !hree hoses "! !hen Malach/ !hro+s a .iece o* coal o)er a +all an4
hi!s Al.hie an4 he s!ar!s screaming an4 +e ha)e !o rn *orge!!ing Michael- s!ill ringing 4oor"ells
an4 ge!!ing a"se *rom mai4s5 Malach/ sa/s +e shol4 !ake !he .ram home *irs! an4 !hen go
"ack *or Michael5Le can! s!o. no+ +i!h Al.hie "a+ling an4 .eo.le gi)ing s 4ir!/ looks an4
!elling s +ere a 4isgrace !o or mo!her an4 #relan4 in general5
Lhen +ere "ack home i! !akes a +hile !o 4ig Al.hie o! *rom n4er !he loa4 o* coal an4 !r*
an4 he +on! s!o. screaming !ill # gi)e him "rea4 an4 marmala4e5 #m a*rai4 Mam +ill lea. *rom
her "e4 "! she onl/ mm"les on a"o! 7a4 an4 4rink an4 "a"ies 4ea45 Malach/ is "ack +i!h
Michael- +i!h s!ories o* his a4)en!res ringing 4oor"ells5 One rich +oman ans+ere4 !he 4oor
hersel* an4 in)i!e4 him in!o !he ki!chen *or cake an4 milk an4 "rea4 an4 Jam5 She aske4 him all
a"o! his *amil/ an4 he !ol4 her his *a!her ha4 a "ig Jo" in Englan4 "! his mo!her is in !he "e4
+i!h a 4es.era!e 4isease an4 calling *or lemona4e morning noon an4 nigh!5 The rich +oman
+an!e4 !o kno+ +ho +as !aking care o* s an4 Michael "ragge4 +e +ere !aking care o*
orsel)es- !ha! !here +as no shor!age o* "rea4 an4 marmala4e5 The rich +oman +ro!e 4o+n
Michaels name an4 a44ress an4 !ol4 him "e a goo4 "o/ an4 go home !o his "ro!hers an4 his
mo!her in !he "e45 Malach/ "arks a! Michael *or "eing sch a *ool as !o !ell a rich +oman &'1
an/!hing5 Shell go no+ an4 !ell on s an4 "e*ore +e kno+ i! +ell ha)e !he .ries!s o* !he +orl4
"anging on !he 4oor an4 4is!r"ing s5 Theres !he "anging on !he 4oor alrea4/5 $! i! isn! a
.ries!- i!s Gar4 7enneh/5 He calls .- Hello- hello- is an/"o4/ homeN Are /o !here- Mrs5
McCor!N
Michael knocks on !he +in4o+ an4 +a)es a! !he gar45 # gi)e him a goo4 kick *or himsel* an4
Malach/ !hm.s him on !he hea4 an4 he /ells- #ll !ell !he gar45 #ll !ell !he gar45 The/re
killing me- gar45 The/re !hm.ing an4 kicking5
He +on! sh! . an4 Gar4 7enneh/ sho!s a! s !o o.en !he 4oor5 # call o! !he +in4o+ an4
!ell him # can! o.en !he 4oor "ecase m/ mo!her is in "e4 +i!h a !erri"le 4isease5
Lheres /or *a!herN
Hes in Englan45
Lell- #m coming in !o !alk !o /or mo!her5
,o can!5,o can!5 She has !he 4isease5Le all ha)e !he 4isease5 #! migh! "e !he !/.hoi45 #!
migh! "e !he gallo.ing consm.!ion5 Lere ge!!ing s.o!s alrea4/5The "a"/ has a lm.5 #! col4
kill5 He .shes in !he 4oor an4 clim"s !he s!airs !o #!al/ Js! as Al.hie cra+ls o! *rom n4er !he
"e4 co)ere4 +i!h marmala4e an4 4ir!5 He looks a! him an4 m/ mo!her an4 s- !akes o** his ca.
an4 scra!ches his hea45 He sa/s- Pess- Mar/ an4 Pose.h- !his is a 4es.era!e si!a!ion5 Ho+ 4i4
/or mo!her ge! sick like !ha!N
# !ell him he shol4n! go near her an4 +hen Malach/ sa/s +e migh! no! "e a"le !o go !o school
*or ages !he gar4 sa/s +ell go !o school no ma!!er +ha!- !ha! +ere on !he ear!h !o go !o
school !he +a/ hes on !he ear!h !o make sre +e go !o school5 He +an!s !o kno+ i* +e ha)e
an/ rela!ions an4 he sen4s me o** !o !ell Gran4ma an4 An! Aggie !o come !o or hose5
The/ scream a! me an4 !ell me #m *il!h/5 # !r/ !o e9.lain !ha! Mam has !he 4isease an4 #m +orn
o! !r/ing !o make en4s mee!- kee.ing !he home *ires "rning- ge!!ing lemona4e *or Mam an4
"rea4 *or m/ "ro!hers5 Theres no se !elling !hem a"o! !he marmala4e *or !he/ll onl/ scream
again5 Theres no se !elling !hem a"o! !he nas!iness o* rich .eo.le an4 !heir mai4s5
The/ .sh me all !he +a/ "ack !o !he lane- "arking a! me an4 4isgracing me on !he s!ree!s o*
Limerick5 Gar4 7enneh/ is s!ill scra!ching his .oll5 He sa/s- Look a! !his- a 4isgrace5,o
+ol4n! see !he likes o* !his in $om"a/ or !he $o+er/ o* Ne+ ,ork i!sel*5
&B(
Gran4ma is +ailing a! m/ mo!her- Mo!her o Go4- Angela- +ha!s . +i!h /o in !he "e4N Lha!
4i4 !he/ 4o !o /oN
M/ mo!her rns her !onge o)er her 4r/ li.s an4 gas.s *or more lemona4e5
She +an!s lemona4e- sa/s Michael- an4 +e go! i! *or her an4 "rea4 an4 marmala4e an4 +ere
all o!la+s no+5 Frankie +as !he *irs! o!la+ !ill +e +en! rai4ing *or coal all o)er Limerick5
Gar4 7enneh/ looks in!eres!e4 an4 !akes Michael 4o+ns!airs "/ !he han4 an4 in a *e+
min!es +e hear him laghing5 An! Aggie sa/s !ha!s a 4isgrace*l +a/ !o "eha)e +i!h m/
mo!her sick in !he "e45The gar4 comes "ack an4 !ells her go *or a 4oc!or5 He kee.s co)ering
his *ace +i!h his ca. +hene)er he looks a! me or m/ "ro!hers5 7es.era4oes- he sa/s-
4es.era4oes5
The 4oc!or comes +i!h An! Aggie in his mo!or car an4 he has !o rsh m/ mo!her !o !he
hos.i!al +i!h her .nemonia5Le4 all like !o go ri4ing in !he 4oc!ors car "! An! Aggie sa/s-
No- /e are all coming !o m/ hose !ill /eer mo!her comes home *rom !he hos.i!al5 # !ell her no!
!o "o!her5 #m ele)en an4 # can easil/ look a*!er m/ "ro!hers5 #4 "e gla4 !o s!a/ a! home *rom
school an4 make sre e)er/one is *e4 an4 +ashe45 $! Gran4ma screams # +ill 4o no sch a
!hing an4 An! Aggie gi)es me a !hm. *or m/sel*5 Gar4 7enneh/ sa/s #m !oo /ong /e! !o "e
an o!la+ an4 a *a!her "! # ha)e a .romising *!re in "o!h 4e.ar!men!s5
Ge! /or clo!hes- sa/s An! Aggie- /e are coming !o m/ hose !ill /eer mo!her is o! o* !he
hos.i!al5 Pess a"o)e- !ha! "a"/ is a 4isgrace5 She *in4s a rag an4 !ies i! aron4 Al.hies "o!!om
*or *ear he migh! shi! all o)er !he .ram5Then she looks a! s an4 +an!s !o kno+ +h/ +ere
s!an4ing !here +i!h or *aces hanging o! a*!er she !ol4 s ge! or clo!hes5 #m a*rai4 shell hi!
me or /ell a! me +hen # !ell her i!s all righ!- +e ha)e or clo!hes- !he/re on s5 She s!ares a!
me an4 shakes her hea45 Here- she sa/s- .! some sgar an4 +a!er in !he chil4s "o!!le5 She
!ells me # ha)e !o .sh Al.hie !hrogh !he s!ree!s- she can! manage !he .ram +i!h !ha!
"ocke!/ +heel !ha! makes i! rock "ack an4 *or!h an4 "esi4es !is a 4isgrace*l:looking o"Jec!
she4 "e ashame4 !o .! a mang/ 4og in5 She !akes !he !hree ol4 coa!s *rom or "e4 an4 .iles
!hem on !he .ram !ill /o can har4l/ see Al.hie a! all5
Gran4ma comes +i!h s an4 "arks a! me all !he +a/ *rom Ro4en Lane !o An! Aggies *la! in
Lin4mill S!ree!5 Can! /o .sh !ha! .ram .ro.erl/N Pess- /ore going !o kill !ha! chil45 S!o.
goin *rom si4e !o &B%
si4e or #ll gi)e /o a goo4 cli!!her on !he go"5 She +on! come in!o An! Aggies *la!5 She can!
s!an4 !he sigh! o* s one more min!e5 Shes *e4 . +i!h !he +hole McCor! clan *rom !he 4a/s
+hen she ha4 !o sen4 si9 *ares !o "ring s all "ack *rom America- 4ishing o! more mone/ *or
*nerals *or 4ea4 chil4ren- gi)ing s *oo4 e)er/ !ime or *a!her 4rank !he 4ole or !he +ages-
hel.ing Angela carr/ on +hile !ha! "lagar4 *rom !he Nor!h 4rinks his +ages all o)er Englan45
Oh- shes *e4 .- so she is- an4 o** she goes across Henr/ S!ree! +i!h her "lack sha+l .lle4 .
aron4 her +hi!e hea4- lim.ing along in her "lack high:lace4 "oo!s5
Lhen /ore ele)en an4 /or "ro!hers are !en- *i)e an4 one- /o 4on! kno+ +ha! !o 4o +hen
/o go !o someones hose e)en i* shes /or mo!hers sis!er5,ore !ol4 !o lea)e !he .ram in
!he hall an4 "ring !he "a"/ in!o !he ki!chen "! i* i!s no! /or hose /o 4on! kno+ +ha! !o 4o
once /o ge! in!o !he ki!chen *or *ear !he an! +ill /ell a! /o or hi! /o on !he skll5 She !akes
o** her coa! an4 !akes i! !o !he "e4room an4 /o s!an4 +i!h !he "a"/ in /or arms +ai!ing !o "e
!ol45 #* /o !ake one s!e. *or+ar4 or one s!e. !o !he si4e she migh! come o! an4 sa/ +here are
/o going an4 /o 4on! kno+ +ha! !o ans+er "ecase /o 4on! kno+ /orsel*5 #* /o sa/
an/!hing !o /or "ro!hers she migh! sa/ +ho 4o /o !hink /ore !alking !o in m/ ki!chenN Le
ha)e !o s!an4 an4 "e Kie! an4 !ha!s har4 +hen !heres a !inkling son4 *rom !he "e4room
an4 +e kno+ shes on !he cham"er .o! .eeing a+a/5 # 4on! +an! !o look a! Malach/5 #* # 4o #ll
smile an4 hell smile an4 Michael +ill smile an4 !heres 4anger +ell s!ar! laghing an4 i* +e 4o
+e +on! "e a"le !o s!o. *or 4a/s a! !he .ic!re in or hea4s o* An! Aggies "ig +hi!e "m
.erche4 on a *lo+er/ li!!le cham"er .o!5 #m a"le !o con!rol m/sel*5 # +on! lagh5 Malach/ an4
Michael +on! lagh an4 i!s eas/ !o see +ere all .ro4 o* orsel)es *or no! laghing an4
ge!!ing in!o !ro"le +i!h An! Aggie !ill Al.hie in m/ arms smiles an4 sa/s Goo goo an4 !ha!
se!s s o**5The !hree o* s "rs! o! laghing an4 Al.hie grins +i!h his 4ir!/ *ace an4 sa/s Goo
goo again !ill +ere hel.less an4 An! Aggie roars o! o* !he room .lling her 4ress 4o+n an4
gi)es me a !hm. on !he hea4 !ha! sen4s me agains! !he +all "a"/ an4 all5 She hi!s Malach/
!oo an4 she !ries !o hi! Michael "! he rns !o !he o!her si4e o* her ron4 !a"le an4 she can!
ge! a! him5 Come o)er here- she sa/s- an4 #ll +i.e !ha! grin o** /or .ss- "! Michael kee.s
rnning aron4 !he !a"le an4 shes !oo *a! !o ca!ch him5 #ll ge! /o la!er- she sa/s- #ll +arm
/or arse- an4 /o- Lor4 Mck- she sa/s !o me- .! !ha! chil4 4o+n on &B&
!he *loor o)er !here "/ !he range5 She .!s !he ol4 coa!s *rom !he .ram on !he *loor an4 Al.hie
lies !here +i!h his sgar/ +a!er an4 sa/s Goo goo an4 smiles5 She !ells s !ake o** e)er/ scra. o*
or clo!hes- ge! o! !o !he !a. in !he "ack/ar4 an4 scr" e)er/ inch o* or "o4ies5 Le are no!
!o come "ack in!o !his hose !ill +ere s.o!less5 # +an! !o !ell her i!s !he mi44le o* Fe"rar/- i!s
*reeIing o!si4e- +e col4 all 4ie- "! # kno+ i* # o.en m/ mo!h # migh! 4ie righ! here on !he
ki!chen *loor5 Lere o! in !he /ar4 nake4 4osing orsel)es +i!h ic/ +a!er *rom !he !a.5 She
o.ens !he ki!chen +in4o+ an4 !hro+s o! a scr" "rsh an4 a "ig "ar o* "ro+n soa. like !he
one !he/ se4 on Finn !he Horse5 She or4ers s !o scr" each o!hers "acks an4 4on! s!o. !ill
she !ells s5 Michael sa/s his han4s an4 *ee! are *alling o** +i!h !he col4 "! she 4oesn! care5
She kee.s !elling s +ere s!ill 4ir!/ an4 i* she has !o come o! !o scr" s +ell re !he
4a/5Ano!her re5 # scr" m/sel* har4er5Le all scr" !ill +ere .ink an4 or Ja+s cha!!er5 #!s no!
enogh *or An! Aggie5 She comes o! +i!h a "cke! an4 sloshes col4 +a!er all o)er s5 No+-
she sa/s- ge! insi4e an4 4r/ /eersel)es5Le s!an4 in !he li!!le she4 ne9! !o her ki!chen 4r/ing
orsel)es +i!h one !o+el5 Le s!an4 an4 shi)er an4 +ai! "ecase /o can! go marching in!o her
ki!chen !ill she !ells /o5 Le hear her insi4e s!ar!ing !he *ire- ra!!ling !he .oker in !he range-
!hen /elling a! s-Are /e goin !o s!an4 in !here all 4a/N Come in here an4 .! on /eer clo!hes5
She gi)es s mgs o* !ea an4 c!s o* *rie4 "rea4 an4 +e si! a! !he !a"le ea!ing Kie!l/ "ecase
/ore no! s..ose4 !o sa/ a +or4 nless she !ells /o5 Michael asks her *or a secon4 c! o*
*rie4 "rea4 an4 +e e9.ec! her !o knock him o** !he chair *or his cheek "! she Js! grm"les-
Tis *ar *rom !+o c!s o* *rie4 "rea4 /e +ere "rogh! .- an4 gi)es each o* s ano!her c!5 She
!ries !o *ee4 Al.hie "rea4 soake4 in !ea "! he +on! ea! i! !ill she s.rinkles i! +i!h sgar an4
+hen hes *inishe4 he smiles an4 .ees all o)er her la. an4 +ere 4eligh!e45 She rns o! !o !he
she4 !o 4a" a! hersel* +i!h a !o+el an4 +ere a"le !o grin a! each o!her a! !he !a"le an4 !ell
Al.hie hes !he cham.ion "a"/ in !he +orl45 Uncle <a Kea!ing comes in !he 4oor all "lack *rom
his Jo" a! !he gas +orks5 Oh- "eJa/- he sa/s- +ha!s !hisN
Michael sa/s- M/ mo!her is in !he hos.i!al- Uncle <a5 #s !ha! soN Lha!s . +i!h herN
<nemonia- sa/s Malach/5
Lell- no+- !ha!s "e!!er !han ol4monia5
Le 4on! kno+ +ha! hes laghing a! an4 An! Aggie comes in &B'
*rom !he she4 an4 !ells him ho+ Mam is in !he hos.i!al an4 +ere !o s!a/ +i!h !hem !ill she ge!s
o!5 He sa/s- Gran4- gran4- an4 goes !o !he she4 !o +ash himsel* !hogh +hen he comes "ack
/o4 ne)er kno+ he !oche4 himsel* +i!h +a!er a! all hes !ha! "lack5 He si!s a! !he !a"le an4
An! Aggie gi)es him his s..er- +hich is *rie4 "rea4 an4 ham an4 slice4 !oma!oes5 She !ells s
ge! a+a/ *rom !he !a"le an4 s!o. ga+king a! him ha)ing his !ea an4 !ells him !o s!o. gi)ing s
"i!s o* ham an4 !oma!o5 He sa/s-Arrah- *or Pa/ss sake-Aggie- !he chil4ren are hngr/- an4 she
sa/s- Tis none o* /or "siness5The/re no! /ors5 She !ells s go o! an4 .la/ an4 "e home *or
"e4 "/ hal*:.as! eigh!5 Le kno+ i!s *reeIing o!si4e an4 +e4 like !o s!a/ in "/ !ha! +arm
range "! i!s easier !o "e in !he s!ree!s .la/ing !han insi4e +i!h An! Aggie an4 her nagging5
She calls me in la!er an4 sen4s me .s!airs !o "orro+ a r""er shee! *rom a +oman +ho ha4 a
chil4 !ha! 4ie45 The +oman sa/s !ell /or an! #4 like !ha! r""er shee! "ack *or !he ne9!
chil45An! Aggie sa/s- T+el)e /ears ago !ha! chil4 4ie4 an4 she s!ill kee.s !he r""er shee!5
For!/:*i)e she is no+ an4 i* !heres ano!her chil4 +ell ha)e !o look *or a s!ar in !he Eas!5
Malach/ sa/s-Lha!s !ha!N an4 she !ells him min4 his o+n "siness- hes !oo /ong5
An! Aggie .laces !he r""er shee! on her "e4 an4 .!s Al.hie on i! "e!+een hersel* an4 Uncle
<a5 She slee.s insi4e agains! !he +all an4 Uncle <a o!si4e "ecase he has !o ge! . in !he
morning *or +ork5Le are !o slee. on !he *loor agains! !he o..osi!e +all +i!h one coa! n4er s
an4 !+o o)er5 She sa/s i* she hears a +or4 o! o* s 4ring !he nigh! shell +arm or arses an4
+ere !o "e . earl/ in !he morning "ecase i!s Ash Le4nes4a/ an4 i! +ol4n! 4o s an/
harm !o go !o Mass an4 .ra/ *or or .oor mo!her an4 her .nemonia5
The alarm clock shocks s o! o* or slee.5 An! Aggie calls *rom her "e4-The !hree o* /e are !o
ge! . an4 go !o Mass5 7o /e hear meN
U.5Lash /eer *aces an4 go !o !he Pesi!s5
Her "ack/ar4 is all *ros! an4 ice an4 or han4s s!ing *rom !he !a. +a!er5Le !hro+ a li!!le on or
*aces an4 4r/ +i!h !he !o+el !ha!s s!ill 4am. *rom /es!er4a/5 Malach/ +his.ers or +ash +as a
lick an4 a .romise- !ha!s +ha! Mam +ol4 sa/5
The s!ree!s are *ros!/ an4 ic/- !oo- "! !he Pesi! chrch is +arm5 #! ms! "e gran4 !o "e a
Pesi!- slee.ing in a "e4 +i!h shee!s "lanke!s .illo+s an4 ge!!ing . !o a nice +arm hose an4 a
+arm chrch +i!h no!hing !o 4o "! sa/ Mass hear con*essions an4 /ell a! .eo.le *or !heir &BB
sins ha)e /or meals ser)e4 . !o /o an4 rea4 /or La!in o**ice "e*ore /o go !o slee.5 #4 like
!o "e a Pesi! some 4a/ "! !heres no ho.e o* !ha! +hen /o gro+ . in a lane5 Pesi!s are )er/
.ar!iclar5The/ 4on! like .oor .eo.le5The/ like .eo.le +i!h mo!or cars +ho s!ick o! !heir li!!le
*ingers +hen !he/ .ick . !heir !eac.s5
The chrch is cro+4e4 +i!h .eo.le a! se)en oclock Mass ge!!ing !he ashes on !heir *orehea4s5
Malach/ +his.ers !ha! Michael shol4n! ge! !he ashes "ecase he +on! "e making his Firs!
Commnion !ill Ma/ an4 i! +ol4 "e a sin5 Michael s!ar!s !o cr/- # +an! !he ashes- # +an! !he
ashes5 An ol4 +oman "ehin4 s sa/s- Lha! are /e 4oin !o !ha! lo)el/ chil4N Malach/ e9.lains
!he lo)el/ chil4 ne)er ma4e his Firs! Commnion an4 hes no! in a s!a!e o* grace5 Malach/ is
ge!!ing rea4/ *or Con*irma!ion himsel*- al+a/s sho+ing o** his kno+le4ge o* !he ca!echism-
al+a/s going on a"o! s!a!e o* grace5 He +on! a4mi! # kne+ all a"o! !he s!a!e o* grace a /ear
ago- so long ago #m s!ar!ing !o *orge! i!5 The ol4 +oman sa/s /o 4on! ha)e !o "e in a s!a!e o*
grace !o ge! a *e+ ashes on /or *orehea4 an4 !ells Malach/ s!o. !ormen!ing his .oor li!!le
"ro!her5 She .a!s Michael on !he hea4 an4 !ells him hes a lo)el/ chil4 an4 go . !here an4 ge!
/or ashes5 He rns !o !he al!ar an4 +hen he comes "ack !he +oman gi)es him a .enn/ !o go
+i!h his ashes5 An! Aggie is s!ill in !he "e4 +i!h Al.hie5 She !ells Malach/ !o *ill Al.hies "o!!le
+i!h milk an4 "ring i! !o him5 She !ells me !o s!ar! !he *ire in !he range- !ha! !heres .a.er an4
+oo4 in a "o9 an4 coal in !he coal sc!!le5 #* !he *ire +on! s!ar! s.rinkle i! +i!h a li!!le .ara**in
oil5 The *ire is slo+ an4 smok/ an4 # s.rinkle i! +i!h !he .ara**in oil- i! *lares .- +hoosh- an4
nearl/ !akes m/ e/e"ro+s o**5 There is smoke e)er/+here an4 An! Aggie rshes in!o !he
ki!chen5 She sho)es me a+a/ *rom !he range5 Pess a"o)e- can! /o 4o an/!hing righ!N ,ore
s..ose4 !o o.en !he 4am.er- /o eeJi!5 # 4on! kno+ an/!hing a"o! 4am.ers5 #n or hose
+e ha)e a *ire.lace in #relan4 4o+ns!airs an4 a *ire.lace in #!al/ .s!airs an4 no sign o* a
4am.er5Then /o go !o /or an!s hose an4 /ore s..ose4 !o kno+ all a"o!
4am.ers5Theres no se !elling her !his is !he *irs! !ime /o e)er li! a *ire in a range5 Shell Js!
gi)e /o ano!her !hm. on !he skll an4 sen4 /o *l/ing5 #!s har4 !o kno+ +h/ gro+n .eo.le
ge! so angr/ o)er li!!le !hings like 4am.ers5Lhen #m a man # +on! go aron4 !hm.ing small
chil4ren o)er 4am.ers or an/!hing else5 No+ she /ells a! me- Look a! Lor4 Mck s!an4ing !here5
Lol4 /o e)er !hink o* o.ening !he +in4o+ an4 le!!ing o! !he smokeN O* corse /o
+ol4n!5 &BC
,o ha)e a .ss on /o like /or *a!her *rom !he Nor!h5 7o /o !hink no+ /o can "oil !he
+a!er *or !he !ea +i!ho! "rning !he hose 4o+nN
She c!s !hree slices *rom a loa*- smears !hem +i!h margarine *or s an4 goes "ack !o "e45Le
ha)e !he !ea an4 "rea4 an4 i!s one morning +ere gla4 !o go !o school +here i!s +arm an4
!here are no /elling an!s5 A*!er school she !ells me si! a! !he !a"le an4 +ri!e m/ *a!her a le!!er
a"o! Mam in !he hos.i!al an4 ho+ +ere all a! An! Aggies !ill Mam comes home5 #m !o !ell
him +ere all ha../ an4 in !he "es! o* heal!h- sen4 mone/- *oo4 is )er/ 4ear- gro+ing "o/s ea!
a lo!- ha ha- Al.hie !he "a"/ nee4s clo!hes an4 na..ies5
# 4on! kno+ +h/ shes al+a/s angr/5 Her *la! is +arm an4 4r/5 She has elec!ric ligh! in !he
hose an4 her o+n la)a!or/ in !he "ack/ar45 Uncle <a has a s!ea4/ Jo" an4 he "rings home his
+ages e)er/ Fri4a/5 He 4rinks his .in!s a! So!hs ." "! ne)er comes home singing songs o*
#relan4s long +oe*l his!or/5 He sa/s- A .o9 on all !heir hoses- an4 he sa/s !he *nnies! !hing
in !he +orl4 is !ha! +e all ha)e arses !ha! ha)e !o "e +i.e4 an4 no man esca.es !ha!5The
min!e a .oli!ician or a <o.e s!ar!s his "la!her Uncle <a !hinks o* him +i.ing his arse5 Hi!ler an4
Roose)el! an4 Chrchill all +i.e !heir arses5 7e Oalera- !oo5 He sa/s !he onl/ .eo.le /o can
!rs! in !ha! 4e.ar!men! are !he Mahomme4ans *or !he/ ea! +i!h one han4 an4 +i.e +i!h !he
o!her5The hman han4 i!sel* is a sneak/ "gger an4 /o ne)er kno+ +ha! i!s "een . !o5 There
are goo4 !imes +i!h Uncle <a +hen An! Aggie goes !o !he Mechanics #ns!i!!e !o .la/ car4s-
*or!/:*i)e5 He sa/s- To hell +i!h !he "egr4gers5 He ge!s himsel* !+o "o!!les o* s!o! *rom
So!hs- si9 "ns an4 a hal* .on4 o* ham *rom !he sho. on !he corner5 He makes !ea an4 +e
si! "/ !he range 4rinking i!- ea!ing or ham san4+iches an4 "ns an4 laghing o)er Uncle <a
an4 !he +a/ he goes on a"o! !he +orl45 He sa/s- # s+allo+e4 !he gas- # 4rink !he .in!- # 4on!
gi)e a *i44lers *ar! a"o! !he +orl4 an4 i!s cosin5 #* li!!le Al.hie ge!s !ire4 an4 crank/ an4 cries
Uncle <a .lls his shir! "ack *rom his ches! an4 !ells him- Here- ha)e a sck o* 4i44/
momma5The sigh! o* !ha! *la! ches! an4 !he ni..le shocks Al.hie an4 makes him goo4 again5
$e*ore An! Aggie comes home +e ha)e !o +ash !he mgs an4 clean . so she +on! kno+ +e
+ere s!**ing orsel)es +i!h "ns an4 ham san4+iches5 She4 nag Uncle <a *or a mon!h i* she
e)er *on4 o! an4 !ha!s +ha! # 4on! n4ers!an45 Lh/ 4oes he le! her nag him like !ha!N He
+en! !o !he Grea! Lar- he +as gasse4- hes "ig- he has a Jo"- he &B3
makes !he +orl4 lagh5 #!s a m/s!er/5 Tha!s +ha! !he .ries!s an4 !he mas!ers !ell /o-
e)er/!hing is a m/s!er/ an4 /o ha)e !o "elie)e +ha! /ore !ol45
# col4 easil/ ha)e Uncle <a *or a *a!her5Le4 ha)e grea! !imes si!!ing "/ !he *ire in !he range
4rinking !ea an4 laghing o)er !he +a/ he *ar!s an4 sa/s- Ligh! a ma!ch5Tha!s a .resen! *rom
!he Germans5 An! Aggie !ormen!s me all !he !ime5 She calls me sca""/ e/es5 She sa/s #m !he
s.i!!ing image o* m/ *a!her- # ha)e !he o44 manner- # ha)e !he sneak/ air o* a nor!hern
<res"/!erian- #ll .ro"a"l/ gro+ . an4 "il4 an al!ar !o Oli)er Crom+ell himsel*- #ll rn o** an4
marr/ an English !ar! an4 co)er m/ hose +i!h .ic!res o* !he ro/al *amil/5 # +an! !o ge! a+a/
*rom her an4 # can !hink o* onl/ one +a/- !o make m/sel* sick an4 go !o !he hos.i!al5 # ge! . in
!he mi44le o* !he nigh! an4 go !o her "ack/ar45 # can .re!en4 #m going !o !he la)a!or/5 # s!an4
o! in !he o.en in !he *reeIing +ea!her an4 ho.e #ll ca!ch .nemonia or !he gallo.ing
consm.!ion so !ha! #ll go !o !he hos.i!al +i!h !he nice clean shee!s an4 !he meals in !he "e4
an4 "ooks "rogh! "/ !he girl in !he "le 4ress5 # migh! mee! ano!her <a!ricia Ma4igan an4
learn a long .oem5 # s!an4 in !he "ack/ar4 *or ages in m/ shir! an4 "are *ee! looking . a! !he
moon +hich is a ghos!l/ galleon ri4ing .on clo4/ seas an4 go "ack !o "e4 shi)ering ho.ing #ll
+ake . in !he morning +i!h a !erri"le cogh an4 *lshe4 cheeks5 $! # 4on!5 # *eel *resh an4
li)el/ an4 #4 "e in grea! *orm i* # col4 "e a! home +i!h m/ mo!her an4 "ro!hers5
There are 4a/s +hen An! Aggie !ells s she can! s!an4 !he sigh! o* s ano!her min!e- Ge!
a+a/ *rom me5 Here- sca""/ e/es- !ake Al.hie o! in his .ram- !ake /or "ro!hers- go !o !he
.ark an4 .la/- 4o an/!hing /e like an4 4on! come "ack !ill !ea!ime +hen !he Angels is ringing-
no! a min!e la!er- 4o /e hear me- no! a min!e la!er5 #!s col4 "! +e 4on! care5Le .sh !he
.ram . OConnell A)ene o! !o $allinacrra or !he Ros"rien Roa45Le le! Al.hie cra+l aron4
in *iel4s !o look a! co+s an4 shee. an4 +e lagh +hen !he co+s nIIle him5 # ge! n4er !he
co+s an4 sKir! !he milk in!o Al.hies mo!h !ill hes *ll an4 !hro+s i! .5 Farmers chase s !ill
!he/ see ho+ small Michael an4 Al.hie are5 Malach/ laghs a! !he *armers5 He sa/s- Hi! me no+
+i!h !he chil4 in me arms5Then he has a grea! no!ion-Lh/ can! +e go !o or o+n hose an4
.la/ a +hileN Le *in4 !+igs an4 "i!s o* +oo4 in !he *iel4s an4 rsh !o Ro4en Lane5There are
ma!ches "/ !he *ire.lace in #!al/ an4 +e ha)e a goo4 *ire going in no !ime5 Al.hie *alls aslee.
an4 soon !he res! o* s &BE
4ri*! o** !ill !he Angels "ooms o! o* !he Re4em.!oris! chrch an4 +e kno+ +ere in !ro"le
+i!h An! Aggie *or "eing la!e5 Le 4on! care5 She can /ell a! s all she +an!s "! +e ha4 a
gran4 !ime o! !he con!r/ +i!h !he co+s an4 !he shee. an4 !hen !he lo)el/ *ire a"o)e in #!al/5
,o can !ell she ne)er has gran4 !imes like !ha!5 Elec!ric ligh! an4 a la)a!or/ "! no gran4 !imes5
Gran4ma comes *or her on Thrs4a/s an4 Sn4a/s an4 !he/ !ake !he "s !o !he hos.i!al !o see
Mam5 Le can! go "ecase chil4ren are no! allo+e4 an4 i* +e sa/- Ho+s MamN !he/ look
crank/ an4 !ell s shes all righ!- shell li)e5Le4 like !o kno+ +hen shes ge!!ing o! o* hos.i!al
so !ha! +e can all go "ack home "! +ere a*rai4 !o o.en or mo!hs5 Malach/ !ells An! Aggie
one 4a/ hes hngr/ an4 col4 he ha)e a .iece o* "rea45 She hi!s him +i!h a rolle4:. Li!!le
Messenger o* !he Sacre4Hear! an4 !here are !ears on his e/elashes5 He 4oesn! come home
*rom school !he ne9! 4a/ an4 hes s!ill gone a! "e4!ime5An! Aggie sa/s-Lell- # s..ose he ran
a+a/5 Goo4 ri44ance5 #* he +as hngr/ he4 "e here5 Le! him *in4 com*or! in a 4i!ch5
Ne9! 4a/ Michael rns in *rom !he s!ree!- 7a4s here- 7a4s here- an4 rns "ack o! an4 !heres
7a4 si!!ing on !he hall *loor hgging Michael- cr/ing- ,or .oor mo!her- /or .oor mo!her- an4
!heres a smell o* 4rink on him5 An! Aggie is smiling- Oh- /ore here- an4 she makes !ea an4
eggs an4 sasages5 She sen4s me o! *or a "o!!le o* s!o! *or 7a4 an4 # +on4er +h/ shes so
.leasan! an4 generos all o* a s44en5 Michael sa/s- Are +e going !o or o+n hose- 7a4N
Le are- son5
Al.hie is "ack in !he .ram +i!h !he !hree ol4 coa!s an4 coal an4 +oo4 *or !he *ire5 An! Aggie
s!an4s a! her 4oor an4 !ells s "e goo4 "o/s- come "ack *or !ea an/!ime- an4 !heres a "a4
+or4 *or her in m/ hea4- Ol "i!ch5 #!s in m/ hea4 an4 # can! hel. i! an4 #ll ha)e !o !ell !he
.ries! in con*ession5
Malach/ isn! in a 4i!ch- hes !here in or o+n hose ea!ing *ish an4 chi.s a 4rnken sol4ier
4ro..e4 a! !he ga!e o* !he Sars*iel4 $arracks5 Mam comes home in !+o 4a/s5 Shes +eak an4
+hi!e an4 +alks slo+l/5 She sa/s-The 4oc!or !ol4 me kee. +arm- ha)e .len!/ o* res! an4
norishing *oo4- mea! an4 eggs !hree !imes a +eek5 Go4 hel. s- !hose .oor 4oc!ors 4on! ha)e
a no!ion o* no! ha)ing5 7a4 makes !ea an4 !oas!s "rea4 *or her on !he *ire5 He *ries "rea4 *or
!he res! o* s an4 +e ha)e a lo)el/ nigh! . in #!al/ +here i!s +arm5 He sa/s he can! s!a/
*ore)er- he &BD
has !o go "ack !o +ork in Co)en!r/5 Mam +on4ers ho+ hell ge! !o Co)en!r/ +i!ho! a .enn/ in
his .ocke!5 Hes . earl/ on Hol/ Sa!r4a/ an4 # ha)e !ea +i!h him "/ !he *ire5 He *ries *or c!s
o* "rea4 an4 +ra.s !hem in .ages o* !he Limerick Chronicle- !+o c!s in each coa! .ocke!5
Mam is s!ill in "e4 an4 he calls !o her *rom !he "o!!om o* !he s!airs- #m going no+5 She sa/s-All
righ!5Lri!e +hen /o lan45 M/ *a!her is going !o Englan4 an4 she +on! e)en ge! o! o* !he
"e45 # ask i* # can go +i!h him !o !he rail+a/ s!a!ion5 No- hes no! going !here5 Hes going !o !he
7"lin roa4 !o see i* he can ge! a li*!5 He .a!s m/ hea4- !ells me !ake care o* m/ mo!her an4
"ro!hers an4 goes o! !he 4oor5 # +a!ch him go . !he lane !ill he !rns !he corner5 # rn . !he
lane !o see him go 4o+n $arrack Hill an4 4o+n S!5 Pose.hs S!ree!5 # rn 4o+n !he hill an4
*ollo+ him as *ar as # can5 He ms! kno+ #m *ollo+ing him "ecase he !rns an4 calls !o me- Go
home- Francis5 Go home !o /or mo!her5 #n a +eek !heres a le!!er !o sa/ he arri)e4 sa*el/- !ha!
+e are !o "e goo4 "o/s- a!!en4 !o or religios 4!ies an4 a"o)e all o"e/ or mo!her5 #n
ano!her +eek !heres a !elegram mone/ or4er *or !hree .on4s an4 +ere in hea)en5Lell "e
rich- !here +ill "e *ish an4 chi.s- Jell/ an4 cs!ar4- *ilms e)er/ Sa!r4a/ a! !he L/ric- !he
Colisem- !he Carl!on- !he A!henem- !he Cen!ral an4 !he *ancies! o* all- !he Sa)o/5Le migh!
e)en +in4 . ha)ing !ea an4 cakes a! !he Sa)o/ Ca*V +i!h !he no"s an4 !o**s o* Limerick5 Lell
"e sre !o hol4 or !eac.s +i!h or li!!le *ingers s!icking o!5
The ne9! Sa!r4a/ !heres no !elegram nor !he Sa!r4a/ a*!er nor an/ Sa!r4a/ *ore)er5 Mam
"egs again a! !he S!5Oincen! 4e <al Socie!/ an4 smiles a! !he 7is.ensar/ +hen Mr5 Co**e/ an4
Mr5 Kane ha)e !heir "i! o* a Joke a"o! 7a4 ha)ing a !ar! in <icca4ill/5 Michael +an!s !o kno+
+ha! a !ar! is an4 she !ells him i!s some!hing /o ha)e +i!h !ea5 She s.en4s mos! o* !he 4a/ "/
!he *ire +i!h $ri4e/ Hannon .**ing on her Loo4l"ines- 4rinking +eak !ea5The "rea4 crm"s
*rom !he morning are al+a/s on !he !a"le +hen +e come home *rom school5 She ne)er +ashes
!he Jam Jars or mgs an4 !here are *lies in !he sgar an4 +here)er !here is s+ee!ness5 She sa/s
Malach/ an4 # ha)e !o !ake !rns looking a*!er Al.hie- !aking him o! in !he .ram *or a "i! o*
*resh air5The chil4 can! "e ke.! in #!al/ *rom Oc!o"er !o A.ril5 #* +e !ell her +e +an! !o .la/
+i!h or .als she migh! le! *l/ +i!h a righ! cross !o !he hea4 !ha! s!ings !he ears5 Le .la/ games
+i!h Al.hie an4 !he .ram5 # s!an4 a! !he !o. o* $arrack Hill an4 Malach/ is a! !he "o!!om5 Lhen
# gi)e !he .ram a .sh &B1
4o+n !he hill Malach/ is s..ose4 !o s!o. i! "! hes looking a! a .al on roller ska!es an4 i!
s.ee4s "/ him across !he s!ree! an4 !hrogh !he 4oors o* Lenis!ons ." +here men are ha)ing
a .eace*l .in! an4 no! e9.ec!ing a .ram +i!h a 4ir!/:*ace4 chil4 sa/ing Goo goo goo goo5The
"arman sho!s !his is a 4isgrace- !here ms! "e a la+ agains! !his class o* "eha)ior- "a"ies
roaring !hrogh !he 4oor in "ocke!/ .rams- hell call !he gar4s on s- an4 Al.hie +a)es a! him
an4 smiles an4 he sa/s- all righ!- all righ!- !he chil4 can ha)e a s+ee! an4 a lemona4e- !he
"ro!hers can ha)e lemona4e !oo- !ha! ragge4/ .air- an4 Go4 a"o)e- !is a har4 +orl4- !he
min!e /o !hink /ore ge!!ing ahea4 a .ram comes crashing !hrogh !he 4oor an4 /ore
4ishing o! s+ee!s an4 lemona4e righ! an4 le*!- !he !+o o* /e !ake !ha! chil4 an4 go home !o
/eer mo!her5 Malach/ has ano!her .o+er*l i4ea- !ha! +e col4 go aron4 Limerick like !inkers
.shing Al.hie in his .ram in!o ."s *or !he s+ee!s an4 lemona4e- "! # 4on! +an! Mam
*in4ing o! an4 hi!!ing me +i!h her righ! cross5 Malach/ sa/s #m no! a s.or! an4 rns o**5 # .sh
!he .ram o)er !o Henr/ S!ree! an4 . "/ !he Re4em.!oris! chrch5 #!s a gra/ 4a/- !he chrch is
gra/ an4 !he small cro+4 o* .eo.le o!si4e !he 4oor o* !he .ries!s hose is gra/5 The/re
+ai!ing !o "eg *or an/ *oo4 le*! o)er *rom !he .ries!s 4inner5
There in !he mi44le o* !he cro+4 in her 4ir!/ gra/ coa! is m/ mo!her5
This is m/ o+n mo!her- "egging5This is +orse !han !he 4ole- !he S!5 Oincen! 4e <al Socie!/- !he
7is.ensar/5 #!s !he +ors! kin4 o* shame- almos! as "a4 as "egging on !he s!ree!s +here !he
!inkers hol4 . !heir sca""/ chil4ren- Gi)e s a .enn/ *or !he .oor chil4- mis!er- !he .oor chil4
is hngr/- misss5
M/ mo!her is a "eggar no+ an4 i* an/one *rom !he lane or m/ school sees her !he *amil/ +ill "e
4isgrace4 en!irel/5 M/ .als +ill make . ne+ names an4 !ormen! me in !he school/ar4 an4 #
kno+ +ha! !he/ll sa/-
Frankie McCor!
"eggar +omans "o/
sca""/:e/e4
4ancing
"l""er:go"
Pa.
&C(
The 4oor o* !he .ries!s hose s+ings o.en an4 !he .eo.le rsh +i!h !heir han4s o!5 # can hear
!hem- $ro!her- "ro!her- here- "ro!her- ah- *or !he lo)e o Go4- "ro!her5 Fi)e chil4ren a! home-
"ro!her5 # can see m/ o+n mo!her .she4 along5 # can see !he !igh!ness o* her mo!h +hen she
sna!ches a! a "ag an4 !rns *rom !he 4oor an4 # .sh !he .ram . !he s!ree! "e*ore she can see
me5
# 4on! +an! !o go home an/more5 # .sh !he .ram 4o+n !o !he 7ock Roa4- o! !o Corkanree
+here all !he 4s! an4 gar"age o* Limerick is 4m.e4 an4 "rne45 # s!an4 a +hile an4 look a!
"o/s chase ra!s5 # 4on! kno+ +h/ !he/ ha)e !o !or!re ra!s !ha! are no! in !heir hoses5 #4 kee.
going on in!o !he con!r/ *ore)er i* # 4i4n! ha)e Al.hie "a+ling +i!h !he hnger- kicking his
ch""/ legs- +a)ing his em.!/ "o!!le5 Mam has !he *ire going an4 some!hing "oiling in a .o!5
Malach/ smiles an4 sa/s she "rogh! home corne4 "ee* an4 a *e+ s.4s *rom Ka!hleen
OConnells sho.5 He +ol4n! "e so ha../ i* he kne+ he +as !he son o* a "eggar5 She calls s
in *rom !he lane an4 +hen +e si! a! !he !a"le i!s har4 *or me !o look a! m/ mo!her !he "eggar5
She li*!s !he .o! !o !he !a"le- s.oons o! !he .o!a!oes one each an4 ses a *ork !o li*! o! !he
corne4 "ee*5
#! isn! corne4 "ee* a! all5 #!s a grea! lm. o* Ki)ering gra/ *a! an4 !he onl/ sign o* corne4 "ee*
is a li!!le ni..le o* re4 mea! on !o.5Le s!are a! !ha! "i! o* mea! an4 +on4er +ho +ill ge! i!5
Mam sa/s- Tha!s *or Al.hie5 Hes a "a"/- hes gro+ing *as!- he nee4s i!5 She .!s i! on a sacer
in *ron! o* him5 He .shes i! a+a/ +i!h his *inger- !hen .lls i! "ack5 He li*!s i! !o his mo!h-
looks aron4 !he ki!chen- sees Lck/ !he 4og an4 !hro+s i! !o him5
Theres no se sa/ing an/!hing5The mea! is gone5Le ea! or .o!a!oes +i!h .len!/ o* sal! an4 #
ea! m/ *a! an4 .re!en4 i!s !ha! ni..le o* re4 mea!5
&C%
X#
Mam +arns s-,e are !o kee. /eer .a+s o! o* !ha! !rnk *or !heres no!hing in !here !ha!s o*
!he sligh!es! in!eres! or an/ o* /eer "siness5 All she has in !ha! !rnk is a lo! o* .a.ers-
cer!i*ica!es o* "ir!h an4 "a.!ism- her #rish .ass.or!- 7a4s English .ass.or! *rom $el*as!- or
American .ass.or!s an4 her "righ! re4 *la..er 4ress +i!h s.angles an4 "lack *rills she "rogh!
all !he +a/ *rom America5 She +an!s !o kee. !ha! 4ress *ore)er !o remin4 hersel* she +as
/ong an4 4ancing5 # 4on! care +ha! she has in !he !rnk !ill # s!ar! a *oo!"all !eam +i!h $ill/
Cam."ell an4 Malach/5 Le can! a**or4 ni*orms or "oo!s an4 $ill/ sa/s- Ho+ +ill !he +orl4
kno+ +ho +e areN Le 4on! e)en ha)e a name5
# remem"er !he re4 4ress an4 a name comes !o me-The Re4 Hear!s o* Limerick5 Mam ne)er
o.ens !he !rnk so +ha! 4oes i! ma!!er i* # c! o** a .iece o* !he 4ress !o make se)en re4 hear!s
+e can s!ick on or ches!sN Lha! /o 4on! kno+ +on! "o!her /o- she al+a/s sa/s hersel*5
The 4ress is "rie4 n4er !he .a.ers5 # look a! m/ .ass.or! .ic!re +hen # +as small an4 # can
see +h/ !he/ call me Pa.5 Theres a .a.er !ha! sa/s Marriage Cer!i*ica!e- !ha! Malach/ McCor!
an4 Angela Sheehan +ere Joine4 in Hol/ Ma!rimon/ on !he !+en!/:eigh!h o* March- %1'(5 Ho+
col4 !ha! "eN # +as "orn on !he nine!een!h o* Ags! an4 $ill/ Cam."ell !ol4 me !he *a!her
an4 mo!her ha)e !o "e &C&
marrie4 nine mon!hs "e*ore !heres a sign o* a chil45 Here # am "orn in!o !he +orl4 in hal* !he
!ime5 Tha! means # ms! "e a miracle an4 # migh! gro+ . !o "e a sain! +i!h .eo.le cele"ra!ing
!he *eas! o* S!5 Francis o* Limerick5
#ll ha)e !o ask Mike/ Mollo/- s!ill !he e9.er! on Girls $o4ies an4 7ir!/ Things in General5
$ill/ sa/s i* +ere !o "e grea! soccer .la/ers +e ha)e !o .rac!ice an4 +ere !o mee! o)er in !he
.ark5The "o/s com.lain +hen # han4 o! !he hear!s an4 # !ell !hem i* !he/ 4on! like i! !he/ can
go home an4 c! . !heir o+n mo!hers 4resses an4 "loses5
Le ha)e no mone/ *or a .ro.er "all so one o* !he "o/s "rings a shee.s "la44er s!**e4 +i!h
rags5Le kick !he "la44er . an4 4o+n !he mea4o+ !ill !here are holes an4 rags s!ar! *alling o!
an4 +e ge! *e4 . kicking a "la44er !ha!s har4l/ !here an/more5 $ill/ sa/s +ere !o mee!
!omorro+ morning +hich is Sa!r4a/ an4 go o! $allinacrra !o see i* +e can challenge rich
Crescen! College "o/s !o a .ro.er game- se)en a si4e5 He sa/s +ere !o .in or re4 hear!s !o or
shir!s e)en i* !he/re re4 rags5
Malach/ is going home *or !ea "! # can! go "ecase # ha)e !o see Mike/ Mollo/ an4 *in4 o!
+h/ # +as "orn in hal* !he !ime5 Mike/ is coming o! o* his hose +i!h his *a!her- <e!er5 #!s
Mike/s si9!een!h "ir!h4a/ an4 his *a!her is !aking him !o $o+less ." *or his *irs! .in!5 Nora
Mollo/ is insi4e screeching a*!er <e!er !ha! i* !he/ go !he/ can s!a/ gone- shes 4one "aking
"rea4- shes ne)er going !o !he lna!ic as/lm again- i* he "rings !ha! chil4 home 4rnk shell go
!o Sco!lan4 an4 4isa..ear *rom !he *ace o* !he ear!h5 <e!er !ells Mike/- <a/ no a!!en!ion !o her-
C/clo.s5The mo!hers o* #relan4 are al+a/s enemies o* !he *irs! .in!5 M/ o+n mo!her !rie4 !o kill
m/ *a!her +i!h a *r/ing .an +hen he !ook me *or !he *irs! .in!5 Mike/ asks <e!er i* # can come
+i!h !hem an4 ha)e a lemona4e5 <e!er !ells e)er/one in !he ." !ha! Mike/ is !here *or his *irs!
.in! an4 +hen all !he men +an! !o s!an4 Mike/ a .in! <e!er sa/s- Ah- no-
!+ol4 "e a !erri"le !hing i* he ha4 !oo mch an4 !rne4 agains! i! en!irel/5
The .in!s are 4ra+n an4 +e si! agains! !he +all- !he Mollo/s +i!h !heir .in!s an4 # +i!h m/
lemona4e5The men +ish Mike/ all !he "es! in !he li*e !o come an4 +asn! i! a gi*! *rom Go4 !ha!
he *ell o** !ha! s.o! /ears ago an4 ne)er ha4 !he *i! since an4 +asn! i! a grea! .i!/ &C'
a"o! !ha! .oor li!!le "gger- Rasimo4o 7oole/- carrie4 o** +i!h !he consm.!ion a*!er all his
!ro"le !alking *or /ears like an Englishman so he col4 "e on !he $$C +hich is no *i! .lace *or
an #rishman an/+a/5 <e!er is !alking !o !he men an4 Mike/- si..ing his *irs! .in!- +his.ers !o
me- # 4on! !hink # like i!- "! 4on! !ell m/ *a!her5Then he !ells me ho+ he .rac!ices !he English
accen! in secre! so !ha! he can "e a $$C annoncer- Rasimo4os 4ream5 He !ells me # can ha)e
Cchlain "ack- !ha! hes no se !o /o +hen /ore rea4ing !he ne+s on !he $$C5 No+ !ha!
hes si9!een he +an!s !o go !o Englan4 an4 i* e)er # ge! a +ireless !ha! +ill "e him on !he $$C
Home Ser)ice5 # !ell him a"o! !he marriage cer!i*ica!e- ho+ $ill/ Cam."ell sai4 i! has !o "e nine
mon!hs "! # +as "orn in hal* !he !ime an4 +ol4 he kno+ i* # +as some class o* a miracle5
Na+- he sa/s- na+5,ore a "as!ar45,ore 4oome45
,o 4on! ha)e !o "e crsing me- Mike/5
#m no!5 Tha!s +ha! !he/ call .eo.le +ho aren! "orn insi4e !he nine mon!hs o* !he marriage-
.eo.le concei)e4 "e/on4 !he "lanke!5 Lha!s !ha!N
Lha!s +ha!N
Concei)e45
Tha!s +hen !he s.erm hi!s !he egg an4 i! gro+s an4 !here /o are nine mon!hs la!er5
# 4on! kno+ +ha! /ore !alking a"o!5
He +his.ers-The !hing "e!+een /or legs is !he e9ci!emen!5 # 4on! like !he o!her names- !he
4ong- !he .rick- !he 4ick- !he langer5 So /or *a!her sho)es his e9ci!emen! in!o /or mo!her an4
!heres a s.r! an4 !hese li!!le germs go . in!o /or mo!her +here !heres an egg an4 !ha!
gro+s in!o /o5
#m no! an egg5
,o are an egg5 E)er/one +as an egg once5
Lh/ am # 4oome4N Tisn! m/ *al! #m a "as!ar45
All "as!ar4s are 4oome45 The/re like "a"ies !ha! +eren! "a.!iIe45 The/re sen! !o Lim"o *or
e!erni!/ an4 !heres no +a/ o! an4 i!s no! !heir *al!5 #! makes /o +on4er a"o! Go4 .
!here on His !hrone +i!h no merc/ *or !he li!!le n"a.!iIe4 "a"ies5 Tha!s +h/ # 4on! go near
!he cha.el an/more5 An/+a/- /ore 4oome45 ,or *a!her an4 mo!her ha4 !he e9ci!emen! an4
!he/ +eren! marrie4 so /ore no! in a s!a!e o* grace5
Lha! am # going !o 4oN
&CB
No!hing5,ore 4oome45
Can! # ligh! a can4le or some!hing5
,o col4 !r/ !he $lesse4 Oirgin5 Shes in charge o* !he 4oom5 $! # 4on! ha)e a .enn/ *or !he
can4le5
All righ!- all righ!- heres a .enn/5,o can gi)e i! "ack +hen /o ge! a Jo" a million /ears *rom
no+5 Tis cos!ing me a *or!ne !o "e !he e9.er! on Girls $o4ies an4 7ir!/ Things in General5 The
"arman is 4oing a cross+or4 .IIle an4 he sa/s !o <e!er-Lha!s !he o..osi!e o* a4)anceN
Re!rea!- sa/s <e!er5
Tha!s i!- sa/s !he "arman5 E)er/!hing has an o..osi!e5 Mo!her o Go4- sa/s <e!er5
Lha!s . +i!h /o- <e!erN sa/s !he "arman5
Lha! +as !ha! /o sai4 "e*ore-Tomm/N
E)er/!hing has an o..osi!e5
Mo!her o Go45
Are /o all righ!- <e!erN #s !he .in! all righ!N
The .in! is gran4- Tomm/- an4 #m !he cham.ion o* all .in! 4rinkers- amn! #N
$ego4 an /o are- <e!er5 No 4en/in !ha! !o /o5
Tha! means # col4 "e !he cham.ion in !he o..osi!e 4e.ar!men!5 Lha! are /o !alking a"o!-
<e!erN
# col4 "e !he cham.ion o* no .in!s a! all5
Ah- no+- <e!er- # !hink /ore going a "i! *ar5 #s !he +i*e all righ! a! homeN
Tomm/- !ake !his .in! a+a/ *rom me5 #m !he cham.ion o* no .in!s a! all5
<e!er !rns an4 !akes !he glass *rom Mike/5 Lere going home !o /or mo!her- Mike/5
,o 4i4n! call me C/clo.s- 7a45
,ore Mike/5 ,ore Michael5 Lere going !o Englan45 No more .in!s *or me- no .in!s *or /o-
no more "rea4 "aking *or /or mo!her5 Come on5
Lere lea)ing !he ." an4 Tomm/ !he "arman calls a*!er s- ,o kno+ +ha! !is- <e!er5 Tis all
!hem "loo4/ "ooks /ore rea4ing5The/ ha)e /or hea4 4es!ro/e45
<e!er an4 Mike/ !rn !o go home5 # ha)e !o go !o S!5 Pose.hs !o ligh! !he can4le !ha! +ill sa)e
me *rom !he 4oom "! # look in !he +in4o+ o* Conihans sho. an4 !here in !he mi44le is a
grea! sla" o* &CC
Clee)es !o**ee an4 a sign- !+o .ieces *or a .enn/5 # kno+ #m 4oome4 "! !he +a!er is rnning
along !he si4es o* m/ !onge an4 +hen # .! m/ .enn/ on !he con!er *or Miss Conihan #
.romise !he Oirgin Mar/ !he ne9! .enn/ # ge! #ll "e ligh!ing a can4le an4 +ol4 she .lease !alk
!o her Son an4 4ela/ !he 4oom *or a+hile5 A .ennor!h o* Clee)es !o**ee 4oesn! las! *ore)er
an4 +hen i!s gone # ha)e !o !hink o* going home !o a mo!her +ho le! m/ *a!her .sh his
e9ci!emen! in!o her so !ha! # col4 "e "orn in hal* !he !ime an4 gro+ . !o "e a "as!ar45 #* she
e)er sa/s a +or4 a"o! !he re4 4ress or an/!hing #ll !ell her # kno+ all a"o! !he e9ci!emen!
an4 shell "e shocke45
Sa!r4a/ morning # mee! The Re4 Hear!s o* Limerick an4 +e +an4er o! !he roa4 looking *or a
*oo!"all challenge5 The "o/s are s!ill grosing !ha! !he "i!s o* re4 4ress 4on! look like hear!s !ill
$ill/ !ells !hem i* !he/ 4on! +an! !o .la/ *oo!"all go home an4 .la/ +i!h !heir sis!ers 4olls5
There are "o/s .la/ing *oo!"all in a *iel4 in $allinacrra an4 $ill/ challenges !hem5The/ ha)e
eigh! .la/ers an4 +e ha)e onl/ se)en "! +e 4on! min4 "ecase one o* !hem has one e/e an4
$ill/ !ells s s!a/ on his "lin4 si4e5 $esi4es- he sa/s- Frankie McCor! is nearl/ "lin4 +i!h his !+o
"a4 e/es an4 !ha!s +orse5The/re all !ogge4 o! in "le an4 +hi!e Jerse/s an4 +hi!e shor!s an4
.ro.er *oo!"all "oo!s5 One o* !hem sa/s +e look like some!hing !he ca! "rogh! in an4 Malach/
has !o "e hel4 "ack *rom *igh!ing !hem5 Le agree !o .la/ hal* an hor "ecase !he $allinacrra
"o/s sa/ !he/ ha)e !o go !o lnch5 Lnch5The +hole +orl4 has 4inner in !he mi44le o* !he 4a/
"! !he/ ha)e lnch5 #* no one scores in hal* an hor i!s a 4ra+5Le .la/ "ack an4 *or!h !ill $ill/
ge!s !he "all an4 goes s.ee4ing an4 4ancing . !he si4eline so *as! no one can ca!ch him an4 in
goes !he "all *or a goal5The hal* hor is nearl/ . "! !he $allinacrra "o/s +an! ano!her hal*
hor an4 !he/ manage !o score +ell in!o !he secon4 hal* hor5Then !he "all goes o)er !he line
*or !och5 #!s or "all5 $ill/ s!an4s on !he !och line +i!h !he "all o)er his hea45 He .re!en4s !o
look a! Malach/ "! !hro+s !he "all !o me5 #! comes !o me as i* i!s !he onl/ !hing !ha! e9is!s in
!he +hole +orl45 #! comes s!raigh! !o m/ *oo! an4 all # ha)e !o 4o is s+i)el !o !he le*! an4 s+ing
!ha! "all s!raigh! in!o !he goal5 Theres a +hi!eness in m/ hea4 an4 # *eel like a "o/ in hea)en5
#m *loa!ing o)er !he +hole *iel4 !ill The Re4 Hear!s o* Limerick cla. me on !he "ack an4 !ell me
!ha! +as a grea! goal- Frankie- /o !oo- $ill/5
&C3
Le +alk "ack along OConnell A)ene an4 # kee. !hinking o* !he +a/ !he "all came !o m/ *oo!
an4 srel/ i! +as sen! "/ Go4 or !he $lesse4 Oirgin Mar/ +ho +ol4 ne)er sen4 sch a "lessing
!o one 4oome4 *or "eing "orn in hal* !he !ime an4 # kno+ as long as # li)e #ll ne)er *orge! !ha!
"all coming *rom $ill/ Cam."ell- !ha! goal5
Mam mee!s $ri4e/ Hannon an4 her mo!her going . !he lane an4 !he/ !ell her a"o! Mr5
Hannons .oor legs5 <oor Pohn- i!s a !rial *or him !o c/cle home e)er/ nigh! a*!er 4eli)ering coal
an4 !r* all 4a/ on !he grea! *loa! *or !he coal merchan!s on !he 7ock Roa45 Hes .ai4 *rom
eigh! in !he morning !ill hal* *i)e in !he e)ening !hogh he has !o ge! !he horse rea4/ +ell
"e*ore eigh! an4 se!!le him *or !he nigh! +ell a*!er hal* *i)e5 Hes . an4 4o+n on !ha! *loa! all
4a/ hois!ing "ags o* coal an4 !r*- 4es.era!e !o kee. !he "an4ages in .lace on his legs so !he
4ir! +on! ge! in!o !he o.en sores5 The "an4ages are *ore)er s!icking an4 ha)e !o "e ri..e4
a+a/ an4 +hen he comes home she +ashes !he sores +i!h +arm +a!er an4 soa.- co)ers !hem
+i!h oin!men! an4 +ra.s !hem in clean "an4ages5The/ can! a**or4 ne+ "an4ages e)er/ 4a/ so
she kee.s +ashing !he ol4 ones o)er an4 o)er !ill !he/re gra/5 Mam sa/s Mr5 Hannon shol4
see !he 4oc!or an4 Mrs5 Hannon sa/s- Sre- he seen !he 4oc!or a 4oIen !imes an4 !he 4oc!or
sa/s he has !o s!a/ o** !hem legs5Tha!s all5 S!a/ o** !hem legs5 Sre ho+ can he s!a/ o** !hem
legsN He has !o +ork5 Lha! +ol4 +e li)e on i* he 4i4n! +orkN
Mam sa/s ma/"e $ri4e/ col4 ge! some kin4 o* a Jo" hersel* an4 $ri4e/ is o**en4e45 7on! /o
kno+ # ha)e a +eak ches!- AngelaN 7on! /o kno+ # ha4 rhema!ic *e)er an # col4 go a! an/
!imeN # ha)e !o "e care*l5
Mam o*!en !alks a"o! $ri4e/ an4 her rhema!ic *e)er an4 +eak ches!5 She sa/s- Tha! one is
a"le !o si! here "/ !he hor an4 com.lain a"o! her ailmen!s "! i! 4oesn! s!o. her *rom
.**ing a+a/ on !he Loo4"ines5
Mam !ells $ri4e/ shes )er/ sorr/ o)er !he +eak ches! an4 i!s !erri"le !he +a/ her *a!her
s**ers5 Mrs5 Hannon !ells m/ mo!her !ha! Pohn is ge!!ing +orse e)er/ 4a/- An4 +ha! +ol4 /o
!hink- Mrs5 McCor!- i* /or "o/ Frankie +en! on !he *loa! +i!h him a *e+ hors a +eek an4
hel.e4 him +i!h !he "agsN Le can "arel/ a**or4 i! "! Frankie col4 earn a shilling or !+o an4
Pohn col4 res! his .oor legs5 &CE
Mam sa/s- # 4on! kno+- hes onl/ ele)en an4 he ha4 !ha! !/.hoi4 an4 !he coal 4s! +ol4n!
"e goo4 *or his e/es5
$ri4e/ sa/s- He4 "e o! in !he air an4 !heres no!hing like *resh air *or someone +i!h "a4 e/es
or ge!!ing o)er !he !/.hoi4- isn! !ha! righ!- FrankieN
Tis- $ri4e/5
#m 4/ing !o go aron4 +i!h Mr5 Hannon on !he grea! *loa! like a real +orkingman5 #* #m goo4 a!
i! !he/ migh! le! me s!a/ a! home *rom school *ore)er "! Mam sa/s- He can 4o i! as long as i!
4oesn! in!er*ere +i!h school an4 he can s!ar! on a Sa!r4a/ morning5
#m a man no+ so # ligh! !he *ire earl/ on Sa!r4a/ morning an4 make m/ o+n !ea an4 *rie4
"rea45 # +ai! ne9! 4oor *or Mr5 Hannon !o come o! +i!h his "ic/cle an4 !heres a lo)el/ smell o*
rashers an4 eggs coming !hrogh !he +in4o+5 Mam sa/s Mr5 Hannon ge!s !he "es! o* *oo4
"ecase Mrs5 Hannon is as ma4 a"o! him as she +as !he 4a/ she marrie4 him5The/re like !+o
lo)ers o! o* an American *ilm !he +a/ !he/ go on5 Here he is .shing !he "ic/cle an4 .**ing
a+a/ on !he .i.e in his mo!h5 He !ells me clim" . on !he "ar o* his "ike an4 o** +e go !o m/
*irs! Jo" as a man5 His hea4 is o)er mine on !he "ike an4 !he smell o* !he .i.e is lo)el/5Theres a
coal smell on his clo!hes an4 !ha! makes me sneeIe5
Men are +alking or c/cling !o+ar4 !he coal /ar4s an4 Ranks Flor Mills an4 !he Limerick
S!eamshi. Com.an/ on !he 7ock Roa45 Mr5 Hannon !akes his .i.e *rom his mo!h an4 !ells me
!his is !he "es! morning o* all- Sa!r4a/- hal* 4a/5Lell s!ar! a! eigh! an4 "e *inishe4 "/ !he !ime
!he Angels rings a! !+el)e5
Firs! +e ge! !he horse rea4/- gi)e him a "i! o* a r"- *ill !he +oo4en !" +i!h oa!s an4 !he
"cke! +i!h +a!er5 Mr5 Hannon sho+s me ho+ !o .! on !he harness an4 le!s me "ack !he
horse in!o !he sha*!s o* !he *loa!5 He sa/s- Pa/ss- Frankie- /o ha)e !he knack o* i!5 Tha! makes
me so ha../ # +an! !o Jm. . an4 4o+n an4 4ri)e a *loa! !he res! o* m/ li*e5
There are !+o men *illing "ags +i!h coal an4 !r* an4 +eighing !hem on !he grea! iron scale- a
hn4re4+eigh! in each "ag5 #!s !heir Jo" !o s!ack !he "ags on !he *loa! +hile Mr5 Hannon goes
!o !he o**ice *or !he 4eli)er/ 4ocke!s5 The "ag men are *as! an4 +ere rea4/ *or or ron4s5 Mr5
Hannon si!s . on !he le*! si4e o* !he *loa! an4 *licks !he +hi. !o sho+ +here #m !o si! on !he
righ! si4e5 #!s har4 !o clim" . !he +a/ !he *loa! is so high an4 .acke4 +i!h "ags an4 # !r/ !o ge!
. "/ &CD
clim"ing !he +heel5 Mr5 Hannon sa/s # shol4 ne)er 4o !he likes o* !ha! again5 Ne)er .! /or
leg or han4 near a +heel +hen !he horse is harnesse4 in !he sha*!s5 A horse migh! !ake a no!ion
!o go *or a +alk *or himsel* an4 !here /o are +i!h !he leg or !he arm cagh! in !he +heel an4
!+is!e4 o** /or "o4/ an4 /o looking a! i!5 He sa/s !o !he horse- G. o+er !ha!- an4 !he horse
shakes his hea4 an4 ra!!les !he harness an4 Mr5 Hannon laghs5Tha! *ool o* a horse lo)es !o
+ork- he sa/s5 He +on! "e ra!!ling his harness in a *e+ hors5
Lhen !he rain s!ar!s +e co)er orsel)es +i!h ol4 coal "ags an4 Mr5 Hannon !rns his .i.e
.si4e 4o+n in his mo!h !o kee. !he !o"acco 4r/5 He sa/s !he rain makes e)er/!hing hea)ier
"! +ha!s !he se o* com.laining5,o migh! as +ell com.lain a"o! !he sn in A*rica5 Le cross
!he Sars*iel4 $ri4ge *or 4eli)eries !o !he Ennis Roa4 an4 !he Nor!h Circlar Roa45 Rich .eo.le-
sa/s Mr5 Hannon- an4 )er/ slo+ !o .! !heir han4s in !heir .ocke!s *or a !i.5
Le ha)e si9!een "ags !o 4eli)er5 Mr5 Hannon sa/s +ere lck/ !o4a/ "ecase some hoses ge!
more !han one an4 he 4oesn! ha)e !o "e clim"ing on an4 o** !ha! *loa! 4es!ro/ing his
legs5Lhen +e s!o. he ge!s 4o+n an4 # .ll !he "ag !o !he e4ge an4 la/ i! on his shol4ers5
Some hoses ha)e areas o!si4e +here /o .ll . a !ra. 4oor an4 !i. !he "ag !ill i! em.!ies
an4 !ha!s eas/5There are o!her hoses +i!h long "ack/ar4s an4 /o can see Mr5 Hannon
s**ering +i!h his legs +hen he has !o carr/ !he "ags *rom !he *loa! !o !he she4s near !he "ack
4oors5 Ah- Pa/ss- Frankie- ah- Pa/ss- is !he onl/ com.lain! o! o* him an4 he asks me !o gi)e
him a han4 !o clim" "ack on !he *loa!5 He sa/s i* he ha4 a han4car! he col4 +heel !he "ags
*rom *loa! !o hose an4 !ha! +ol4 "e a "lessing "! a han4car! +ol4 cos! !+o +eeks +ages
an4 +ho col4 a**or4 !ha!N
The "ags are 4eli)ere4 an4 !he sn is o!- !he *loa! is em.!/- an4 !he horse kno+s his +ork4a/
is o)er5 #!s lo)el/ !o si! on !he *loa! looking along !he leng!h o* !he horse *rom his !ail !o his
hea4 rocking along !he Ennis Roa4 o)er !he Shannon an4 . !he 7ock Roa45 Mr5 Hannon sa/s
!he man +ho 4eli)ere4 si9!een hn4re4+eigh!s o* coal an4 !r* 4eser)es a .in! an4 !he "o/
+ho hel.e4 him 4eser)es a lemona4e5 He !ells me # shol4 go !o school an4 no! "e like him
+orking a+a/ +i!h !he !+o legs ro!!ing n4er him5 Go !o school- Frankie- an4 ge! o! o*
Limerick an4 #relan4 i!sel*5This +ar +ill "e o)er some 4a/ an4 /o can go !o America or
As!ralia or an/ "ig o.en con!r/ +here /o can look . an4 see no en4 !o !he lan45The +orl4
is +i4e an4 /o can ha)e grea! &C1
a4)en!res5 #* # 4i4n! ha)e !hese !+o legs #4 "e o)er in Englan4 making a *or!ne in !he
*ac!ories like !he res! o* !he #rishmen- like /or *a!her5 No- no! like /or *a!her5 # hear he le*!
/o high an4 4r/- ehN # 4on! kno+ ho+ a man in his righ! min4 can go o** an4 lea)e a +i*e an4
*amil/ !o s!ar)e an4 shi)er in a Limerick +in!er5 School- Frankie- school5 The "ooks- !he "ooks-
!he "ooks5 Ge! o! o* Limerick "e*ore /or legs ro! an4 /or min4 colla.ses en!irel/5
The horse clo.s along an4 +hen +e ge! !o !he coal /ar4 +e *ee4 an4 +a!er him an4 gi)e him a
r"4o+n5 Mr5 Hannon !alks !o him all !he !ime an4 calls him Me ol segosha- an4 !he horse
sn**les an4 .shes his nose agains! Mr5 Hannons ches!5 #4 lo)e !o "ring !his horse home an4
le! him s!a/ 4o+ns!airs +hen +ere . in #!al/ "! e)en i* # col4 ge! him in !he 4oor m/ mo!her
+ol4 /ell a! me !ha! !he las! !hing +e nee4 in !his hose is a horse5
The s!ree!s going . *rom !he 7ock Roa4 are !oo hill/ *or Mr5 Hannon !o ri4e !he "ic/cle an4
carr/ me- so +e +alk5 His legs are sore *rom !he 4a/ an4 i! !akes a long !ime !o ge! . !o Henr/
S!ree!5 He leans on !he "ic/cle or si!s on !he s!e.s o!si4e hoses- grin4ing 4o+n on !he .i.e in
his mo!h5
#m +on4ering +hen #ll ge! !he mone/ *or !he 4a/s +ork "ecase Mam migh! le! me go !o !he
L/ric Cinema i* # ge! home in !ime +i!h m/ shilling or +ha!e)er Mr5 Hannon gi)es me5 No+
+ere a! !he 4oor o* So!hs ." an4 he !ells me come in- 4i4n! he .romise me a lemona4eN
Uncle <a Kea!ing is si!!ing in !he ."5 Hes all "lack as sal an4 hes si!!ing ne9! !o $ill Gal)in-
all +hi!e as sal- sn**ling an4 !aking grea! slgs o! o* his "lack .in!5 Mr5 Hannon sa/s- Ho+re
/oN an4 si!s on !he o!her si4e o* $ill Gal)in an4 e)er/one in !he ." laghs5 Pa/ss- sa/s !he
"arman- look a! !ha!- !+o lm.s o* coal an4 a sno+"all5 Men come in *rom o!her .ar!s o* !he
." !o see !he !+o coal:"lack men +i!h !he lime:+hi!e man in !he mi44le an4 !he/ +an! !o
sen4 4o+n !o !he Lim:erick Lea4er *or a man +i!h a camera5
Uncle <a sa/s-Lha! are /o 4oing all "lack /orsel*- FrankieN 7i4 /o *all 4o+n a coal mineN
# +as hel.ing Mr5 Hannon on !he *loa!5
,or e/es look a!rocios- Frankie5 <iss holes in !he sno+5
Tis !he coal 4s!- Uncle <a5
Lash !hem +hen /o go home5
&3(
# +ill- Uncle <a5
Mr5 Hannon "/s me a lemona4e- gi)es me !he shilling *or m/ mornings +ork an4 !ells me #
can go home no+- #m a grea! +orker an4 # can hel. him again ne9! +eek a*!er school5
On !he +a/ home # see m/sel* in !he glass o* a sho. +in4o+ all "lack *rom !he coal- an4 # *eel
like a man- a man +i!h a shilling in his .ocke!- a man +ho ha4 a lemona4e in a ." +i!h !+o
coal men an4 a lime man5 #m no! a chil4 an/more an4 # col4 easil/ lea)e Leam/s School
*ore)er5 # col4 +ork +i!h Mr5 Hannon e)er/ 4a/ an4 +hen his legs go! !oo "a4 # col4 !ake
o)er !he *loa! an4 4eli)er coal !o !he rich .eo.le !he res! o* m/ li*e an4 m/ mo!her +ol4n!
ha)e !o "e a "eggar a! !he Re4em.!oris! .ries!s hose5
<eo.le on !he s!ree!s an4 lanes gi)e me crios looks5 $o/s an4 girls lagh an4 call o!- Heres
!he chimne/ s+ee.5 Ho+ mch 4o /o +an! *or cleaning or chimne/N 7i4 /o *all in!o a coal
holeN Lere /o "rne4 "/ !he 4arknessN
The/re ignoran!5The/ 4on! kno+ # s.en! !he 4a/ 4eli)ering hn4re4+eigh!s o* coal an4
!r*5The/ 4on! kno+ #m a man5 Mam is slee.ing . in #!al/ +i!h Al.hie an4 !heres a coa! o)er
!he +in4o+ !o kee. !he room 4ark5 # !ell her # earne4 a shilling an4 she sa/s # can go !o !he
L/ric- # 4eser)e i!5 Take !..ence an4 lea)e !he res! o* !he shilling on !he man!el.iece
4o+ns!airs so !ha! she can sen4 o! *or a loa* o* "rea4 *or !he !ea5 The coa! s44enl/ 4ro.s
*rom !he +in4o+ an4 !he room is "righ!5 Mam looks a! me- Go4 a"o)e- look a! /or e/es5 Go
4o+ns!airs an4 #ll "e 4o+n in a min!e !o +ash !hem5 She hea!s +a!er in !he ke!!le an4 4a"s a!
m/ e/es +i!h "oric aci4 .o+4er an4 !ells me # can! go !o !he L/ric Cinema !o4a/ or an/ 4a/ !ill
m/ e/es clear . !hogh Go4 kno+s +hen !ha! +ill "e5 She sa/s-,o can! "e 4eli)ering coal
+i!h !he s!a!e o* /or e/es5The 4s! +ill srel/ 4es!ro/ !hem5
# +an! !he Jo"5 # +an! !o "ring home !he shilling5 # +an! !o "e a man5
,o can "e a man +i!ho! "ringing home a shilling5 Go .s!airs an4 lie 4o+n an4 res! /or !+o
e/es or i!s a "lin4 man /oll "e5 # +an! !ha! Jo"5 # +ash m/ e/es !hree !imes a 4a/ +i!h !he
"oric aci4 .o+4er5 # remem"er Seams in !he hos.i!al an4 ho+ his ncles e/es +ere cre4
+i!h !he "link e9ercise an4 # make sre !o si! an4 "link *or an hor e)er/ 4a/5,o can! "ea! !he
"link *or !he s!rong e/e- he sai45 &3%
An4 no+ # "link an4 "link !ill Malach/ rns !o m/ mo!her- !alking o! in !he lane +i!h Mrs5
Hannon- Mam- some!hing is . +i!h Frankie- hes .s!airs "linking an4 "linking5
She comes rnning .5Lha!s +rong +i!h /oN
#m making m/ e/es s!rong +i!h !he e9ercise5
Lha! e9erciseN
The "linking5
$linking is no! e9ercise5
Seams in !he hos.i!al sa/s /o can! "ea! !he "link *or !he s!rong e/e5 His ncle ha4 .o+er*l
e/es *rom !he "linking5
She sa/s #m ge!!ing o44 an4 goes "ack !o !he lane an4 her cha! +i!h Mrs5 Hannon an4 # "link
an4 "a!he m/ e/es +i!h !he "oric aci4 .o+4er in +arm +a!er5 # can hear Mrs5 Hannon !hrogh
!he +in4o+- ,or li!!le Frankie is a go4sen4 !o Pohn *or !is !he clim"ing . an4 4o+n on !ha!
*loa! !ha! +as rining his legs en!irel/5 Mam 4oesn! sa/ an/!hing an4 !ha! means she *eels so
sorr/ *or Mr5 Hannon shell le! me hel. him again on his hea)/ 4eli)er/ 4a/-Thrs4a/5 # +ash m/
e/es !hree !imes a 4a/ an4 # "link !ill # ge! a .ain in m/ e/e"ro+s5 # "link in school +hen !he
mas!er isn! looking an4 all !he "o/s in m/ class are calling me $link/ an4 a44ing !ha! !o !he lis!
o* names5
$link/ McCor!
"eggar +omans son
sca""/:e/e4
"l""er go"
4ancing
Pa.5
# 4on! care +ha! !he/ call me an/more as long as m/ e/es are clearing . an4 # ha)e a reglar
Jo" li*!ing hn4re4+eigh!s o* coal on a *loa!5 # +ish !he/ col4 see me on Thrs4a/ a*!er school
+hen #m on !he *loa! an4 Mr5 Hannon han4s me !he reins so !ha! he can smoke his .i.e in
com*or!5 Here /o are- Frankie- nice an4 gen!le *or !his is a goo4 horse an4 he 4oesn! nee4 !o
"e .lle4 a!5
He han4s me !he +hi. !oo "! /o ne)er nee4 !he +hi. +i!h !his horse5 #!s all *or sho+ an4 #
Js! *lick i! a! !he air like Mr5 Hannon or # migh! knock a *l/ o** !he horses grea! gol4en rm.
s+inging "e!+een !he sha*!s5
&3&
Srel/ !he +orl4 is looking a! me an4 a4miring !he +a/ # rock +i!h !he *loa!- !he cool +a/ # ha)e
+i!h !he reins an4 !he +hi.5 # +ish # ha4 a .i.e like Mr5 Hannon an4 a !+ee4 ca.5 # +ish # col4
"e a real coal man +i!h "lack skin like Mr5 Hannon an4 Uncle <a Kea!ing so !ha! .eo.le +ol4
sa/- There goes Frankie McCor! !ha! 4eli)ers all !he coal in Limerick an4 4rinks his .in! in
So!hs ."5 #4 ne)er +ash m/ *ace5 #4 "e "lack e)er/ 4a/ o* !he /ear e)en Chris!mas +hen
/ore s..ose4 !o gi)e /orsel* a goo4 +ash *or !he coming o* !he #n*an! Pess5 # kno+ He
+ol4n! min4 "ecase # sa+ !he Three Lise Men in !he Chris!mas cri" a! !he Re4em.!oris!
chrch an4 one o* !hem +as "lacker !han Uncle <a Kea!ing- !he "lackes! man in Limerick- an4 i*
a Lise Man is "lack i! means !ha! e)er/+here /o go in !he +orl4 someone is 4eli)ering coal5
The horse li*!s his !ail an4 grea! lm.s o* s!eaming /ello+ shi! 4ro. *rom his "ehin45 # s!ar! !o
.ll on !he reins so !ha! he can s!o. an4 ha)e a "i! o* com*or! *or himsel* "! Mr5 Hannon sa/s-
No- Frankie- le! him !ro!5 The/ al+a/s shi! on !he !ro!5Tha!s one o* !he "lessings horses ha)e-
!he/ shi! on !he !ro!- an4 !he/re no! 4ir!/ an4 s!inking like !he hman race- no! a! all- Frankie5
The +ors! !hing in !he +orl4 is !o go in!o a la)a!or/ a*!er a man !ha! ha4 a *ee4 o* .igs *ee! an4
a nigh! o* .in!s5 The s!ink *rom !ha! col4 !+is! !he nos!rils o* a s!rong man5 Horses are
4i**eren!5All !he/ ha)e is oa!s an4 ha/ an4 +ha! !he/ 4ro. is clean an4 na!ral5
# +ork +i!h Mr5 Hannon a*!er school on Tes4a/s an4 Thrs4a/s an4 !he hal* 4a/ on Sa!r4a/
morning an4 !ha! means !hree shillings *or m/ mo!her !hogh she +orries all !he !ime o)er m/
e/es5The min!e # ge! home she +ashes !hem an4 makes me res! !hem *or hal* an hor5 Mr5
Hannon sa/s hell +ai! near Leam/s School *or me on Thrs4a/s a*!er his 4eli)eries on
$arring!on S!ree!5 No+ !he "o/s +ill see me5 No+ !he/ll kno+ #m a +orkingman an4 more
!han a sca""/:e/e4 "l""er go" 4ancing Pa.5 Mr5 Hannon sa/s- U. /o ge!- an4 # clim" . on
!he *loa! like an/ +orkingman5 # look a! !he "o/s ga+king a! me5 Ga+king5 # !ell Mr5 Hannon i*
he +an!s !o smoke his .i.e in com*or! #ll !ake !he reins an4 +hen he han4s !hem o)er #m sre
# hear !he "o/s gas.ing5 # !ell !he horse- G. o+er !ha!- like Mr5 Hannon5Le !ro! a+a/ an4 #
kno+ 4oIens o* Leam/s "o/s are commi!!ing !he 4ea4l/ sin o* en)/5 # !ell !he horse again- G.
o+er !ha!- !o make sre e)er/one hear4- !o make sre !he/ kno+ #m 4ri)ing !ha! *loa! an4 no
one else- !o make sre !he/ll ne)er *orge! i! +as me !he/ sa+ on !ha! *loa! +i!h &3'
!he reins an4 !he +hi.5 #!s !he "es! 4a/ o* m/ li*e- "e!!er !han m/ Firs! Commnion 4a/- +hich
Gran4ma rine4- "e!!er !han m/ Con*irma!ion 4a/ +hen # ha4 !he !/.hoi45 The/ 4on! call me
names an/more5The/ 4on! lagh a! m/ sca""/ e/es5The/ +an! !o kno+ ho+ # go! sch a goo4
Jo" a! ele)en /ears o* age an4 +ha! #m .ai4 an4 i* #ll ha)e !ha! Jo" *ore)er5 The/ +an! !o kno+
i* !here are an/ o!her goo4 Jo"s going in !he coal /ar4s an4 +ol4 # .! in a goo4 +or4 *or
!hem5
Then !here are "ig "o/s o* !hir!een +ho s!ick !heir *aces in mine an4 sa/ !he/ shol4 ha)e !ha!
Jo" "ecase !he/re "igger an4 #m no!hing "! a scra+n/ li!!le rn! +i!h no shol4ers5The/ can
!alk as mch as !he/ like5 # ha)e !he Jo" an4 Mr5 Hannon !ells me #m .o+er*l5 There are 4a/s
his legs are so "a4 he can har4l/ +alk a! all an4 /o can see Mrs5 Hannon +orries5 She gi)es me
a mg o* !ea an4 # +a!ch her roll . his !roser legs an4 .eel a+a/ !he 4ir!/ "an4ages5The sores
are re4 an4 /ello+ an4 clogge4 +i!h coal 4s!5 She +ashes !hem +i!h soa./ +a!er an4 smears
!hem +i!h a /ello+ oin!men!5 She .ro.s !he legs . on a chair an4 !ha!s +here he s!a/s !he
res! o* !he nigh! rea4ing !he .a.er or a "ook *rom !he shel* a"o)e his hea45
The legs are ge!!ing so "a4 he has !o ge! . an hor earlier in !he morning !o ge! !he s!i**ness
o!- !o .! on ano!her 4ressing5 #!s s!ill 4ark one Sa!r4a/ morning +hen Mrs5 Hannon knocks
a! or 4oor an4 asks me i* #4 go !o a neigh"or an4 "orro+ !heir han4car! !o !ake on !he *loa!
*or Mr5 Hannon +ill ne)er "e a"le !o carr/ !he "ags !o4a/ an4 ma/"e #4 Js! roll !hem on !he
han4car! *or him5 He +on! "e a"le !o carr/ me on his "ic/cle so # can mee! him a! !he /ar4 +i!h
!he han4car!5 The neigh"or sa/s- An/!hing *or Mr5 Hannon- Go4 "less him5 # +ai! a! !he ga!e o*
!he coal /ar4 an4 +a!ch him c/cle !o+ar4 me- slo+er !han e)er5 Hes so s!i** he can har4l/ ge!
o** !he "ike an4 he sa/s- ,ore a grea! man- Frankie5 He le!s me ge! !he horse rea4/ !hogh #
s!ill ha)e !ro"le ge!!ing on !he harness5 He le!s me han4le !he *loa! o! o* !he /ar4 an4 in!o
!he *ros!/ s!ree!s an4 # +ish # col4 4ri)e *ore)er an4 ne)er go home5 Mr5 Hannon sho+s me
ho+ !o .ll !he "ags !o !he e4ge o* !he *loa! an4 4ro. !hem on !he gron4 so !ha! # can .ll
!hem on !o !he han4car! an4 .sh !hem !o !he hoses5 He !ells me ho+ !o li*! an4 .sh !he
"ags +i!ho! s!raining m/sel* an4 +e ha)e !he si9!een "ags 4eli)ere4 "/ noon5
# +ish !he "o/s a! Leam/s col4 see me no+- !he +a/ # 4ri)e !he horse an4 han4le !he "ags-
!he +a/ # 4o e)er/!hing +hile Mr5 Hannon &3B
res!s his legs5 # +ish !he/ col4 see me .shing !he han4car! !o So!hs ." an4 ha)ing m/
lemona4e +i!h Mr5 Hannon an4 Uncle <a an4 me all "lack an4 $ill Gal)in all +hi!e5 #4 like !o
sho+ !he +orl4 !he !i.s Mr5 Hannon le!s me kee.- *or shillings- an4 !he shilling he gi)es me *or
!he mornings +ork- *i)e shillings al!oge!her5
Mam is si!!ing "/ !he *ire an4 +hen # han4 her !he mone/ she looks a! me- 4ro.s i! in her la.
an4 cries5 #m .IIle4 "ecase mone/ is s..ose4 !o make /o ha../5 Look a! /or e/es- she
sa/s5 Go !o !ha! glass an4 look a! /or e/es5
M/ *ace is "lack an4 !he e/es are +orse !han e)er5The +hi!es an4 !he e/eli4s are re4- an4 !he
/ello+ s!** ooIes !o !he corners an4 o! o)er !he lo+er li4s5 #* !he ooIe si!s a +hile i! *orms a
crs! !ha! has !o "e .icke4 o** or +ashe4 a+a/5
Mam sa/s !ha!s !he en4 o* i!5 No more Mr5 Hannon5 # !r/ !o e9.lain !ha! Mr5 Hannon nee4s me5
He can "arel/ +alk an/more5 # ha4 !o 4o e)er/!hing !his morning- 4ri)e !he *loa!- +heel !he
han4car! +i!h !he "ags- si! in !he ."- 4rink lemona4e- lis!en !o !he men 4iscssing +ho is !he
"es!- Rommel or Mon!gomer/5
She sa/s shes sorr/ *or Mr5 Hannons !ro"les "! +e ha)e !ro"les o* or o+n an4 !he las!
!hing she nee4s no+ is a "lin4 son s!m"ling !hrogh !he s!ree!s o* Limerick5 $a4 enogh /o
nearl/ 4ie4 o* !/.hoi4- no+ /o +an! !o go "lin4 on !o. o* i!5
An4 # can! s!o. cr/ing no+ "ecase !his +as m/ one chance !o "e a man an4 "ring home !he
mone/ !he !elegram "o/ ne)er "rogh! *rom m/ *a!her5 # can! s!o. cr/ing "ecase # 4on! kno+
+ha! Mr5 Hannon is going !o 4o on Mon4a/ morning +hen he has no one !o hel. him .ll !he
"ags !o !he e4ge o* !he *loa!- !o .sh !he "ags in!o !he hoses5 # can! s!o. cr/ing "ecase o*
!he +a/ he is +i!h !ha! horse he calls s+ee! "ecase hes so gen!le himsel* an4 +ha! +ill !he
horse 4o i* Mr5 Hannon isn! !here !o !ake him o!- i* #m no! !here !o !ake him o!N Lill !ha!
horse *all 4o+n hngr/ *or !he +an! o* oa!s an4 ha/ an4 !he o44 a..leN
Mam sa/s # shol4n! "e cr/ing- i!s "a4 *or !he e/es5 She sa/s-Lell see5 Tha!s all # can !ell /o
no+5Lell see5
She +ashes m/ e/es an4 gi)es me si9.ence !o !ake Malach/ !o !he L/ric !o see $oris Karlo** in
The Man The/ Col4 No! Hang an4 ha)e !+o .ieces o* Clee)es !o**ee5 #!s har4 !o see !he
screen +i!h !he /ello+ s!** ooIing *rom m/ e/es an4 Malach/ has !o !ell me +ha!s ha..ening5
<eo.le aron4 s !ell him sh! .- !he/4 like !o hear +ha! $oris &3C
Karlo** is sa/ing- an4 +hen Malach/ !alks "ack !o !hem an4 !ells !hem hes onl/ hel.ing his "lin4
"ro!her !he/ call !he man in charge- Frank Goggin- an4 he sa/s i* he hears ano!her +or4 o! o*
Malach/ hell !hro+ !he !+o o* s o!5
# 4on! min45 # ha)e a +a/ o* sKeeIing !he s!** o! o* one e/e an4 clearing i! so !ha! # can see
!he screen +hile !he o!her e/e *ills . an4 # go "ack an4 *or!h- sKeeIe- look- sKeeIe- look- an4
e)er/!hing # see is /ello+5
Mon4a/ morning Mrs5 Hannon is knocking on or 4oor again5 She asks Mam i* Frank +ol4 e)er
go 4o+n !o !he coal /ar4 an4 !ell !he man in !he o**ice !ha! Mr5 Hannon can! come in !o4a/-
!ha! he has !o see a 4oc!or a"o! his legs- !ha! hell srel/ "e in !omorro+ an4 +ha! he can!
4eli)er !o4a/ he +ill !omorro+5 Mrs5 Hannon al+a/s calls me Frank no+5 An/one !ha! 4eli)ers
hn4re4+eigh!s o* coal is no! a Frankie5
The man in !he o**ice sa/s- Hm.h5 # !hink +ere )er/ !oleran! +i!h Hannon5,o- +ha!s /or
nameN
McCor!- sir5
Tell Hannon +ell nee4 a no!e *rom !he 4oc!or5 7o /o n4ers!an4 !ha!N
# 4o- sir5
The 4oc!or !ells Mr5 Hannon he has !o go !o !he hos.i!al or i!s a case o* gangrene hell ha)e
an4 !he 4oc!or +on! "e res.onsi"le5 The am"lance !akes Mr5 Hannon a+a/ an4 m/ "ig Jo" is
gone5 No+ #ll "e +hi!e like e)er/one else in Leam/s- no *loa!- no horse- no shillings !o "ring
home !o m/ mo!her5
#n a *e+ 4a/s $ri4e/ Hannon comes !o or 4oor5 She sa/s her mo!her +ol4 like me !o come
an4 see her- ha)e a c. o* !ea +i!h her5 Mrs5 Hannon is si!!ing "/ !he *ire +i!h her han4 on !he
sea! o* Mr5 Hannons chair5 Si! 4o+n- Frank- she sa/s- an4 +hen # go !o si! on one o* !he
or4inar/ ki!chen chairs she sa/s- No- si! here5 Si! here on !he chair o* himsel*5 7o /o kno+ ho+
ol4 he is- FrankN
Oh- he ms! "e )er/ ol4- Mrs5 Hannon5 He ms! "e !hir!/:*i)e5 She smiles5 She has lo)el/ !ee!h5
Hes *or!/:nine- Frank- an4 a man !ha! age shol4n! ha)e legs like !ha!5
He shol4n!- Mrs5 Hannon5
7i4 /o kno+ /o +ere a Jo/ !o him going aron4 on !ha! *loa!N
# 4i4n!- Mrs5 Hannon5
,o +ere5Le ha4 !+o 4agh!ers- $ri4e/ !ha! /o kno+- an4 Ka!h&33
leen- !he nrse a"o)e in 7"lin5 $! no son an4 he sai4 /o ga)e him !he *eeling o* a son5
# *eel m/ e/es "rning an4 # 4on! +an! her !o see me cr/ing es.eciall/ +hen # 4on! kno+ +h/
#m cr/ing5Tha!s all # 4o la!el/5 #s i! !he Jo"N #s i! Mr5 HannonN M/ mo!her sa/s- Oh- /or "la44er
is near /or e/e5
# !hink #m cr/ing "ecase o* !he Kie! +a/ Mrs5 Hannon is !alking an4 shes !alking like !ha!
"ecase o* Mr5 Hannon5
Like a son- she sa/s- an4 #m gla4 he ha4 !ha! *eeling5 His +orking 4a/s are o)er- /o kno+5 He
has !o s!a/ a! home *rom !his o!5 There migh! "e a cre an4 i* !here is sre he migh! "e a"le !o
ge! a Jo" as a +a!chman +here he 4oesn! ha)e !o "e li*!ing an4 haling5 # +on! ha)e a Jo"
an/more- Mrs5 Hannon5
,o ha)e a Jo"- Frank5 School5Tha!s /or Jo"5
Tha!s no! a Jo"- Mrs5 Hannon5
,oll ne)er ha)e ano!her Jo" like i!- Frank5 #! "reaks Mr5 Hannons hear! !o !hink o* /o
4ragging "ags o* coal o** a *loa! an4 i! "reaks /or mo!hers hear! an4 !+ill 4es!ro/ /or e/es5
Go4 kno+s #m sorr/ # e)er go! /o in!o !his *or i! ha4 /or .oor mo!her cagh! "e!+een /or
e/es an4 Mr5 Hannons legs5
Can # go !o !he hos.i!al !o see Mr5 HannonN
The/ migh! no! le! /o in "! srel/ /o can come here !o see him5 Go4 kno+s he +on! "e
4oing mch "! rea4ing an4 looking o! !he +in4o+5
Mam !ells me a! home-,o shol4n! cr/ "! !hen again !ears are sal!/ an4 !he/ll +ash !he "a4
s!** *rom /or e/es5 &3E
X##
Theres a le!!er *rom 7a45Hes coming home !+o 4a/s "e*ore Chris!mas5 He sa/s e)er/!hing +ill
"e 4i**eren!- hes a ne+ man- he ho.es +ere goo4 "o/s- o"e/ing or mo!her- a!!en4ing !o or
religios 4!ies- an4 hes "ringing s all some!hing *or Chris!mas5
Mam !akes me !o !he rail+a/ s!a!ion !o mee! him5 The s!a!ion is al+a/s e9ci!ing +i!h all !he
coming an4 going- .eo.le leaning *rom carriages- cr/ing- smiling- +a)ing goo4:"/e- !he !rain
hoo!ing an4 calling- chgging a+a/ in clo4s o* s!eam- .eo.le sni**ling on !he .la!*orm- !he
rail+a/ !racks sil)ering in!o !he 4is!ance- on !o 7"lin an4 !he +orl4 "e/on45
No+ i!s near mi4nigh! an4 col4 on !he em.!/ .la!*orm5 A man in a rail+a/ ca. asks s i* +e4
like !o +ai! in a +arm .lace5 Mam sa/s- Thank /o )er/ mch- an4 laghs +hen he lea4s s !o
!he en4 o* !he .la!*orm +here +e ha)e !o clim" a la44er !o !he signal !o+er5 #! !akes her a
+hile "ecase shes hea)/ an4 she kee.s sa/ing- Oh- Go4- oh- Go45
Lere a"o)e !he +orl4 an4 i!s 4ark in !he signal !o+er e9ce.! *or !he ligh!s !ha! "link re4 an4
green an4 /ello+ +hen !he man "en4s o)er !he "oar45 He sa/s- #m Js! ha)ing a "i! o* s..er
an4 /ore +elcome5
Mam sa/s- Ah- no- !hanks- +e col4n! !ake /or s..er *rom /o5 He sa/s-The +i*e al+a/s
makes !oo mch *or me an4 i* # +as . in &3D
!his !o+er *or a +eek # +ol4n! "e a"le !o ea! i!5 Sre i!s no! har4 +ork looking a! ligh!s an4
.lling on !he o44 le)er5
He !akes !he !o. o** a *lask an4 .ors cocoa in!o a mg5 Here- he sa/s !o me- .! /orsel*
o!si4e !ha! cocoa5
He han4s Mam hal* a san4+ich5 Ah- no- she sa/s- srel/ /o col4 !ake !ha! home !o /or
chil4ren5
# ha)e !+o sons- misss- an4 !he/re o** !here *igh!ing in !he *orces o* His MaJes!/- !he King o*
Englan45 One 4i4 his "i! +i!h Mon!gomer/ in A*rica an4 !he o!her is o)er in $rma or some
o!her "loo4/ .lace- e9cse !he langage5 Le ge! or *ree4om *rom Englan4 an4 !hen +e *igh!
her +ars5 So here- misss- !ake !he "i! o* san4+ich5 Ligh!s on !he "oar4 are clicking an4 !he
man sa/s-,or !rain is coming- misss5 Thank /o )er/ mch an4 Ha../ Chris!mas5
Ha../ Chris!mas !o /orsel*- misss- an4 a Ha../ Ne+ ,ear- !oo5 Min4 /orsel* on !ha! la44er-
/ong *ella5 Hel. /or mo!her5 Thank /o )er/ mch- sir5
Le +ai! again on !he .la!*orm +hile !he !rain rm"les in!o !he s!a!ion5 Carriage 4oors o.en
an4 a *e+ men +i!h si!cases s!e. !o !he .la!*orm an4 hrr/ !o+ar4 !he ga!e5 There is a
clanking o* milk cans 4ro..e4 !o !he .la!*orm5 A man an4 !+o "o/s are nloa4ing ne+s.a.ers
an4 magaIines5 There is no sign o* m/ *a!her5 Mam sa/s he migh! "e aslee. in one o* !he
carriages "! +e kno+ he har4l/ slee.s e)en in his o+n "e45 She sa/s !he "oa! *rom Hol/hea4
migh! ha)e "een la!e an4 !ha! +ol4 make him miss !he !rain5The #rish Sea is 4es.era!e a! !his
!ime o* !he /ear5 Hes no! coming- Mam5 He 4oesn! care a"o! s5 Hes Js! 4rnk o)er !here in
Englan45
7on! !alk a"o! /or *a!her like !ha!5
# sa/ no more !o her5 # 4on! !ell her # +ish # ha4 a *a!her like !he man in !he signal !o+er +ho
gi)es /o san4+iches an4 cocoa5 Ne9! 4a/ 7a4 +alks in !he 4oor5 His !o. !ee!h are missing an4
!heres a "rise n4er his le*! e/e5 He sa/s !he #rish Sea +as rogh an4 +hen he leane4 o)er !he
si4e his !ee!h 4ro..e4 o!5 Mam sa/s- #! +ol4n! "e !he 4rink- +ol4 i!N #! +ol4n! "e a *igh!N
Och- no- Angela5
Michael sa/s-,o sai4 /o4 ha)e some!hing *or s- 7a45 Oh- # 4o5
He !akes a "o9 o* chocola!es *rom his si!case an4 han4s i! !o Mam5 &31
She o.ens !he "o9 an4 sho+s s !he insi4e +here hal* !he chocola!es are gone5
Col4 /o s.are i!N she sa/s5
She sh!s !he "o9 an4 .!s i! on !he man!el.iece5Lell ha)e chocola!es a*!er or Chris!mas
4inner !omorro+5 Mam asks him i* he "rogh! an/ mone/5 He !ells her !imes are har4- Jo"s are
scarce- an4 she sa/s- #s i! co44in me /o areN Theres a +ar on an4 !heres no!hing "! Jo"s in
Englan45 ,o 4rank !he mone/- 4i4n! /oN
,o 4rank !he mone/- 7a45
,o 4rank !he mone/- 7a45
,o 4rank !he mone/- 7a45
Lere sho!ing so lo4 Al.hie "egins !o cr/5 7a4 sa/s- Och- "o/s- no+ "o/s5 Res.ec! *or /or
*a!her5
He .!s on his ca.5 He has !o see a man5 Mam sa/s- Go see /or man "! 4on! come 4rnk !o
!his hose !onigh! singing Ro44/ McCorle/ or an/!hing else5
He comes home 4rnk "! hes Kie! an4 .asses o! on !he *loor ne9! !o Mams "e45
Le ha)e a Chris!mas 4inner ne9! 4a/ "ecase o* !he *oo4 )ocher Mam go! *rom !he
S!5Oincen! 4e <al Socie!/5 Le ha)e shee.s hea4- ca""age- *lor/ +hi!e .o!a!oes- an4 a "o!!le
o* ci4er "ecase i!s Chris!mas5 7a4 sa/s hes no! hngr/- hell ha)e !ea- "orro+s a cigare!!e
*rom Mam5 She sa/s- Ea! some!hing5 #!s Chris!mas5
He !ells her again hes no! hngr/ "! i* no one else +an!s !hem hell ea! !he shee.s e/es5 He
sa/s !heres grea! norishmen! in !he e/e an4 +e all make son4s o* 4isgs!5 He +ashes !hem
4o+n +i!h his !ea an4 smokes !he res! o* his Loo4"ine5 He .!s on his ca. an4 goes .s!airs
*or his si!case5
Mam sa/s-Lhere are /o goingN
Lon4on5
On !his 4a/ o* Or Lor4N Chris!mas 7a/N
#!s !he "es! 4a/ *or !ra)el5 <eo.le in mo!or cars +ill al+a/s gi)e !he +orkingman a li*! !o
7"lin5The/ !hink o* !he har4 !imes o* !he Hol/ Famil/5
An4 ho+ +ill /o ge! on !he "oa! !o Hol/hea4 +i!ho! a .enn/ in /or .ocke!N
The +a/ # came5Theres al+a/s a !ime +hen !he/re no! looking5 He kisses each o* s on !he
*orehea4- !ells s "e goo4 "o/s- o"e/ &E(
Mam- sa/ or .ra/ers5 He !ells Mam hell +ri!e an4 she sa/s- Oh- /es- !he +a/ /o al+a/s 4i45
He s!an4s "e*ore her +i!h his si!case5 She ge!s .- !akes 4o+n !he "o9 o* chocola!es an4
han4s !hem aron45 She .!s a chocola!e in her mo!h an4 !akes i! o! again "ecase i!s !oo
har4 an4 she can! che+ i!5 # ha)e a so*! one an4 # o**er i! *or !he har4 one- +hich +ill las!
longer5 #!s cream/ an4 rich an4 !heres a n! in !he mi44le5 Malach/ an4 Michael com.lain !he/
4i4n! ge! a n! an4 +h/ is i! Frank al+a/s ge!s !he n!N Mam sa/s-Lha! 4o /o mean- al+a/sN
This is !he *irs! !ime +e e)er ha4 a "o9 o* chocola!es5
Malach/ sa/s- He go! !he raisin in !he "n a! school an4 all !he "o/s sai4 he ga)e i! !o <a44/
Clohess/- so +h/ col4n! he gi)e s !he n!N
Mam sa/s- $ecase !is Chris!mas an4 he has sore e/es an4 !he n! is goo4 *or !he sore e/es5
Michael sa/s-Lill !he n! make his e/es "e!!erN
T+ill5
Lill i! make one e/e "e!!er or +ill i! make !+o e/es "e!!erN
The !+o e/es- # !hink5
Malach/ sa/s- #* # ha4 ano!her n! #4 gi)e i! !o him *or his e/es5 Mam sa/s- # kno+ /o +ol45
7a4 +a!ches s a momen! ea!ing or chocola!es5 He li*!s !he la!ch- goes o! !he 4oor an4 .lls
i! sh!5
Mam !ells $ri4e/ Hannon- 7a/s are "a4 "! nigh!s are +orse an4 +ill !his rain e)er s!o.N She
!ries !o ease !he "a4 4a/s "/ s!a/ing in "e4 an4 le!!ing Malach/ an4 me ligh! !he *ire in !he
morning +hile she si!s . in !he "e4 .assing Al.hie "i!s o* "rea4 an4 hol4ing !he mg !o his
mo!h *or !he !ea !ha!s in i!5 Le ha)e !o go 4o+ns!airs !o #relan4 !o +ash or *aces in !he
"asin n4er !he !a. an4 !r/ !o 4r/ orsel)es in !he ol4 4am. shir! !ha! hangs o)er !he "ack o* a
chair5 She makes s s!an4 "/ !he "e4 !o see i* +e le*! rings o* 4ir! aron4 or necks an4 i* +e
4i4 i!s "ack 4o+n !o !he !a. an4 !he 4am. shir!5Lhen !heres a hole in a .air o* .an!s she si!s
. an4 .a!ches i! +i!h an/ rag she can *in45Le +ear shor! .an!s !ill +ere !hir!een or *or!een
an4 or long s!ockings al+a/s ha)e holes !o "e 4arne45 #* she has no +ool *or !he 4arning an4
!he s!ockings are 4ark +e can "lacken or ankles +i!h shoe .olish *or !he res.ec!a"ili!/ !ha!s in
i!5 #!s a !erri"le !hing !o +alk !he +orl4 +i!h skin sho+ing !hrogh !he holes o* or
s!ockings5Lhen +e +ear !hem +eek a*!er +eek !he holes gro+ so "ig +e ha)e !o .ll !he
s!ocking *or+ar4 &E%
n4er !he !oes so !ha! !he hole in !he "ack is hi44en in !he shoe5 On rain/ 4a/s !he s!ockings
are sogg/ an4 +e ha)e !o hang !hem "e*ore !he *ire a! nigh! an4 ho.e !he/ll 4r/ "/ morning5
Then !he/re har4 +i!h 4ir! cake an4 +ere a*rai4 !o .ll !hem on or *ee! *or *ear !he/ll *all on
!he *loor in "i!s "e*ore or e/es5Le migh! "e lck/ enogh !o ge! or s!ockings on "! !hen +e
ha)e !o "lock !he holes in or shoes an4 # *igh! +i!h m/ "ro!her- Malach/- o)er an/ scra. o*
car4"oar4 or .a.er in !he hose5 Michael is onl/ si9 an4 he has !o +ai! *or an/!hing le*! o)er
nless Mam !hrea!ens s *rom !he "e4 !ha! +ere !o hel. or small "ro!her5 She sa/s- #* /e
4on! *i9 /eer "ro!hers shoes an # ha)e !o ge! o! o* !his "e4 !here +ill "e +igs on !he
green5,o4 ha)e !o *eel sorr/ *or Michael "ecase hes !oo ol4 !o .la/ +i!h Al.hie an4 !oo
/ong !o .la/ +i!h s an4 he can! *igh! +i!h an/one *or !he same reasons5 The res! o* !he
4ressing is eas/- !he shir! # +ore !o "e4 is !he shir! # +ear !o school5 # +ear i! 4a/ in 4a/ o!5 #!s
!he shir! *or *oo!"all- *or clim"ing +alls- *or ro""ings orchar4s5 # go !o Mass an4 !he
Con*ra!erni!/ in !ha! shir! an4 .eo.le sni** !he air an4 mo)e a+a/5 #* Mam ge!s a 4ocke! *or a
ne+ one a! !he S!5Oincen! 4e <al !he ol4 shir! is .romo!e4 !o !o+el an4 hangs 4am. on !he
chair *or mon!hs or Mam migh! se "i!s o* i! !o .a!ch o!her shir!s5 She migh! e)en c! i! . an4
le! Al.hie +ear i! a +hile "e*ore i! +in4s . on !he *loor .she4 agains! !he "o!!om o* !he 4oor
!o "lock !he rain *rom !he lane5
Le go !o school !hrogh lanes an4 "ack s!ree!s so !ha! +e +on! mee! !he res.ec!a"le "o/s
+ho go !o !he Chris!ian $ro!hers School or !he rich ones +ho go !o !he Pesi! school- Crescen!
College5The Chris!ian $ro!hers "o/s +ear !+ee4 Jacke!s- +arm +oolen s+ea!ers- shir!s- !ies
an4 shin/ ne+ "oo!s5Le kno+ !he/re !he ones +ho +ill ge! Jo"s in !he ci)il ser)ice an4 hel.
!he .eo.le +ho rn !he +orl45The Crescen! College "o/s +ear "laIers an4 school scar)es
!osse4 aron4 !heir necks an4 o)er !heir shol4ers !o sho+ !he/re cock o !he +alk5The/ ha)e
long hair +hich *alls across !heir *orehea4s an4 o)er !heir e/es so !ha! !he/ can !oss !heir Ki**s
like Englishmen5Le kno+ !he/re !he ones +ho +ill go !o ni)ersi!/- !ake o)er !he *amil/
"siness- rn !he go)ernmen!- rn !he +orl45 Lell "e !he messenger "o/s on "ic/cles +ho
4eli)er !heir groceries or +ell go !o Englan4 !o +ork on !he "il4ing si!es5 Or sis!ers +ill min4
!heir chil4ren an4 scr" !heir *loors nless !he/ go o** !o Englan4- !oo5Le kno+ !ha!5Lere
ashame4 o* !he +a/ +e look an4 i* "o/s *rom !he rich schools .ass remarks +ell ge! in!o a *igh!
an4 +in4 . +i!h "loo4/ noses or !orn clo!hes5 Or mas!ers +ill ha)e no .a!ience +i!h s an4
or *igh!s &E&
"ecase !heir sons go !o !he rich schools an4-,e ha)e no righ! !o raise /or han4s !o a "e!!er
class o* .eo.le so /e 4on!5
,o ne)er kno+ +hen /o migh! come home an4 *in4 Mam si!!ing "/ !he *ire cha!!ing +i!h a
+oman an4 a chil4- s!rangers5 Al+a/s a +oman an4 chil45 Mam *in4s !hem +an4ering !he
s!ree!s an4 i* !he/ ask- Col4 /o s.are a *e+ .ennies- missN her hear! "reaks5 She ne)er has
mone/ so she in)i!es !hem home *or !ea an4 a "i! o* *rie4 "rea4 an4 i* i!s a "a4 nigh! shell le!
!hem slee. "/ !he *ire on a .ile o* rags in !he corner5The "rea4 she gi)es !hem al+a/s means
less *or s an4 i* +e com.lain she sa/s !here are al+a/s .eo.le +orse o** an4 +e can srel/
s.are a li!!le *rom +ha! +e ha)e5
Michael is Js! as "a45 He "rings home s!ra/ 4ogs an4 ol4 men5,o ne)er kno+ +hen /oll *in4
a 4og in !he "e4 +i!h him5There are 4ogs +i!h sores- 4ogs +i!h no ears- no !ails5 Theres a "lin4
gre/hon4 he *on4 in !he .ark !ormen!e4 "/ chil4ren5 Michael *ogh! o** !he chil4ren- .icke4
. !he gre/hon4 !ha! +as "igger !han himsel* an4 !ol4 Mam !he 4og col4 ha)e his s..er5
Mam sa/s- Lha! s..erN Lere lck/ i* !heres a c! o* "rea4 in !he hose5 Michael !ells her
!he 4og can ha)e his "rea45 Mam sa/s !ha! 4og has !o go !omorro+ an4 Michael cries all nigh!
an4 cries +orse in !he morning +hen he *in4s !he 4og 4ea4 in !he "e4 "esi4e him5 He +on! go
!o school "ecase he has !o 4ig a gra)e o!si4e +here !he s!a"le +as an4 he +an!s all o* s !o
4ig +i!h him an4 sa/ !he rosar/5 Malach/ sa/s i!s seless sa/ing .ra/ers *or a 4og- ho+ 4o /o
kno+ he +as e)en a Ca!holicN Michael sa/s- O* corse he +as a Ca!holic 4og5 7i4n! # ha)e him
in m/ armsN He cries so har4 o)er !he 4og Mam le!s s all s!a/ a! home *rom school5Lere so
4eligh!e4 +e 4on! min4 hel.ing Michael +i!h !he gra)e an4 +e sa/ !hree Hail Mar/s5Lere no!
going !o s!an4 !here +as!ing a goo4 4a/ o** *rom school sa/ing !he rosar/ *or a 4ea4
gre/hon45 Michael is onl/ si9 "! +hen he "rings ol4 men home he manages !o ge! !he *ire
going an4 gi)e !hem !ea5 Mam sa/s i!s 4ri)ing her craI/ !o come home an4 *in4 !hese ol4 men
4rinking o! o* her *a)ori!e mg an4 mm"ling an4 scra!ching "/ !he *ire5 She !ells $ri4e/
Hannon !ha! Michael has a ha"i! o* "ringing home ol4 men all a "i! gone in !he hea4 an4 i* he
4oesn! ha)e a "i! o* "rea4 *or !hem he knocks on neigh"ors 4oors an4 has no shame "egging
*or i!5 #n !he en4 she !ells Michael- No more ol4 men5 One o* !hem le*! s +i!h lice an4 +ere
.lage45
&E'
The lice are 4isgs!ing- +orse !han ra!s5 The/re in or hea4s an4 ears an4 !he/ si! in !he
hollo+s o* or collar"ones5 The/ 4ig in!o or skin5The/ ge! in!o !he seams o* or clo!hes an4
!he/re e)er/+here in !he coa!s +e se as "lanke!s5 Le ha)e !o search e)er/ inch o* Al.hies
"o4/ "ecase hes a "a"/ an4 hel.less5
The lice are +orse !han !he *leas5 Lice sKa! an4 sck an4 +e can see or "loo4 !hrogh !heir
skins5 Fleas Jm. an4 "i!e an4 !he/re clean an4 +e .re*er !hem5Things !ha! Jm. are cleaner
!han !hings !ha! sKa!5 Le all agree !here +ill "e no more s!ra/ +omen an4 chil4ren- 4ogs an4
ol4 men5Le 4on! +an! an/ more 4iseases an4 in*ec!ions5 Michael cries5
Gran4mas ne9!:4oor neigh"or- Mrs5 <rcell- has !he onl/ +ireless in her lane5The go)ernmen!
ga)e i! !o her "ecase shes ol4 an4 "lin45 # +an! a ra4io5 M/ gran4mo!her is ol4 "! shes no!
"lin4 an4 +ha!s !he se o* ha)ing a gran4mo!her +ho +on! go "lin4 an4 ge! a go)ernmen!
ra4ioN
Sn4a/ nigh!s # si! o!si4e on !he .a)emen! n4er Mrs5 <rcells +in4o+ lis!ening !o .la/s on
!he $$C an4 Ra4io Eireann- !he #rish s!a!ion5,o can hear .la/s "/ OCase/- Sha+- #"sen an4
Shakes.eare himsel*- !he "es! o* all- e)en i* he is English5 Shakes.eare is like mashe4 .o!a!oes-
/o can ne)er ge! enogh o* him5 An4 /o can hear s!range .la/s a"o! Greeks .lcking o!
!heir e/es "ecase !he/ marrie4 !heir mo!hers "/ mis!ake5
One nigh! #m si!!ing n4er Mrs5 <rcells +in4o+ lis!ening !o Mac:"e!h5 Her 4agh!er-
Ka!hleen- s!icks her hea4 o! !he 4oor5 Come in- Frankie5 M/ mo!her sa/s /oll ca!ch !he
consm.!ion si!!ing on !he gron4 in !his +ea!her5
Ah- no- Ka!hleen5 #!s all righ!5
No5 Come in5
The/ gi)e me !ea an4 a gran4 c! o* "rea4 sla!here4 +i!h "lack"err/ Jam5 Mrs5 <rcell sa/s- 7o
/o like !he Shakes.eare- FrankieN
# lo)e !he Shakes.eare- Mrs5 <rcell5
Oh- hes msic- Frankie- an4 he has !he "es! s!ories in !he +orl45 # 4on! kno+ +ha! #4 4o +i!h
mesel* o* a Sn4a/ nigh! i* # 4i4n! ha)e !he Shakes.eare5
Lhen !he .la/ *inishes she le!s me *i44le +i!h !he kno" on !he ra4io an4 # roam !he 4ial *or
4is!an! son4s on !he shor!+a)e "an4- s!range +his.ering an4 hissing- !he +hoosh o* !he
ocean coming an4 &EB
going an4 !he Morse Co4e 4i! 4i! 4i! 4o!5 # hear man4olins- gi!ars- S.anish "ag.i.es- !he 4rms
o* A*rica- "oa!men +ailing on !he Nile5 # see sailors on +a!ch si..ing mgs o* ho! cocoa5 # see
ca!he4rals- sk/scra.ers- co!!ages5 # see $e4oins in !he Sahara an4 !he French Foreign Legion-
co+"o/s on !he American .rairie5 # see goa!s ski..ing along !he rock/ coas! o* Greece +here
!he she.her4s are "lin4 "ecase !he/ marrie4 !heir mo!hers "/ mis!ake5 # see .eo.le cha!!ing
in ca*Vs- si..ing +ine- s!rolling on "ole)ar4s an4 a)enes5 # see nigh! +omen in 4oor+a/s-
monks chan!ing )es.ers- an4 here is !he grea! "oom o* $ig $en- This is !he $$C O)erseas
Ser)ice an4 here is !he ne+s5 Mrs5 <rcell sa/s- Lea)e !ha! on- Frankie- so +ell kno+ !he s!a!e
o* !he +orl45
A*!er !he ne+s !here is !he American Arme4 Forces Ne!+ork an4 i!s lo)el/ !o hear !he
American )oices eas/ an4 cool an4 here is !he msic- oh- man- !he msic o* 7ke Elling!on
himsel* !elling me !ake !he A !rain !o +here $illie Holi4a/ sings onl/ !o me-
# can! gi)e /o an/!hing "! lo)e- "a"/5
Tha!s !he onl/ !hing #)e .len!/ o*- "a"/5
Oh- $illie- $illie- # +an! !o "e in America +i!h /o an4 all !ha! msic- +here no one has "a4
!ee!h- .eo.le lea)e *oo4 on !heir .la!es- e)er/ *amil/ has a la)a!or/- an4 e)er/one li)es ha..il/
e)er a*!er5 An4 Mrs5 <rcell sa/s- 7o /o kno+ +ha!- FrankieN
Lha!- Mrs5 <rcellN
Tha! Shakes.eare is !ha! goo4 he ms! ha)e "een an #rishman5 The ren! man is losing his
.a!ience5 He !ells Mam- For +eeks "ehin4 /o are- misss5 Tha!s one .on4 !+o shillings5 This
has !o s!o. *or # ha)e !o go "ack !o !he o**ice an4 re.or! !o Sir Oincen! Nash !ha! !he McCor!s
are a mon!h "ehin45 Lhere am # !hen- misssN O! on m/ arse Jo"less an4 a mo!her !o s..or!
!ha!s nine!/:!+o an4 a 4ail/ commnican! in !he Franciscan chrch5The ren! man collec!s !he
ren!s- misss- or he loses !he Jo"5 #ll "e "ack ne9! +eek an4 i* /o 4on! ha)e !he mone/- one
.on4 eigh! shillings an4 si9.ence !o!al- !is o! on !he .a)emen! /oll "e +i!h !he skies
4ri..ing on /or *rni!re5 Mam comes "ack . !o #!al/ an4 si!s "/ !he *ire +on4ering +here in
Go4s name shell ge! !he mone/ *or a +eeks ren! ne)er min4 !he arrears5 &EC
She4 lo)e a c. o* !ea "! !heres no +a/ o* "oiling !he +a!er !ill Malach/ .lls a loose "oar4
o** !he +all "e!+een !he !+o .s!airs rooms5 Mam sa/s- Lell- !is o** no+ an4 +e migh! as +ell
cho. i! . *or !he *ire5Le "oil !he +a!er an4 se !he res! o* !he +oo4 *or !he morning !ea "!
+ha! a"o! !onigh! an4 !omorro+ an4 e)er a*!erN Mam sa/s- One more "oar4 *rom !ha! +all-
one more an4 no! ano!her one5 She sa/s !ha! *or !+o +eeks !ill !heres no!hing le*! "! !he
"eam *rame5 She +arns s +e are no! !o !och !he "eams *or !he/ hol4 . !he ceiling an4 !he
hose i!sel*5 Oh- +e4 ne)er !och !he "eams5
She goes !o see Gran4ma an4 i!s so col4 in !he hose # !ake !he ha!che! !o one o* !he "eams5
Malach/ cheers me on an4 Michael cla.s his han4s +i!h e9ci!emen!5 # .ll on !he "eam- !he
ceiling groans an4 4o+n on Mams "e4 !heres a sho+er o* .las!er- sla!es- rain5 Malach/ sa/s-
Oh- Go4- +ell all "e kille4- an4 Michael 4ances aron4 singing- Frankie "roke !he hose-
Frankie "roke !he hose5
Le rn !hrogh !he rain !o !ell Mam !he ne+s5 She looks .IIle4 +i!h Michael chan!ing-
Frankie "roke !he hose- !ill # e9.lain !heres a hole in !he hose an4 i!s *alling 4o+n5 She sa/s-
Pess- an4 rns !hrogh !he s!ree!s +i!h Gran4ma !r/ing !o kee. .5
Mam sees her "e4 "rie4 n4er .las!er an4 sla!es an4 .lls a! her hair-Lha!ll +e 4o a! all- a!
allN an4 screams a! me *or in!er*ering +i!h !he "eams5 Gran4ma sa/s- #ll go !o !he lan4lor4s
o**ice an4 !ell !hem *i9 !his "e*ore /e are all 4ro+ne4 en!irel/5
Shes "ack in no !ime +i!h !he ren! man5 He sa/s- Grea! Go4 in hea)en- +heres !he o!her
roomN
Gran4ma sa/s-Lha! roomN
# ren!e4 /e !+o rooms . here an4 one is gone5Lhere is !ha! roomN
Mam sa/s-Lha! roomN
There +ere !+o rooms . here an4 no+ !heres one5An4 +ha! ha..ene4 !o !he +allN There
+as a +all5 No+ !heres no +all5 # 4is!inc!l/ remem"er a +all "ecase # 4is!inc!l/ remem"er a
room5 No+ +here is !ha! +allN Lhere is !ha! roomN
Gran4ma sa/s- # 4on! remem"er a +all an4 i* # 4on! remem"er a +all ho+ can # remem"er a
roomN
,e 4on! remem"erN Lell- # remem"er5 For!/ /ears a lan4lor4s agen! an4 # ne)er seen !he likes
o* !his5 $/ Go4- !is a 4es.era!e si!a!ion al!oge!her +hen /o can! !rn /or "ack "! !enan!s
are no! .a/ing !heir ren! an4 making +alls an4 rooms 4isa..ear on !o. o* i!5 # +an! !o kno+
+here !ha! +all is an4 +ha! /e 4i4 +i!h !he room- so # 4o5 &E3
Mam !rns !o s5 7o an/ o* /e remem"er a +allN
Michael .lls a! her han45 #s !ha! !he +all +e "rne4 in !he *ireN
The ren! man sa/s-7ear Go4 in hea)en-!his "ea!s $anagher-!his !akes !he "loo4/ "isci!- !his is
goin "e/on4 !he "e/on4s5 No ren! an4 +ha! am # !o !ell Sir Oincen! "elo+ in !he o**iceN O!-
misss- #m .!!in /e o!5One +eek *rom !o4a/ #ll knock on !his 4oor an4 # +an! !o *in4
no"o4/ a! home- e)er/"o4/ o! ne)er !o re!rn5 7o /o ha)e me- misssN
Mams *ace is !igh!5 Tis a .i!/ /o +eren! ali)e in !he !imes +hen !he English +ere e)ic!ing s
an4 lea)ing s on !he si4e o* !he roa45 No li.- misss- or #ll sen4 !he men !o .! /e o!
!omorro+5 He goes o! !he 4oor an4 lea)es i! o.en !o sho+ +ha! he !hinks o* s5 Mam sa/s- #
4on! kno+ in Go4s name +ha! #m going !o 4o5 Gran4ma sa/s- Lell- # 4on! ha)e room *or /e
"! /or cosin- Gerar4 Gri**in- is li)ing o! !he Ros"rien Roa4 in !ha! li!!le hose o* his
mo!hers an4 he4 srel/ "e a"le !o !ake /e in !ill "e!!er !imes come5 Tis all hors o* !he nigh!
"! #ll go . an4 see +ha! he sa/s an4 Frank can come +i!h me5
She !ells me .! on a coa! "! # 4on! ha)e one an4 she sa/s- # s..ose !heres no se in asking
i* /e ha)e an m"rella ei!her5 Come on5 She .lls !he sha+l o)er her hea4 an4 # *ollo+ her o!
!he 4oor- . !he lane- !hrogh !he rain !o Ros"rien Roa4 nearl/ !+o miles a+a/5 She knocks on
!he 4oor o* a li!!le co!!age in a long ro+ o* li!!le co!!ages5Are /o !here- LamanN # kno+ /ore
in !here5 O.en !he 4oor5 Gran4ma- +h/ are /o calling him LamanN #sn! his name Gerar4N
Ho+ +ol4 # kno+N 7o # kno+ +h/ !he +orl4 calls /or ncle <a! A"N E)er/one calls !his *ella
Laman5 O.en !he 4oor5 Lell go in5 He migh! "e +orking o)er!ime5
She .shes !he 4oor5 #!s 4ark an4 !heres a 4am. s+ee! smell in !he room5This room looks like
!he ki!chen an4 !heres a smaller room ne9! !o i!5Theres a li!!le lo*! a"o)e !he "e4room +i!h a
sk/ligh! +here !he rain is "ea!ing5There are "o9es e)er/+here- ne+s.a.ers- magaIines- "i!s o*
*oo4- mgs- em.!/ !ins5Le can see !+o "e4s !aking . all !he s.ace in !he "e4room- a grea!
acre o* a "e4 an4 a smaller one near !he +in4o+5 Gran4ma .okes a! a lm. in !he "ig "e45
Laman- is !ha! /oN Ge! .- +ill /o- ge! .5
Lha!N Lha!N Lha!N Lha!N
Theres !ro"le5 Angela is ge!!in e)ic!e4 +i!h !he chil4ren an !is 4el)in o! o* !he
hea)ens5The/ nee4 a "i! o* shel!er !ill !he/ ge! on !heir *ee! an # ha)e no room *or !hem5,o
can .! !hem . in !he lo*! i* /o &EE
like "! !ha! +ol4n! 4o "ecase !he small ones +ol4n! "e a"le !o clim" an4 !he/4 *all 4o+n
an ge! kille4 so /o go . !here an !he/ can mo)e in here5
All righ!- all righ!- all righ!- all righ!5
He hois!s himsel* *rom !he "e4 an4 !heres a +hiske/ smell5 He goes !o !he ki!chen an4 .lls !he
!a"le !o !he +all *or his clim" !o !he lo*!5 Gran4ma sa/s- Tha!s *ine no+5 ,e can mo)e . here
!onigh! an /e +on! ha)e !he e)ic!ion men coming a*!er /e5
Gran4ma !ells Mam shes going home5 Shes !ire4 an4 4renche4 an4 shes no! !+en!/:*i)e
an/more5 She sa/s !heres no nee4 !o "e !aking "e4s or *rni!re +i!h all !he s!** !ha!s . in
Laman Gri**ins5Le .! Al.hie in !he .ram an4 .ile aron4 him !he .o!- !he .an- !he ke!!le- !he
Jam Jars an4 mgs- !he <o.e- !+o "ols!ers an4 !he coa!s *rom !he "e4s5 Le 4ra.e !he coa!s
o)er or hea4s an4 .sh !he .ram !hrogh !he s!ree!s5 Mam !ells s "e Kie! going . !he lane
or !he neigh"ors +ill kno+ +e go! !he e)ic!ion an4 !here +ill "e shame5 The .ram has a "ocke!/
+heel +hich !il!s i! an4 makes i! go in 4i**eren! 4irec!ions5Le !r/ !o kee. i! s!raigh! an4 +ere
ha)ing a grea! !ime "ecase i! ms! "e a*!er mi4nigh! an4 srel/ Mam +on! make s go !o
school !omorro+5 Lere mo)ing so *ar *rom Leam/s School no+ ma/"e +ell ne)er ha)e !o go
again5 Once +e ge! a+a/ *rom !he lane Al.hie "angs on !he .o! +i!h !he s.oon an4 Michael
sings a song he hear4 in a *ilm +i!h Al Polson- S+anee- ho+ # lo)e /a- ho+ # lo)e /a- m/ 4ear ol
S+anee5 He makes s lagh !he +a/ he !ries !o sing in a 4ee. )oice like Al Polson5 Mam sa/s
shes gla4 i!s la!e an4 !heres no one on !he s!ree!s !o see or shame5
Once +e ge! !o !he hose +e !ake Al.hie an4 e)er/!hing else *rom !he .ram so !ha! Malach/
an4 # can rn "ack 4o+n !o Ro4en Lane *or !he !rnk5 Mam sa/s she4 4ie i* she los! !ha! !rnk
an4 e)er/!hing in i!5
Malach/ an4 # slee. a! o..osi!e en4s o* !he small "e45 Mam !akes !he "ig "e4 +i!h Al.hie
"esi4e her an4 Michael a! !he "o!!om5 E)er/!hing is 4am. an4 ms!/ an4 Laman Gri**in snores
o)er or hea4s5There are no s!airs in !his hose an4 !ha! means no angel e)er on !he se)en!h
s!e.5 $! #m !+el)e going on !hir!een an4 # migh! "e !oo ol4 *or angels5 #!s s!ill 4ark +hen !he
alarm goes o** in !he morning an4 Laman Gri**in snor!s an4 "lo+s his nose an4 ha+ks !he s!**
*rom his ches!5 &ED
The *loor creaks n4er him an4 +hen he .isses *or ages in!o !he cham"er .o! +e ha)e !o s!**
or mo!hs +i!h coa!s !o s!o. !he laghing an4 Mam hisses a! s !o "e Kie!5 He grm"les
a+a/ a"o)e s "e*ore he clim"s 4o+n !o ge! his "ic/cle an4 "ang his +a/ o! !he 4oor5Mam
+his.ers-The coas! is clear- go "ack !o slee.5,e can s!a/ a! home !o4a/5 Le can! slee.5Lere in
a ne+ hose- +e ha)e !o .ee an4 +e +an! !o e9.lore5The la)a!or/ is o!si4e- a"o! !en s!e.s
*rom !he "ack 4oor- or o+n la)a!or/- +i!h a 4oor /o can close an4 a .ro.er sea! +here /o
can si! an4 rea4 sKares o* !he Limerick Lea4er Laman Gri**in le*! "ehin4 *or +i.ing
himsel*5There is a long "ack/ar4- a gar4en +i!h !all grass an4 +ee4s- an ol4 "ic/cle !ha! ms!
ha)e "elonge4 !o a gian!- !in cans galore- ol4 .a.ers an4 magaIines ro!!ing in!o !he ear!h- a
rs!e4 se+ing machine- a 4ea4 ca! +i!h a ro.e aron4 his neck !ha! some"o4/ ms! ha)e
!hro+n o)er !he *ence5
Michael ge!s a no!ion in his hea4 !ha! !his is A*rica an4 kee.s asking- Lheres TarIanN Lheres
TarIanN He rns . an4 4o+n !he "ack/ar4 +i!h no .an!s on !r/ing !o imi!a!e TarIan /o4eling
*rom !ree !o !ree5 Malach/ looks o)er !he *ences in!o !he o!her /ar4s an4 !ells s- The/ ha)e
gar4ens5The/re gro+ing !hings5Le can gro+ !hings5Le can ha)e or o+n s.4s an4
e)er/!hing5
Mam calls *rom !he "ack 4oor- See i* /e can *in4 an/!hing !o s!ar! !he *ire in here5
Theres a +oo4en she4 "il! agains! !he "ack o* !he hose5 #!s colla.sing an4 srel/ +e col4
se some o* !he +oo4 *or !he *ire5 Mam is 4isgs!e4 +i!h !he +oo4 +e "ring in5 She sa/s i!s
ro!!en an4 *ll o* +hi!e maggo!s "! "eggars can! "e choosers5 The +oo4 siIIles a"o)e !he
"rning .a.er an4 +e +a!ch !he +hi!e maggo!s !r/ !o esca.e5 Michael sa/s he *eels sorr/ *or
!he +hi!e maggo!s "! +e kno+ hes sorr/ *or e)er/!hing in !he +orl45
Mam !ells s !his hose se4 !o "e a sho.- !ha! Laman Gri**ins mo!her sol4 groceries !hrogh
!he li!!le +in4o+ an4 !ha!s ho+ she +as a"le !o sen4 Laman a+a/ !o Rock+ell College so !ha!
he col4 +in4 . as an o**icer in !he Ro/al Na)/5 Oh- he +as- in4ee45An o**icer in !he Ro/al
Na)/- an4 heres a .ic!re o* him +i!h o!her o**icers all ha)ing 4inner +i!h a *amos American
*ilm s!ar Pean Harlo+5 He +as ne)er !he same a*!er he me! Pean Harlo+5 He *ell ma4l/ in lo)e
+i!h her "! +ha! +as !he seN She +as Pean Harlo+ an4 he +as no!hing "! an o**icer in !he
Ro/al Na)/ an4 i! 4ro)e him !o 4rink an4 !he/ !hre+ him o! o* !he Na)/5 No+ look a! him- a
common la"orer *or !he Elec!rici!/ S.&E1
.l/ $oar4 an4 a hose !ha!s a 4isgrace5 ,o4 look a! !his hose an4 ne)er kno+ !here +as a
hman "eing li)ing in i!5,o can see Laman ne)er mo)e4 a !hing since his mo!her 4ie4 an4 no+
+e ha)e !o clean . so !ha! +e can li)e in !his .lace5
There are "o9es .acke4 +i!h "o!!les o* .r.le hair oil5Lhile Mam is o! in !he la)a!or/ +e o.en
a "o!!le an4 smear i! on or hea4s5 Malach/ sa/s !he smell is gorgeos "! +hen Mam comes
"ack she sa/s-Lha!s !ha! horri"le s!inkN an4 +an!s !o kno+ +h/ or hea4s are s44enl/
greas/5 She makes s s!ick or hea4s n4er !he !a. o!si4e an4 4r/ orsel)es +i!h an ol4 !o+el
.lle4 o! *rom n4er a .ile o* magaIines calle4 The #lls!ra!e4Lon4on Ne+s so ol4 !he/ ha)e
.ic!res o* Reen Oic!oria an4 <rince E4+ar4 +a)ing5There are "ars o* <ears soa. an4 a !hick
"ook calle4 <earsEnc/clo.e4ia- +hich kee.s me . 4a/ an4 nigh! "ecase i! !ells /o
e)er/!hing a"o! e)er/!hing an4 !ha!s all # +an! !o kno+5 There are "o!!les o* Sloans Linimen!-
+hich Mam sa/s +ill come in han4/ +hen +e ge! cram.s an4 .ains *rom !he 4am.5 The "o!!les
sa/- Heres !he .ain- Lheres !he SloansN There are "o9es o* sa*e!/ .ins an4 "ags .acke4 +i!h
+omens ha!s !ha! crm"le +hen /o !och !hem5 There are "ags +i!h corse!s- gar!ers-
+omens high "!!on shoes an4 4i**eren! la9a!i)es !ha! .romise glo+ing cheeks- "righ! e/es
an4 a crl in /or hair5 There are le!!ers *rom General Eoin O7**/ !o Gerar4 Gri**in- EsK5-
sa/ing +elcome !o !he ranks o* !he Na!ional Fron!- !he #rish $leshir!s- !ha! i! is a .ri)ilege !o
kno+ a man like Gerar4 Gri**in is in!eres!e4 in !he mo)emen! +i!h his e9cellen! e4ca!ion- his
Ro/al Na)/ !raining- his re.!a!ion as a grea! rg"/ .la/er on !he ,ong Mns!er !eam !ha!
+on !he na!ional cham.ionshi.- !he $a!eman C.5 General O7**/ is *orming an #rish $riga4e
!ha! +ill soon sail o** !o S.ain !o *igh! +i!h !ha! grea! Ca!holic Generalissimo Franco himsel*-
an4 Mr5 Gri**in +ol4 "e a .o+er*l a44i!ion !o !he $riga4e5
Mam sa/s Lamans mo!her +ol4n! le! him go5 She 4i4n! s.en4 all !hose /ears sla)ing a+a/ in
a li!!le sho. !o sen4 him !o college so !ha! he col4 go galli)an!ing o** !o S.ain *or Franco so he
s!a/e4 a! home an4 go! !ha! Jo" 4igging holes *or !he .oles o* !he Elec!rici!/ S..l/ $oar4 along
con!r/ roa4s an4 his mo!her +as ha../ !o ha)e him home !o hersel* e)er/ nigh! "! Fri4a/
+hen he 4rank his .in! an4 moane4 o)er Pean Harlo+5
Mam is ha../ +ell ha)e loa4s o* .a.er *or ligh!ing !he *ire !hogh &D(
!he +oo4 +e "rn *rom !ha! colla.sing she4 lea)es a sickening smell an4 she +orries !he +hi!e
maggo!s +ill esca.e an4 "ree45 Le +ork all 4a/ mo)ing "o9es an4 "ags !o !he she4 o!si4e5
Mam o.ens all !he +in4o+s !o air !he hose an4 le! o! !he smell o* !he hair oil an4 !he /ears
o* no air5 She sa/s i!s a relie* !o "e a"le !o see !he *loor again an4 no+ +e can si! 4o+n an4
ha)e a nice c. o* !ea in .eace- ease an4 com*or!- an4 +on! i! "e lo)el/ +hen !he +arm
+ea!her comes an4 +e migh! "e a"le !o ha)e a gar4en an4 si! o!si4e +i!h or !ea !he +a/ !he
English 4o5
Laman Gri**in comes home a! si9 e)er/ nigh! "! Fri4a/- has his !ea an4 goes !o "e4 !ill ne9!
morning5 Sa!r4a/s he goes !o "e4 a! one in !he a*!ernoon an4 s!a/s !here !ill Mon4a/
morning5 He .lls !he ki!chen !a"le o)er !o !he +all n4er !he lo*!- clim"s . on a chair- .lls
!he chair . !o !he !a"le- clim"s . on !he chair again- ca!ches a leg o* !he "e4- .lls himsel* .5
#* hes !oo 4rnk on Fri4a/s he makes me clim" . *or his .illo+ an4 "lanke!s an4 slee.s on !he
ki!chen *loor "/ !he *ire or *alls in!o "e4 +i!h me an4 m/ "ro!hers an4 snores an4 *ar!s all nigh!5
Lhen +e *irs! mo)e4 in he com.laine4 o)er ho+ he ga)e . his room 4o+ns!airs *or !he lo*!
an4 hes +orn o! clim"ing . an4 4o+n !o go !o !he la)a!or/ in !he "ack/ar45 He calls 4o+n-
$ring !he !a"le- !he chair- #m coming 4o+n- an4 +e ha)e !o clear o** !he !a"le an4 .ll i! !o !he
+all5 Hes *e4 .- hes *inishe4 +i!h !he clim"ing- hes going !o se his mo!hers lo)el/ cham"er
.o!5 He lies in "e4 all 4a/ rea4ing "ooks *rom !he li"rar/- smoking Gol4 Flake cigare!!es an4
!hro+ing Mam a *e+ shillings !o sen4 one o* s !o !he sho. so !ha! he can ha)e scones +i!h his
!ea or a nice "i! o* ham an4 slice4 !oma!o5Then he calls !o Mam- Angela- !his cham"er .o! is
*ll-an4 she 4rags chair an4 !a"le !o clim" *or !he cham"er .o!-em.!/ i! in !he la)a!or/ o!si4e-
rinse i! an4 clim" "ack !o !he lo*!5 Her *ace ge!s !igh! an4 she sa/s- #s !here an/!hing else /or
lor4shi. +ol4 like !his 4a/N
an4 he laghs-Lomans +ork-Angela- +omans +ork an4 *ree ren!5 Laman !hro+s 4o+n his
li"rar/ car4 *rom !he lo*! an4 !ells me ge! him !+o "ooks- one on angling- one on gar4ening5 He
+ri!es a no!e !o !he li"rarian !o sa/ his legs are killing him *rom 4igging holes *or !he Elec!rici!/
S..l/ $oar4 an4 *rom no+ on Frank McCor! +ill "e ge!!ing his "ooks5 He kno+s !he "o/ is
onl/ !hir!een going on *or!een an4 he kno+s !he rles are s!ric! a"o! allo+ing chil4ren in!o
!he a4l! .ar! o* !he li"rar/ "! !he "o/ +ill +ash his han4s an4 "eha)e himsel* an4 4o +ha!
hes !ol4- !hank /o5
&D%
The li"rarian rea4s !he no!e an4 sa/s !is an a+*l .i!/ a"o! Mr5 Gri**in- hes a !re gen!leman
an4 a man o* grea! learning- /o +ol4n! "elie)e !he "ooks he rea4s- some!imes *or a +eek-
!ha! one 4a/ he !ook home a "ook in French- French- i* /o 4on! min4- on !he his!or/ o* !he
r44er- !he r44er- i* /o 4on! min4- she4 gi)e an/!hing *or a look insi4e his hea4 *or i! ms!
"e .acke4 +i!h all sor!s o* learning- .acke4- i* /o 4on! min45 She .icks o! a gorgeos "ook
+i!h colore4 .ic!res a"o! English gar4ens5 She sa/s- # kno+ +ha! he likes in !he *ishing
4e.ar!men!- an4 chooses a "ook calle4 #n Search o* !he #rish Salmon "/ $riga4ier General
Hgh Col!on5 Oh- sa/s !he li"rarian- he rea4s hn4re4s o* "ooks a"o! English o**icers *ishing in
#relan45 #)e rea4 some m/sel* o! o* .re criosi!/ an4 /o can see +h/ !hose o**icers are gla4
!o "e in #relan4 a*!er all !he/ .! . +i!h in #n4ia an4 A*rica an4 o!her 4es.era!e .laces5 A! leas!
!he .eo.le here are .oli!e5Lere kno+n *or !ha!- !he .oli!eness- no! rnning aron4 !hro+ing
s.ears a! .eo.le5
Laman lies in !he "e4- rea4s his "ooks- !alks 4o+n *rom !he lo*! a"o! !he 4a/ his legs +ill heal
an4 hell "e o! !here in !he "ack .lan!ing a gar4en +hich +ill "e *amos *ar an4 +i4e *or color
an4 "ea!/ an4 +hen hes no! gar4ening hell "e roaming !he ri)ers aron4 Limerick an4
"ringing home salmon !ha! +ill make /or mo!h +a!er5 His mo!her le*! a reci.e *or salmon
!ha!s a *amil/ secre! an4 i* he ha4 !he !ime an4 his legs +eren! killing him he4 *in4 i!
some.lace in !his hose5 He sa/s no+ !ha! #m relia"le # can ge! a "ook *or m/sel* e)er/ +eek
"! 4on! "e "ringing home *il!h5 # +an! !o kno+ +ha! !he *il!h is "! he +on! !ell me so #ll
ha)e !o *in4 o! *or m/sel*5 Mam sa/s she +an!s !o Join !he li"rar/ !oo "! i!s a long +alk *rom
Lamans hose- !+o miles- an4 +ol4 # min4 ge!!ing her a "ook e)er/ +eek- a romance "/
Charlo!!e M5 $rame or an/ o!her nice +ri!er5 She 4oesn! +an! an/ "ooks a"o! English o**icers
looking *or salmon or "ooks a"o! .eo.le shoo!ing each o!her5Theres enogh !ro"le in !he
+orl4 +i!ho! rea4ing a"o! .eo.le "o!hering *ish an4 each o!her5 Gran4ma cagh! a chill !he
nigh! +e ha4 !he !ro"le in !he hose in Ro4en Lane an4 !he chill !rne4 in!o .nemonia5The/
shi*!e4 her !o !he Ci!/ Home Hos.i!al an4 no+ shes 4ea45
Her ol4es! son- m/ ncle Tom- !hogh! he4 go !o Englan4 !o +ork &D&
like o!her men in !he lanes o* Limerick "! his consm.!ion go! +orse an4 he came "ack !o
Limerick an4 no+ hes 4ea45
His +i*e- Gal+a/ Pane- *ollo+e4 him- an4 *or o* !heir si9 chil4ren ha4 !o "e .! in!o
or.hanages5 The ol4es! "o/- Gerr/- ran a+a/ an4 Joine4 !he #rish arm/- 4eser!e4 an4 crosse4 !o
!he English arm/5The ol4es! girl- <egg/- +en! !o An! Aggie an4 li)es in miser/5 The #rish arm/ is
looking *or "o/s +ho are msical an4 +ol4 like !o !rain in !he Arm/ School o* Msic5The/
acce.! m/ "ro!her- Malach/- an4 he goes o** !o 7"lin !o "e a sol4ier an4 .la/ !he !rm.e!5
No+ # ha)e onl/ !+o "ro!hers a! home an4 Mam sa/s her *amil/ is 4isa..earing "e*ore her )er/
e/es5
&D'
X###
$o/s *rom m/ class a! Leam/s School are going on a +eeken4 c/cling !ri. !o Killaloe5 The/ !ell
me # shol4 "orro+ a "ic/cle an4 come5 All # nee4 is a "lanke!- a *e+ s.oons o* !ea an4 sgar
an4 a *e+ c!s o* "rea4 !o kee. me going5 #ll learn !o c/cle on Laman Gri**ins "ic/cle e)er/
nigh! a*!er he goes !o "e4 an4 hell srel/ le! me "orro+ i! *or !he !+o 4a/s in Killaloe5
The "es! !ime !o ask him *or an/!hing is Fri4a/ nigh! +hen hes in a goo4 moo4 a*!er his nigh! o*
4rinking an4 his 4inner5 He "rings home !he same 4inner in his o)ercoa! .ocke!s- a "ig s!eak
4ri..ing "loo4- *or .o!a!oes- an onion- a "o!!le o* s!o!5 Mam "oils !he .o!a!oes an4 *ries !he
s!eak +i!h slice4 onion5 He kee.s his o)ercoa! on- si!s a! !he !a"le an4 ea!s !he s!eak o! o* his
han4s5 The grease an4 "loo4 roll 4o+n his chin an4 on !o !he o)ercoa! +here he +i.es his
han4s5 He 4rinks his s!o! an4 laghs !ha! !heres no!hing like a grea! "loo4/ s!eak o* a Fri4a/
nigh! an4 i* !ha!s !he +ors! sin he e)er commi!s hell *loa! !o hea)en "o4/ an4 sol- ha ha ha5
O* corse /o can ha)e m/ "ike- he sa/s5 $o/ shol4 "e a"le !o ge! o! an4 see !he con!r/si4e5
O* corse5 $! /o ha)e !o earn i!5,o can! "e ge!!ing some!hing *or no!hing- isn! !ha! righ!N
Tis5
An4 # ha)e a Jo" *or /o5 ,o 4on! min4 4oing a "i! o* a Jo"- 4o /oN
&DB
# 4on!5
An4 /o4 like !o hel. /or mo!herN
# +ol45
Lell- no+- !ha! )er/ cham"er .o! is *ll since !his morning5 # +an! /o !o clim" . an4 ge! i!
an4 !ake i! !o !he la)a!or/ an4 rinse i! n4er !he !a. a"roa4 an4 clim" "ack . +i!h i!5
# 4on! +an! !o em.!/ his cham"er .o! "! # 4ream o* c/cling miles on !he roa4 !o Killaloe- *iel4s
an4 sk/ *ar *rom !his hose- a s+im in !he Shannon- a nigh! slee.ing in a "arn5 # .ll !he !a"le
an4 chair !o !he +all5 # clim" . an4 n4er !he "e4 !heres !he .lain +hi!e cham"er .o!
s!reake4 "ro+n an4 /ello+- "rimming +i!h .iss an4 shi!5 # la/ i! gen!l/ a! !he e4ge o* !he lo*! so
!ha! i! +on! s.ill- clim" 4o+n !o !he chair- reach *or !he cham"er .o!- "ring i! 4o+n- !rn m/
*ace a+a/- hol4 i! +hile # s!e. 4o+n !o !he !a"le- .lace i! on !he chair- s!e. !o !he *loor- !ake !he
cham"er .o! !o !he la)a!or/- em.!/ i!- an4 ge! sick "ehin4 !he la)a!or/ !ill # ge! se4 !o !his Jo"5
Laman sa/s #m a goo4 "o/ an4 !he "ike is mine an/!ime # +an! i! as long as !he cham"er .o! is
em.!/ an4 #m !here !o rn !o !he sho. *or his cigare!!es- go !o !he li"rar/ *or "ooks an4 4o
+ha!e)er else he +an!s5 He sa/s-,o ha)e a grea! +a/ +i!h a cham"er .o!5 He laghs an4 Mam
s!ares in!o !he 4ea4 ashes in !he *ire.lace5
#!s raining so har4 one 4a/- Miss ORior4an !he li"rarian sa/s- 7on! go o! in !ha! or /oll rin
!he "ooks /ore carr/ing5 Si! 4o+n o)er !here an4 "eha)e /orsel*5 ,o can rea4 all a"o! !he
sain!s +hile /ore +ai!ing5
There are *or "ig "ooks- $!lers Li)es o* !he Sain!s5 # 4on! +an! !o s.en4 m/ li*e rea4ing
a"o! sain!s "! +hen # s!ar! # +ish !he rain +ol4 las! *ore)er5Lhene)er /o see .ic!res o*
sain!s- men or +omen- !he/re al+a/s looking . !o hea)en +here !here are clo4s *ille4 +i!h
li!!le *a! angels carr/ing *lo+ers or har.s gi)ing .raise5 Uncle <a Kea!ing sa/s he can! !hink o* a
single sain! in hea)en he4 +an! !o si! 4o+n an4 ha)e a .in! +i!h5The sain!s in !hese "ooks are
4i**eren!5There are s!ories a"o! )irgins- mar!/rs- )irgin mar!/rs an4 !he/re +orse !han an/
horror *ilm a! !he L/ric Cinema5
# ha)e !o look in !he 4ic!ionar/ !o *in4 o! +ha! a )irgin is5 # kno+ !he Mo!her o* Go4 is !he
Oirgin Mar/ an4 !he/ call her !ha! "ecase she 4i4n! ha)e a .ro.er hs"an4- onl/ .oor ol4 S!5
Pose.h5 #n !he Li)es o* &DC
!he Sain!s !he )irgins are al+a/s ge!!ing in!o !ro"le an4 # 4on! kno+ +h/5The 4ic!ionar/
sa/s-Oirgin- +oman @sall/ a /ong +omanA +ho is an4 remains in a s!a!e o* in)iola!e chas!i!/5
No+ # ha)e !o look . in)iola!e an4 chas!i!/ an4 all # can *in4 here is !ha! in)iola!e means no!
)iola!e4 an4 chas!i!/ means chas!e an4 !ha! means .re *rom nla+*l se9al in!ercorse5 No+
# ha)e !o look . in!ercorse an4 !ha! lea4s !o in!romission- +hich lea4s !o in!romi!!en!- !he
co.la!or/ organ o* an/ male animal5 Co.la!or/ lea4s !o co.la!ion- !he nion o* !he se9es in
!he ar! o* genera!ion an4 # 4on! kno+ +ha! !ha! means an4 #m !oo +ear/ going *rom one
+or4 !o ano!her in !his hea)/ 4ic!ionar/ +hich lea4s me on a +il4 goose chase *rom !his +or4
!o !ha! +or4 an4 all "ecase !he .eo.le +ho +ro!e !he 4ic!ionar/ 4on! +an! !he likes o* me !o
kno+ an/!hing5
All # +an! !o kno+ is +here # came *rom "! i* /o ask an/one !he/ !ell /o ask someone else or
sen4 /o *rom +or4 !o +or45 All !hese )irgin mar!/rs are !ol4 "/ Roman J4ges !he/ ha)e !o
gi)e . !heir *ai!h an4 acce.! !he Roman go4s "! !he/ sa/- Na/- an4 !he J4ges ha)e !hem
!or!re4 an4 kille45 M/ *a)ori!e is S!5 Chris!ina !he As!onishing +ho !akes ages !o 4ie5 The J4ge
sa/s- C! o** her "reas!- an4 +hen !he/ 4o she !hro+s i! a! him an4 he goes 4ea* 4m" an4
"lin45 Ano!her J4ge is "rogh! on !he case an4 he sa/s- C! o** !he o!her "reas!- an4 !he same
!hing ha..ens5 The/ !r/ !o kill her +i!h arro+s "! !he/ Js! "once o** her an4 kill !he sol4iers
+ho sho! !hem5 The/ !r/ !o "oil her in oil "! she rocks in !he )a! an4 !akes a na. *or
hersel*5Then !he J4ges ge! *e4 . an4 ha)e her hea4 c! o** an4 !ha! 4oes !he Jo"5 The *eas! o*
S!5 Chris!ina !he As!onishing is !he !+en!/*or!h o* Pl/ an4 # !hink #ll kee. !ha! *or m/sel* along
+i!h !he *eas! o* S!5 Francis o* Assisi on !he *or!h o* Oc!o"er5
The li"rarian sa/s-,o ha)e !o go home no+- !he rain is s!o..e4- an4 +hen #m going o! !he
4oor she calls me "ack5 She +an!s !o +ri!e a no!e !o m/ mo!her an4 she 4oesn! min4 one "i! i*
# rea4 i!5The no!e sa/s- 7ear Mrs5 McCor!- Ps! +hen /o !hink #relan4 is gone !o !he 4ogs
al!oge!her /o *in4 a "o/ si!!ing in !he li"rar/ so a"sor"e4 in !he Li)es o* !he Sain!s he 4oesn!
realiIe !he rain has s!o..e4 an4 /o ha)e !o 4rag him a+a/ *rom !he a*oresai4 Li)es5 # !hink-
Mrs5 McCor!- /o migh! ha)e a *!re .ries! on /or han4s an4 # +ill ligh! a can4le in ho.es i!
comes !re5 # remain-,ors !rl/- Ca!herine ORior4an-Ass!5 Li"rarian5
5
5
5
&D3
Ho../ OHalloran is !he onl/ mas!er in Leam/s Na!ional School +ho e)er si!s5 Tha!s "ecase
hes !he hea4mas!er or "ecase he has !o res! himsel* *rom !he !+is!ing +alk !ha! comes *rom
!he shor! leg5The o!her mas!ers +alk "ack an4 *or!h in !he *ron! o* !he room or . an4 4o+n
!he aisles an4 /o ne)er kno+ +hen /oll ge! a +hack o* a cane or a sla. o* a s!ra. *or gi)ing
!he +rong ans+er or +ri!ing some!hing slo../5 #* Ho../ +an!s !o 4o an/!hing !o /o he calls
/o !o !he *ron! o* !he room !o .nish /o "e*ore !hree classes5
There are goo4 4a/s +hen he si!s a! !he 4esk an4 !alks a"o! America5 He sa/s- M/ "o/s- *rom
!he *roIen +as!es o* Nor!h 7ako!a !o !he *ragran! orange gro)es o* Flori4a-Americans enJo/ all
clima!es5 He !alks a"o! American his!or/- #* !he American *armer- +i!h *lin!lock an4 mske!-
col4 +res! *rom !he English a con!inen!- srel/ +e- +arriors e)er- can reco)er or islan45
#* +e 4on! +an! him !ormen!ing s +i!h alge"ra or #rish grammar all +e ha)e !o 4o is ask him a
Kes!ion a"o! America an4 !ha! ge!s him so e9ci!e4 he migh! go on *or !he +hole 4a/5
He si!s a! his 4esk an4 reci!es !he !ri"es an4 chie*s he lo)es5Ara.aho- Che/enne- Chi..e+a-
Sio9-A.ache- #roKois5 <oe!r/- m/ "o/s- .oe!r/5 An4 lis!en !o !he chie*s- Kicking $ear- Rain:in:
!he:Face- Si!!ing $ll- CraI/ Horse- an4 !he genis- Geronimo5
#n se)en!h class he han4s o! a small "ook- a .oem !ha! goes on *or .ages an4 .ages- The
7eser!e4 Oillage- "/ Oli)er Gol4smi!h5 He sa/s !ha! !his seems !o "e a .oem a"o! Englan4 "!
i! is a lamen! *or !he .oe!s na!i)e lan4- or o+n na!i)e lan4- #relan45 Le are !o ge! !his .oem
"/ hear!- !+en!/ lines a nigh! !o "e reci!e4 e)er/ morning5 Si9 "o/s are calle4 !o !he *ron! o* !he
room *or reci!ing an4 i* /o miss a line /o are sla..e4 !+ice on each han45 He !ells s .! !he
"ooks n4er !he 4esks an4 !he +hole class chan!s !he .assage on !he schoolmas!er in !he
)illage5
$esi4e /on s!raggling *ence !ha! skir!s !he +a/-Li!h "lossome4 *rIe n.ro*i!a"l/ ga/-
There- in his nois/ mansion- skille4 !o rle
The )illage mas!er !agh! his li!!le school5
A man se)ere he +as an4 s!ern !o )ie+-
# kne+ him +ell- an4 e)er/ !ran! kne+5
Fll +ell !he "o4ing !rem"lers learne4 !o !race
The 4a/s 4isas!er in his morning *ace5
&DE
Fll +ell !he/ laghe4 +i!h con!er*ei!e4 glee
A! all his Jokes *or man/ a Joke ha4 he5
Fll +ell !he "s/ +his.er circling ron4
Con)e/e4 !he 4ismal !i4ings +hen he *ro+ne45
He al+a/s closes his e/es an4 smiles +hen +e reach !he las! lines o* !he .assage-
,e! he +as kin4- or- i* se)ere in agh!-
The lo)e he "ore !o learning +as in *al!5
The )illage all 4eclare4 ho+ mch he kne+5
T+as cer!ain he col4 +ri!e- an4 ci.her !oo5
Lan4s he col4 measre- !erms an4 !i4es .resage-An4 e)en !he s!or/ ran !ha! he col4 gage5
#n arging- !oo- !he .arson o+ne4 his skill-
For- e)en !hogh )anKishe4- he col4 arge s!ill-Lhile +or4s o* learne4 leng!h an4 !hn4ering
son4AmaIe4 !he gaIing rs!ics range4 aron45
An4 s!ill !he/ gaIe4- an4 s!ill !he +on4er gre+-Tha! one small hea4 col4 carr/ all he kne+5
Le kno+ he lo)es !hese lines "ecase !he/re a"o! a schoolmas!er- a"o! him- an4 hes righ!
"ecase +e +on4er ho+ one small hea4 col4 carr/ all he kno+s an4 +e +ill remem"er him in
!hese lines5 He sa/s- Ah- "o/s- "o/s-,o can make . /or o+n min4s "! *irs! s!ock !hem5 Are
/o lis!ening !o meN S!ock /or min4s an4 /o can mo)e !hrogh !he +orl4 res.len4en!5
Clarke- 4e*ine res.len4en!5
# !hink i!s shining- sir5
<i!h/- Clarke- "! a4eKa!e5 McCor!- gi)e s a sen!ence +i!h .i!h/5 Clarke is .i!h/ "!
a4eKa!e- sir5
A4roi!- McCor!5,o ha)e a min4 *or !he .ries!hoo4- m/ "o/- or .oli!ics5Think o* !ha!5
# +ill- sir5
Tell /or mo!her come an4 see me5
# +ill- sir5
Mam sa/s- No- # col4 ne)er go near Mr5 OHalloran5 # 4on! ha)e a 4ecen! 4ress or a .ro.er
coa!5Lha! 4oes he +an! !o see me *orN
# 4on! kno+5
Lell- ask him5
&DD
# can!5 Hell kill me5 #* he sa/s "ring /or mo!her /o ha)e !o "ring /or mo!her or o! comes
!he s!ick5
She comes !o see him an4 he !alks !o her in !he hall+a/5 He !ells her !ha! her son Frank ms!
con!ine school5 He ms! no! *all in!o !he messenger "o/ !ra.5 Tha! lea4s no+here5 Take him
. !o !he Chris!ian $ro!hers- !ell !hem # sen! /o- !ell !hem he is a "righ! "o/ an4 ogh! !o "e
going !o secon4ar/ school an4 "e/on4 !ha!- ni)ersi!/5 He !ells her he 4i4 no! "ecome
hea4mas!er o* Leam/s Na!ional School !o .resi4e o)er an aca4em/ o* messenger "o/s5 Mam
sa/s-Thank /o- Mr5 OHalloran5
# +ish Mr5 OHalloran +ol4 min4 his o+n "siness5 # 4on! +an! !o go !o !he Chris!ian $ro!hers5
# +an! !o Ki! school *ore)er an4 ge! a Jo"- ge! m/ +ages e)er/ Fri4a/- go !o !he .ic!res on
Sa!r4a/ nigh!s like e)er/one5
A *e+ 4a/s la!er Mam !ells me gi)e m/ *ace an4 han4s a goo4 +ash- +ere going !o !he
Chris!ian $ro!hers5 # !ell her # 4on! +an! !o go- # +an! !o +ork- # +an! !o "e a man5 She !ells me
s!o. !he +hining- #m going !o secon4ar/ school an4 +ell all manage someho+5 #m going !o
school i* she has !o scr" *loors an4 shell .rac!ice on m/ *ace5 She knocks on !he 4oor a! !he
Chris!ian $ro!hers an4 sa/s she +an!s !o see !he s.erior- $ro!her Mrra/5 He comes !o !he
4oor- looks a! m/ mo!her an4 me an4 sa/s-Lha!N
Mam sa/s-This is m/ son- Frank5 Mr5 OHalloran a! Leam/s sa/s hes "righ! an4 +ol4 !here "e
an/ chance o* ge!!ing him in here *or secon4ar/ schoolN
Le 4on! ha)e room *or him- sa/s $ro!her Mrra/ an4 closes !he 4oor in or *aces5
Mam !rns a+a/ *rom !he 4oor an4 i!s a long silen! +alk home5 She !akes o** her coa!- makes
!ea- si!s "/ !he *ire5 Lis!en !o me- she sa/s5 Are /o lis!eningN
# am5
Tha!s !he secon4 !ime a 4oor +as slamme4 in /or *ace "/ !he Chrch5
#s i!N # 4on! remem"er5
S!e.hen Care/ !ol4 /o an4 /or *a!her /o col4n! "e an al!ar "o/ an4 close4 !he 4oor in
/or *ace5 7o /o remem"er !ha!N
# 4o5
An4 no+ $ro!her Mrra/ slams !he 4oor in /or *ace5
# 4on! min45 # +an! !o ge! a Jo"5
&D1
Her *ace !igh!ens an4 shes angr/5,o are ne)er !o le! an/"o4/ slam !he 4oor in /or *ace again5
7o /o hear meN
She s!ar!s !o cr/ "/ !he *ire- Oh- Go4- # 4i4n! "ring /e in!o !he +orl4 !o "e a *amil/ o*
messenger "o/s5
# 4on! kno+ +ha! !o 4o or sa/- #m so relie)e4 # 4on! ha)e !o s!a/ in school *or *i)e or si9 more
/ears5
#m *ree5
#m !hir!een going on *or!een an4 i!s Pne- !he las! mon!h o* school *ore)er5 Mam !akes me !o
see !he .ries!- 7r5 Co+.ar- a"o! ge!!ing a Jo" as !elegram "o/5The s.er)isor in !he .os!
o**ice- Mrs5 OConnell- sa/s- 7o /o kno+ ho+ !o c/cle- an4 # lie !ha! # 4o5 She sa/s # can! s!ar!
!ill #m *or!een so come "ack in Ags!5
Mr5 OHalloran !ells !he class i!s a 4isgrace !ha! "o/s like McCor!- Clarke- Kenne4/- ha)e !o
he+ +oo4 an4 4ra+ +a!er5 He is 4isgs!e4 "/ !his *ree an4 in4e.en4en! #relan4 !ha! kee.s a
class s/s!em *ois!e4 on s "/ !he English- !ha! +e are !hro+ing or !alen!e4 chil4ren on !he
4nghea.5
,o ms! ge! o! o* !his con!r/- "o/s5 Go !o America- McCor!5 7o /o hear meN
# 4o- sir5
<ries!s come !o !he school !o recri! s *or !he *oreign missions- Re4em.!oris!s- Franciscans-
Hol/ Ghos! Fa!hers- all con)er!ing !he 4is!an! hea!hen5 # ignore !hem5 #m going !o America !ill
one .ries! ca!ches m/ a!!en!ion5 He sa/s he comes *rom !he or4er o* !he Lhi!e Fa!hers-
missionaries !o !he noma4ic $e4oin !ri"es an4 cha.lains !o !he French Foreign Legion5
# ask *or !he a..lica!ion5
# +ill nee4 a le!!er *rom !he .arish .ries! an4 a .h/sical e9amina!ion "/ m/ *amil/ 4oc!or5The
.arish .ries! +ri!es !he le!!er on !he s.o!5 He +ol4 ha)e "een gla4 !o see me go las! /ear5The
4oc!or sa/s-Lha!s !hisN
Tha!s an a..lica!ion !o Join !he Lhi!e Fa!hers- missionaries !o !he noma4ic !ri"es o* !he Sahara
an4 cha.lains !o !he French Foreign Legion5
Oh- /ehN French Foreign Legion- is i!N 7o /o kno+ !he .re*erre4 *orm o* !rans.or!a!ion in !he
Sahara 7eser!N
&1(
TrainsN
No5 #!s !he camel5 7o /o kno+ +ha! a camel isN
#! has a hm.5
#! has more !han a hm.5 #! has a nas!/- mean 4is.osi!ion an4 i!s !ee!h are green +i!h gangrene
an4 i! "i!es5 7o /o kno+ +here i! "i!esN
#n !he SaharaN
No- /o oma4han5 #! "i!es /or shol4er- ri.s i! righ! o**5 Lea)es /o s!an4ing !here !il!e4 in
!he Sahara5 Ho+ +ol4 /o like !ha!- ehN
An4 +ha! class o* a s.ec!acle /o4 "e s!rolling 4o+n !he s!ree!- lo.si4e4 in Limerick5 Lha! girl
in her righ! min4 +ill look a! an e9:Lhi!e Fa!her +i!h one misera"le scra+n/ shol4erN An4
look a! /or e/es5 The/re "a4 enogh here in Limerick5 #n !he Sahara !he/ll *es!er an4 ro! an4
*all o! o* /or hea45 Ho+ ol4 are /oN
Thir!een5
Go home !o /or mo!her5
#!s no! or hose an4 +e 4on! *eel *ree in i! !he +a/ +e 4i4 in Ro4en Lane- . in #!al/ or 4o+n
in #relan45 Lhen Laman comes home he +an!s !o rea4 in his "e4 or slee. an4 +e ha)e !o "e
Kie!5Le s!a/ in !he s!ree!s !ill a*!er 4ark an4 +hen +e come insi4e !heres no!hing !o 4o "!
go !o "e4 an4 rea4 a "ook i* +e ha)e a can4le or .ara**in oil *or !he lam.5
Mam !ells s go !o "e4- shell "e a*!er s in a min!e as soon as she clim"s !o !he lo*! +i!h
Lamans las! mg o* !ea5 Le o*!en *all aslee. "e*ore she goes . "! !here are nigh!s +e hear
!hem !alking- grn!ing- moaning5 There are nigh!s +hen she ne)er comes 4o+n an4 Michael
an4 Al.hie ha)e !he "ig "e4 !o !hemsel)es5 Malach/ sa/s she s!a/s . !here "ecase i!s !oo
har4 *or her !o clim" 4o+n in !he 4ark5 Hes onl/ !+el)e an4 he 4oesn! n4ers!an45
#m !hir!een an4 # !hink !he/re a! !he e9ci!emen! . !here5 # kno+ a"o! !he e9ci!emen! an4 #
kno+ i!s a sin "! ho+ can i! "e a sin i* i! comes !o me in a 4ream +here American girls .ose in
s+imming si!s on !he screen a! !he L/ric Cinema an4 # +ake . .shing an4 .m.ingN #!s a sin
+hen /ore +i4e a+ake an4 going a! /orsel* !he +a/ !he "o/s !alke4 a"o! i! in Leam/s
school/ar4 a*!er Mr5 O7ea roare4 !he Si9!h Comman4men! a! s-Tho Shal! No! Commi!
A4l&1%
!er/- +hich means im.re !hogh!s- im.re +or4s- im.re 4ee4s- an4 !ha!s +ha! a4l!er/ is-
7ir!/ Things in General5
One Re4em.!oris! .ries! "arks a! s all !he !ime a"o! !he Si9!h Comman4men!5 He sa/s
im.ri!/ is so gra)e a sin !he Oirgin Mar/ !rns her *ace a+a/ an4 +ee.s5
An4 +h/ 4oes she +ee.- "o/sN She +ee.s "ecase o* /o an4 +ha! /o are 4oing !o her
$elo)e4 Son5 She +ee.s +hen she looks 4o+n !he long 4rear/ )is!a o* !ime an4 "ehol4s in
horror !he s.ec!acle o* Limerick "o/s 4e*iling !hemsel)es- .oll!ing !hemsel)es- in!er*ering +i!h
!hemsel)es- a"sing !hemsel)es- soiling !heir /ong "o4ies- +hich are !he !em.les o* !he Hol/
Ghos!5 Or La4/ +ee.s o)er !hese a"omina!ions kno+ing !ha! e)er/ !ime /o in!er*ere +i!h
/orsel* /o nail !o !he cross her $elo)e4 Son- !ha! once more /o hammer in!o His 4ear hea4
!he cro+n o* !horns- !ha! /o reo.en !hose ghas!l/ +on4s5 #n an agon/ o* !hirs! He hangs on
!he cross an4 +ha! is He o**ere4 "/ !hose .er*i4ios RomansN A la)a!or/ s.onge .lnge4 in!o
)inegar an4 gall an4 !hrs! in!o His .oor mo!h- a mo!h !ha! mo)es rarel/ e9ce.! !o .ra/- !o
.ra/ e)en *or /o- "o/s- e)en *or /o +ho naile4 Him !o !ha! cross5 Consi4er Or Lor4s
s**ering5 Consi4er !he cro+n o* !horns5 Consi4er a small .in 4ri)en in!o /or skll- !he agon/ o*
!he .iercing5 Consi4er !hen !+en!/ !horns 4ri)en in!o /or hea45 Re*lec!- me4i!a!e on !he nails
!earing His han4s- His *ee!5 Col4 /o en4re a *rac!ion o* !ha! agon/N Take !ha! .in again- !ha!
mere .in5 Force i! in!o /or si4e5 Enlarge !ha! sensa!ion a hn4re4*ol4 an4 /o are .ene!ra!e4
"/ !ha! a+*l lance5 Oh- "o/s- !he 4e)il +an!s /or sols5 He +an!s /o +i!h him in hell an4
kno+ !his- !ha! e)er/ !ime /o in!er*ere +i!h /orsel*- e)er/ !ime /o sccm" !o !he )ile sin o*
sel*:a"se /o no! onl/ nail Chris! !o !he cross /o !ake ano!her s!e. closer !o hell i!sel*5
Re!rea! *rom !he a"/ss- "o/s5 Resis! !he 4e)il an4 kee. /or han4s !o /orsel*5 # can! s!o.
in!er*ering +i!h m/sel*5 # .ra/ !o !he Oirgin Mar/ an4 !ell her #m sorr/ # .! her Son "ack on !he
cross an4 #ll ne)er 4o i! again "! # can! hel. m/sel* an4 s+ear #ll go !o con*ession an4 a*!er
!ha!- srel/ a*!er !ha!- #ll ne)er ne)er 4o i! again5 # 4on! +an! !o go !o hell +i!h 4e)ils chasing
me *or e!erni!/ Ja""ing me +i!h ho! .i!ch*orks5 The .ries!s o* Limerick ha)e no .a!ience +i!h
!he likes o* me5 # go !o con*ession an4 !he/ hiss !ha! #m no! in a .ro.er s.iri! o* re.en!ance-
!ha! i* # +ere #4 gi)e . !his hi4eos sin5 # go *rom chrch !o chrch looking *or an eas/ .ries!
!ill <a44/ Clohess/ !ells me !heres one in !he 7ominican chrch +hos nine!/ /ears ol4 an4
4ea* as a !rni.5 E)er/ &1&
*e+ +eeks !he ol4 .ries! hears m/ con*ession an4 mm"les !ha! # shol4 .ra/ *or him5
Some!imes he *alls aslee. an4 # 4on! ha)e !he hear! !o +ake him . so # go !o Commnion !he
ne9! 4a/ +i!ho! .enance or a"sol!ion5 #!s no! m/ *al! i* .ries!s *all aslee. on me an4 srel/
#m in a s!a!e o* grace Js! *or going !o con*ession5Then one 4a/ !he li!!le .anel in !he
con*ession "o9 sli4es "ack an4 i!s no! m/ man a! all- i!s a /ong .ries! +i!h a "ig ear like a
seashell5 Hell srel/ hear e)er/!hing5 $less me- Fa!her- *or # ha)e sinne4- i!s a *or!nigh! since
m/ las! con*ession5
An4 +ha! ha)e /o 4one since !hen- m/ chil4N
# hi! m/ "ro!her- # +en! on !he mooch *rom school- # lie4 !o m/ mo!her5
,es- m/ chil4- an4 +ha! elseN
#? #? # 4i4 4ir!/ !hings- Fa!her5
Ah- m/ chil4- +as !ha! +i!h /orsel* or +i!h ano!her or +i!h some class o* "eas!N
Some class o* "eas!5 # ne)er hear4 o* a sin like !ha! "e*ore5This .ries! ms! "e *rom !he con!r/
an4 i* he is hes o.ening . ne+ +orl4s !o me5 The nigh! "e*ore #m !o go !o Killaloe Laman
Gri**in comes home 4rnk an4 ea!s a grea! "ag o* *ish an4 chi.s a! !he !a"le5 He !ells Mam "oil
+a!er *or !ea an4 +hen she sa/s she has no coal or !r* he /ells a! her an4 calls her a grea!
lm. li)ing *ree n4er his roo* +i!h her .ack o* "ra!s5 He !hro+s mone/ a! me !o go !o !he sho.
*or a *e+ so4s o* !r* an4 +oo4 *or kin4ling5 # 4on! +an! !o go5 # +an! !o hi! him *or !he +a/ he
!rea!s m/ mo!her "! i* # sa/ an/!hing he +on! le! me ha)e !he "ic/cle !omorro+ a*!er #)e
+ai!e4 !hree +eeks5 Lhen Mam ge!s !he *ire going an4 "oils !he +a!er # remin4 him o* his
.romise !o loan me !he "ike5
7i4 /o em.!/ !he cham"er .o! !o4a/N
Oh- # *orgo!5 #ll 4o i! !his min!e5
He sho!s-,o 4i4n! em.!/ m/ 4amn cham"er .o!5 # .romise /o !he "ike5 # gi)e /o !..ence
a +eek !o rn messages *or me an4 em.!/ !he cham"er .o! an4 /o s!an4 !here +i!h /or !hick
go" hanging o! an4 !ell me /o 4i4n! 4o i!5
#m sorr/5 # *orgo!5 #ll 4o i! no+5
,o +ill- +ill /oN An4 ho+ 4o /o !hink /oll ge! . !o !he lo*!N
Are /o going !o .ll !he !a"le o! *rom n4er m/ *ish an4 chi.sN
&1'
Mam sa/s- Sre- he +as a! school all 4a/ an4 he ha4 !o go !o !he 4oc!or *or his e/es5
Lell- /o can "loo4/ +ell *orge! a"o! !he "ic/cle5,o 4i4n! li)e . !o !he "argain5
$! he col4n! 4o i!- sa/s Mam5
He !ells her sh! . an4 min4 her o+n "siness an4 she goes Kie! "/ !he *ire5 He goes "ack !o
his *ish an4 chi.s "! # !ell him again-,o .romise4 me5 # em.!ie4 !ha! cham"er .o! an4 4i4
/or messages *or !hree +eeks5
Sh! . an4 go !o "e45
,o can! !ell me go !o "e45,ore no! m/ *a!her- an4 /o .romise4 me5 #m !elling /o- as sre
as Go4 ma4e li!!le a..les- !ha! i* # ge! . *rom !his !a"le /oll "e calling *or /or .a!ron sain!5
,o .romise4 me5
He .shes !he chair "ack *rom !he !a"le5 He s!m"les !o+ar4 me an4 s!icks his *inger "e!+een
m/ e/es5 #m !elling /o sh! /or go"- sca""/ e/es5
# +on!5,o .romise4 me5
He .nches m/ shol4ers an4 +hen # +on! s!o. mo)es !o m/ hea45 M/ mo!her Jm.s .-
cr/ing- an4 !ries !o .ll him a+a/5 He .nches an4 kicks me in!o !he "e4room "! # kee. sa/ing-
,o .romise4 me5 He knocks me !o m/ mo!hers "e4 an4 .nches !ill # co)er m/ *ace an4 hea4
+i!h m/ arms5
#ll kill /o- /o li!!le shi!5
Mam is screaming an4 .lling a! him !ill he *alls "ack+ar4 in!o !he ki!chen5 She sa/s- Come on-
oh- come on5 Ea! /or *ish an4 chi.s5 Hes onl/ a chil45 Hell ge! o)er i!5
# hear him go "ack !o his chair an4 .ll i! !o !he !a"le5 # hear him sn**le an4 slr. +hen he ea!s
an4 4rinks5 Han4 me !he ma!ches- he sa/s5 $/ Pess- # nee4 a *ag a*!er !ha!5Theres a .!:.!
son4 +hen he .**s on !he cigare!!e an4 a +him.er *rom m/ mo!her5 He sa/s- #m going !o
"e4- an4 +i!h !he 4rink in him i! !akes him a +hile !o clim" !he chair !o !he !a"le- .ll . !he
chair- clim" !o !he lo*!5 The "e4 sKeaks n4er him an4 he grn!s +hen he .lls o** his "oo!s
an4 4ro.s !hem !o !he *loor5
# can hear Mam cr/ing +hen she "lo+s in!o !he glo"e o* !he .ara**in oil lam. an4 e)er/!hing
goes 4ark5A*!er +ha! ha..ene4 shell srel/ &1B
+an! !o ge! in!o her o+n "e4 an4 #m rea4/ !o go !o !he small one agains! !he +all5 #ns!ea4-
!heres !he son4 o* her clim"ing !he chair- !he !a"le- !he chair- cr/ing . in!o !he lo*! an4
!elling Laman Gri**in- Hes onl/ a "o/- !ormen!e4 +i!h his e/es- an4 +hen Laman sa/s- Hes a
li!!le shi! an4 # +an! him o! o* !he hose- she cries an4 "egs !ill !heres +his.ering an4
grn!ing an4 moaning an4 no!hing5 #n a+hile !he/re snoring in !he lo*! an4 m/ "ro!hers are
aslee. aron4 me5 # can! s!a/ in !his hose *or i* Laman Gri**in comes a! me again #ll !ake a
kni*e !o his neck5 # 4on! kno+ +ha! !o 4o or +here !o go5
# lea)e !he hose an4 *ollo+ !he s!ree!s *rom !he Sars*iel4 $arracks !o !he Monmen! Ca*V5 #
4ream o* ho+ #ll ge! "ack a! Laman some 4a/5 #ll go !o America an4 see Poe Lois5 #ll !ell him
m/ !ro"les an4 hell n4ers!an4 "ecase he comes *rom a .oor *amil/5 Hell sho+ me ho+ !o
"il4 . m/ mscles- ho+ !o hol4 m/ han4s an4 se m/ *ee!5 Hell sho+ me ho+ !o 4ig m/ chin
in!o m/ shol4er !he +a/ he 4oes an4 ho+ !o le! go +i!h a righ! ..erc! !ha! +ill sen4 Laman
*l/ing5 #ll 4rag Laman !o !he gra)e/ar4 a! Mngre! +here his *amil/ an4 Mams *amil/ are
"rie4 an4 #ll co)er him +i!h ear!h all !he +a/ !o his chin so !ha! he +on! "e a"le !o mo)e an4
hell "eg *or his li*e an4 #ll sa/- En4 o* !he roa4- Laman- /ore going !o mee! /or Maker- an4
hell "eg an4 "eg +hile # !rickle 4ir! on his *ace !ill i!s co)ere4 com.le!el/ an4 hes gas.ing an4
asking Go4 *or *orgi)eness *or no! gi)ing me !he "ike an4 .nching me all o)er !he hose an4
4oing !he e9ci!emen! +i!h m/ mo!her an4 #ll "e laghing a+a/ "ecase hes no! in a s!a!e o*
grace a*!er !he e9ci!emen! an4 hes going !o hell as sre as Go4 ma4e li!!le a..les as he se4 !o
sa/ himsel*5
The s!ree!s are 4ark an4 # ha)e !o kee. an e/e o! in case # migh! "e lck/ like Malach/ long ago
an4 *in4 *ish an4 chi.s 4ro..e4 "/ 4rnken sol4iers5Theres no!hing on !he gron45 #* # *in4 m/
ncle- A" Sheehan- he migh! gi)e me some o* his Fri4a/ nigh! *ish an4 chi.s- "! !he/ !ell me in
!he ca*V he came an4 +en! alrea4/5 #m !hir!een no+ so # 4on! call him Uncle <a! an/more5 #
call him A" or The A""o! like e)er/"o4/ else5 Srel/ i* # go !o Gran4mas hose hell gi)e me a
.iece o* "rea4 or some!hing an4 ma/"e hell le! me s!a/ !he nigh!5 # can !ell him #ll "e +orking
in a *e+ +eeks 4eli)ering !elegrams an4 ge!!ing "ig !i.s a! !he .os! o**ice an4 rea4/ !o .a/ m/
o+n +a/5 Hes si!!ing . in "e4 *inishing his *ish an4 chi.s- 4ro..ing !o !he &1C
*loor !he Limerick Lea4er !he/ +ere +ra..e4 in- +i.ing his mo!h an4 han4s +i!h !he "lanke!5
He looks a! me-Tha! *ace is all s+ole5 7i4 /o *all on !ha! *aceN
# !ell him # 4i4 "ecase !heres no se !elling him an/!hing else5 He +ol4n! n4ers!an45 He
sa/s-,o can s!a/ in me mo!hers "e4 !onigh!5 ,o can! +alk !he s!ree!s +i!h !ha! *ace an4
!hem !+o re4 e/es in /or hea45
He sa/s !heres no *oo4 in !he hose- no! a scra. o* "rea4- an4 +hen he *alls aslee. # !ake !he
greas/ ne+s.a.er *rom !he *loor5 # lick !he *ron! .age- +hich is all a4)er!isemen!s *or *ilms an4
4ances in !he ci!/5 # lick !he hea4lines5 # lick !he grea! a!!acks o* <a!!on an4 Mon!gomer/ in
France an4 German/5 # lick !he +ar in !he <aci*ic5 # lick !he o"i!aries an4 !he sa4 memorial
.oems- !he s.or!s .ages- !he marke! .rices o* eggs "!!er an4 "acon5 # sck !he .a.er !ill !here
isn! a smi4gen o* grease5 # +on4er +ha! #ll 4o !omorro+5
&13
X#O
#n !he morning The A""o! gi)es me !he mone/ !o go !o Ka!hleen OConnells *or
"rea4-margarine-!ea-milk5He "oils +a!er on !he gas ring an4 !ells me # can ha)e a mg o* !ea
an4- Go ais/ +i!h !he sgar- #m no! a millionaire5,o can ha)e a c! o "rea4 "! 4on! make i!
!oo !hick5 #!s Pl/ an4 school is o)er *ore)er5 #n a *e+ +eeks #ll "e 4eli)ering !elegrams a! !he
.os! o**ice- +orking like a man5 #n !he +eeks #m i4le # can 4o an/!hing # like- ge! . in !he
morning- s!a/ in "e4- !ake long +alks o! !he con!r/ like m/ *a!her- +an4er aron4 Limerick5 #*
# ha4 !he mone/ #4 go o)er !o !he L/ric Cinema- ea! s+ee!s- see Errol Fl/nn conKering
e)er/one in sigh!5 # can rea4 !he English an4 #rish .a.ers The A""o! "rings home or # can se
!he li"rar/ car4s o* Laman Gri**in an4 m/ mo!her !ill #m *on4 o!5 Mam sen4s Michael +i!h a
milk "o!!le o* +arm !ea- a *e+ c!s o* "rea4 smeare4 +i!h 4ri..ing- a no!e !o sa/ Laman Gri**in
isn! angr/ an/more an4 # can come "ack5 Michael sa/s- Are /o coming home- FrankieN
No5
Ah- 4o- Frankie5 Come on5
# li)e here no+5 #m ne)er going "ack5
$! Malach/ is gone !o !he arm/ an4 /ore here an4 # ha)e no "ig "ro!her5All !he "o/s ha)e "ig
"ro!hers an4 # onl/ ha)e Al.hie5 Hes no! e)en *or an4 can! !alk righ!5
&1E
# can! go "ack5 #m ne)er going "ack5,o can come here an/ !ime /o like5
His e/es glin! +i!h !ears an4 !ha! gi)es me sch a .ain in m/ hear! # +an! !o sa/-All righ!- #ll
come +i!h /o5 #m onl/ sa/ing !ha!5 # kno+ #ll ne)er "e a"le !o *ace Laman Gri**in again an4 #
4on! kno+ i* # can look a! m/ mo!her5 # +a!ch Michael go . !he lane +i!h !he sole o* his shoe
"roken an4 clacking along !he .a)emen!5Lhen # s!ar! !ha! Jo" a! !he .os! o**ice #ll "/ him
shoes so # +ill5 #ll gi)e him an egg an4 !ake him !o !he L/ric Cinema *or !he *ilm an4 !he s+ee!s
an4 !hen +ell go !o Nagh!ons an4 ea! *ish an4 chi.s !ill or "ellies are s!icking o! a mile5 #ll
ge! mone/ some 4a/ *or a hose or a *la! +i!h elec!ric ligh! an4 a la)a!or/ an4 "e4s +i!h shee!s
"lanke!s .illo+s like !he res! o* !he +orl45Lell ha)e "reak*as! in a "righ! ki!chen +i!h *lo+ers
4ancing in a gar4en "e/on4- 4elica!e c.s an4 sacers- eggc.s- eggs so*! in !he /olk an4 rea4/
!o mel! !he rich creamer/ "!!er- a !ea.o! +i!h a coI/ on i!- !oas! +i!h "!!er an4 marmala4e
galore5Lell !ake or !ime an4 lis!en !o msic *rom !he $$C or !he American Arme4 Forces
Ne!+ork5 #ll "/ .ro.er clo!hes *or !he +hole *amil/ so or arses +on! "e hanging o! o* or
.an!s an4 +e +on! ha)e !he shame5 The !hogh! o* !he shame "rings a .ain in m/ hear! an4
s!ar!s me sni**ling5The A""o! sa/s- Lha!s . +i!h /oN 7i4n! /o ha)e /or "rea4N 7i4n! /o
ha)e /or !a/N Lha! more 4o /o +an!N Tis an egg /oll "e lookin *or ne9!5 Theres no se
!alking !o someone +ho +as 4ro..e4 on his hea4 an4 sells .a.ers *or a li)ing5
He com.lains he can! "e *ee4ing me *ore)er an4 #ll ha)e !o ge! m/ o+n "rea4 an4 !ea5 He
4oesn! +an! !o come home an4 *in4 me rea4ing in !he ki!chen +i!h !he elec!ric ligh!"l"
"laIing a+a/5 He can rea4 nm"ers so he can an4 +hen he goes o! !o sell .a.ers he rea4s !he
elec!ric me!er so hell kno+ ho+ mch # se4 an4 i* # 4on! s!o. !rning on !ha! ligh! hell !ake
!he *se o! an4 carr/ i! in his .ocke! an4 i* # .! ano!her *se in hell ha)e !he elec!rici!/ .lle4
o! al!oge!her an4 go "ack !o gas- +hich +as goo4 enogh *or his .oor 4ea4 mo!her an4 +ill
srel/ si! him *or all he 4oes is si! . in !he "e4 !o ea! his *ish an4 chi.s an4 con! his mone/
"e*ore he goes !o slee.5 # ge! . earl/ like 7a4 an4 go on long +alks in!o !he con!r/5 # +alk
aron4 !he gra)e/ar4 in !he ol4 a""e/ a! Mngre! +here m/ mo!hers rela!ions are "rie4 an4
# go . !he "oreen !o !he Norman cas!le a! Carrigognnell +here 7a4 "rogh! me !+ice5 # clim"
!o !he !o. an4 #relan4 is s.rea4 o! "e*ore me- !he Shannon shining i!s +a/ !o !he &1D
A!lan!ic5 7a4 !ol4 me !his cas!le +as "il! hn4re4s o* /ears ago an4 i* /o +ai! *or !he larks !o
s!o. !heir singing o)er !here /o can hear !he Normans "elo+ hammering an4 !alking an4
ge!!ing rea4/ *or "a!!le5 Once he "rogh! me here in !he 4ark so !ha! +e col4 hear Norman
an4 #rish )oices 4o+n !hrogh !he cen!ries an4 # hear4 !hem5 # 4i45 Some!imes #m . !here
alone on !he heigh!s o* Carrigognnell an4 !here are )oices o* Norman girls *rom ol4en !imes
laghing an4 singing in French an4 +hen # see !hem in m/ min4 #m !em.!e4 an4 # clim" !o !he
)er/ !o. o* !he cas!le +here once !here +as a !o+er an4 !here in *ll )ie+ o* #relan4 # in!er*ere
+i!h m/sel* an4 s.r! all o)er Carrigognnell an4 *iel4s "e/on45
Tha!s a sin # col4 ne)er !ell a .ries!5 Clim"ing !o grea! heigh!s an4 going a! /orsel* "e*ore all
o* #relan4 is srel/ +orse !han 4oing i! in a .ri)a!e .lace +i!h /orsel* or +i!h ano!her or +i!h
some class o* a "eas!5 Some+here 4o+n !here in !he *iel4s or along !he "anks o* !he Shannon a
"o/ or a milkmai4 migh! ha)e looke4 . an4 seen me in m/ sin an4 i* !he/ 4i4 #m 4oome4
"ecase !he .ries!s are al+a/s sa/ing !ha! an/one +ho e9.oses a chil4 !o sin +ill ha)e a
mills!one !ie4 aron4 his neck an4 "e cas! in!o !he sea5
S!ill- !he !hogh! o* someone +a!ching me "rings on !he e9ci!emen! again5 # +ol4n! +an! a
small "o/ !o "e +a!ching me5 No- no- !ha! +ol4 srel/ lea4 !o !he mills!one- "! i* !here +as a
milkmai4 ga+king . she4 srel/ ge! e9ci!e4 an4 go a! hersel* !hogh # 4on! kno+ i* girls can
go a! !hemsel)es +hen !he/ 4on! ha)e an/!hing !o go a!5 No eKi.men!- as Mike/ Mollo/ se4
!o sa/5 # +ish !ha! ol4 4ea* 7ominican .ries! +ol4 come "ack so !ha! # col4 !ell him m/
!ro"les +i!h !he e9ci!emen! "! hes 4ea4 no+ an4 #ll ha)e !o *ace a .ries! +holl go on a"o!
!he mills!one an4 !he 4oom5 7oom5Tha!s !he *a)ori!e +or4 o* e)er/ .ries! in Limerick5 # +alk
"ack along OConnell A)ene an4 $allinacrra +here .eo.le ha)e !heir "rea4 an4 milk
4eli)ere4 earl/ !o !heir 4oors!e.s an4 srel/ !heres no harm i* # "orro+ a loa* or a "o!!le +i!h
e)er/ in!en!ion o* gi)ing i! "ack +hen # ge! m/ Jo" a! !he .os! o**ice5 #m no! s!ealing- #m
"orro+ing- an4 !ha!s no! a mor!al sin5 $esi4es- # s!oo4 on !o. o* a cas!le !his morning an4
commi!!e4 a sin *ar +orse !han s!ealing "rea4 an4 milk an4 i* /o commi! one sin /o migh! as
+ell commi! a *e+ more "ecase /o ge! !he same sen!ence in hell5 One sin- e!erni!/5 A 4oIen
sins- e!erni!/5
Migh! as +ell "e hng *or a shee. as a lam"- as m/ mo!her +ol4 &11
sa/5 # 4rink !he o44 .in! o* milk an4 lea)e !he "o!!le so !ha! !he milkman +on! "e "lame4 *or
no! 4eli)ering5 # like milkmen "ecase one o* !hem ga)e me !+o "roken eggs +hich # s+allo+e4
ra+ +i!h "i!s o* shells an4 all5 He sai4 #4 gro+ . .o+er*l i* # ha4 no!hing else "! !+o eggs in
a .in! o* .or!er e)er/ 4a/5 E)er/!hing /o nee4 is in !he egg an4 e)er/!hing /o +an! is in !he
.in!5
Some hoses ge! "e!!er "rea4 !han o!hers5 #! cos!s more an4 !ha!s +ha! # !ake5 # *eel sorr/ *or
!he rich .eo.le +ho +ill ge! . in !he morning an4 go !o !he 4oor an4 *in4 !heir "rea4 missing
"! # can! le! m/sel* s!ar)e !o 4ea!h5 #* # s!ar)e #ll ne)er ha)e !he s!reng!h *or m/ !elegram "o/
Jo" a! !he .os! o**ice- +hich means #ll ha)e no mone/ !o .! "ack all !ha! "rea4 an4 milk an4
no +a/ o* sa)ing !o go !o America an4 i* # can! go !o America # migh! as +ell Jm. in!o !he Ri)er
Shannon5 #!s onl/ a *e+ +eeks !ill # ge! m/ *irs! +ages in !he .os! o**ice an4 srel/ !hese rich
.eo.le +on! colla.se +i!h !he hnger !ill !hen5The/ can al+a/s sen4 !he mai4 o! *or
more5Tha!s !he 4i**erence "e!+een !he .oor an4 !he rich5 The .oor can! sen4 o! *or more
"ecase !heres no mone/ !o sen4 o! *or more an4 i* !here +as !he/ +ol4n! ha)e a mai4 !o
sen45 #!s !he mai4s # ha)e !o +orr/ a"o!5 # ha)e !o "e care*l +hen # "orro+ !he milk an4 !he
"rea4 an4 !he/re a! !he *ron! 4oors .olishing kno"s- knockers an4 le!!er "o9es5 #* !he/ see me
!he/ll "e rnning !o !he +oman o* !he hose- Oh- ma4am- ma4am- !heres an rchin "e/an!
!ha!s makin o** +i!h all !he milk an4 "rea45
$e/an!5 Mai4s !alk like !ha! "ecase !he/re all *rom !he con!r/- Mllingar hei*ers- sa/s <a44/
Clohess/s ncle- "ee* !o !he heels- an4 !he/ +ol4n! gi)e /o !he s!eam o* !heir .iss5
# "ring home !he "rea4 an4 e)en i* The A""o! is sr.rise4 he 4oesn! sa/-Lhere 4i4 /o ge! i!N
"ecase he +as 4ro..e4 on his hea4 an4 !ha! knocks !he criosi!/ o! o* /o5 He Js! looks a!
me +i!h his "ig e/es !ha! are "le in !he mi44le an4 /ello+ all aron4 an4 slr.s his !ea *rom
!he grea! cracke4 mg his mo!her le*! "ehin45 He !ells me-Tha!s me mg an4 4on! "e 4rinkin
/or !a/ osh o* ish5
Osh o* ish5Tha!s !he Limerick slm !alk !ha! al+a/s +orrie4 7a45 He sai4- # 4on! +an! m/ sons
gro+ing . in a Limerick lane sa/ing- Osh o* ish5 #!s common an4 lo+:class5 Sa/ o! o* i!
.ro.erl/5 An4 Mam sai4- # ho.e i! kee.s *ine *or /o "! /ore no! 4oing mch !o ge! s osh
o* ish5
5
5
5
'((
O! "e/on4 $allinacrra # clim" orchar4 +alls *or a..les5 #* !heres a 4og # mo)e on "ecase #
4on! ha)e <a44/ Clohess/s +a/ o* !alking !o !hem5 Farmers come a! me "! !he/re al+a/s
slo+ in !heir r""er "oo!s an4 e)en i* !he/ Jm. on a "ic/cle !o chase me # Jm. o)er +alls
+here !he/ can! !ake a "ike5
The A""o! kno+s +here # go! !he a..les5 #* /o gro+ . in !he lanes o* Limerick /ore "on4
!o ro" !he o44 orchar4 sooner or la!er5 E)en i* /o ha!e a..les /o ha)e !o ro" orchar4s or
/or .als +ill sa/ /ore a siss/5
# al+a/s o**er The A""o! an a..le "! he +on! ea! i! "ecase o* !he scarci!/ o* !ee!h in his
hea45 He has *i)e le*! an4 he +on! risk lea)ing !hem in an a..le5 #* # c! !he a..le in!o slices he
s!ill +on! ea! i! "ecase !ha!s no! !he .ro.er +a/ !o ea! an a..le5Tha!s +ha! he sa/s an4 i* #
sa/- ,o slice "rea4 "e*ore /o ea! i!- 4on! /oN he sa/s- A..les is a..les an4 "rea4 is "rea45
Tha!s ho+ /o !alk +hen /ore 4ro..e4 on /or hea45 Michael comes again +i!h +arm !ea in
a milk "o!!le an4 !+o c!s o* *rie4 "rea45 # !ell him # 4on! nee4 i! an/more5Tell Mam #m !aking
care o* m/sel* an4 # 4on! nee4 her !ea an4 *rie4 "rea4- !hank /o )er/ mch5 Michael is
4eligh!e4 +hen # gi)e him an a..le an4 # !ell him come e)er/ secon4 4a/ an4 he can ha)e
more5Tha! s!o.s him *rom asking me !o go "ack !o Laman Gri**ins an4 #m gla4 i! s!o.s his
!ears5 Theres a marke! 4o+n in #rish!o+n +here !he *armers come on Sa!r4a/s +i!h !heir
)ege!a"les- hens- eggs- "!!er5 #* #m !here earl/ !he/ll gi)e me a *e+ .ennies *or hel.ing
nloa4 !heir car!s or mo!or cars5A! !he en4 o* !he 4a/ !he/ll gi)e me )ege!a"les !he/ can! sell-
an/!hing crshe4- "rise4 or ro!!en in .ar!s5 One *armers +i*e al+a/s gi)es me cracke4 eggs
an4 !ells me- Fr/ !hem eggs !omorro+ +hen /o come "ack *rom Mass in a s!a!e o* grace *or i*
/o a!e !hem eggs +i!h a sin on /or so+l !he/ll s!ick in /or glle!- so !he/ +ill5 Shes a
*armers +i*e an4 !ha!s ho+ !he/ !alk5
#m no! mch "e!!er !han a "eggar no+ m/sel* !he +a/ # s!an4 a! !he 4oors o* *ish an4 chi.
sho.s +hen !he/re closing in ho.es !he/ migh! ha)e "rn! chi.s le*! o)er or "i!s o* *ish *loa!ing
aron4 in !he grease5 #* !he/re in a hrr/ !he sho. o+ners +ill gi)e me !he chi.s an4 a shee! o*
.a.er *or +ra..ing5
The .a.er # like is !he Ne+s o* !he Lorl45 #!s "anne4 in #relan4 "! .eo.le sneak i! in *rom
Englan4 *or !he shocking .ic!res o* girls in s+imming si!s !ha! are almos! no! !here5Then
!here are s!ories o* .eo'(%
.le commi!!ing all kin4s o* sins /o +ol4n! *in4 in Limerick- ge!!ing 4i)orces- commi!!ing
a4l!er/5
A4l!er/5 # s!ill ha)e !o *in4 o! +ha! !ha! +or4 means- look i! . in !he li"rar/5 #m sre i!s
+orse !han +ha! !he mas!ers !agh! s- "a4 !hogh!s- "a4 +or4s- "a4 4ee4s5
# !ake m/ chi.s home an4 ge! in!o "e4 like The A""o!5 #* he has a *e+ .in!s !aken he si!s .
ea!ing his chi.s *rom !he Limerick Lea4er an4 singing SThe Roa4 !o Rasheen5T # ea! m/ chi.s5 #
lick !he Ne+s o* !heLorl45 # lick !he s!ories a"o! .eo.le 4oing shocking !hings5 # lick !he girls
in !heir "a!hing si!s an4 +hen !heres no!hing le*! !o lick # look a! !he girls !ill The A""o! "lo+s
o! !he ligh! an4 #m commi!!ing a mor!al sin n4er !he "lanke!5 # can go !o !he li"rar/ an/ !ime
+i!h Mams car4 or Laman Gri**ins5 #ll ne)er "e cagh! "ecase Laman is !oo laI/ !o ge! o! o*
"e4 on a Sa!r4a/ an4 Mam +ill ne)er go near a li"rar/ +i!h !he shame o* her clo!hes5
Miss ORior4an smiles5The Li)es o* !he Sain!s are +ai!ing *or /o- Frank5Oolmes an4 )olmes5
$!ler- OHanlon- $aring:Gol45 #)e !ol4 !he hea4 li"rarian all a"o! /o an4 shes so .lease4
shes rea4/ !o gi)e /o /or o+n gro+n:. car45 #sn! !ha! +on4er*lN
Thanks- Miss ORior4an5
#m rea4ing all a"o! S!5 $rigi4- )irgin- Fe"rar/ *irs!5 She +as so "ea!i*l !ha! men *rom all
o)er #relan4 .an!e4 !o marr/ her an4 her *a!her +an!e4 her !o marr/ someone im.or!an!5 She
4i4n! +an! !o marr/ an/one so she .ra/e4 !o Go4 *or hel. an4 He case4 her e/e !o mel! in
her hea4 so !ha! i! 4ri""le4 4o+n her cheek an4 le*! sch a grea! +el! !he men o* #relan4 los!
in!eres!5
Then !heres S!5 Lilge*or!is- )irgin mar!/r- Pl/ !+en!ie!h5 Her mo!her ha4 nine chil4ren- all a!
!he same !ime- *or se!s o* !+ins an4 Lilge*or!is !he o44 one- all +in4ing . mar!/rs *or !he
*ai!h5Lilge*or!is +as "ea!i*l an4 her *a!her +an!e4 !o marr/ her o** !o !he King o*
Sicil/5Lilge*or!is +as 4es.era!e an4 Go4 hel.e4 her "/ allo+ing a "ear4 an4 a ms!ache !o
gro+ on her *ace- +hich ma4e !he King o* Sicil/ !hink !+ice "! sen! her *a!her in!o sch a rage
he ha4 her crci*ie4 "ear4 an4 all5
S!5 Lilge*or!is is !he one /o .ra/ !o i* /ore an English+oman +i!h a !ro"lesome hs"an45
'(&
The .ries!s ne)er !ell s a"o! )irgin mar!/rs like S!5 Aga!ha- Fe"rar/ *i*!h5 Fe"rar/ is a
.o+er*l mon!h *or )irgin mar!/rs5 Sicilian .agans or4ere4 Aga!ha !o gi)e . her *ai!h in Pess
an4 like all !he )irgin mar!/rs she sai4- Na/5The/ !or!re4 her- s!re!che4 her on !he rack- !ore
her si4es +i!h iron hooks- "rne4 her +i!h "laIing !orches- an4 she sai4- Na/- # +ill no! 4en/
Or Lor45 The/ crshe4 her "reas!s an4 c! !hem o** "! +hen !he/ rolle4 her o)er ho! coals i!
+as more !han she col4 "ear so she e9.ire4- gi)ing .raise5
Oirgin mar!/rs al+a/s 4ie4 singing h/mns an4 gi)ing .raise no! min4ing one "i! i* lions !ore "ig
chnks *rom !heir si4es an4 go""le4 !hem on !he s.o!5
Ho+ is i! !he .ries!s ne)er !ol4 s a"o! S!5 Ursla an4 her ele)en !hosan4 mai4en mar!/rs-
Oc!o"er !+en!/:*irs!N Her *a!her +an!e4 her !o marr/ a .agan king "! she sai4- #ll go a+a/ *or
a+hile- !hree /ears- an4 !hink a"o! i!5 So o** she goes +i!h her !hosan4 no"le la4iesin:+ai!ing
an4 !heir com.anions- !en !hosan45The/ saile4 aron4 *or a+hile an4 !rai.se4 !hrogh
)arios con!ries !ill !he/ s!o..e4 in Cologne +here !he chie* o* !he Hns aske4 Ursla !o
marr/ him5 Na/- she sai4- an4 !he Hns kille4 her an4 !he mai4ens +i!h her5 Lh/ col4n! she
sa/ /es an4 sa)e !he li)es o* ele)en !hosan4 )irginsN Lh/ 4i4 )irgin mar!/rs ha)e !o "e so
s!""ornN
# like S!5 Moling- an #rish "isho.5 He 4i4n! li)e in a .alace like !he "isho. o* Limerick5 He li)e4 in
a !ree an4 +hen o!her sain!s )isi!e4 him *or 4inner !he/ +ol4 si! aron4 on "ranches like "ir4s
ha)ing a gran4 !ime +i!h !heir +a!er an4 4r/ "rea45 He +as +alking along one 4a/ an4 a le.er
sai4- Ho/- S!5 Moling- +here are /o goingN #m going !o Mass- sa/s S!5 Moling5Lell- #4 like !o
go !o Mass !oo- so +h/ 4on! /o hois! me . on /or "ack an4 carr/ meN S!5 Moling 4i4 "! he
no sooner ha4 !he le.er . on his "ack !han !he le.er s!ar!e4 !o com.lain5,or hair shir!- he
sai4- is har4 on m/ sores- !ake i! o**5 S!5 Moling !ook o** !he shir! an4 o** !he/ +en! again5Then
!he le.er sa/s- # nee4 !o "lo+ m/ nose5 S!5 Moling sa/s- # 4on! ha)e an/ class o* a han4kerchie*-
se /or han45 The le.er sa/s- # can! hol4 on !o /o an4 "lo+ m/ nose a! !he same !ime5 All
righ!- sa/s S!5 Moling- /o can "lo+ in!o m/ han45Tha! +on! 4o- sa/s !he le.er- # "arel/ ha)e a
han4 le*! +i!h !he le.ros/ an4 # can! hol4 on an4 "lo+ in!o /or han45 #* /o +ere a .ro.er
sain! /o4 !+is! aron4 here an4 sck !he s!** o! o* m/ hea45 S!5 Moling 4i4n! +an! !o sck
!he le.ers sno! "! he 4i4 an4 o**ere4 i! . an4 .raise4 Go4 *or !he .ri)ilege5
'('
# col4 n4ers!an4 m/ *a!her scking !he "a4 s!** o! o* Michaels hea4 +hen he +as a "a"/
an4 4es.era!e "! # 4on! n4ers!an4 +h/ Go4 +an!e4 S!5 Moling !o go aron4 scking !he
sno! o! o* le.ers
hea4s5 # 4on! n4ers!an4 Go4 a! all an4 e)en i* #4 like !o "e a sain! an4 ha)e e)er/one a4ore
me #4 ne)er sck !he sno! o* a le.er5 #4 like !o "e a sain! "! i* !ha!s +ha! /o ha)e !o 4o #
!hink #ll s!a/ !he +a/ # am5 S!ill- #m rea4/ !o s.en4 m/ li*e in !his li"rar/ rea4ing a"o! )irgins
an4 )irgin mar!/rs !ill # ge! in!o !ro"le +i!h Miss ORior4an o)er a "ook someone le*! on !he
!a"le5The a!hor is Lin ,Y!ang5An/one can !ell !his is a Chinese name an4 #m crios !o kno+
+ha! !he Chinese !alk a"o!5 #!s a "ook o* essa/s a"o! lo)e an4 !he "o4/ an4 one o* his +or4s
sen4s me !o !he 4ic!ionar/5 Trgi45 He sa/s- The male organ o* co.la!ion "ecomes !rgi4 an4
is inser!e4 in!o !he rece.!i)e *emale ori*ice5
Trgi45 The 4ic!ionar/ sa/s s+ollen an4 !ha!s +ha! # am- s!an4ing !here looking a! !he
4ic!ionar/ "ecase # kno+ no+ +ha! Mike/ Mollo/ +as !alking a"o! all along- !ha! +ere no
4i**eren! *rom !he 4ogs !ha! ge! s!ck in each o!her in !he s!ree!s an4 i!s shocking !o !hink o*
all !he mo!hers an4 *a!hers 4oing !he likes o* !his5
M/ *a!her lie4 !o me *or /ears a"o! !he Angel on !he Se)en!h S!e.5 Miss ORior4an +an!s !o
kno+ +ha! +or4 #m looking *or5 She al+a/s looks +orrie4 +hen #m a! !he 4ic!ionar/ so # !ell
her #m looking *or canoniIe or "ea!i*ic or an/ class o* a religios +or45 An4 +ha!s !hisN she
sa/s5This is no! !he Li)es o* !he Sain!s5 She .icks . Lin ,Y!ang an4 s!ar!s rea4ing !he .age
+here # le*! !he "ook *ace 4o+n on !he !a"le5
Mo!her o Go45 #s !his +ha! /o +ere rea4ingN # sa+ !his in /or han45
Lell- #?#?onl/ +an!e4 !o see i* !he Chinese- i* !he Chinese- ah- ha4 an/ sain!s5
Oh- in4ee4- /o 4i45This is 4isgrace*l5 Fil!h5 No +on4er !he Chinese are !he +a/ !he/ are5 $!
+ha! col4 /o e9.ec! o* slan!/ e/es an4 /ello+ skin an4 /o- no+ !ha! # look a! /o- ha)e a "i!
o* !he slan!/ e/e /orsel*5,o are !o lea)e !his li"rar/ a! once5
$! #m rea4ing !he Li)es o* !he Sain!s5
O! or #ll call !he hea4 li"rarian an4 shell ha)e !he gar4s on /o5 O!5,o shol4 "e rnning
!o !he .ries! an4 con*essing /or sins5 O!- an4 "e*ore /o go han4 me !he li"rar/ car4s o* /or
.oor mo!her an4 Mr5 Gri**in5 # ha)e a goo4 min4 !o +ri!e !o /or .oor mo!her an4 # '(B
+ol4 i* # !hogh! i! +ol4n! 4es!ro/ her en!irel/5 Lin ,Y!ang- in4ee45 O!5
Theres no se !r/ing !o !alk !o li"rarians +hen !he/re in !ha! s!a!e5 ,o col4 s!an4 !here *or
an hor !elling !hem all /o)e rea4 a"o! $rigi4 an4 Lilge*or!is an4 Aga!ha an4 Ursla an4 !he
mai4en mar!/rs "! all !he/ !hink a"o! is one +or4 on one .age o* Lin ,Y!ang5 The <eo.les
<ark is "ehin4 !he li"rar/5 #!s a snn/ 4a/- !he grass is 4r/- an4 #m +orn o! "egging *or chi.s
an4 .!!ing . +i!h li"rarians +ho ge! in!o a s!a!e o)er !rgi4 an4 #m looking a! !he clo4s
4ri*!ing a"o)e !he monmen! an4 4ri*!ing o** m/sel* all !rgi4 !ill #m ha)ing a 4ream a"o!
)irgin mar!/rs in "a!hing si!s in !he Ne+s o* !he Lorl4 .el!ing Chinese +ri!ers +i!h shee.s
"la44ers an4 # +ake . in a s!a!e o* e9ci!emen! +i!h some!hing ho! an4 s!ick/ .m.ing o! o*
me oh Go4 m/ male organ o* co.la!ion s!icking o! a mile .eo.le in !he .ark gi)ing me crios
looks an4 mo!hers !elling !heir chil4ren come o)er here lo)e come a+a/ *rom !ha! *ella
someone shol4 call !he gar4s on him5 The 4a/ "e*ore m/ *or!een!h "ir!h4a/ # see m/sel* in
!he glass in Gran4mas si4e"oar45The +a/ # look ho+ can # e)er s!ar! m/ Jo" a! !he .os! o**ice5
E)er/!hing is !orn- shir!- ganse/- shor! .an!s- s!ockings- an4 m/ shoes are rea4/ !o *all o** m/
*ee! en!irel/5 Relics o* ol 4ecenc/- m/ mo!her +ol4 call !hem5 #* m/ clo!hes are "a4 #m
+orse5 No ma!!er ho+ # 4rench m/ hair n4er !he !a. i! s!icks o! in all 4irec!ions5The "es! cre
*or s!an4ing . hair is s.i!- onl/ i!s har4 !o s.i! on /or o+n hea45,o ha)e !o le! go +i!h a
goo4 one . in !he air an4 4ck !o ca!ch i! on /or .oll5 M/ e/es are re4 an4 ooIing /ello+-
!here are ma!ching re4 an4 /ello+ .im.les all o)er m/ *ace an4 m/ *ron! !ee!h are so "lack
+i!h ro! #ll ne)er "e a"le !o smile in m/ li*e5
# ha)e no shol4ers an4 # kno+ !he +hole +orl4 a4mires shol4ers5 Lhen a man 4ies in
Limerick !he +omen al+a/s sa/- Gran4 man he +as- shol4ers !ha! "ig an4 +i4e he +ol4n!
come in !he 4oor *or /o- ha4 !o come in si4e+a/s5 Lhen # 4ie !he/ll sa/- <oor li!!le 4i)il- 4ie4
+i!ho! a sign o* a shol4er5 # +ish # ha4 some sign o* a shol4er so !ha! .eo.le +ol4 kno+ #
+as a! leas! *or!een /ears o* age5 All !he "o/s in Leam/s ha4 shol4ers e9ce.! *or Fin!an
Sla!!er/ an4 # 4on! +an! !o "e like him +i!h no shol4ers an4 knees +orn a+a/ *rom .ra/er5 #* #
ha4 an/ mone/ le*! #4 ligh! a can4le !o S!5 Francis an4 ask him i* !heres an/ chance Go4 col4
"e .ersa4e4 !o .er*orm a miracle on m/ shol4ers5 '(C
Or i* # ha4 a s!am. # col4 +ri!e !o Poe Lois an4 sa/- 7ear Poe- #s !here an/ chance /o col4
!ell me +here /o go! /or .o+er*l shol4ers e)en !hogh /o +ere .oorN
# ha)e !o look 4ecen! *or m/ Jo" so # !ake o** all m/ clo!hes an4 s!an4 nake4 in !he "ack/ar4
+ashing !hem n4er !he !a. +i!h a "ar o* car"olic soa.5 # hang !hem on Gran4mas clo!hesline-
shir!- ganse/- .an!s- s!ockings- an4 .ra/ !o Go4 i! +on! rain- .ra/ !he/ll "e 4r/ *or !omorro+-
+hich is !he s!ar! o* m/ li*e5 # can! go an/+here in m/ .el! so # s!a/ in "e4 all 4a/ rea4ing ol4
ne+s.a.ers- ge!!ing e9ci!e4 +i!h !he girls in !he Ne+s o* !he Lorl4 an4 !hanking Go4 *or !he
4r/ing sn5 The A""o! comes home a! *i)e an4 makes !ea 4o+ns!airs an4 e)en !hogh #m
hngr/ # kno+ hell grm"le i* # ask him *or an/!hing5 He kno+s !he one !hing !ha! +orries me is
he migh! go !o An! Aggie an4 com.lain #m s!a/ing in Gran4mas hose an4 slee.ing in her "e4
an4 i* An! Aggie hears !ha! shell come o)er an4 !hro+ me in!o !he s!ree!5
He hi4es !he "rea4 +hen hes *inishe4 an4 # can ne)er *in4 i!5,o +ol4 !hink !ha! one +ho +as
ne)er 4ro..e4 on his hea4 +ol4 "e a"le !o *in4 !he hi44en "rea4 o* one +ho +as 4ro..e4 on
his hea45 Then # realiIe i* !he "rea4 is no! in !he hose he ms! !ake i! +i!h him in !he .ocke! o*
!he o)ercoa! he +ears +in!er an4 smmer5The min!e # hear him clm.ing *rom !he ki!chen !o
!he "ack/ar4 la)a!or/ # rn 4o+ns!airs- .ll !he loa* *rom !he .ocke!- c! o** a !hick slice- "ack
in!o !he .ocke!- . !he s!airs an4 in!o "e45 He can ne)er sa/ a +or4- ne)er accse me5,o4
ha)e !o "e a !hie* o* !he +ors! class !o s!eal one slice o* "rea4 an4 no one +ol4 e)er "elie)e
him- no! e)en An! Aggie5 $esi4es- she4 "ark a! him an4 sa/- Lha! are /o 4oing an/+a/ going
aron4 +i!h a loa* o* "rea4 in /or .ocke!N Tha!s no .lace *or a loa* o* "rea45
# che+ !he "rea4 slo+l/5 One mo!h*l e)er/ *i*!een min!es +ill make i! las! an4 i* # +ash i!
4o+n +i!h +a!er !he "rea4 +ill s+ell in m/ "ell/ an4 gi)e me !he *ll *eeling5
# look o! !he "ack +in4o+ !o make sre !he e)ening sn is 4r/ing m/ clo!hes5 O!her "ack/ar4s
ha)e lines +i!h clo!hes !ha! are "righ! an4 color*l an4 4ance in !he +in45 Mine hang *rom !he
line like 4ea4 4ogs5
The sn is "righ! "! i!s col4 an4 4am. in !he hose an4 # +ish # ha4 some!hing !o +ear in !he
"e45 # ha)e no o!her clo!hes an4 i* # !och an/!hing o* The A""o!s hell srel/ rn !o An!
Aggie5 All # can *in4 '(3
in !he +ar4ro"e is Gran4mas ol4 "lack +oolen 4ress5,ore no! s..ose4 !o +ear /or
Gran4mo!hers ol4 4ress +hen shes 4ea4 an4 /ore a "o/ "! +ha! 4oes i! ma!!er i* i! kee.s
/o +arm an4 /ore in "e4 n4er !he "lanke!s +here no one +ill e)er kno+5 The 4ress has !he
smell o* ol4 4ea4 gran4mo!her an4 # +orr/ she migh! rise *rom !he gra)e an4 crse me "e*ore
!he +hole *amil/ an4 all assem"le45 # .ra/ !o S!5 Francis- ask him !o kee. her in !he gra)e +here
she "elongs- .romise him a can4le +hen # s!ar! m/ Jo"- remin4 him !he ro"e he +ore himsel*
+asn! !oo *ar *rom a 4ress an4 no one e)er !ormen!e4 him o)er i! an4 *all aslee. +i!h !he
image o* his *ace in m/ 4ream5 The +ors! !hing in !he +orl4 is !o "e slee.ing in /or 4ea4
gran4mo!hers "e4 +earing her "lack 4ress +hen /or ncle The A""o! *alls on his arse o!si4e
So!hs ." a*!er a nigh! o* 4rinking .in!s an4 .eo.le +ho can! min4 !heir o+n "siness rsh
!o An! Aggies hose !o !ell her so !ha! she ge!s Uncle <a Kea!ing !o hel. her carr/ The A""o!
home an4 .s!airs !o +here /ore slee.ing an4 she "arks a! /o-Lha! are /o 4oin in !his
hose- in !ha! "e4N Ge! . an4 .! on !he ke!!le *or !ea *or /or .oor ncle <a! !ha! *ell 4o+n-
an4 +hen /o 4on! mo)e she .lls !he "lanke!s an4 *alls "ack+ar4 like one seeing a ghos! an4
/elling Mo!her o Go4 +ha! are /o 4oin in me 4ea4 mo!hers 4ressN
Tha!s !he +ors! !hing o* all "ecase i!s har4 !o e9.lain !ha! /ore ge!!ing rea4/ *or !he "ig Jo"
in /or li*e- !ha! /o +ashe4 /or clo!hes- !he/re 4r/ing a"roa4 on !he line- an4 i! +as so col4
/o ha4 !o +ear !he onl/ !hing /o col4 *in4 in !he hose- an4 i!s e)en har4er !o !alk !o An!
Aggie +hen The A""o! is groaning in !he "e4- Me *ee! is like a *ire- .! +a!er on me *ee!- an4
Uncle <a Kea!ing is co)ering his mo!h +i!h his han4 an4 colla.sing agains! !he +all laghing
an4 !elling /o !ha! /o look gorgeos an4 "lack si!s /o an4 +ol4 /o e)er s!raigh!en /or
hem5,o 4on! kno+ +ha! !o 4o +hen An! Aggie !ells /o- Ge! o! o* !ha! "e4 an4 .! !he
ke!!le on 4o+ns!airs *or !ea *or /or .oor ncle5 Shol4 /o !ake o** !he 4ress an4 .! on a
"lanke! or shol4 /o go as /o areN One min!e shes screaming- Lha! are /o 4oin in me
.oor mo!hers 4ressN !he ne9! shes !elling /o .! on !ha! "loo4/ ke!!le5 # !ell her # +ashe4 m/
clo!hes *or !he "ig Jo"5 Lha! "ig Jo"N
Telegram "o/ a! !he .os! o**ice5
She sa/s i* !he .os! o**ice is hiring !he likes o* /o !he/ ms! "e in a 4es.era!e +a/ al!oge!her-
go 4o+n an4 .! on !ha! ke!!le5 The ne9! +orse !hing is !o "e o! in !he "ack/ar4 *illing !he
ke!!le '(E
*rom !he !a. +i!h !he moon "eaming a+a/ an4 Ka!hleen <rcell *rom ne9! 4oor .erche4 . on
!he +all looking *or her ca!5 Go4- Frankie McCor!- +ha! are /o 4oin in /or gran4mo!hers
4ressN an4 /o ha)e !o s!an4 !here in !he 4ress +i!h !he ke!!le in /or han4 an4 e9.lain ho+
/o +ashe4 /or clo!hes +hich are hanging !here on !he line *or all !o see an4 /o +ere so col4
in !he "e4 /o .! on /or gran4mo!hers 4ress an4 /or ncle <a!- The A""o!- *ell 4o+n an4
+as "rogh! home "/ An! Aggie an4 her hs"an4- <a Kea!ing- an4 she 4ro)e /o in!o !he
"ack/ar4 !o *ill !his ke!!le an4 /oll !ake o** !his 4ress as soon as e)er /or clo!hes are 4r/
"ecase /o ne)er ha4 an/ 4esire !o go !hrogh li*e in /or 4ea4 gran4mo!hers 4ress5
No+ Ka!hleen <rcell le!s o! a scream- *alls o** !he +all- *orge!s !he ca!- an4 /o can hear her
giggling in!o her "lin4 mo!her- Mamm/- Mamm/- +ai! !ill # !ell /o a"o! Frankie McCor!
a"roa4 in !he "ack/ar4 in his 4ea4 gran4mo!hers 4ress5,o kno+ !ha! once Ka!hleen <rcell
ge!s a "i! o* scan4al !he +hole lane +ill kno+ i! "e*ore morning an4 /o migh! as +ell s!ick /or
hea4 o! !he +in4o+ an4 make a general annoncemen! a"o! /orsel* an4 !he 4ress
.ro"lem5 $/ !he !ime !he ke!!le "oils The A""o! is aslee. *rom !he 4rink an4 An! Aggie sa/s
she an4 Uncle <a +ill ha)e a 4ro. o* !ea !hemsel)es an4 she 4oesn! min4 i* # ha)e a 4ro.
m/sel*5 Uncle <a sa/s on secon4 !hogh! !he "lack 4ress col4 "e !he cassock o* a 7ominican
.ries! an4 he goes 4o+n on his knees an4 sa/s- $less me- Fa!her- *or # ha)e sinne45An! Aggie
sa/s- Ge! .- /o ol eeJi!- an4 s!o. makin a *eck o* religion5Then she sa/s- An4 /o +ha! are
/o 4oin in !his hoseN
# can! !ell her a"o! Mam an4 Laman Gri**in an4 !he e9ci!emen! in !he lo*!5 # !ell her # +as
!hinking o* s!a/ing here a +hile "ecase o* !he grea! 4is!ance *rom Laman Gri**ins hose !o !he
.os! o**ice an4 as soon as # ge! on m/ *ee! +ell srel/ *in4 a 4ecen! .lace an4 +ell all mo)e on-
m/ mo!her an4 "ro!hers an4 all5
Lell- she sa/s- !ha!s more !han /or *a!her +ol4 4o5 '(D
XO
#!s har4 !o slee. +hen /o kno+ !he ne9! 4a/ /ore *or!een an4 s!ar!ing /or *irs! Jo" as a
man5 The A""o! +akes a! 4a+n moaning5 Lol4 # e)er make him some !a/ an4 i* # 4o # can
ha)e a "ig c! o* "rea4 *rom !he hal* loa* in his .ocke! +hich he +as kee.ing !here o! o* !he
+a/ o* !he o44 ra! an4 i* # look in Gran4mas gramo.hone +here she se4 !o kee. !he recor4s
#ll *in4 a Jar o* Jam5 He can! rea4- he can! +ri!e- "! he kno+s +here !o hi4e !he Jam5 # "ring
The A""o! his !ea an4 "rea4 an4 make some *or m/sel*5 # .! on m/ 4am. clo!hes an4 ge! in!o
!he "e4 ho.ing !ha! i* # s!a/ !here !he clo!hes +ill 4r/ *rom m/ o+n hea! "e*ore # go !o +ork5
Mam al+a/s sa/s i!s !he 4am. clo!hes !ha! gi)e /o !he consm.!ion an4 an earl/ gra)e5The
A""o! is si!!ing . !elling me he has a !erri"le .ain in his hea4 *rom a 4ream +here # +as
+earing his .oor mo!hers "lack 4ress an4 she *l/ing aron4 screaming- Sin- sin- !is a sin5 He
*inishes his !ea an4 *alls in!o a snore slee. an4 # +ai! *or his clock !o sa/ hal*:.as! eigh!- !ime !o
ge! . an4 "e a! !he .os! o**ice a! nine e)en i* !he clo!hes are s!ill 4am. on m/ skin5
On m/ +a/ o! # +on4er +h/ An! Aggie is coming 4o+n !he lane5 She ms! "e coming !o see i*
The A""o! is 4ea4 or nee4ing a 4oc!or5 She sa/s-Lha! !ime 4o /o ha)e !o "e a! !ha! Jo"N
Nine5
All righ!5
'(1
She !rns an4 +alks +i!h me !o !he .os! o**ice on Henr/ S!ree!5 She 4oesn! sa/ a +or4 an4 #
+on4er i* shes going !o !he .os! o**ice !o 4enonce me *or slee.ing in m/ gran4mo!hers "e4
an4 +earing her "lack 4ress5 She sa/s- Go . an4 !ell !hem /or an! is 4o+n here +ai!ing *or
/o an4 /oll "e an hor la!e5 #* !he/ +an! !o arge #ll go . an4 arge5
Lh/ 4o # ha)e !o "e an hor la!eN
7o +ha! /ore "loo4/ +ell !ol45
There are !elegram "o/s si!!ing on a "ench along a +all5There are !+o +omen a! a 4esk- one
*a!- one !hin5The !hin one sa/s-,esN
M/ name is Frank McCor!- miss- an4 #m here !o s!ar! +ork5 Lha! kin4 o* +ork +ol4 !ha! "e
no+N
Telegram "o/- miss5
The !hin one cackles- Oh- Go4- # !hogh! /o +ere here !o clean !he la)a!ories5
No- miss5 M/ mo!her "rogh! a no!e *rom !he .ries!- 7r5 Co+.ar- an4 !heres s..ose4 !o "e a
Jo"5
Oh- !here is- is !hereN An4 4o /o kno+ +ha! 4a/ !his isN
# 4o- miss5 Tis m/ "ir!h4a/5 #m *or!een5
#sn! !ha! gran4- sa/s !he *a! +oman5
To4a/ is Thrs4a/- sa/s !he !hin +oman5,or Jo" s!ar!s on Mon4a/5 Go a+a/ an4 +ash /orsel*
an4 come "ack !hen5
The !elegram "o/s along !he +all are laghing5 # 4on! kno+ +h/ "! # *eel m/ *ace !rning ho!5 #
!ell !he +omen-Thank /o- an4 on !he +a/ o! # hear !he !hin one- Pess a"o)e- Mareen- +ho
4ragge4 in !ha! s.ecimenN an4 !he/ lagh along +i!h !he !elegram "o/s5 An! Aggie sa/s- LellN
an4 # !ell her # 4on! s!ar! !ill Mon4a/5 She sa/s m/ clo!hes are a 4isgrace an4 +ha! 4i4 # +ash
!hem in5 Car"olic soa.5
The/ smell like 4ea4 .igeons an4 /ore making a laghings!ock o* !he +hole *amil/5
She !akes me !o Roches S!ores an4 "/s me a shir!- a ganse/- a .air o* shor! .an!s- !+o .airs o*
s!ockings an4 a .air o* smmer shoes on sale5 She gi)es me !+o shillings !o ha)e !ea an4 a "n
*or m/ "ir!h4a/5 She ge!s on !he "s !o go "ack . OConnell S!ree! !oo *a! an4 laI/ !o +alk5 Fa!
an4 laI/- no son o* her o+n- an4 s!ill she "/s me !he clo!hes *or m/ ne+ Jo"5
# !rn !o+ar4 Ar!hrs Ra/ +i!h !he .ackage o* ne+ clo!hes n4er '%(
m/ arm an4 # ha)e !o s!an4 a! !he e4ge o* !he Ri)er Shannon so !ha! !he +hole +orl4 +on! see
!he !ears o* a man !he 4a/ hes *or!een5 Mon4a/ morning #m . earl/ !o +ash m/ *ace an4
*la!!en m/ hair +i!h +a!er an4 s.i!5The A""o! sees me in m/ ne+ clo!hes5 Pa/ss- he sa/s- is i!
ge!!in marrie4 /o areN an4 goes "ack !o slee.5
Mrs5 OConnell- !he *a! +oman- sa/s-Lell- +ell- aren! +e !he heigh! o* *ashion- an4 !he !hin
one- Miss $arr/- sa/s- 7i4 /o ro" a "ank on !he +eeken4N an4 !heres a grea! lagh *rom !he
!elegram "o/s si!!ing on !he "ench along !he +all5
#m !ol4 !o si! a! !he en4 o* !he "ench an4 +ai! *or m/ !rn !o go o! +i!h !elegrams5 Some
!elegram "o/s in ni*orms are !he .ermanen! ones +ho !ook !he e9am5The/ can s!a/ in !he
.os! o**ice *ore)er i* !he/ like- !ake !he ne9! e9am *or .os!man an4 !hen !he one *or clerk !ha!
le!s !hem +ork insi4e selling s!am.s an4 mone/ or4ers "ehin4 !he con!er 4o+ns!airs5The .os!
o**ice gi)es .ermanen! "o/s "ig +a!er.roo* ca.es *or !he "a4 +ea!her an4 !he/ ge! !+o +eeks
holi4a/ e)er/ /ear5 E)er/one sa/s !hese are goo4 Jo"s- s!ea4/ an4 .ensiona"le an4 res.ec!a"le-
an4 i* /o ge! a Jo" like !his /o ne)er ha)e !o +orr/ again in /or +hole li*e- so /o 4on!5
Tem.orar/ !elegram "o/s are no! allo+e4 !o s!a/ in !he Jo" "e/on4 !he age o* si9!een5 There
are no ni*orms- no holi4a/s- !he .a/ is less- an4 i* /o s!a/ o! sick a 4a/ /o can "e *ire45 No
e9cses5There are no +a!er.roo* ca.es5 $ring /or o+n raincoa! or 4o4ge !he rain4ro.s5 Mrs5
OConnell calls me !o her 4esk !o gi)e me a "lack lea!her "el! an4 .och5 She sa/s !heres a
grea! shor!age o* "ic/cles so #ll ha)e !o +alk m/ *irs! "a!ch o* !elegrams5 #m !o go !o !he
*ar!hes! a44ress *irs!- +ork m/ +a/ "ack- an4 4on! !ake all 4a/5 Shes long enogh in !he .os!
o**ice !o kno+ ho+ long i! !akes !o 4eli)er si9 !elegrams e)en "/ *oo!5 #m no! !o "e s!o..ing in
."s or "ookies or e)en home *or a c. o* !ea an4 i* # 4o #ll "e *on4 o!5 #m no! !o "e
s!o..ing in cha.els !o sa/ a .ra/er5 #* # ha)e !o .ra/ 4o i! on !he hoo* or on !he "ic/cle5 #* i! rains
.a/ no a!!en!ion5 7eli)er !he !elegrams an4 4on! "e a siss/5 One !elegram is a44resse4 !o Mrs5
Clohess/ o* Ar!hrs Ra/ an4 !ha! col4n! "e an/one "! <a44/s mo!her5
'%%
#s !ha! /o- Frankie McCor!N she sa/s5 Go4- # +ol4n! kno+ /o /ore !ha! "ig5 Come in- +ill
/o5
Shes +earing a "righ! *rock +i!h *lo+ers all o)er an4 shin/ ne+ shoes5There are !+o chil4ren
on !he *loor .la/ing +i!h a !o/ !rain5 On !he !a"le !here is a !ea.o!- c.s +i!h sacers- a "o!!le
o* milk- a loa* o* "rea4- "!!er- Jam5There are !+o "e4s o)er "/ !he +in4o+ +here !here +ere
none "e*ore5 The "ig "e4 in !he corner is em.!/ an4 she ms! kno+ +ha! #m +on4ering5 Hes
gone- she sa/s- "! hes no! 4ea45 Gone ! Englan4 +i!h <a44/5 Ha)e a c. o !a/ an a "i! o
"rea45,o nee4 i!- Go4 hel. s5,o look like one le*! o)er *rom !he Famine i!sel*5A!e !ha! "rea4
an Jam an "il4 /orsel* .5 <a44/ al+a/s !alke4 a"o! /o an4 7ennis- m/ .oor hs"an4 !ha!
+as in !he "e4- ne)er go! o)er !he 4a/ /or mo!her came an sang !he song a"o! !he Kerr/
4ancing5 Hes o)er in Englan4 no+ making san4+iches in a can!een an4 sen4ing me a *e+ "o"
e)er/ +eek5 ,o4 +on4er +ha! !he English are !hinking a"o! +hen !he/ !ake a man !ha! has
!he consm.!ion an4 gi)e him a Jo" making san4+iches5 <a44/ has a gran4 Jo" in a ." in
Crickle+oo4- +hich is in Englan45 7ennis +ol4 s!ill "e here i* i! +asn! *or <a44/ clim"in !he
+all *or !he !onge5
TongeN
7ennis ha4 !he cra)ing- so he 4i4- *or a nice shee.s hea4 +i!h a "i! o* ca""age an4 a s.4 so
. +i!h me !o $arr/ !he "!cher +i!h !he las! *e+ shillings # ha45 # "oile4 !ha! hea4 an sick an
all as he +as 7ennis col4n! +ai! *or i! !o "e 4one5 He +as a 4emon !here in !he "e4 callin
*or !he hea4 an +hen # ga)e i! !o him on !he .la!e he +as 4eligh!e4 +i!h himsel* sckin !he
marro+ o!a e)er/ inch o* !ha! hea45Then he *inishes an he sa/s- Mar/- +here is !he !ongeN
Lha! !ongeN sa/s #5
The !onge o* !his shee.5 E)er/ shee. is "orn +i!h a !onge !ha! le!s him go "a "a "a an4
!heres a grea! lack o* !onge in !his hea45 Go . !o $arr/ !he "!cher an4 4eman4 i!5
So . +i!h me !o $arr/ !he "!cher an4 he sai4-Tha! "loo4/ shee. came in here "lea!in an
cr/in so mch +e c! !he !onge *rom her an4 !hrn i! !o !he 4og +ho go""le4 i! . an4 e)er
since "a "as like a shee. an4 i* he 4oesn! Ki! #ll c! his !onge an4 !hro+ i! !o !he ca!5 $ack #
go !o 7ennis an4 he ge!s *ran!ic in !he "e45 # +an! !ha! !onge- he sa/s5All !he norishmen! is in
!he !onge5An4 +ha! 4o /o !hink ha..ens ne9! "! m/ <a44/- !ha! +as /or *rien4- goes . !o
$arr/ '%&
!he "!cher a*!er 4ark- clim"s !he +all- c!s !he !onge o* a shee.s hea4 !ha!s on a hook on
!he +all an4 "rings i! "ack !o his .oor *a!her in !he "e45 O* corse # ha)e !o "oil !ha! !onge
+i!h sal! galore an4 7ennis- Go4 lo)e him- a!es i!- lies "ack in !he "e4 a min!e- !hro+s "ack !he
"lanke! an4 s!an4s o! on his !+o *ee! annoncing !o !he +orl4 !ha! consm.!ion or no
consm.!ion- hes no! going !o 4ie in !ha! "e4- i* hes going !o 4ie a! all i! migh! as +ell "e
n4er a German "om" +i!h him making a *e+ .on4s *or his *amil/ ins!ea4 o* +hining in !he
"e4 !here "e/on45
She sho+s me a le!!er *rom <a44/5 Hes +orking in his ncle An!hon/s ." !+el)e hors a 4a/-
!+en!/:*i)e shillings a +eek an4 e)er/ 4a/ so. an4 a san4+ich5 Hes 4eligh!e4 +hen !he
Germans come o)er +i!h !he "om"s so !ha! he can slee. +hile !he ." is close45 A! nigh! he
slee.s on !he *loor o* !he hall+a/ .s!airs5 He +ill sen4 his mo!her !+o .on4s e)er/ mon!h
an4 hes sa)ing !he res! !o "ring her an4 !he *amil/ !o Englan4 +here !he/ll "e mch "e!!er o**
in one room in Crickle+oo4 !han !en rooms in Ar!hrs Ra/5 Shell "e a"le !o ge! a Jo" no
"o!her5,o4 ha)e !o "e a sa4 case no! !o "e a"le !o ge! a Jo" in a con!r/ !ha!s a! +ar
es.eciall/ +i!h ,anks .oring in an4 s.en4ing mone/ righ! an4 le*!5 <a44/ himsel* is .lanning !o
ge! a Jo" in !he mi44le o* Lon4on +here ,anks lea)e !i.s "ig enogh !o *ee4 an #rish *amil/ o*
si9 *or a +eek5
Mrs5 Clohess/ sa/s- Le ha)e enogh mone/ *or *oo4 an4 shoes a! las!- !hanks "e !o Go4 an4
His $lesse4 Mo!her5,oll ne)er gess +ho <a44/ me! o)er !here in Englan4 *or!een /ears o*
age an +orkin like a man5 $ren4an Kiel/- !he one /e se4 !o call Res!ion5 Lorkin he is an
sa)in so he can go an Join !he Mon!ies an ri4e all o)er Cana4a like Nelson E44/ singin #ll "e
callin /o ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh5 #* i! +asn! *or Hi!ler +e4 all "e 4ea4 an isn! !ha! a
!erri"le !hing !o sa/5 An4 ho+s /or .oor mo!her- FrankieN
Shes gran4- Mrs5 Clohess/5
No- shes no!5 # seen her in !he 7is.ensar/ an4 she looks +orse !han m/ 7ennis 4i4 in !he "e45
,o ha)e !o min4 /or .oor mo!her5,o look 4es.era!e !oo- Frankie- +i!h !hem !+o re4 e/es
s!arin
o!a /or hea45 Heres a li!!le !i. *or /o5 Thr..ence5 $/ /orsel* a s+ee!5MM
# +ill- Mrs5 Clohess/5
7o5
'%'
5
5
5
A! !he en4 o* !he +eek Mrs5 OConnell han4s me !he *irs! +ages o* m/ li*e- a .on4- m/ *irs!
.on45 # rn 4o+n !he s!airs an4 . !o OConnell S!ree!- !he main s!ree!- +here !he ligh!s are
on an4 .eo.le are going home *rom +ork- .eo.le like me +i!h +ages in !heir .ocke!s5 # +an!
!hem !o kno+ #m like !hem- #m a man- # ha)e a .on45 # +alk . one si4e o* OConnell S!ree!
an4 4o+n !he o!her an4 ho.e !he/ll no!ice me5The/ 4on!5 # +an! !o +a)e m/ .on4 no!e a!
!he +orl4 so !he/ll sa/-There he goes- Frankie McCor! !he +orkingman- +i!h a .on4 in his
.ocke!5
#!s Fri4a/ nigh! an4 # can 4o an/!hing # like5 # can ha)e *ish an4 chi.s an4 go !o !he L/ric Cinema5
No- no more L/ric5 # 4on! ha)e !o si! . in !he go4s an/more +i!h .eo.le all aron4 me
cheering on !he #n4ians killing General Cs!er an4 !he A*ricans chasing TarIan all o)er !he
Jngle5 # can go !o !he Sa)o/ Cinema no+- .a/ si9.ence *or a sea! 4o+n *ron! +here !heres a
"e!!er class o* .eo.le ea!ing "o9es o* chocola!es an4 co)ering !heir mo!hs +hen !he/ lagh5
A*!er !he *ilm # can ha)e !ea an4 "ns in !he res!aran! .s!airs5
Michael is across !he s!ree! calling me5 Hes hngr/ an4 +on4ers i* !heres an/ chance he col4
go !o The A""o!s *or a "i! o* "rea4 an4 s!a/ !here *or !he nigh! ins!ea4 o* going all !he +a/ !o
Laman Gri**ins5 # !ell him he 4oesn! ha)e !o +orr/ a"o! a "i! o* "rea45Lell go !o !he
Colisem Ca*V an4 ha)e *ish an4 chi.s- all he +an!s- lemona4e galore- an4 !hen +ell go !o see
,ankee 7oo4le 7an4/ +i!h Pames Cagne/ an4 ea! !+o "ig "ars o* chocola!e5 A*!er !he *ilm +e
ha)e !ea an4 "ns an4 +e sing an4 4ance like Cagne/ all !he +a/ !o The A""o!s5 Michael sa/s
i! ms! "e grea! !o "e in America +here .eo.le ha)e no!hing else !o 4o "! sing an4 4ance5
Hes hal* aslee. "! he sa/s hes going !here some 4a/ !o sing an4 4ance an4 +ol4 # hel. him
go an4 +hen hes aslee. # s!ar! !hinking a"o! America an4 ho+ # ha)e !o sa)e mone/ *or m/
*are ins!ea4 o* sKan4ering i! on *ish an4 chi.s an4 !ea an4 "ns5 #ll ha)e !o sa)e a *e+ shillings
*rom m/ .on4 "ecase i* # 4on! #ll "e in Limerick *ore)er5 #m *or!een no+ an4 i* # sa)e
some!hing e)er/ +eek srel/ # shol4 "e a"le !o go !o America "/ !he !ime #m !+en!/5
There are !elegrams *or o**ices- sho.s- *ac!ories +here !heres no ho.e o* a !i.5 Clerks !ake !he
!elegrams +i!ho! a look a! /o or a !hank /o5 There are !elegrams *or !he res.ec!a"le .eo.le
+i!h mai4s along '%B
!he Ennis Roa4 an4 !he Nor!h Circlar Roa4 +here !heres no ho.e o* a !i.5 Mai4s are like
clerks- !he/ 4on! look a! /o or sa/ !hank /o5 There are !elegrams *or !he hoses o* .ries!s
an4 nns an4 !he/ ha)e mai4s- !oo- e)en i* !he/ sa/ .o)er!/ is no"le5 #* /o +ai!e4 *or !i.s *rom
.ries!s or nns /o4 4ie on !heir 4oors!e.5There are !elegrams *or .eo.le miles o!si4e !he
ci!/- *armers +i!h m44/ /ar4s an4 4ogs +ho +an! !o ea! /or legs5There are !elegrams *or rich
.eo.le in "ig hoses +i!h ga!e lo4ges an4 miles o* lan4 srron4e4 "/ +alls5The ga!ekee.er
+a)es /o in an4 /o ha)e !o c/cle *or miles . long 4ri)es .as! la+ns- *lo+er "e4s- *on!ains
!o reach !he "ig hose5 #* !he +ea!her is *ine .eo.le are .la/ing croKe!- !he <ro!es!an! game-
or s!rolling aron4- !alking an4 laghing- all 4ecke4 o! in *lo+er/ 4resses an4 "laIers +i!h
cres!s an4 gol4en "!!ons an4 /o4 ne)er kno+ !here +as a +ar on5There are $en!le/s an4
Rolls:Ro/ces .arke4 o!si4e !he grea! *ron! 4oor +here a mai4 !ells /o go aron4 !o !he
ser)an!s en!rance 4on! /o kno+ an/ "e!!er5
<eo.le in !he "ig hoses ha)e English accen!s an4 !he/ 4on! !i. !elegram "o/s5
The "es! .eo.le *or !i.s are +i4o+s- <ro!es!an! minis!ers +i)es an4 !he .oor in
general5Li4o+s kno+ +hen !he !elegram mone/ or4er is 4e *rom !he English go)ernmen! an4
!he/ +ai! "/ !he +in4o+5,o ha)e !o "e care*l i* !he/ ask /o in *or a c. o* !ea "ecase one
o* !he !em.orar/ "o/s- Scra+"/ L"/- sai4 an ol4 +i4o+ o* !hir!/:*i)e ha4 him in *or !ea an4
!rie4 !o !ake 4o+n his .an!s an4 he ha4 !o rn o! o* !he hose !hogh he +as reall/ !em.!e4
an4 ha4 !o go !o con*ession !he ne9! Sa!r4a/5 He sai4 i! +as )er/ a+k+ar4 ho..ing . on !he
"ike +i!h his !hing s!icking o! "! i* /o c/cle )er/ *as! an4 !hink o* !he s**erings o* !he Oirgin
Mar/ /oll go so*! in no !ime5 <ro!es!an! minis!ers +i)es +ol4 ne)er carr/ on like Scra+"/
L"/s ol4 +i4o+ nless !he/re +i4o+s !hemsel)es5 Chris!/ Lallace- +ho is a .ermanen!
!elegram "o/ an4 rea4/ !o "e a .os!man an/ 4a/- sa/s <ro!es!an!s 4on! care +ha! !he/ 4o
e)en i* !he/re minis!ers +i)es5 The/re 4oome4 an/+a/- so +ha! 4oes i! ma!!er i* !he/ ha)e a
"i! o* a rom. +i!h a !elegram "o/5 All !he !elegram "o/s like <ro!es!an! minis!ers +i)es5 The/
migh! ha)e mai4s "! !he/ ans+er 4oors !hemsel)es an4 sa/- One momen!- .lease- an4 gi)e
/o si9.ence5 #4 like !o !alk !o !hem an4 ask !hem ho+ i! *eels !o "e 4oome4 "! !he/ migh!
ge! o**en4e4 an4 !ake "ack !he si9.ence5
The #rishmen +orking in Englan4 sen4 !heir !elegram mone/ '%C
or4ers on Fri4a/ nigh!s an4 all 4a/ Sa!r4a/ an4 !ha!s +hen +e ge! !he goo4 !i.s5The min!e
+e 4eli)er one "a!ch +ere o! +i!h ano!her5 The +ors! lanes are in !he #rish!o+n- o** High
S!ree! or Mngre! S!ree!- +orse !han Ro4en Lane or OKee**es Lane or an/ lane # li)e4 in5 There
are lanes +i!h channels rnning 4o+n !he mi44le5 Mo!hers s!an4 a! 4oors an4 /ell gar4/loo
+hen !he/ em.!/ !heir slo. "cke!s5 Chil4ren make .a.er "oa!s or *loa! ma!ch"o9es +i!h li!!le
sails on !he greas/ +a!er5
Lhen /o ri4e in!o a lane !he chil4ren call o!- Heres !he !elegram "o/- heres !he !elegram
"o/5 The/ rn !o /o an4 !he +omen +ai! a! !he 4oor5 #* /o gi)e a small chil4 a !elegram *or
his mo!her hes !he hero o* !he *amil/5 Li!!le girls kno+ !he/re s..ose4 !o +ai! !ill !he "o/s
ge! !heir chance !hogh !he/ can ge! !he !elegram i* !he/ ha)e no "ro!hers5 Lomen a! !he 4oor
+ill call !o /o !ha! !he/ ha)e no mone/ no+ "! i* /ore in !his lane !omorro+ knock on !he
4oor *or /or !i.- Go4 "less /o an all "elongin !o /o5
Mrs5 OConnell an4 Miss $arr/ a! !he .os! o**ice !ell s e)er/ 4a/ or Jo" is !o 4eli)er !elegrams
an4 no!hing else5Le are no! !o "e 4oing !hings *or .eo.le- going !o !he sho. *or groceries or
an/ o!her kin4 o* message5The/ 4on! care i* .eo.le are 4/ing in !he "e45The/ 4on! care i*
.eo.le are legless- lna!ic or cra+ling on !he *loor5Le are !o 4eli)er !he !elegram an4 !ha!s all5
Mrs5 OConnell sa/s- # kno+ e)er/!hing /e 4o- e)er/!hing- *or !he .eo.le o* Limerick ha)e !heir
e/e on /e an4 !here are re.or!s +hich # ha)e here in m/ 4ra+ers5
A *ine .lace !o kee. re.or!s- sa/s To"/ Macke/ n4er his "rea!h5 $! Mrs5 OConnell an4 Miss
$arr/ 4on! kno+ +ha! i!s like in !he lane +hen /o knock on a 4oor an4 someone sa/s come
in an4 /o go in an4 !heres no ligh! an4 !heres a .ile o* rags on a "e4 in a corner !he .ile
sa/ing +ho is i! an4 /o sa/ !elegram an4 !he .ile o* rags !ells /o +ol4 /o e)er go !o !he
sho. *or me #m s!ar)ing +i!h !he hnger an4 #4 gi)e me !+o e/es *or a c. o* !ea an4 +ha! are
/o going !o 4o sa/ #m "s/ an4 ri4e o** on /or "ike an4 lea)e !he .ile o* rags !here +i!h a
!elegram mone/ or4er !ha!s .re seless "ecase !he .ile o* rags is hel.less !o ge! o! o* !he
"e4 !o go !o !he .os! o**ice !o cash !he "loo4/ mone/ or4er5
Lha! are /o s..ose4 !o 4oN
'%3
,ore !ol4 ne)er ne)er go !o !he .os! o**ice !o cash one o* !hose mone/ or4ers *or an/one or
/oll lose /or Jo" *ore)er5 $! +ha! are /o s..ose4 !o 4o +hen an ol4 man !ha! +as in !he
$oer Lar hn4re4s o* /ears ago sa/s his legs are gone an4 he4 "e *ore)er gra!e*l i* /o4 go
!o <a44/ Consi4ine in !he .os! o**ice an4 !ell him !he si!a!ion an4 <a44/ +ill srel/ cash !he
mone/ or4er an4 kee. !+o shillings *or /orsel* gran4 "o/ !ha! /o are5 <a44/ Consi4ine sa/s
no "o!her "! 4on! !ell an/one or #4 "e o! on m/ arse an4 so +ol4 /o- son5The ol4 man
*rom !he $oer Lar sa/s he kno+s /o ha)e !elegrams !o 4eli)er no+ "! +ol4 /o e)er come
"ack !onigh! an4 ma/"e go !o !he sho. *or him *or he 4oesn! ha)e a !hing in !he hose an4
hes *reeIing on !o. o* i!5 He si!s in an ol4 armchair in !he corner co)ere4 +i!h "i!s o* "lanke!s
an4 a "cke! "ehin4 !he chair !ha! s!inks enogh !o make /o sick an4 +hen /o look a! !ha!
ol4 man in !he 4ark corner /o +an! !o ge! a hose +i!h ho! +a!er an4 s!ri. him an4 +ash him
4o+n an4 gi)e him a "ig *ee4 o* rashers an4 eggs an4 mashe4 .o!a!oes +i!h loa4s o* "!!er sal!
an4 onions5
# +an! !o !ake !he man *rom !he $oer Lar an4 !he .ile o* rags in !he "e4 an4 .! !hem in a "ig
snn/ hose in !he con!r/ +i!h "ir4s chir.ing a+a/ o!si4e !he +in4o+ an4 a s!ream grgling5
Mrs5 S.illane in <m. Lane o** Care/s Roa4 has !+o cri..le4 !+in chil4ren +i!h "ig "lon4
hea4s- small "o4ies- an4 "i!s o* legs !ha! 4angle o)er !he e4ges o* !he chairs5 The/ look in!o !he
*ire all 4a/ an4 sa/- Lheres 7a44/N The/ s.eak English like e)er/"o4/ else "! !he/ "a""le
a+a/ !o one ano!her in a langage !he/ ma4e .- Hng s. !ea !ea s. hng5 Mrs5 S.illane sa/s
!ha! means-Lhen are +e ge!!ing or s..erN She !ells me shes lck/ i* her hs"an4 sen4s *or
.on4s a mon!h an4 shes "esi4e hersel* +i!h !he a"se she ge!s *rom !he 7is.ensar/ o)er him
"eing in Englan45The chil4ren are onl/ *or an4 !he/re )er/ "righ! e)en i* !he/ can! +alk or
!ake care o* !hemsel)es5 #* !he/ col4 +alk- i* !he/ +ere an/ +a/ normal- she4 .ack . an4
mo)e !o Englan4 o! o* !his go4*orsaken con!r/ !ha! *ogh! so long *or *ree4om an4 look a!
!he s!a!e o* s- 7e Oalera in his mansion a"o)e in 7"lin !he 4ir!/ ol "as!ar4 an4 !he res! o*
!he .oli!icians !ha! can all go !o hell- Go4 *orgi)e me5The .ries!s can go !o hell !oo an4 # +on!
ask Go4 !o *orgi)e me *or sa/ing !he likes o* !ha!5 There !he/ are- !he .ries!s an4 !he nns
!elling s Pess +as .oor an4 !is no shame- lorries 4ri)ing . !o !heir hoses +i!h cra!es an4
"arrels o* +hiske/ an4 +ine- '%E
eggs galore an4 legs o* ham an4 !he/ !elling s +ha! +e shol4 gi)e . *or Len!5 Len!- m/
arse5Lha! are +e !o gi)e . +hen +e ha)e Len! all /ear longN
# +an! !o !ake Mrs5 S.illane an4 her !+o "lon4 cri..le4 chil4ren an4 .! !hem in !ha! hose in
!he con!r/ +i!h !he .ile o* rags an4 !he man *rom !he $oer Lar an4 +ash e)er/one an4 le!
!hem all si! in !he sn +i!h !he "ir4s singing an4 !he s!reams grgling5
# can! lea)e !he .ile o* rags alone +i!h a seless mone/ or4er "ecase !he .ile is an ol4 +oman-
Mrs5 Ger!r4e 7al/- all !+is!e4 +i!h e)er/ class o* 4isease /o can ge! in a Limerick lane-
ar!hri!is- rhema!ism- *alling hair- a nos!ril hal* gone *rom her Ja""ing a! i! +i!h her *inger- an4
/o +on4er +ha! kin4 o* a +orl4 is i! +hen !his ol4 +oman si!s . *rom !he rags an4 smiles a!
/o +i!h !ee!h !ha! gleam +hi!e in !he 4ark- her o+n !ee!h an4 .er*ec!5
Tha!s righ!- she sa/s- me o+n !ee!h- an4 +hen # ro! in !he gra)e !he/ll *in4 me !ee!h a hn4re4
/ears *rom no+ all +hi!e an shin/ an
#ll "e 4eclare4 a sain!5
The !elegram mone/ or4er- !hree .on4s- is *rom her son5 #! has a message- Ha../ $ir!h4a/-
Mamm/- ,or *on4 son- Te44/5 She sa/s- A +on4er he can s.are i!- !he li!!le shi!- !ro!!in
aron4 +i!h e)er/ !ar! in <icca4ill/5 She asks i* #4 e)er 4o her a *a)or an4 cash !he mone/ or4er
an4 ge! her a li!!le $a"/ <o+ers +hiske/ a! !he ."- a loa* o* "rea4- a .on4 o* lar4- se)en
.o!a!oes- one *or each 4a/ o* !he +eek5 Lol4 # "oil a .o!a!o *or her- mash i! . +i!h a lm. o*
lar4- gi)e her a c! o* "rea4- "ring her a 4ro. o* +a!er !o go +i!h !he +hiske/N Lol4 # go !o
OConnor !he chemis! *or oin!men! *or her sores an4 +hile #m a! i! "ring some soa. so she can
gi)e her "o4/ a goo4 scr" an4 shell "e *ore)er gra!e*l an4 sa/ a .ra/er *or me an4 heres a
co.le o* shillings *or all m/ !ro"les5
Ah- no !hanks- maam5
Take !he mone/5 Li!!le !i.5,o 4i4 me grea! *a)ors5
# col4n!- maam- !he +a/ /o are5
Take !he mone/ or #ll !ell !he .os! o**ice /ore no! !o 4eli)er m/ !elegram an/more5
Oh- all righ!- maam5Thanks )er/ mch5
Goo4 nigh!- son5 $e goo4 !o /or mo!her5
Goo4 nigh!- Mrs5 7al/5
'%D
5
5
5
School s!ar!s in Se.!em"er an4 some 4a/s Michael s!o.s a! The A""o!s "e*ore !he +alk home
!o Laman Gri**ins5 On rain/ 4a/s he sa/s- Can # s!a/ here !onigh!N an4 soon he 4oesn! +an! !o
go "ack !o Laman Gri**ins a! all5 Hes +orn o! an4 hngr/ +i!h !+o miles o! an4 !+o miles
"ack5 Lhen Mam comes looking *or him # 4on! kno+ +ha! !o sa/ !o her5 # 4on! kno+ ho+ !o
look a! her an4 # kee. m/ e/es o** !o one si4e5 She sa/s- Ho+s !he Jo"N as i* no!hing e)er
ha..ene4 in Laman Gri**ins an4 # sa/- Gran4- as i* no!hing e)er ha..ene4 in Laman Gri**ins5 #*
!he rain is !oo hea)/ *or her !o go home she s!a/s in !he small room .s!airs +i!h Al.hie5 She
goes "ack !o Lamans !he ne9! 4a/ "! Michael s!a/s an4 soon shes mo)ing in hersel* "i! "/ "i!
!ill she s!o.s going !o Lamans al!oge!her5
The A""o! .a/s !he ren! e)er/ +eek5 Mam ge!s !he relie* an4 !he *oo4 4ocke!s !ill someone
in*orms on her an4 shes c! o** *rom !he 7is.ensar/5 Shes !ol4 !ha! i* her son is "ringing in a
.on4 a +eek !ha!s more !han some *amilies ge! on !he 4ole an4 she shol4 "e gra!e*l he has
a Jo"5 No+ # ha)e !o han4 o)er m/ +ages5 Mam sa/s- A .on4N #s !ha! all /o ge! *or ri4ing
aron4 in all kin4s o* +ea!herN This +ol4 "e *or 4ollars in America5 For 4ollars5An4 /o
col4n! *ee4 a ca! *or *or 4ollars in Ne+ ,ork5 #* /o +ere 4eli)ering !elegrams *or Les!ern
Union in Ne+ ,ork /o4 "e earning !+en!/:*i)e 4ollars a +eek an4 li)ing in l9r/5 She al+a/s
!ransla!es #rish mone/ in!o American so !ha! she +on! *orge! an4 !ries !o con)ince e)er/one
!imes +ere "e!!er o)er !here5 Some +eeks she le!s me kee. !+o shillings "! i* # go !o a *ilm or
"/ a secon4han4 "ook !heres no!hing le*!- # +on! "e a"le !o sa)e *or m/ *are- an4 #ll "e s!ck
in Limerick !ill #m an ol4 man o* !+en!/:*i)e5
Malach/ +ri!es *rom 7"lin !o sa/ hes *e4 . an4 4oesn! +an! !o s.en4 !he res! o* his li*e
"lo+ing a !rm.e! in !he arm/ "an45 Hes home in a +eek an4 com.lains +hen he has !o share
!he "ig "e4 +i!h Michael- Al.hie an4 me5 He ha4 his o+n arm/ co! . !here in 7"lin +i!h
shee!s an4 "lanke!s an4 a .illo+5 No+ hes "ack !o o)ercoa!s an4 a "ols!er !ha! sen4s . a
clo4 o* *ea!hers +hen /o !och i!5 Mam sa/s- <i!/ a"o! /o5 #m sorr/ *or /or !ro"les5 The
A""o! has his o+n "e4- an4 m/ mo!her has !he small room5 Lere all !oge!her again- no Laman
!ormen!ing s5 Le make !ea an4 *rie4 "rea4 an4 si! on !he ki!chen *loor5 The A""o! sa/s /ore
no! s..ose4 !o "e si!!ing on '%1
ki!chen *loors- +ha! are !a"les an4 chairs *orN He !ells Mam !ha! Frankie is no! righ! in !he hea4
an4 Mam sa/s +ell all ca!ch or 4ea!h *rom !he 4am. o* !he *loor5Le si! on !he *loor an4 sing
an4 Mam an4 The A""o! si! on chairs5 She sings SAre ,o Lonesome Tonigh!NT an4 !he A""o!
sings SThe Roa4 !o RasheenT an4 +e s!ill 4on! kno+ +ha! his song is a"o!5 Le si! on !he *loor
an4 !ell s!ories a"o! !hings !ha! ha..ene4- !hings !ha! ne)er ha..ene4 an4 !hings !ha! +ill
ha..en +hen +e all go !o America5
There are slo+ 4a/s a! !he .os! o**ice an4 +e si! on !he "ench an4 !alk5 Le can !alk "! +e are
no! !o lagh5 Miss $arr/ sa/s +e shol4 "e gra!e*l +ere ge!!ing .ai4 !o si! !here- "nch o*
i4lers an4 s!ree!"o/s !ha! +e are- an4 !ha! !here is !o "e no laghing5 Ge!!ing .ai4 *or si!!ing
an4 cha!!ing is no laghing ma!!er an4 !he *irs! !i!!er o! o* an/ o* s an4 o! +e go !ill +e
come !o or senses an4 i* !he !i!!ering con!ines +ell "e re.or!e4 !o !he .ro.er a!hori!ies5
The "o/s !alk a"o! her n4er !heir "rea!h5To"/ Macke/ sa/s-Lha! !ha! ol "i!ch nee4s is a
goo4 r" o !he relic- a goo4 r" o !he "rsh5 Her mo!her +as a s!ree!+alking *lagho..er an4
her *a!her esca.e4 *rom a lna!ic as/lm +i!h "nions on his "alls an4 +ar!s on his +ank5
There is laghing along !he "ench an4 Miss $arr/ calls !o s- # +arne4 /e agains! !he laghing5
Macke/- +ha! is i! /ore .ra!!ling a"o! o)er !hereN
# sai4 +e4 all "e "e!!er o** o! in !he *resh air on !his *ine 4a/ 4eli)ering !elegrams- Miss $arr/5
#m sre /o 4i4- Macke/5,or mo!h is a la)a!or/5 7i4 /o hear meN
# 4i4- Miss $arr/5
,o ha)e "een hear4 on !he s!airs- Macke/5
,es- Miss $arr/5
Sh! .- Macke/5
# +ill- Miss $arr/5
No! ano!her +or4- Macke/5
No- Miss $arr/5
# sai4 sh! .- Macke/5
All righ!- Miss $arr/5
Tha!s !he en4 o* i!- Macke/5 7on! !r/ me5
# +on!- Miss $arr/5
Mo!her o Go4 gi)e me .a!ience5
'&(
,es- Miss $arr/5
Take !he las! +or4- Macke/5Take i!- !ake i!- !ake i!5 # +ill- Miss $arr/5
To"/ Macke/ is a !em.orar/ !elegram "o/ like me5 He sa+ a *ilm calle4 The Fron! <age an4
no+ he +an!s !o go !o America some 4a/ an4 "e a !ogh ne+s.a.er re.or!er +i!h a ha! an4 a
cigare!!e5 He kee.s a no!e"ook in his .ocke! "ecase a goo4 re.or!er has !o +ri!e 4o+n +ha!
ha..ens5 Fac!s5 He has !o +ri!e 4o+n *ac!s no! a lo! o* "loo4/ .oe!r/- +hich is all /o hear in
Limerick +i!h men in ."s going on a"o! or grea! s**erings n4er !he English5 Fac!s- Frankie5
He +ri!es 4o+n !he nm"er o* !elegrams he 4eli)ers an4 ho+ *ar he !ra)els5 Le si! on !he
"ench making sre +e 4on! lagh an4 he !ells me !ha! i* +e 4eli)er *or!/ !elegrams a 4a/ !ha!s
!+o hn4re4 a +eek an4 !ha!s !en !hosan4 a /ear an4 !+en!/ !hosan4 in or !+o /ears a!
!he Jo"5 #* +e c/cle one hn4re4 an4 !+en!/:*i)e miles in a +eek !ha!s !hir!een !hosan4 miles
in !+o /ears an4 !ha!s hal*+a/ aron4 !he +orl4- Frankie- an4 no +on4er !here isn! a scra. o*
*lesh on or arses5 To"/ sa/s no"o4/ kno+s Limerick like !he !elegram "o/5Le kno+ e)er/
a)ene- roa4- s!ree!- !errace- me+s- .lace- close- lane5 Pass- sa/s To"/- !here isn! a 4oor in
Limerick +e 4on! kno+5 Le knock on all kin4s o* 4oors- iron- oak- .l/+oo45T+en!/ !hosan4
4oors- Frankie5Le ra.- kick- .sh5Le ring an4 "II "ells5Le sho! an4 +his!le-Telegram "o/-
!elegram "o/5Le 4ro. !elegrams in le!!er "o9es- sho)e !hem n4er 4oors- !hro+ !hem o)er !he
!ransom5Le clim" in +in4o+s +here .eo.le are "e4ri44en5Le *igh! o** e)er/ 4og +ho +an!s
!o !rn s in!o 4inner5,o ne)er kno+ +ha!s going !o ha..en +hen /o han4 .eo.le !heir
!elegrams5The/ lagh an4 sing an4 4ance an4 cr/ an4 scream an4 *all 4o+n in a +eakness an4
/o +on4er i* !he/ll +ake . a! all an4 gi)e /o !he !i.5 #!s no! a "i! like 4eli)ering !elegrams in
America +here Micke/ Roone/ ri4es aron4 in a *ilm calle4 The Hman Come4/ an4 .eo.le
are .leasan! an4 *alling o)er !hemsel)es !o gi)e /o a !i.- in)i!ing /o in- gi)ing /o a c. o* !ea
an4 a "n5 To"/ Macke/ sa/s he has *ac!s galore in his no!e"ook an4 he 4oesn! gi)e a *i44lers
*ar! a"o! an/!hing an4 !ha!s !he +a/ #4 like !o "e m/sel*5
Mrs5 OConnell kno+s # like !he con!r/ !elegrams an4 i* a 4a/ is snn/ she gi)es me a "a!ch o*
!en !ha! +ill kee. me a+a/ all morning an4 # 4on! ha)e !o re!rn !ill a*!er !he 4inner hor a!
noon5There are *ine a!mn 4a/s +hen !he Shannon s.arkles an4 !he *iel4s are green '&%
an4 glin!ing +i!h sil)er morning 4e+5 Smoke "lo+s across *iel4s an4 !heres !he s+ee! smell o*
!r* *ires5 Co+s an4 shee. graIe in !he *iel4s an4 # +on4er i* !hese are !he "eas!s !he .ries! +as
!alking a"o!5 # +ol4n! "e sr.rise4 "ecase !heres no en4 !o !he "lls clim"ing on co+s-
rams on shee.- s!allions on mares- an4 !he/ all ha)e sch "ig !hings i! makes me "reak o! in a
s+ea! !o look a! !hem an4 # *eel sorr/ *or all !he *emale crea!res in !he +orl4 +ho ha)e !o
s**er like !ha! !hogh # +ol4n! min4 "eing a "ll m/sel* "ecase !he/ can 4o +ha! !he/ like
an4 i!s ne)er a sin *or an animal5 # +ol4n! min4 going a! m/sel* here "! /o ne)er kno+
+hen a *armer migh! come along !he roa4 4ri)ing co+s an4 shee. !o a *air or !o ano!her *iel4
raising his s!ick an4 "i44ing /o- Goo4 4a/- /ong *ella- gran4 morning- !hank Go4 an4 His
$lesse4 Mo!her5 A *armer !ha! religios migh! "e o**en4e4 i* he sa+ /o "reaking !he Si9!h
Comman4men! *ornins! his *iel45 Horses like !o s!ick !heir hea4s o)er *ences an4 he4ges !o see
+ha!s .assing "/ an4 # s!o. an4 !alk !o !hem "ecase !he/ ha)e "ig e/es an4 long noses !ha!
sho+ ho+ in!elligen! !he/ are5 Some!imes !+o "ir4s +ill "e singing !o each o!her across a *iel4
an4 # ha)e !o s!o. an4 lis!en !o !hem an4 i* # s!a/ long enogh more "ir4s +ill Join !ill e)er/ !ree
an4 "sh is ali)e +i!h "ir4song5 #* !heres a s!ream grgling n4er a "ri4ge on !he roa4- "ir4s
singing an4 co+s mooing an4 lam"s "aaing- !ha!s "e!!er !han an/ "an4 in a *ilm5 The smell o*
4inner "acon an4 ca""age +a*!ing *rom a *armhose makes me so +eak +i!h !he hnger #
clim" in!o a *iel4 an4 s!** m/sel* +i!h "lack"erries *or hal* an hor5 # s!ick m/ *ace in!o !he
s!ream an4 4rink ic/ +a!er !ha!s "e!!er !han !he lemona4e in an/ *ish an4 chi. sho.5
Lhen #m *inishe4 4eli)ering !he !elegrams !heres enogh !ime !o go !o !he ancien! monas!er/
gra)e/ar4 +here m/ mo!hers rela!ions are "rie4- !he Gil*o/les an4 !he Sheehans- +here m/
mo!her +an!s !o "e "rie45 # can see *rom here !he high rins o* Carrigognnell Cas!le an4
!heres .len!/ o* !ime !o c/cle !here- si! . on !he highes! +all- look a! !he Shannon *lo+ing o!
!o !he A!lan!ic on i!s +a/ !o America an4 4ream o* !he 4a/ #ll "e sailing o** m/sel*5
The "o/s a! !he .os! o**ice !ell me #m lck/ !o ge! !he Carmo4/ *amil/ !elegram- a shilling !i.-
one o* !he "igges! !i.s /oll e)er ge! in Limerick5 So +h/ am # ge!!ing i!N #m !he Jnior "o/5
The/ sa/- Lell- some!imes '&&
Theresa Carmo4/ ans+ers !he 4oor5 She has !he consm.!ion an4 !he/re a*rai4 o* ca!ching i!
*rom her5 Shes se)en!een- in an4 o! o* !he sana!orim- an4 shell ne)er see eigh!een5 The
"o/s a! !he .os! o**ice sa/ sick .eo.le like Theresa kno+ !heres li!!le !ime le*! an4 !ha! makes
!hem ma4 *or lo)e an4 romance an4 e)er/!hing5 E)er/!hing5Tha!s +ha! !he consm.!ion 4oes
!o /o- sa/ !he "o/s a! !he .os! o**ice5 # c/cle !hrogh +e! No)em"er s!ree!s !hinking o* !ha!
shilling !i.- an4 as # !rn in!o !he Carmo4/ s!ree! !he "ic/cle sli4es o! *rom n4er me an4 # ski4
along !he gron4 scra.ing m/ *ace an4 !earing o.en !he "ack o* m/ han45 Theresa Carmo4/
o.ens !he 4oor5 She has re4 hair5 She ha4 green e/es like !he *iel4s "e/on4 Limerick5 Her
cheeks are "righ! .ink an4 her skin is a *ierce +hi!e5 She sa/s- Oh- /ore all +e! an4 "lee4ing5
# ski44e4 on m/ "ike5
Come in an4 #ll .! some!hing on /or c!s5
# +on4er- Shol4 # go inN # migh! ge! !he consm.!ion an4 !ha! +ill "e !he en4 o* me5 # +an! !o
"e ali)e +hen #m *i*!een an4 # +an! !he shilling !i.5
Come in5,oll .erish s!an4ing !here5
She .!s on !he ke!!le *or !he !ea5Then she 4a"s io4ine on m/ c!s an4 # !r/ !o "e a man an4
no! +him.er5 She sa/s- Oh- /ore a grea! "i! o* a man5 Go in!o !he .arlor an4 4r/ /orsel*
"e*ore !he *ire5 Look- +h/ 4on! /o !ake o** /or .an!s an4 4r/ !hem on !he screen o* !he *ireN
Ah- no5
Ah- 4o5
# +ill5
# 4ra.e m/ .an!s o)er !he screen5 # si! !here +a!ching !he s!eam rise an4 # +a!ch m/sel* rise an4
# +orr/ she migh! come in an4 see me in m/ e9ci!emen!5
There she is +i!h a .la!e o* "rea4 an4 Jam an4 !+o c.s o* !ea5 Lor4- she sa/s- /o migh! "e a
scra+n/ "i! o* a *ello+ "! !ha!s a *ine "o/o /o ha)e !here5
She .!s !he .la!e an4 !he c.s on a !a"le "/ !he *ire an4 !here !he/ s!a/5Li!h her !hm" an4
*ore*inger she !akes !he !i. o* m/ e9ci!emen! an4 lea4s me across !he room !o a green so*a
agains! !he +all an4 all !he !ime m/ hea4 is *ille4 +i!h sin an4 io4ine an4 *ear o* consm.!ion
an4 !he shilling !i. an4 her green e/es an4 shes on !he so*a 4on! s!o. or #ll 4ie an4 shes
cr/ing an4 #m cr/ing *or # 4on! kno+ +ha!s ha..ening '&'
!o me i* #m killing m/sel* ca!ching consm.!ion *rom her mo!h #m ri4ing !o hea)en #m *alling
o** a cli** an4 i* !his is a sin # 4on! gi)e a *i44lers *ar!5
Le !ake or ease on !he so*a a +hile !ill she sa/s- 7on! /o ha)e more !elegrams !o 4eli)erN
an4 +hen +e si! . she gi)es a li!!le cr/- Oh- #m "lee4ing5
Lha!s . +i!h /oN
# !hink i!s "ecase i!s !he *irs! !ime5
# !ell her- Lai! a min!e5 # "ring !he "o!!le *rom !he ki!chen an4 s.lash !he io4ine on her inJr/5
She lea.s *rom !he so*a- 4ances aron4 !he .arlor like a +il4 one an4 rns in!o !he ki!chen !o
4ose hersel* +i!h +a!er5 A*!er she 4ries hersel* she sa/s- Lor4- /ore )er/ innocen!5 ,ore
no! s..ose4 !o "e .oring io4ine on girls like !ha!5 # !hogh! /o +ere c!5
For +eeks a*!er !ha! # 4eli)er !he !elegram5 Some!imes +e ha)e !he e9ci!emen! on !he so*a "!
!here are o!her 4a/s she has !he cogh an4 /o can see !he +eakness on her5 She ne)er !ells
me she has !he +eakness5 She ne)er !ells me she has !he consm.!ion5The "o/s a! !he .os!
o**ice sa/ # ms! ha)e "een ha)ing a grea! !ime +i!h !he shilling !i. an4 Theresa Carmo4/5 #
ne)er !ell !hem # s!o..e4 !aking !he shilling !i.5 # ne)er !ell !hem a"o! !he green so*a an4 !he
e9ci!emen!5 # ne)er !ell !hem o* !he .ain !ha! comes +hen she o.ens !he 4oor an4 # can see !he
+eakness on her an4 all # +an! !o 4o !hen is make !ea *or her an4 si! +i!h m/ arms aron4 her
on !he green so*a5
One Sa!r4a/ #m !ol4 !o 4eli)er !he !elegram !o Theresas mo!her a! her Jo" in Lool+or!hs5 #
!r/ !o "e casal5 Mrs5 Carmo4/- # al+a/s 4eli)er !he !elegram !o /or- # !hink /or
4agh!er-TheresaN
,es- shes in !he hos.i!al5
#s she in !he sana!orimN
# sai4 shes in !he hos.i!al5
Shes like e)er/one else in Limerick- ashame4 o* !he T$- an4 she 4oesn! gi)e me a shilling or
an/ kin4 o* !i.5 # c/cle o! !o !he sana!orim !o see Theresa5The/ sa/ /o ha)e !o "e a rela!ion
an4 /o ha)e !o "e a4l!5 # !ell !hem #m her cosin an4 #ll "e *i*!een in Ags!5The/ !ell me go
a+a/5 # c/cle !o !he Franciscan chrch !o .ra/ *or Theresa5 S!5 Francis- +ol4 /o .lease !alk !o
Go45 Tell Him i! +asn! Theresas *al!5 # col4 ha)e re*se4 !ha! !elegram Sa!r4a/ a*!er
Sa!r4a/5Tell Go4 Theresa +as no! res.onsi"le *or !he e9ci!emen! on !he so*a "ecase '&B
!ha!s +ha! !he consm.!ion 4oes !o /o5 #! 4oesn! ma!!er an/+a/- S!5 Francis- "ecase # lo)e
Theresa5 # lo)e her as mch as /o lo)e an/ "ir4 or "eas! or *ish an4 +ill /o !ell Go4 !ake !he
consm.!ion a+a/ an4 # .romise #ll ne)er go near her again5
The ne9! Sa!r4a/ !he/ gi)e me !he Carmo4/ !elegram5 From hal*+a/ . !he s!ree! # can see
!he "lin4s are 4ra+n5 # can see !he "lack cre.e +rea!h on !he 4oor5 # can see !he +hi!e .r.le:
line4 morning car45 # can see "e/on4 !he 4oor an4 +alls +here Theresa an4 # !m"le4 nake4
an4 +il4 on !he green so*a an4 # kno+ no+ she is in hell an4 all "ecase o* me5
# sli. !he !elegram n4er !he 4oor an4 c/cle "ack 4o+n !o !he Franciscan chrch !o "eg *or !he
re.ose o* Theresas sol5 # .ra/ !o e)er/ s!a!e- !o !he s!aine4 glass +in4o+s- !he S!a!ions o*
!he Cross5 # s+ear #ll lea4 a li*e o* *ai!h- ho.e an4 chari!/- .o)er!/- chas!i!/ an4 o"e4ience5 Ne9!
4a/- Sn4a/- # go !o *or Masses5 # 4o !he S!a!ions o* !he Cross !hree !imes5 # sa/ rosaries all
4a/5 # go +i!ho! *oo4 an4 4rink an4 +here)er # *in4 a Kie! .lace # cr/ an4 "eg Go4 an4 !he
Oirgin Mar/ !o ha)e merc/ on !he sol o* Theresa Carmo4/5
On Mon4a/ # *ollo+ !he *neral !o !he gra)e/ar4 on m/ .os! o**ice "ic/cle5 # s!an4 "ehin4 a !ree
a 4is!ance *rom !he gra)e5 Mrs5 Carmo4/ +ee.s an4 moans5 Mr5 Carmo4/ sn**les an4 looks
.IIle45The .ries! reci!es !he La!in .ra/ers an4 s.rinkles !he co**in +i!h hol/ +a!er5 # +an! !o
go !o !he .ries!- !o Mr5 an4 Mrs5 Carmo4/5 # +an! !o !ell !hem ho+ #m !he one +ho sen!
Theresa !o hell5The/ can 4o +ha!e)er !he/ like +i!h me5 A"se me5 Re)ile me5Thro+ gra)e 4ir!
a! me5 $! # s!a/ "ehin4 !he !ree !ill !he morners lea)e an4 !he gra)e 4iggers *ill in !he gra)e5
Fros! is alrea4/ +hi!ening !he *resh ear!h on !he gra)e an4 # !hink o* Theresa col4 in !he co**in-
!he re4 hair- !he green e/es5 # can! n4ers!an4 !he *eelings going !hrogh me "! # kno+ !ha!
+i!h all !he .eo.le +ho 4ie4 in m/ *amil/ an4 all !he .eo.le +ho 4ie4 in !he lanes aron4 me
an4 all !he .eo.le +ho le*! # ne)er ha4 a .ain like !his in m/ hear! an4 # ho.e # ne)er +ill again5
#!s ge!!ing 4ark5 # +alk m/ "ic/cle o! o* !he gra)e/ar45 # ha)e !elegrams !o 4eli)er5
'&C
XO#
Mrs5OConnell gi)es me !elegrams !o 4eli)er !o Mr5Harring!on- !he Englishman +i!h !he 4ea4
+i*e !ha! +as "orn an4 "re4 in Limerick5 The "o/s a! !he .os! o**ice sa/ s/m.a!h/ !elegrams are
a +as!e o* !ime5 <eo.le Js! cr/ an4 moan +i!h !he grie* an4 !he/ !hink !he/re e9cse4 *rom
!he !i.5The/ll ask /o i* /o4 like !o come in *or a look a! !he 4e.ar!e4 an4 a .ra/er "/ !he
"e45Tha! +ol4n! "e so "a4 i* !he/ o**ere4 /o a 4ro. o* sherr/ an4 a ham san4+ich5 Oh- no-
!he/re ha../ !o ge! /or .ra/er "! /ore onl/ a !elegram "o/ an4 /ore lck/ i* /o ge! a
4r/ "isci!5 Ol4er "o/s a! !he .os! o**ice sa/ /o ha)e !o .la/ /or car4s righ! !o ge! !he grie*
!i.5 #* /ore aske4 in !o sa/ a .ra/er /o ha)e !o kneel "/ !he cor.se- gi)e a .o+er*l sigh- "less
/orsel*- 4ro. /or *orehea4 !o !he "e4clo!hes so !he/ +on! see /or *ace- le! /or shol4ers
shake like one colla.sing +i!h sorro+- hol4 on !o !he "e4 +i!h /or !+o han4s as i* !he/re
going !o ha)e !o !ear /o a+a/ !o 4eli)er !he res! o* /or !elegrams- make sre /or cheeks are
glin!ing +i!h !ears or !he s.i! /o 4a""e4 on- an4 i* /o 4on! ge! a !i. a*!er all !ha! .sh !he
ne9! "a!ch o* !elegrams n4er !he 4oor or *ire !hem o)er !he !ransom an4 lea)e !hem !o !heir
grie*5
This isn! m/ *irs! !ime 4eli)ering !elegrams !o !he Harring!on hose5 Mr5 Harring!on is al+a/s
a+a/ on "siness *or !he insrance com.an/ '&3
an4 Mrs5 Harring!on is generos +i!h !he !i.5 $! shes gone an4 Mr5 Harring!on ans+ers !he
4oor"ell5 His e/es are re4 an4 he sni**les5 He sa/s- Are /o #rishN
#rishN Lha! else +ol4 # "e s!an4ing !here on his 4oors!e. in Limerick +i!h a "a!ch o* !elegrams
in m/ han4N # am- sir5 He sa/s- Come in5 <! !he !elegrams on !he hall s!an45 He sh!s !he hall
4oor- locks i!- .!s !he ke/ in his .ocke! an4 # !hink- Aren! Englishmen )er/ .ecliar5 ,oll +an!
!o see her- o* corse5,oll +an! !o see +ha! /o .eo.le ha)e 4one !o her +i!h /or 4amn
!"erclosis5 Race o* ghols5 Follo+ me5 He lea4s me *irs! !o !he ki!chen +here he .icks . a
.la!e o* ham san4+iches an4 !+o "o!!les- an4 !hen .s!airs5 Mrs5 Harring!on looks lo)el/ in !he
"e4- "lon4- .ink- .eace*l5
This is m/ +i*e5 She ma/ "e #rish "! she 4oesn! look i!- !hank Go45 Like /o5 #rish5,oll nee4 a
4rink- o* corse5,o #rish Ka** a! e)er/ !rn5 $arel/ +eane4 "e*ore /o clamor *or !he +hiske/
"o!!le- !he .in! o* s!o!5,oll ha)e +ha!- +hiske/- sherr/N
Ah- a lemona4e +ill "e lo)el/5
# am morning m/ +i*e no! cele"ra!ing !he "loo4/ ci!rs5 ,oll ha)e a sherr/5 S+ill *rom "loo4/
Ca!holic *ascis! S.ain5 # gl. !he sherr/5 He re*ills m/ glass an4 goes !o re*ill his o+n +i!h
+hiske/5 7amn5Lhiske/ all gone5 S!a/ here5 7o /o hear meN #m going !o !he ." *or ano!her
"o!!le o* +hiske/5 S!a/ !ill # come "ack5 7on! mo)e5
#m con*se4- 4iII/ *rom !he sherr/5 # 4on! kno+ +ha! /ore s..ose4 !o 4o +i!h grie)ing
Englishmen5 Mrs5 Harring!on- /o look lo)el/ in !he "e45 $! /ore a <ro!es!an!- alrea4/
4oome4- in hell- like Theresa5 <ries! sai4- O!si4e !he Chrch !here is no sal)a!ion5 Lai!- # migh!
"e a"le !o sa)e /or sol5 $a.!iIe /o Ca!holic5 Make . *or +ha! # 4i4 !o Theresa5 #ll ge! some
+a!er5 Oh- Go4- !he 4oor is locke45Lh/N
Ma/"e /ore no! 4ea4 a! allN La!ching me5 Are /o 4ea4- Mrs5 Harring!onN #m no!
a*rai45,or *ace is ic/5 Oh- /ore 4ea4 all righ!5 #ll "a.!iIe /o +i!h sherr/ *rom "loo4/ Ca!holic
*ascis! S.ain5 # "a.!iIe !hee in !he name o* !he Fa!her- !he Son- !he?
Lha! !he "loo4/ hell are /o 4oingN Ge! o** m/ +i*e- /o +re!che4 <a.is! !+i!5Lha! .rimi!i)e
<a44/ ri!al is !hisN 7i4 /o !och herN 7i4 /oN #ll +ring /or scra+n/ neck5
#? #-?
Oi- Oi- s.eak English- /o scra.5
'&E
# +as Js!- a li!!le sherr/ !o ge! her in!o hea)en5
Hea)enN Le ha4 hea)en- Ann- #- or 4agh!er- Emil/5,oll ne)er la/ /or .ink .igg/ e/es on
her5 Oh- Chris!- # can! s!an4 i!5 Here- more sherr/5
Ah- no- !hanks5
Ah- no !hanks5Tha! .n/ Cel!ic +hine5,o .eo.le lo)e /or alcohol5 Hel.s /o cra+l an4 +hine
"e!!er5 O* corse /o +an! *oo45,o ha)e !he colla.se4 look o* a s!ar)ing <a44/5 Here5 Ham5
Ea!5 Ah- no !hanks5
Ah- no !hanks5 Sa/ !ha! again an4 #ll ram !he ham . /or arse5 He +a)es a ham san4+ich a!
me- +i!h !he heel o* his han4 .shes i! in!o m/ mo!h5
He colla.ses in!o a chair5 Oh- Go4- Go4- +ha! am # !o 4oN Ms! res! a momen!5
M/ s!omach hea)es5 # rsh !o !he +in4o+- s!ick m/ hea4 o! an4 !hro+ .5 He lea.s *rom !he
chair an4 charges me5
,o- /o- Go4 "las! /o !o hell- /o )omi!e4 on m/ +i*es rose"sh5 He lnges a! me- misses-
*alls !o !he *loor5 # clim" o! !he +in4o+- hang on !o !he le4ge5 Hes a! !he +in4o+- gra""ing a!
m/ han4s5 # le! go- 4ro. !o !he rose"sh- in!o !he ham san4+ich an4 sherr/ #)e Js! !hro+n .5
#m .ricke4 "/ rose !horns- s!ng- m/ ankle is !+is!e45 Hes a! !he +in4o+- "arking- Come "ack
here- /o #rish rn!5 Hell re.or! me !o !he .os! o**ice5 He hi!s me in !he "ack +i!h !he +hiske/
"o!!le- .lea4s-Lill /o no! +a!ch one hor +i!h meN
He .el!s me +i!h sherr/ glasses- +hiske/ glasses- assor!e4 ham san4+iches- i!ems *rom his
+i*es 4ressing !a"le- .o+4ers- creams- "rshes5 # clim" on m/ "ike an4 +o""le !hrogh !he
s!ree!s o* Limerick- 4iII/ +i!h sherr/ an4 .ain5 Mrs5 OConnell a!!acks me- Se)en !elegrams- one
a44ress- an4 /ore gone all 4a/5
# +as- # +as-
,o +as5,o +as5 7rnk is +ha! /o +as5 7rnk is +ha! /o are5 Reeking5 Oh- +e hear45 Tha!
nice man rang- Mr5 Harring!on- lo)el/ Englishman !ha! son4s like Pames Mason5 Le!s /o in !o
sa/ a .ra/er *or his .oor +i*e an4 ne9! !hing /ore o! !he +in4o+ +i!h !he sherr/ an4 !he
ham5,or .oor mo!her5Lha! she "rogh! in!o !he +orl45 He ma4e me ea! !he ham- 4rink !he
sherr/5
Ma4e /oN Pess- !ha!s a goo4 one5 Ma4e /o5 Mr5 Harring!on is a re*ine4 Englishman an4
!here is no reason *or him !o lie an4 +e 4on! '&D
+an! /or kin4 in !his .os! o**ice- .eo.le !ha! can! kee. !heir han4s o** !he ham an4 sherr/- so
han4 in /or !elegram .och an4 "ic/cle *or /or 4a/s are 4one in !his .os! o**ice5
$! # nee4 !he Jo"5 # ha)e !o sa)e an4 go !o America5 America5 Sa4 4a/ +hen America le!s in !he
likes o* /o5 # ho""le !hrogh !he s!ree!s o* Limerick5 #4 like !o go "ack an4 !hro+ a "rick
!hrogh Mr5 Harring!ons +in4o+5 No5 Res.ec! *or !he 4ea45 #ll go across !he Sars*iel4 $ri4ge
an4 o! !he ri)er"ank +here # can lie 4o+n some+here in !he "shes5 # 4on! kno+ ho+ # can
go home an4 !ell m/ mo!her # los! m/ Jo"5 Ha)e !o go home5 Ha)e !o !ell her5 Can! s!a/ o! !he
ri)er"ank all nigh!5 She4 "e *ran!ic5 Mam "egs !he .os! o**ice !o !ake me "ack5The/ sa/
no5The/ ne)er hear4 !he likes5 Telegram "o/ maling cor.se5 Telegram "o/ *leeing scene +i!h
ham an4 sherr/5 He +ill ne)er se! *oo! in !he .os! o**ice again5 No5
She ge!s a le!!er *rom !he .arish .ries!5Take !he "o/ "ack- sa/s !he .arish .ries!5 Oh- /es-
Fa!her- in4ee4- sa/s !he .os! o**ice5 The/ll le! me s!a/ !ill m/ si9!een!h "ir!h4a/- no! a min!e
longer5 $esi4es- sa/s Mrs5 OConnell- +hen /o !hink o* +ha! !he English 4i4 !o s *or eigh!
hn4re4 /ears !ha! man ha4 no righ! !o com.lain o)er a li!!le ham an4 sherr/5 Com.are a li!!le
ham an4 sherr/ !o !he Grea! Famine an4 +here are /oN #* m/ .oor hs"an4 +as ali)e an4 #
!ol4 him +ha! /o 4i4 he4 sa/ /o s!rck a "lo+- Frank McCor!- s!rck a "lo+5 E)er/ Sa!r4a/
morning # s+ear #ll go !o con*ession an4 !ell !he .ries! o* m/ im.re ac!s a! home- on lonel/
"oreens aron4 Limerick +i!h co+s an4 shee. ga+king- on !he heigh!s o* Carrigognnell +i!h
!he +orl4 looking .5
#ll !ell him a"o! Theresa Carmo4/ an4 ho+ # sen! her !o hell- an4 !ha! +ill "e !he en4 o* me-
4ri)en *rom !he Chrch5
Theresa is a !ormen! !o me5 E)er/ !ime # 4eli)er a !elegram !o her s!ree!- e)er/ !ime # .ass !he
gra)e/ar4 # *eel !he sin gro+ing in me like an a"scess an4 i* # 4on! go !o con*ession soon #ll "e
no!hing "! an a"scess ri4ing aron4 on a "ic/cle +i!h .eo.le .oin!ing an4 !elling each o!her-
There he is- !heres Frankie McCor!- !he 4ir!/ !hing !ha! sen! Theresa Carmo4/ !o hell5
# look a! .eo.le going !o Commnion on Sn4a/s- e)er/one in a '&1
s!a!e o* grace- re!rning !o !heir sea!s +i!h Go4 in !heir mo!hs- .eace*l- eas/- rea4/ !o 4ie a!
an/ momen! an4 go s!raigh! !o hea)en or go home !o !heir rashers an4 eggs +i!ho! a +orr/ in
!he +orl45 #m +orn o! *rom "eing !he +ors! sinner in Limerick5 # +an! !o ge! ri4 o* !his sin an4
ha)e rashers an4 eggs an4 no gil!- no !ormen!5 # +an! !o "e or4inar/5
The .ries!s !ell s all !he !ime !ha! Go4s merc/ is in*ini!e "! ho+ can an/ .ries! gi)e
a"sol!ion !o someone like me +ho 4eli)ers !elegrams an4 +in4s . in a s!a!e o* e9ci!emen! on
a green so*a +i!h a girl 4/ing o* !he gallo.ing consm.!ion5
# c/cle all aron4 Limerick +i!h !elegrams an4 s!o. a! e)er/ chrch5 # ri4e *rom Re4em.!oris!s
!o Pesi!s !o Ags!inians !o 7ominicans !o Franciscans5 # kneel "e*ore !he s!a!e o* S!5 Francis
o* Assisi an4 "eg him !o hel. me "! # !hink hes !oo 4isgs!e4 +i!h me5 # kneel +i!h .eo.le in
!he .e+s ne9! !o con*essionals "! +hen m/ !rn comes # can! "rea!he- m/ hear! .on4s- m/
*orehea4 !rns col4 an4 clamm/ an4 # rn *rom !he chrch5
# s+ear #ll go !o con*ession a! Chris!mas5 # can!5 Eas!er5 # can!5 Leeks an4 mon!hs .ass an4 i!s
a /ear since Theresa 4ie45 #ll go on her anni)ersar/ "! # can!5 #m *i*!een no+ an4 # .ass
chrches +i!ho! s!o..ing5 #ll ha)e !o +ai! !ill # go !o America +here !here are .ries!s like $ing
Cros"/ in Going M/ La/ +ho +on! kick me o! o* !he con*essional like Limerick .ries!s5 # s!ill
ha)e !he sin in me- !he a"scess- an4 # ho.e i! 4oesn! kill me en!irel/ "e*ore # see !he American
.ries!5
Theres a !elegram *or an ol4 +oman- Mrs5 $rigi4 Fincane5 She sa/s- Ho+ ol4 are /o- "/N
Fi*!een an4 a hal*- Mrs5 Fincane5
,ong enogh !o make a *ool o* /orsel* an4 ol4 enogh !o kno+ "e!!er5 Are /o shmar!- "/N
Are /o an/+a/ in!elligen!N
# can rea4 an4 +ri!e- Mrs5 Fincane5
Arrah- !here are .eo.le a"o)e in !he lna!ic as/lm can rea4 an4 +ri!e5 Can /o +ri!e a le!!erN
# can5
She +an!s me !o +ri!e le!!ers !o her cs!omers5 #* /o nee4 a si! or 4ress *or /or chil4 /o
can go !o her5 She gi)es /o a !icke! !o a sho. an4 !he/ gi)e /o !he clo!hes5 She ge!s a 4iscon!
an4 charges /o !he ''(
*ll .rice an4 in!eres! on !o.5,o .a/ her "ack +eekl/5 Some o* her cs!omers *all "ehin4 in
!heir .a/men!s an4 !he/ nee4 !hrea!ening le!!ers5 She sa/s- #ll gi)e /o !hree.ence *or e)er/
le!!er /o +ri!e an4 ano!her !hree.ence i* i! "rings a .a/men!5 #* /o +an! !he Jo" come here
on Thrs4a/ an4 Fri4a/ nigh!s- an4 "ring /or o+n .a.er an4 en)elo.es5 #m 4es.era!e *or !ha!
Jo"5 # +an! !o go !o America5 $! # ha)e no mone/ *or .a.er an4 en)elo.es5 Ne9! 4a/ #m
4eli)ering a !elegram !o Lool+or!hs an4 !here is !he ans+er- a +hole sec!ion .acke4 +i!h
.a.er an4 en)elo.es5 # ha)e no mone/ so # ha)e !o hel. m/sel*5 $! ho+N T+o 4ogs sa)e !he
4a/ *or me- !+o 4ogs a! !he 4oor o* Lool+or!hs s!ck !oge!her a*!er !he e9ci!emen!5The/ /el.
an4 rn in circles5 Cs!omers an4 sales clerks giggle an4 .re!en4 !o "e looking some.lace else
an4 +hile !he/re "s/ .re!en4ing # sli. .a.er an4 en)elo.es n4er m/ s+ea!er- o! !he 4oor
an4 o** on m/ "ike *ar *rom s!ck 4ogs5 Mrs5 Fincane looks ss.icios5 Tha!s )er/ *anc/
s!a!ioner/ /o ha)e !here- "/5 #s !ha! /or mo!hersN ,oll gi)e !ha! "ack +hen /o ge! !he
mone/- +on! /o- "/N
Oh- # +ill5
From no+ on #m ne)er !o come !o her *ron! 4oor5Theres a lane "ehin4 her hose an4 #m !o
come in !he "ack 4oor *or *ear someone migh! see me5
#n a large le4ger she gi)es me !he names an4 a44resses o* si9 cs!omers "ehin4 in !heir
.a/men!s5Threa!en em- "/5 Frigh!en !he li*e o! o* em5
M/ *irs! le!!er-
7ear Mrs5 O$rien-
#nasmch as /o ha)e no! seen *i! !o .a/ me +ha! /o o+e me # ma/ "e *orce4 !o resor! !o
legal ac!ion5Theres /or son- Michael- .ara4ing aron4 !he +orl4 in his ne+ si! +hich # .ai4
*or +hile # m/sel* ha)e "arel/ a crs! !o kee. "o4/ an4 sol !oge!her5 # am sre /o 4on! +an!
!o langish in !he 4ngeons o* Limerick Jail *ar *rom *rien4s an4 *amil/5 # remain- /ors in
li!igios an!ici.a!ion-
Mrs5 $rigi4 Fincane
She !ells me-Tha!s a .o+er*l le!!er- "/- "e!!er !han an/!hing /o4 rea4 in !he Limerick
Lea4er5 Tha! +or4- inasmch- !ha!s a hol/ !error o* a +or45Lha! 4oes i! meanN
''%
# !hink i! means !his is /or las! chance5
# +ri!e *i)e more le!!ers an4 she gi)es me mone/ *or s!am.s5 On m/ +a/ !o !he .os! o**ice #
!hink-Lh/ shol4 # sKan4er mone/ on s!am.s +hen # ha)e !+o legs !o 4eli)er !he le!!ers
m/sel* in !he 4ea4 o* nigh!N
Lhen /ore .oor a !hrea!ening le!!er is a !hrea!ening le!!er no ma!!er ho+ i! comes in !he
4oor5
# rn !hrogh !he lanes o* Limerick sho)ing le!!ers n4er 4oors- .ra/ing no one +ill see me5
The ne9! +eek Mrs5 Fincane is sKealing +i!h Jo/5 For o* em .ai45 Oh- si! 4o+n no+ an4
+ri!e more- "/5 <! !he *ear o* Go4 in em5 Leek a*!er +eek m/ !hrea!ening le!!ers gro+
shar.er an4 shar.er5 # "egin !o !hro+ in +or4s # har4l/ n4ers!an4 m/sel*5 7ear Mrs5 O$rien-
#nasmch as /o ha)e no! sccm"e4 !o !he imminence
o* li!iga!ion in or .re)ios e.is!le "e a4)ise4 !ha! +e are in consl!a!ion +i!h or "arris!er
a"o)e in 7"lin5
Ne9! +eek Mrs5 O$rien .a/s5 She came in !rem"lin +i!h !ears in her e/es- "/- an4 she
.romise4 she4 ne)er miss ano!her .a/men!5 On Fri4a/ nigh!s Mrs5 Fincane sen4s me !o a ."
*or a "o!!le o* sherr/5,ore !oo /ong *or sherr/- "/5,o can make /orsel* a nice c. o* !ea
"! /o ha)e !o se !he !ea lea)es le*! o)er *rom !his morning5 No- /o can! ha)e a .iece o*
"rea4 +i!h !he .rices !he/re charging5 $rea4 is i!N Ne9! !hing /oll "e asking *or an egg5
She rocks "/ !he *ire- si..ing her sherr/- con!ing !he mone/ in !he .rse on her la.- en!ering
.a/men!s in her le4ger "e*ore she locks e)er/!hing in !he !rnk n4er her "e4 .s!airs5A*!er a
*e+ sherries she !ells me +ha! a lo)el/ !hing i! is !o ha)e a li!!le mone/ so /o can lea)e i! !o
!he Chrch *or Masses !o "e sai4 *or !he re.ose o* /or sol5 #! makes her so ha../ !o !hink o*
.ries!s sa/ing Masses *or her /ears an4 /ears a*!er shes 4ea4 an4 "rie45
Some!imes she *alls aslee. an4 i* !he .rse 4ro.s !o !he *loor # hel. m/sel* !o an e9!ra *e+
shillings *or !he o)er!ime an4 !he se o* all !he "ig ne+ +or4s5There +ill "e less mone/ *or !he
.ries!s an4 !heir Masses "! ho+ man/ Masses 4oes a sol nee4 an4 srel/ #m en!i!le4 !o a
*e+ .on4s a*!er !he +a/ !he Chrch slamme4 4oors in m/ *aceN The/ +ol4n! le! me "e an
al!ar "o/- a secon4ar/ school ..il- a missionar/ +i!h !he Lhi!e Fa!hers5 # 4on! care5 # ha)e a
.os! o**ice sa)ings accon! ''&
an4 i* # kee. +ri!ing sccess*l !hrea!ening le!!ers- hel.ing m/sel* !o !he o44 *e+ shillings *rom
her .rse an4 kee.ing !he s!am. mone/- #ll ha)e m/ esca.e mone/ !o America5 #* m/ +hole
*amil/ 4ro..e4 *rom !he hnger # +ol4n! !och !his mone/ in !he .os! o**ice5 O*!en # ha)e !o
+ri!e !hrea!ening le!!ers !o neigh"ors an4 *rien4s o* m/ mo!her an4 # +orr/ !he/ migh!
4isco)er me5The/ com.lain !o Mam-Tha! ol "i!ch- Fincane- "elo+ in #rish!o+n- sen! me a
!hrea!ening le!!er5Lha! kin4 o* a 4emon o!a hell +ol4 !ormen! her o+n kin4 +i!h a class o* a
le!!er !ha! # can! make hea4 nor !ail o* an/+a/ +i!h +or4s ne)er hear4 on lan4 or sea5The
.erson !ha! +ol4 +ri!e !ha! le!!er is +orse !han P4as or an/ in*ormer *or !he English5 M/
mo!her sa/s an/one !ha! +ri!es sch le!!ers shol4 "e "oile4 in oil an4 ha)e his *ingernails
.lle4 o! "/ "lin4 .eo.le5 #m sorr/ *or !heir !ro"les "! !heres no o!her +a/ *or me !o sa)e
!he mone/ *or America5 # kno+ !ha! some4a/ #ll "e a rich ,ank an4 sen4 home hn4re4s o*
4ollars an4 m/ *amil/ +ill ne)er ha)e !o +orr/ a"o! !hrea!ening le!!ers again5
Some o* !he !em.orar/ !elegram "o/s are !aking !he .ermanen! e9am in Ags!5 Mrs5
OConnell sa/s-,o shol4 !ake !ha! e9am- Frank McCor!5 ,o ha)e a "i! o* a "rain in /or
hea4 an4 /o4 .ass i! no "o!her5,o4 "e a .os!man in no !ime an4 a grea! hel. !o /or .oor
mo!her5 Mam sa/s # shol4 !ake i!- !oo- "ecome a .os!man- sa)e .- go !o America an4 "e a
.os!man o)er !here an4 +ol4n! !ha! "e a lo)el/ li*e5 #m 4eli)ering a !elegram !o So!hs ."
on a Sa!r4a/ an4 Uncle <a Kea!ing is si!!ing !here- all "lack as sal5 He sa/s- Ha)e a lemona4e
!here- Frankie- or is i! a .in! /o +an! no+ !ha! /ore near si9!eenN
Lemona4e- Uncle <a- !hanks5
,oll +an! /or *irs! .in! !he 4a/ /ore si9!een- +on! /oN
# +ill "! m/ *a!her +on! "e here !o ge! i! *or me5 7on! +orr/ a"o! !ha!5 # kno+ !is no! !he
same +i!ho! /or *a!her "! #ll ge! /o !he *irs! .in!5 Tis +ha! #4 4o i* # ha4 a son5 Come here
!he nigh! "e*ore /ore si9!een5
# +ill- Uncle <a5
# hear /ore !aking !ha! e9am *or !he .os! o**iceN
# am5
Lh/ +ol4 /o 4o a !hing like !ha!N
Tis a goo4 Jo" an4 #4 "e a .os!man in no !ime an4 i! has !he .ension5 '''
Ah- .ension m/ arse5 Si9!een /ears o* age an !alking a"o! !he .ension5 #s i! co44in me /o
areN 7o /o hear +ha! # sai4- FrankieN <ension m/ arse5 #* /o .ass !he e9am /oll s!a/ in !he
.os! o**ice nice an4 secre !he res! o* /or li*e5 ,oll marr/ a $rigi4 an4 ha)e *i)e li!!le
Ca!holics an4 gro+ li!!le roses in /or gar4en5,oll "e 4ea4 in /or hea4 "e*ore /ore !hir!/
an4 4rie4 in /or "allocks !he /ear "e*ore5 Make . /or o+n "loo4/ min4 an4 !o hell +i!h !he
sa*esho!s an4 !he "egr4gers5 7o /o hear me- Frankie McCor!N
# 4o- Uncle <a5Tha!s +ha! Mr5 OHalloran sai45
Lha! 4i4 he sa/N
Make . /or o+n min45
Tre *or Mr5 OHalloran5 Tis /or li*e- make /or o+n 4ecisions an4 !o hell +i!h !he "egr4gers-
Frankie5 #n !he heel o !he hn! /oll "e going !o America an/+a/- +on! /oN
# +ill- Uncle <a5
The 4a/ o* !he e9am #m e9cse4 *rom +ork5 Theres a sign in an o**ice +in4o+ on OConnell
S!ree!- smar! "o/ +an!e4- nea! han4+ri!ing- goo4 a! sms- a..l/ here !o manager- mr5
mcca**re/- easons l!45
# s!an4 o!si4e !he .lace o* !he e9am- !he hose o* !he Limerick <ro!es!an! ,ong Mens
Associa!ion5There are "o/s *rom all o)er Limerick clim"ing !he s!e.s !o !ake !he e9am an4 a
man a! !he 4oor is han4ing !hem shee!s o* .a.er an4 .encils an4 "arking a! !hem !o hrr/ .-
hrr/ .5 # look a! !he man a! !he 4oor- # !hink o* Uncle <a Kea!ing an4 +ha! he sai4- # !hink o*
!he sign in Easons o**ice- SMART $O, LANTE75 # 4on! +an! !o go in !ha! 4oor an4 .ass !ha!
e9am *or i* # 4o #ll "e a .ermanen! !elegram "o/ +i!h a ni*orm- !hen a .os!man- !hen a clerk
selling s!am.s *or !he res! o* m/ li*e5 #ll "e in Limerick *ore)er- gro+ing roses +i!h m/ hea4
4ea4 an4 m/ "allocks all 4rie4 .5 The man a! !he 4oor sa/s-,o- are /o coming in here or are
/o goin !o s!an4 !here +i!h /or *ace hanging o!N
# +an! !o sa/ !o !he man- Kiss m/ arse- "! # s!ill ha)e a *e+ +eeks le*! in !he .os! o**ice an4 he
migh! re.or! me5 # shake m/ hea4 an4 +alk . !he s!ree! +here a smar! "o/ is +an!e45
The manager- Mr5 McCa**re/- sa/s- # +ol4 like !o see a s.ecimen o* /or han4+ri!ing- !o see- in
shor!- i* /o ha)e a 4ecen! *is!5 Si! 4o+n !here a! !ha! !a"le5 Lri!e /or name an4 a44ress an4
+ri!e me a .aragra.h e9''B
.laining +h/ /o came here *or !his Jo" an4 ho+ /o .ro.ose !o rise in !he ranks o* Eason an4
Son- L!45- "/ 4in! o* .erse)erance an4 assi4i!/ +here !here is grea! o..or!ni!/ in !his
com.an/ *or a "o/ !ha! +ill kee. his e/e on !he gi4on ahea4 an4 gar4 his *lanks *rom !he
siren call o* sin5 # +ri!e-
Frank McCor!-
B- Li!!le $arring!on S!ree!-
Limerick Ci!/-
Con!/ Limerick-
#relan4
# am a..l/ing *or !his Jo" so !ha! # can rise !o !he highes! ranks o* Easons L!45- "/ 4in! o*
.erse)erance an4 assa4oo!/ kno+ing !ha! i* # kee. m/ e/es ahea4 an4 .ro!ec! m/ *lanks #ll "e
sa*e *rom all !em.!a!ion an4 a cre4i! !o Easons an4 #relan4 in general5 Lha!s !hisN sa/s Mr5
McCa**re/5 7o +e ha)e here a !+is!ing o* !he !r!hN
# 4on! kno+- Mr5 McCa**re/5
Li!!le $arring!on S!ree!5Tha!s a lane5Lh/ are /o calling i! a s!ree!N
,o li)e in a lane- no! a s!ree!5
The/ call i! a s!ree!- Mr5 McCa**re/5
7on! "e ge!!ing a"o)e /orsel*- "o/5
Oh- # +ol4n!- Mr5 McCa**re/5
,o li)e in a lane an4 !ha! means /o ha)e no+here !o go "! .5 7o /o n4ers!an4 !ha!-
McCor!N
# 4o- sir5
,o ha)e !o +ork /or +a/ o! o* !he lane- McCor!5
# 4o- Mr5 McCa**re/5
,o ha)e !he c! an4 Ji" o* a lane "o/- McCor!5
,es- Mr5 McCa**re/5
,o ha)e !he look o* !he lane all o)er /o5 All o)er /o *rom .oll !o !oe ca.5 7on! !r/ !o *ool !he
.o.lace- McCor!5,o4 ha)e !o rise earl/ in !he morning !o *ool !he likes o* me5
Oh- # +ol4n!- Mr5 McCa**re/5
Then !heres !he e/es5Oer/ sore e/es /o ha)e !here5 Can /o seeN
''C
# can- Mr5 McCa**re/5
,o can rea4 an4 +ri!e "! can /o 4o a44i!ion an4 s"!rac!ionN
# can- Mr5 McCa**re/5
Lell- # 4on! kno+ +ha! !he .olic/ is on sore e/es5 # +ol4 ha)e !o ring 7"lin an4 see +here
!he/ s!an4 on sore e/es5 $! /or +ri!ing is clear- McCor!5A goo4 *is!5Lell !ake /o on
.en4ing !he 4ecision on !he sore e/es5 Mon4a/ morning5 Hal* si9 a! !he rail+a/ s!a!ion5 #n !he
morningN
#n !he morning5 Le 4on! gi)e o! !he "loo4/ morning .a.ers a! nigh!- 4o +eN
No- Mr5 McCa**re/5
Ano!her !hing5Le 4is!ri"!e The #rish Times- a <ro!es!an! .a.er- rn "/ !he *reemasons in
7"lin5 Le .ick i! . a! !he rail+a/ s!a!ion5 Le con! i!5Le !ake i! !o !he ne+sagen!s5 $! +e
4on! rea4 i!5 # 4on! +an! !o see /o rea4ing i!5,o col4 lose !he Fai!h an4 "/ !he look o*
!hose e/es /o col4 lose /or sigh!5 7o /o hear me- McCor!N
# 4o- Mr5 McCa**re/5
No #rish Times- an4 +hen /o come in ne9! +eek #ll !ell /o a"o! all !he English *il!h /ore
no! !o rea4 in !his o**ice5 7o /o hear meN
# 4o- Mr5 McCa**re/5
Mrs5 OConnell has !he !igh! mo!h an4 she +on! look a! me5 She sa/s !o Miss $arr/- # hear a
cer!ain .s!ar! *rom !he lanes +alke4 a+a/ *rom !he .os! o**ice e9am5Too goo4 *or i!- #
s..ose5
Tre *or /o- sa/s Miss $arr/5
Too goo4 *or s- # s..ose5
Tre *or /o5
7o /o !hink he4 e)er !ell s +h/ he 4i4n! !ake !he e9amN
Oh- he migh!- sa/s Miss $arr/- i* +e +en! 4o+n on or !+o knees5 # !ell her- # +an! !o go !o
America- Mrs5 OConnell5 7i4 /o hear !ha!- Miss $arr/N
# 4i4- in4ee4- Mrs5 OConnell5
He s.oke5
He 4i4- in4ee45
He +ill re !he 4a/- Miss $arr/5
Re he +ill- Mrs5 OConnell5
Mrs5 OConnell !alks .as! me !o !he "o/s +ai!ing on !he "ench *or ''3
!heir !elegrams-This is Frankie McCor! +ho !hinks hes !oo goo4 *or !he .os! o**ice5
# 4on! !hink !ha!- Mrs5 OConnell5
An4 +ho aske4 /o !o o.en /or go"- Mr5 High an4 Migh!/N Too gran4 *or s- isn! he- "o/sN
He is- Mrs5 OConnell5
An4 a*!er all +e 4i4 *or him- gi)ing him !he !elegrams +i!h !he goo4 !i.s- sen4ing him !o !he
con!r/ on *ine 4a/s- !aking him "ack a*!er his 4isgrace*l "eha)ior +i!h Mr5 Harring!on- !he
Englishman- 4isres.ec!ing !he "o4/ o* .oor Mrs5 Harring!on- s!**ing himsel* +i!h ham
san4+iches- ge!!ing *l!here4 4rnk on sherr/- Jm.ing o! !he +in4o+ an4 4es!ro/ing e)er/
rose"sh in sigh!- coming in here !hree shee!s !o !he +in4- an4 +ho kno+s +ha! else he 4i4
4eli)ering !elegrams *or !+o /ears- +ho kno+s in4ee4- !hogh +e ha)e a goo4 i4ea- 4on! +e-
Miss $arr/N
Le 4o- Mrs5 OConnell- !hogh !+ol4n! "e a *i! s"Jec! !o "e !alking a"o!5
She +his.ers !o Miss $arr/ an4 !he/ look a! me an4 shake !heir hea4s5 A 4isgrace he is !o
#relan4 an4 his .oor mo!her5 # ho.e she ne)er *in4s o!5 $! +ha! +ol4 /o e9.ec! o* one
"orn in America an4 his *a!her *rom !he Nor!h5Le .! . +i!h all !ha! an4 s!ill !ook him "ack5
She kee.s !alking .as! me again !o !he "o/s on !he "ench5 Going !o +ork *or Easons he is-
+orking *or !ha! .ack o* *reemasons an4 <ro!es!an!s a"o)e in 7"lin5Too goo4 *or !he .os!
o**ice "! rea4/ an4 +illing !o 4eli)er all kin4s o* *il!h/ English magaIines all o)er Limerick5
E)er/ magaIine he !oches +ill "e a mor!al sin5 $! hes lea)ing no+- so he is- an4 a sorr/ 4a/ i!
is *or his .oor mo!her !ha! .ra/e4 *or a son +i!h a .ension !o !ake care o* her in her la!!er 4a/s5
So here- !ake /or +ages an4 go *rom !he sigh! o* s5
Miss $arr/ sa/s- Hes a "a4 "o/- isn! he- "o/sN
He is- Miss $arr/5
# 4on! kno+ +ha! !o sa/5 # 4on! kno+ +ha! # 4i4 +rong5 Shol4 # sa/ #m sorr/N Goo4:"/eN
# la/ m/ "el! an4 .och on Mrs5 OConnells 4esk5 She glares a! me- Go on5 Go !o /or Jo" a!
Easons5 Go *rom s5 Ne9! "o/- come . *or /or !elegrams5
The/re "ack a! +ork an4 #m 4o+n !he s!airs !o !he ne9! .ar! o* m/ li*e5
''E
XO##
#4on! kno+ +h/ Mrs5OConnell ha4 !o shame me "e*ore !he +hole +orl4-an4 # 4on! !hink #m
!oo goo4 *or !he .os! o**ice or an/!hing else5 Ho+ col4 # +i!h m/ hair s!icking .- .im.les
4o!!ing m/ *ace- m/ e/es re4 an4 ooIing /ello+- m/ !ee!h crm"ling +i!h !he ro!- no shol4ers-
no *lesh on m/ arse a*!er c/cling !hir!een !hosan4 miles !o 4eli)er !+en!/ !hosan4 !elegrams
!o e)er/ 4oor in Limerick an4 regions "e/on4N
Mrs5 OConnell sai4 a long !ime ago she kne+ e)er/!hing a"o! e)er/ !elegram "o/5 She ms!
kno+ a"o! !he !imes # +en! a! m/sel* on !o. o* Carrigognnell- milkmai4s ga+king- li!!le "o/s
looking .5 She ms! kno+ a"o! Theresa Carmo4/ an4 !he green so*a- ho+ # go! her in!o a
s!a!e o* sin an4 sen! her !o hell- !he +ors! sin o* all- +orse !han Carrigognnell a !hosan4
!imes5 She ms! kno+ # ne)er +en! !o con*ession a*!er Theresa- !ha! #m 4oome4 !o hell m/sel*5
A .erson !ha! commi!s a sin like !ha! is ne)er !oo goo4 *or !he .os! o**ice or an/!hing else5
The "arman a! So!hs remem"ers me *rom !he !ime # sa! +i!h Mr5 Hannon- $ill Gal)in- Uncle
<a Kea!ing- "lack +hi!e "lack5 He remem"ers m/ *a!her- ho+ he s.en! his +ages an4 his 4ole
+hile singing .a!rio!ic songs an4 making s.eeches *rom !he 4ock like a con4emne4 re"el5 An4
+ha! is i! /o4 likeN sa/s !he "arman5
#m here !o mee! Uncle <a Kea!ing an4 ha)e m/ *irs! .in!5 ''D
Oh- "ego4- is !ha! a *ac!N Hell "e here in a min!e an4 sre !heres no reason +h/ # shol4n!
4ra+ his .in! an4 ma/"e 4ra+ /or *irs! .in!- is !here no+N
There isn!- sir5
Uncle <a comes in an4 !ells me si! ne9! !o him agains! !he +all5The "arman "rings !he .in!s-
Uncle <a .a/s- li*!s his glass- !ells !he men in !he ."-This is m/ ne.he+- Frankie McCor!- son
o* Angela Sheehan- !he sis!er o* m/ +i*e- ha)ing his *irs! .in!- heres !o /or heal!h an4 long
li*e- Frankie- ma/ /o li)e !o enJo/ !he .in! "! no! !oo mch5 The men li*! !heir .in!s- no4-
4rink- an4 !here are cream/ lines on !heir li.s an4 ms!aches5 # !ake a grea! gl. o* m/ .in! an4
Uncle <a !ells me- Slo+ 4o+n *or !he lo)e o Pass- 4on! 4rink i! all- !heres more +here !ha!
came *rom as long as !he Ginness *amil/ s!a/s s!rong an4 heal!h/5
# !ell him # +an! !o s!an4 him a .in! +i!h m/ las! +ages *rom !he .os! o**ice "! he sa/s- No-
!ake !he mone/ home !o /or mo!her an4 /o can s!an4 me a .in! +hen /o come home *rom
America *lshe4 +i!h sccess an4 !he hea! *rom a "lon4e hanging on /or arm5 The men in !he
." are !alking a"o! !he !erri"le s!a!e o* !he +orl4 an4 ho+ in Go4s name Hermann Goering
esca.e4 !he hangman an hor "e*ore !he hanging5 The ,anks are o)er !here in Nrem"erg
4eclaring !he/ 4on! kno+ ho+ !he NaIi "as!ar4 hi4 !ha! .ill5Las i! in his earN U. his nos!rilN U.
his arseN Srel/ !he ,anks looke4 in e)er/ hole an4 crann/ o* e)er/ NaIi !he/ ca.!re4 an4 s!ill
Hermann +i.e4 !heir e/e5There /o are5 #! sho+s /o can sail across !he A!lan!ic- lan4 in
Norman4/- "om" German/ o** !he *ace o* !he ear!h- "! +hen alls sai4 an4 4one !he/ can!
*in4 a li!!le .ill .lan!e4 in !he *ar reaches o* Goerings *a! arse5 Uncle <a "/s me ano!her .in!5
#!s har4er !o 4rink "ecase i! *ills me an4 makes m/ "ell/ "lge5 The men are !alking a"o!
concen!ra!ion cam.s an4 !he .oor Pe+s !ha! ne)er harme4 a sol- men- +omen- chil4ren
cramme4 in!o o)ens- chil4ren- min4 /o- +ha! harm col4 !he/ 4o- li!!le shoes sca!!ere4
e)er/+here- cramme4 in- an4 !he ." is mis!/ an4 !he )oices *a4ing in an4 o!5 Uncle <a sa/s-
Are /o all righ!N ,ore as +hi!e as a shee!5 He !akes me !o !he la)a!or/ an4 !he !+o o* s ha)e
a goo4 long .iss agains! !he +all +hich kee.s mo)ing "ack an4 *or!h5 # can! go in!o !he ."
again- cigare!!e smoke- s!ale Ginness- Goerings *a! arse- small shoes sca!!ere4- can! go in
again- goo4 nigh!- Uncle <a- !hanks- an4 he !ells me go s!raigh! home !o m/ ''1
mo!her- s!raigh! home- oh- he 4oesn! kno+ a"o! !he e9ci!emen! in !he lo*! or !he e9ci!emen!
on !he green so*a or me in sch a s!a!e o* 4oom !ha! i* # 4ie4 no+ #4 "e in hell in a +ink5
Uncle <a goes "ack !o his .in!5 #m o! on OConnell S!ree! an4 +h/ shol4n! # !ake !he *e+
s!e.s !o !he Pesi!s an4 !ell all m/ sins !his las! nigh! #ll "e *i*!een5 # ring !he "ell a! !he .ries!s
hose an4 a "ig man ans+ers-,esN # !ell him- # +an! !o go !o con*ession- Fa!her5 He sa/s- #m no!
a .ries!5 7on! call me *a!her5 #m a "ro!her5
All righ!- $ro!her5 # +an! !o go !o con*ession "e*ore #m si9!een !omorro+5 S!a!e o grace on m/
"ir!h4a/5
He sa/s- Go a+a/5,ore 4rnk5 Chil4 like /o 4rnk as a lor4 ringing *or a .ries! a! !his hor5 Go
a+a/ or #ll call !he gar4s5 Ah- 4on!5 Ah- 4on!5 # onl/ +an! !o go !o con*ession5 #m 4oome45
,ore 4rnk an4 /ore no! in a .ro.er s.iri! o* re.en!ance5 He closes !he 4oor in m/
*ace5Ano!her 4oor close4 in !he *ace- "! #m si9!een !omorro+ an4 # ring again5 The "ro!her
o.ens !he 4oor- s+ings me aron4- kicks m/ arse an4 sen4s me !ri..ing 4o+n !he s!e.s5 He
sa/s- Ring !his "ell again an4 #ll "reak /or han45 Pesi! "ro!hers are no! s..ose4 !o !alk like
!ha!5The/re s..ose4 !o "e like Or Lor4- no! +alking !he +orl4 !hrea!ening .eo.les han4s5
#m 4iII/5 #ll go home !o "e45 # hol4 on !o railings along $arring!on S!ree! an4 kee. !o !he +all
going 4o+n !he lane5 Mam is "/ !he *ire smoking a Loo4"ine- m/ "ro!hers .s!airs in !he "e45
She sa/s-Tha!s a nice s!a!e !o come home in5
#!s har4 !o !alk "! # !ell her # ha4 m/ *irs! .in! +i!h Uncle <a5 No *a!her !o ge! me !he *irs! .in!5
,or Uncle <a shol4 kno+ "e!!er5
# s!agger !o a chair an4 she sa/s- Ps! like /or *a!her5 # !r/ !o con!rol !he +a/ m/ !onge mo)es
in m/ mo!h5 #4 ra!her "e- #4 ra!her- ra!her "e like m/ *a!her !han Laman Gri**in5 She !rns
a+a/ *rom me an4 looks in!o !he ashes in !he range "! # +on! lea)e her alone "ecase # ha4
m/ .in!- !+o .in!s- an4 #m si9!een !omorro+- a man5
7i4 /o hear meN #4 ra!her "e like m/ *a!her !han Laman Gri**in5 She s!an4s . an4 *aces me5
Min4 /or !onge- she sa/s5 Min4 /or o+n "loo4/ !onge5
7on! !alk !o me like !ha!5 #m /or mo!her5
#ll !alk !o /o an/ "loo4/ +a/ # like5
,o ha)e a mo!h like a messenger "o/5
'B(
7o #N 7o #N Lell- #4 ra!her "e a messenger "o/ !han !he likes o* Laman Gri**in ol 4rnkar4
+i!h !he sno!!/ nose an4 his lo*! an4 .eo.le clim"ing . !here +i!h him5 She +alks a+a/ *rom
me an4 # *ollo+ her .s!airs !o !he small room5 She !rns- Lea)e me alone- lea)e me alone- an4
# kee. "arking a! her- Laman Gri**in- Laman Gri**in- !ill she .shes me- Ge! o! o* !his room- an4
# sla. her on !he cheek so !ha! !ears Jm. in her e/es an4 !heres a small +him.ering son4
*rom her-,oll ne)er ha)e !he chance !o 4o !ha! again- an4 # "ack a+a/ *rom her "ecase
!heres ano!her sin on m/ long lis! an4 #m ashame4 o* m/sel*5
# *all in!o m/ "e4- clo!hes an4 all- an4 +ake . in !he mi44le o* !he nigh! .king on m/ .illo+-
m/ "ro!hers com.laining o* !he s!ink- !elling me clean .- #m a 4isgrace5 # hear m/ mo!her
cr/ing an4 # +an! !o !ell her #m sorr/ "! +h/ shol4 # a*!er +ha! she 4i4 +i!h Laman Gri**in5
#n !he morning m/ small "ro!hers are gone !o school- Malach/ is o! looking *or a Jo"- Mam is
a! !he *ire 4rinking !ea5 # .lace m/ +ages on !he !a"le "/ her el"o+ an4 !rn !o go5 She sa/s- 7o
/o +an! a c. o* !eaN
No5
Tis /or "ir!h4a/5
# 4on! care5
She calls . !he lane a*!er me-,o shol4 ha)e some!hing in /or s!omach- "! # gi)e her m/
"ack an4 !rn !he corner +i!ho! ans+ering5 # s!ill +an! !o !ell her #m sorr/ "! i* # 4o #ll +an!
!o !ell her shes !he case o* i! all- !ha! she shol4 no! ha)e clim"e4 !o !he lo*! !ha! nigh! an4 #
4on! gi)e a *i44lers *ar! an/+a/ "ecase #m s!ill +ri!ing !hrea!ening le!!ers *or Mrs5 Fincane
an4 sa)ing !o go !o America5 # ha)e !he +hole 4a/ "e*ore # go !o Mrs5 Fincane !o +ri!e !he
!hrea!ening le!!ers an4 # +an4er 4o+n Henr/ S!ree! !ill !he rain 4ri)es me in!o !he Franciscan
chrch +here S!5 Francis s!an4s +i!h his "ir4s an4 lam"s5 # look a! him an4 +on4er +h/ # e)er
.ra/e4 !o him5 No- # 4i4n! .ra/- # "egge45
# "egge4 him !o in!erce4e *or Theresa Carmo4/ "! he ne)er 4i4 a !hing- s!oo4 . !here on his
.e4es!al +i!h !he li!!le smile- !he "ir4s- !he lam"s- an4 4i4n! gi)e a *i44lers *ar! a"o! Theresa
or me5 #m *inishe4 +i!h /o- S!5 Francis5 Mo)ing on5 Francis5 # 4on! kno+ +h/ !he/ e)er ga)e
me !ha! name5 #4 "e "e!!er o** i* !he/ calle4 me Malach/- one a king- !he o!her a grea! sain!5
Lh/ 4i4n! /o heal 'B%
TheresaN Lh/ 4i4 /o le! her go !o hellN ,o le! m/ mo!her clim" !o !he lo*!5,o le! me ge! in!o
a s!a!e o* 4oom5 Li!!le chil4rens shoes sca!!ere4 in concen!ra!ion cam.s5 # ha)e !he a"scess
again5 #!s in m/ ches! an4 #m hngr/5
S!5 Francis is no hel.- he +on! s!o. !he !ears "rs!ing o! o* m/ !+o e/es- !he sni**ling an4
choking an4 !he Go4 oh Go4s !ha! ha)e me on m/ knees +i!h m/ hea4 on !he "ack o* !he .e+
"e*ore me an4 #m so +eak +i!h !he hnger an4 !he cr/ing # col4 *all on !he *loor an4 +ol4
/o .lease hel. me Go4 or S!5 Francis "ecase #m si9!een !o4a/ an4 # hi! m/ mo!her an4 sen!
Theresa !o hell an4 +anke4 all o)er Limerick an4 !he con!/ "e/on4 an4 # 4rea4 !he mills!one
aron4 m/ neck5 There is an arm aron4 m/ shol4ers- a "ro+n ro"e- click o* "lack rosar/
"ea4s- a Franciscan .ries!5
M/ chil4- m/ chil4- m/ chil45
#m a chil4 an4 # lean agains! him- li!!le Frankie on his *a!hers la.- !ell me all a"o! Cchlain-
7a4- m/ s!or/ !ha! Malach/ can! ha)e or Fre44ie Lei"o+i!I on !he s+ings5
M/ chil4- si! here +i!h me5Tell me +ha! !ro"les /o5 Onl/ i* /o +an! !o5 # am Fa!her Gregor/5
#m si9!een !o4a/- Fa!her5
Oh- lo)el/- lo)el/- an4 +h/ shol4 !ha! "e a !ro"le !o /oN
# 4rank m/ *irs! .in! las! nigh!5
,esN
# hi! m/ mo!her5
Go4 hel. s- m/ chil45 $! He +ill *orgi)e /o5 #s !here an/!hing elseN
# can! !ell /o- Fa!her5
Lol4 /o like !o go !o con*essionN
# can!- Fa!her5 # 4i4 !erri"le !hings5
Go4 *orgi)es all +ho re.en!5 He sen! His onl/ $elo)e4 Son !o 4ie *or s5
# can! !ell- Fa!her5 # can!5
$! /o col4 !ell S!5 Francis- col4n! /oN
He 4oesn! hel. me an/more5
$! /o lo)e him- 4on! /oN
# 4o5 M/ name is Francis5
Then !ell him5Lell si! here an4 /oll !ell him !he !hings !ha! !ro"le /o5 #* # si! an4 lis!en i! +ill
onl/ "e a .air o* ears *or S!5 Francis an4 Or Lor45Lon! !ha! hel.N
'B&
# !alk !o S!5 Francis an4 !ell him a"o! Margare!- Oli)er- Egene- m/ *a!her singing Ro44/
McCorle/ an4 "ringing home no mone/- m/ *a!her sen4ing no mone/ *rom Englan4- Theresa
an4 !he green so*a- m/ !erri"le sins on Carrigognnell- +h/ col4n! !he/ hang Hermann
Goering *or +ha! he 4i4 !o !he li!!le chil4ren +i!h shoes sca!!ere4 aron4 concen!ra!ion cam.s-
!he Chris!ian $ro!her +ho close4 !he 4oor in m/ *ace- !he !ime !he/ +ol4n! le! me "e an al!ar
"o/- m/ small "ro!her Michael +alking . !he lane +i!h !he "roken shoe clacking- m/ "a4 e/es
!ha! #m ashame4 o*- !he Pesi! "ro!her +ho close4 !he 4oor in m/ *ace- !he !ears in Mams e/es
+hen # sla..e4 her5 Fa!her Gregor/ sa/s- Lol4 /o like !o si! an4 "e silen!- .erha.s .ra/ a *e+
min!esN
His "ro+n ro"e is rogh agains! m/ cheek an4 !heres a smell o* soa.5 He looks a! S!5 Francis
an4 !he !a"ernacle an4 no4s an4 # s..ose hes !alking !o Go45 Then he !ells me kneel- gi)es me
a"sol!ion- !ells me sa/ !hree Hail Mar/s- !hree Or Fa!hers- !hree Glor/ $es5 He !ells me Go4
*orgi)es me an4 # ms! *orgi)e m/sel*- !ha! Go4 lo)es me an4 # ms! lo)e m/sel* *or onl/ +hen
/o lo)e Go4 in /orsel* can /o lo)e all Go4s crea!res5
$! # +an! !o kno+ a"o! Theresa Carmo4/ in hell- Fa!her5 No- m/ chil45 She is srel/ in hea)en5
She s**ere4 like !he mar!/rs in ol4en !imes an4 Go4 kno+s !ha!s .enance enogh5,o can "e
sre !he sis!ers in !he hos.i!al 4i4n! le! her 4ie +i!ho! a .ries!5 Are /o sre- Fa!herN
# am- m/ chil45
He "lesses me again- asks me !o .ra/ *or him- an4 #m ha../ !ro!!ing !hrogh !he rain/ s!ree!s
o* Limerick kno+ing Theresa is in hea)en +i!h !he cogh gone5
Mon4a/ morning an4 i!s 4a+n in !he rail+a/ s!a!ion5 Ne+s.a.ers an4 magaIines are .ile4 in
"n4les along !he .la!*orm +all5 Mr5 McCa**re/ is !here +i!h ano!her "o/-Lillie Harol4- c!!ing
!he !+ine on !he "n4les- con!ing- en!ering !he con! in a le4ger5 English ne+s.a.ers an4 The
#rish Times ha)e !o "e 4eli)ere4 earl/- magaIines la!er in !he morning5 Le con! o! !he
.a.ers an4 la"el !hem *or 4eli)er/ !o sho.s aron4 !he ci!/5
Mr5 McCa**re/ 4ri)es !he )an an4 s!a/s a! !he +heel +hile Lillie an4 # rn in!o sho.s +i!h
"n4les an4 !ake or4ers *or !he ne9! 4a/- a44 or 4ro. 'B'
in !he le4ger5 A*!er !he .a.ers are 4eli)ere4 +e nloa4 !he magaIines a! !he o**ice an4 go
home !o "reak*as! *or *i*!/ min!es5 Lhen # re!rn !o !he o**ice !here are !+o o!her "o/s-
Eamon an4 <e!er- alrea4/ sor!ing magaIines- con!ing an4 s!**ing !hem in!o ne+sagen!s
"o9es along !he +all5 Small or4ers are 4eli)ere4 "/ Gerr/ Hal)e/ on his messenger "ic/cle- "ig
or4ers in !he )an5 Mr5 McCa**re/ !ells me s!a/ in !he o**ice so !ha! # can learn !o con!
magaIines an4 en!er !hem in !he le4ger5The min!e Mr5 McCa**re/ lea)es Eamon an4 <e!er .ll
o! a 4ra+er +here !he/ hi4e cigare!!e "!!s an4 ligh! .5 The/ can! "elie)e # 4on! smoke5
The/ +an! !o kno+ i* !heres some!hing +rong +i!h me- !he "a4 e/es or !he consm.!ion
ma/"e5 Ho+ can /o go o! +i!h a girl i* /o 4on! smokeN <e!er sa/s- Lol4n! /o "e a righ!
eeJi! i* /o +ere going o! !he roa4 +i!h !he girl an4 she aske4 /o *or a *ag an4 /o sai4 /o
4i4n! smoke- +ol4n! /o "e a righ! eeJi! !henN Ho+ +ol4 /o e)er ge! her in!o a *iel4 *or a
"i! o* a *eelN Eamon sa/s- Tis +ha! m/ *a!her sa/s a"o! men +ho 4on! 4rink- !he/re no! !o
"e !rs!e45 <e!er sa/s i* /o *in4 a man !ha! +on! 4rink or smoke !ha!s a man !ha!s no! e)en
in!eres!e4 in girls an4 /o4 +an! !o kee. /or han4 o)er !he hole o* /or arse- !ha!s +ha!
/o4 +an! !o "e 4oing5
The/ lagh an4 !ha! "rings on !he cogh an4 !he more !he/ lagh !he more !he/ cogh !ill
!he/re hol4ing on !o one ano!her "anging one ano!her "e!+een !he shol4er "la4es an4
+i.ing !ears *rom !heir cheeks5 Lhen !he *i! .asses +e .ick o! English an4 American
magaIines an4 look a! !he a4)er!isemen!s *or +omens n4er+ear- "rassieres an4 .an!ies an4
long n/lon s!ockings5 Eamon is looking a! an American magaIine calle4 See +i!h .ic!res o*
Pa.anese girls +ho kee. !he sol4iers ha../ so *ar a+a/ *rom home an4 Eamon sa/s he has !o
go !o !he la)a!or/ an4 +hen he 4oes <e!er gi)es me a +ink-,o kno+ +ha! hes . !o in !here-
4on! /oN an4 some!imes Mr5 McCa**re/ ge!s in!o a s!a!e +hen "o/s linger in !he la)a!or/
in!er*ering +i!h !hemsel)es an4 +as!ing !he )ala"le !ime *or +hich Easons is .a/ing !hem an4
on !o. o* i! .!!ing !heir immor!al sols in 4anger5 Mr5 McCa**re/ +on! come righ! o! an4 sa/-
S!o. !ha! +anking- "ecase /o can! accse someone o* a mor!al sin nless /o ha)e .roo*5
Some!imes he goes snoo.ing in !he la)a!or/ +hen a "o/ comes o!5 He comes "ack himsel*
+i!h !he !hrea!ening look an4 !ells !he "o/s-,e are no! !o "e looking a! !hose 4ir!/ magaIines
*rom *oreign .ar!s5,e are !o con! !hem an4 .! !hem in !he "o9es an4 !ha!s all5
'BB
Eamon comes "ack *rom !he la)a!or/ an4 <e!er goes in +i!h an American magaIine- Colliers-
!ha! has .ic!res o* girls in a "ea!/ con!es!5 Eamon sa/s- 7o /o kno+ +ha! hes 4oing in
!hereN A! himsel*5 Fi)e !imes a 4a/ he goes in5 E)er/ !ime a ne+ American magaIine comes in
+i!h !he +omens n4er+ear he goes in5 Ne)er 4one going a! himsel*5 $orro+s magaIines !o
!ake home n"ekno+ns! !o Mr5 McCa**re/ an4 Go4 kno+s +ha! he 4oes +i!h himsel* an4 !he
magaIines all nigh!5 #* he *ell 4ea4 in !here !he Ja+s o* hell +ol4 o.en +i4e5 #4 like !o ge! in!o
!he la)a!or/ m/sel* +hen <e!er comes o! "! # 4on! +an! !hem sa/ing- There he goes- ne+
"o/- *irs! 4a/ on !he Jo"- alrea4/ a! himsel*5 Lon! ligh! . a *ag oh no "! +anks a+a/ like an
ol "ill/goa!5
Mr5 McCa**re/ re!rns *rom )an 4eli)er/ an4 +an!s !o kno+ +h/ all !he magaIines aren!
con!e4 o!- "n4le4 an4 rea4/ !o go5 <e!er !ells him- Le +ere "s/ !eaching !he ne+ "o/-
McCor!5 Go4 hel. s- he +as a "i! slo+ +i!h !he "a4 e/es /o kno+ "! +e ke.! a! him an4
no+ hes ge!!ing *as!er5
Gerr/ Hal)e/- !he messenger "o/- +on! "e in *or a +eek "ecase hes en!i!le4 !o his holi4a/s
an4 he +an!s !o s.en4 !he !ime +i!h his girl*rien4- Rose- +hos coming "ack *rom Englan45 #m
!he ne+ "o/ an4 # ha)e !o "e messenger "o/ +hile hes gone- c/cling aron4 Limerick on !he
"ic/cle +i!h !he "ig me!al "aske! in *ron!5 He sho+s me ho+ !o "alance .a.ers an4 magaIines
so !ha! !he "ic/cle +on! !i. o)er +i!h me in !he sa44le an4 a lorr/ .assing "/ !ha! +ill rn o)er
me an4 lea)e me like a .iece o* salmon in !he roa45 He sa+ a sol4ier once !ha! +as rn o)er "/
an arm/ lorr/ an4 !ha!s +ha! he looke4 like- salmon5
Gerr/ is making a las! 4eli)er/ a! Easons kiosk a! !he rail+a/ s!a!ion a! noon on Sa!r4a/ an4
!ha!s han4/ "ecase # can mee! him !here !o ge! !he "ic/cle an4 he can mee! Rose o** !he
!rain5Le s!an4 a! !he ga!e +ai!ing an4 he !ells me he hasn! seen Rose in a /ear5 Shes o)er
!here +orking in a ." in $ris!ol an4 he 4oesn! like !ha! one "i! "ecase !he English are *ore)er
.a+ing !he #rish girls- han4s . n4er !he skir!s an4 +orse- an4 !he #rish girls are a*rai4 !o sa/
an/!hing *or *ear o* losing !heir Jo"s5 E)er/one kno+s #rish girls kee. !hemsel)es .re es.eciall/
Limerick girls kno+n !he +orl4 o)er *or !heir .ri!/ +ho ha)e a man !o come "ack !o like Gerr/
Hal)e/ himsel*5 Hell "e a"le !o !ell i* she +as !re !o him "/ her +alk5 #* a girl comes "ack a*!er
a /ear +i!h a cer!ain class o* a +alk !ha!s 4i**eren! *rom !he one she +en! a+a/ +i!h !hen /o
'BC
kno+ she +as . !o no goo4 +i!h !he Englishmen 4ir!/ horn/ "as!ar4s !ha! !he/ are5
The !rain hoo!s in!o !he s!a!ion an4 Gerr/ +a)es an4 .oin!s !o Rose coming !o+ar4 s *rom !he
*ar en4 o* !he !rain- Rose smiling a+a/ +i!h her +hi!e !ee!h an4 lo)el/ in a green 4ress5 Gerr/
s!o.s +a)ing an4 m!!ers n4er his "rea!h- Look a! !he +alk on her- "i!ch- hoor- s!ree!+alker-
*lagho..er- !rollo.- an4 rns *rom !he s!a!ion5 Rose +alks . !o me-Las !ha! Gerr/ Hal)e/ /o
+ere s!an4ing +i!hN
T+as5
Lhere is heN
Oh- he +en! o!5
# kno+ he +en! o!5Lhere 4i4 he goN
# 4on! kno+5 He 4i4n! !ell me5 He Js! ran o!5
7i4n! sa/ an/!hingN
# 4i4n! hear him sa/ an/!hing5
7o /o +ork +i!h himN
# 4o5 #m !aking o)er !he "ike5
Lha! "ikeN
The messenger "ike5
#s he on a messenger "ikeN
He is5
He !ol4 me he +orke4 in Easons o**ice- clerk- insi4e Jo"N
# *eel 4es.era!e5 # 4on! +an! !o make a liar o* Gerr/ Hal)e/- !o ge! him in!o !ro"le +i!h !he
lo)el/ Rose5 Oh- +e all !ake !rns on !he messenger "ike5 An hor in !he o**ice- an hor on !he
"ike5The manager sa/s !is goo4 !o ge! o! in !he *resh air5 Lell- #ll Js! go home an4 .! m/
si!case 4o+n an4 go !o his hose5 # !hogh! he4 carr/ !his *or me5
# ha)e !he "ike here an4 /o can s!ick !he case in !he "aske! an4 #ll +alk /o home5
Le +alk . !o her hose in Care/s Roa4 an4 she !ells me shes so e9ci!e4 a"o! Gerr/5 She
sa)e4 her mone/ in Englan4 an4 no+ she +an!s !o go "ack +i!h him an4 ge! marrie4 e)en i*
hes onl/ nine!een an4 shes onl/ se)en!een5Lha! ma!!er +hen /ore in lo)e5 # li)e4 like a nn
in Englan4 an4 4ream! o* him e)er/ nigh! an4 !hank /o )er/ mch *or carr/ing m/ case5
# !rn a+a/ !o Jm. on !he "ike an4 c/cle "ack !o Easons +hen Gerr/ comes a! me *rom "ehin45
His *ace is re4 an4 hes snor!ing like a "ll5 Lha! +ere /o 4oing +i!h m/ girl- /o li!!le shi!eN
EhN
'B3
Lha!N #* !is a !hing # e)er *in4 o! /o 4i4 an/!hing +i!h m/ girl #ll kill /o5
# 4i4n! 4o an/!hing5 Carrie4 her case "ecase !+as hea)/5 7on! look a! her again or /ore
4ea45
# +on!- Gerr/5 # 4on! +an! !o look a! her5
Oh- is !ha! a *ac!N #s she gl/ or +ha!N
No- no- Gerr/- shes /ors an4 she lo)es /o5
Ho+ 4o /o kno+N
She !ol4 me5
She 4i4N
She 4i4- hones! !o Go45
Pass5
He "angs on her 4oor- Rose- Rose- are /o !hereN an4 she comes o!- O* corse- #m here- an4 #
ri4e a+a/ on !he messenger "ic/cle +i!h !he sign on !he "aske! !ha! sa/s Easons +on4ering
a"o! !he +a/ hes kissing her no+ an4 !he !erri"le !hings he sai4 a"o! her in !he s!a!ion an4
+on4ering ho+ <e!er in !he o**ice col4 !ell Mr5 McCa**re/ a "are*ace4 lie a"o! me an4 m/
e/es +hen all !he !ime he an4 Eamon +ere looking a! girls in !heir n4er+ear an4 !hen going a!
!hemsel)es in !he la)a!or/5
Mr5 McCa**re/ is in a !erri"le s!a!e in !he o**ice5 Lhere +ere /oN
Grea! Go4 a"o)e in hea)en- 4oes i! !ake /o all 4a/ !o c/cle *rom !he rail+a/ s!a!ionN Le ha)e
an emergenc/ here an4 +e shol4 ha)e Hal)e/ "! hes gone o** on his *riggin holi4a/s- Go4
*orgi)e !he langage- an4 /oll ha)e !o c/cle aron4 as *as! as /o can- goo4 !hing /o +ere a
!elegram "o/ !ha! kno+s e)er/ inch o* Limerick- an4 go !o e)er/ "loo4/ sho. !ha!s a cs!omer
an4 +alk righ! in gra" +ha!e)er co.ies /o see o* Pohn OLon4ons Leekl/ !ear o! .age
si9!een an4 i* an/one "o!hers /o !ell !hem !is go)ernmen! or4ers an4 !he/re no! !o in!er*ere
in go)ernmen! "siness an4 i* !he/ la/ a *inger on /o !he/re lia"le !o arres!- im.risonmen!
an4 a large *ine no+ go *or Go4s sake an4 "ring "ack e)er/ .age si9!een /o !ear o! so !ha!
+e can "rn !hem here in !he *ire5
E)er/ sho.- Mr5 McCa**re/N
#ll 4o !he "ig ones- /o 4o !he small ones all !he +a/ !o $allinacrra an4 o! !he Ennis Roa4 an4
"e/on4- Go4 hel. s5 Go on- go5 #m Jm.ing on !he "ike an4 Eamon rns 4o+n !he s!e.s5 He/-
McCor!- +ai!5 Lis!en5 7on! gi)e him all !he .age si9!eens +hen /o come "ack5
'BE
Lh/N
Le can sell em- me an <e!er5
Lh/N
Tis all a"o! "ir!h con!rol an4 !ha!s "anne4 in #relan45 Lha!s "ir!h con!rolN
A+- Chris! a"o)e- 4on! /o kno+ an/!hingN Tis con4oms- /o kno+- r""ers- French le!!ers-
!hings like !ha! !o s!o. !he girls *rom ge!!ing . !he .ole5 U. !he .oleN
<regnan!5 Si9!een /ears o* age an /ore .re ignoran!5 Hrr/ . an ge! !he .ages "e*ore
e)er/"o4/ s!ar!s rnnin !o !he sho. *or PohnOLon4ons Leekl/5
#m a"o! !o .sh a+a/ on !he "ike +hen Mr5 McCa**re/ rns 4o+n !he s!e.s5 Hol4 on-
McCor!- +ell go in !he )an5 Eamon- /o come +i!h s5
Lha! a"o! <e!erN
Lea)e him5 Hell +in4 . +i!h a magaIine in !he la)a!or/ an/+a/5 Mr5 McCa**re/ !alks !o himsel*
in !he )an5 Nice "loo4/ ho+ 4o /o 4o ringing 4o+n here *rom 7"lin on a *ine Sa!r4a/ !o
sen4 s !earing aron4 Limerick ri..ing .ages o! o* an English magaIine +hen # col4 "e a!
home +i!h a c. o* !ea an4 a nice "n an4 a rea4 o* The#rish <ress +i!h m/ *ee! . on a "o9
n4er !he .ic!re o* !he Sacre4 Hear! nice "loo4/ ho+ 4o /o 4o en!irel/5
Mr5 McCa**re/ rns in!o e)er/ sho. +i!h s "ehin4 him5 He gra"s !he magaIines- han4s each o*
s a .ile an4 !ells s s!ar! !earing5 Sho. o+ners scream a! him- Lha! are /e 4oingN Pess- Mar/
an4 Hol/ S!5 Pose.h- is i! .re ma4 /e areN <! "ack !hem magaIines or #ll call !he gar4s5
Mr5 McCa**re/ !ells !hem- Go)ernmen! or4ers- maam5There is *il!h in Pohn OLon4on !his
+eek !ha!s no! *i! *or an/ #rish e/es an4 +e are here !o 4o Go4s +ork5
Lha! *il!hN Lha! *il!hN Sho+ me !he *il!h "e*ore /e go m!ila!in
!he magaIines5 # +on! .a/ Easons *or !hese magaIines- so # +on!5 Maam- +e 4on! care a!
Easons5Le4 ra!her lose large amon!s !han ha)e !he .eo.le o* Limerick an4 #relan4 corr.!e4
"/ !his *il!h5 Lha! *il!hN
Can! !ell /o5 Come on- "o/s5
Le !hro+ !he .ages on !he *loor o* !he )an an4 +hen Mr5 McCa**re/ is in a sho. arging +e
s!** some in!o or shir!s5 There are ol4 'BD
magaIines in !he )an an4 +e !ear an4 sca!!er !hem so !ha! Mr5 McCa**re/ +ill !hink !he/re all
.age si9!een *rom Pohn OLon4on5 The "igges! cs!omer *or !he magaIine- Mr5 H!chinson-
!ells Mr5 McCa**re/ ge! !o hell o! o* his sho. or hell "rain him- ge! a+a/ *rom !hem
magaIines- an4 +hen Mr5 McCa**re/ kee.s on !earing o! .ages Mr5 H!chinson !hro+s him
in!o !he s!ree!- Mr5 McCa**re/ /elling !ha! !his is a Ca!holic con!r/ an4 Js! "ecase H!chinson
is a <ro!es!an! !ha! 4oesn! gi)e him !he righ! !o sell *il!h in !he holies! ci!/ in #relan45 Mr5
H!chinson sa/s- Ah- kiss m/ arse- an4 Mr5 McCa**re/ sa/s- See- "o/sN See +ha! ha..ens +hen
/ore no! a mem"er o* !he Tre ChrchN
Some sho.s sa/s !he/)e alrea4/ sol4 all !heir co.ies o* Pohn OLon:4on an4 Mr5 McCa**re/
sa/s- Oh- Mo!her o Go4- +ha!s going !o "ecome o* s allN Lho 4i4 /e sell !hem !oN
He 4eman4s !he names an4 a44ress o* !he cs!omers +ho are in 4anger o* losing !heir
immor!al sols *rom rea4ing ar!icles on "ir!h con!rol5 He +ill go !o !heir hoses an4 ri. o! !ha!
*il!h/ .age "! !he sho.kee.ers sa/- Tis Sa!r4a/ nigh!- McCa**re/- an4 ge!!ing 4ark an4 +ol4
/o e)er !ake a goo4 rnning Jm. *or /orsel*5
On !he +a/ "ack !o !he o**ice Eamon +his.ers !o me in !he "ack o* !he )an- # ha)e !+en!/:one
.ages5 Ho+ man/ 4o /o ha)eN # !ell him *or!een "! # ha)e o)er *or!/ an4 #m no! !elling him
"ecase /o ne)er ha)e !o !ell !he !r!h !o .eo.le +ho lie a"o! /or "a4 e/es5 Mr5 McCa**re/
!ells s "ring in !he .ages *rom !he )an5 Le scoo. . e)er/!hing on !he *loor an4 hes ha../
si!!ing a! his 4esk a! !he o!her en4 o* !he o**ice ringing 7"lin !o !ell !hem ho+ he s!orme4
!hrogh sho.s like Go4s a)enger an4 sa)e4 Limerick *rom !he horrors o* "ir!h con!rol +hile he
+a!ches a 4ancing *ire o* .ages !ha! ha)e no!hing !o 4o +i!h Pohn OLon4ons Leekl/5
Mon4a/ morning # c/cle !hrogh !he s!ree!s 4eli)ering magaIines an4 .eo.le see !he Easons
sign on !he "ike an4 s!o. me !o see i* !heres an/ chance !he/ col4 ge! !heir han4s on a co./
o* Pohn OLon4onsLeekl/5The/re all rich:looking .eo.le- some in mo!or cars- men +i!h ha!s-
collars an4 !ies- an4 !+o *on!ain .ens in !heir .ocke!s- +omen +i!h ha!s an4 li!!le "i!s o* *r
4angling *rom !heir shol4ers- .eo.le +ho ha)e !ea a! !he Sa)o/ or !he S!ella an4 s!ick o! !heir
li!!le *ingers !o sho+ ho+ +ell "re4 !he/ are an4 no+ +an! !o rea4 !his .age a"o! "ir!h
con!rol5
Eamon !ol4 me earl/ in !he 4a/- 7on! sell !he "loo4/ .age *or less 'B1
!han *i)e shillings5 # aske4 him i* he +as Joking5 No- he +asn!5 E)er/one in Limerick is !alking
a"o! !his .age an4 !he/re 4/ing !o ge! !heir han4s on i!5
Fi)e shillings or no!hing- Frankie5 #* !he/re rich charge more "! !ha!s +ha! #m charging so
4on! "e going aron4 on /or "ic/cle an4 .!!in me o! o* "siness +i!h lo+ .rices5Le ha)e
!o gi)e <e!er some!hing or hell "e rnning !o McCa**re/ an4 s.illing !he "eans5 Some .eo.le
are +illing !o .a/ se)en shillings an4 si9.ence an4 #m rich in !+o 4a/s +i!h o)er !en .on4s in
m/ .ocke! mins one *or <e!er !he snake- +ho +ol4 "e!ra/ s !o McCa**re/5 # .! eigh!
.on4s in !he .os! o**ice *or m/ *are !o America an4 !ha! nigh! +e ha)e a "ig s..er o* ham-
!oma!oes- "rea4- "!!er- Jam5 Mam +an!s !o kno+ i* # +on !he s+ee.s!akes an4 # !ell her
.eo.le gi)e me !i.s5 Shes no! ha../ #m a messenger "o/ "ecase !ha!s !he lo+es! /o can
4ro. in Limerick "! i* i! "rings in ham like !his +e shol4 ligh! a can4le in gra!i!4e5 She 4oesn!
kno+ !he mone/ *or m/ *are is gro+ing in !he .os! o**ice an4 she4 4ie i* she kne+ +ha! # +as
earning *rom +ri!ing !hrea!ening le!!ers5
Malach/ has a ne+ Jo" in !he s!ockroom o* a garage han4ing o! .ar!s !o mechanics an4 Mam
hersel* is !aking care o* an ol4 man- Mr5 Sline/- o! in !he So!h Circlar Roa4 +hile his !+o
4agh!ers go o** !o +ork e)er/ 4a/5 She !ells me i* #m 4eli)ering .a.ers o! !here !o come !o
!he hose *or !ea an4 a san4+ich5 The 4agh!ers +ill ne)er kno+ an4 !he ol4 man +on! min4
"ecase hes onl/ hal* conscios mos! o* !he !ime +orn o! *rom all his /ears in !he English
arm/ in #n4ia5
She looks .eace*l in !he ki!chen o* !his hose in her s.o!less a.ron- e)er/!hing clean an4
.olishe4 aron4 her- *lo+ers "o""ing in !he gar4en "e/on4- "ir4s chir.ing a+a/- msic *rom
Ra4io Eireann on !he +ireless5 She si!s a! !he !a"le +i!h a .o! o* !ea- c.s an4 sacers- .len!/ o*
"rea4- "!!er- col4 mea!s o* all kin4s5 # can ha)e an/ class o* a san4+ich "! all # kno+ is ham
an4 "ra+n5 She 4oesn! ha)e an/ "ra+n "ecase !ha!s !he kin4 o* !hing /o4 *in4 .eo.le
ea!ing in lanes no! in a hose on !he So!h Circlar Roa45 She sa/s !he rich +on! ea! "ra+n
"ecase i!s +ha! !he/ scoo. o** *loors an4 con!ers in "acon *ac!ories an4 /o ne)er kno+
+ha! /ore ge!!ing5 The rich are )er/ .ar!iclar a"o! +ha! !he/ s!ick "e!+een !+o slices o*
"rea45 O)er in America "ra+n is calle4 hea4 cheese an4 she 4oesn! kno+ +h/5 'C(
She gi)es me a ham san4+ich +i!h Jic/ slices o* !oma!o an4 !ea in a c. +i!h li!!le .ink angels
*l/ing aron4 shoo!ing arro+s a! o!her li!!le *l/ing angels +ho are "le an4 # +on4er +h/ !he/
can! make !eac.s an4 cham"er .o!s +i!ho! all kin4s o* angels an4 mai4ens ca)or!ing in !he
glen5 Mam sa/s !ha!s !he +a/ !he rich are- !he/ lo)e !he "i! o* 4ecora!ion an4 +ol4n! +e i*
+e ha4 !he mone/5 She4 gi)e her !+o e/es !o ha)e a hose like !his +i!h *lo+ers an4 "ir4s
a"roa4 in !he gar4en an4 !he +ireless .la/ing !ha! lo)el/ Larsa+ Concer!o or !he 7ream o*
Ol+/n an4 no en4 o* c.s an4 sacers +i!h angels shoo!ing arro+s5
She sa/s she has !o look in on Mr5 Sline/ hes so ol4 an4 *ee"le he *orge!s !o call *or !he
cham"er .o!5
Cham"er .o!N ,o ha)e !o em.!/ his cham"er .o!N
O* corse # 4o5
Theres a silence here "ecase # !hink +ere remem"ering !he case o* all or !ro"les- Laman
Gri**ins cham"er .o!5 $! !ha! +as a long !ime ago an4 no+ i!s Mr5 Sline/s cham"er .o!-
+hich is no harm "ecase shes .ai4 *or !his an4 hes harmless5 Lhen she comes "ack she !ells
me Mr5 Sline/ +ol4 like !o see me- so come in +hile hes a+ake5
Hes l/ing in a "e4 in !he *ron! .arlor- !he +in4o+ "locke4 +i!h a "lack shee!- no sign o* ligh!5
He !ells m/ mo!her- Li*! me . a "i!- misss- an4 .ll "ack !ha! "loo4/ !hing o** !he +in4o+ so #
can see !he "o/5 He has long +hi!e hair 4o+n !o his shol4ers5 Mam +his.ers he +on! le!
an/one c! i!5 He sa/s- # ha)e me o+n !ee!h- son5Lol4 /o cre4i! !ha!N 7o /o ha)e /or o+n
!ee!h- sonN
# 4o- Mr5 Sline/5
Ah5 # +as in #n4ia /o kno+5 Me an4 Timone/ . !he roa45 $nch o* Limerick men in #n4ia5 7o
/o kno+ Timone/- sonN
# 4i4- Mr5 Sline/5
Hes 4ea4- /o kno+5 <oor "gger +en! "lin45 # ha)e me sigh!5 # ha)e me !ee!h5 Kee. /or
!ee!h- son5
# +ill- Mr5 Sline/5
#m ge!!ing !ire4- son- "! !heres one !hing # +an! !o !ell /o5 Are /o lis!ening !o meN
# am- Mr5 Sline/5
#s he lis!ening !o me- misssN
Oh- he is- Mr5 Sline/5
'C%
Goo45 No+ heres +ha! # +an! !o !ell /o5 Lean o)er here so # can +his.er in /or ear5 Lha! #
+an! !o !ell /o is- Ne)er smoke ano!her mans .i.e5
Hal)e/ goes o** !o Englan4 +i!h Rose an4 # ha)e !o s!a/ on !he messenger "ike all !hrogh !he
+in!er5 #!s a "i!!er +in!er- ice e)er/+here- an4 # ne)er kno+ +hen !he "ike +ill go o! *rom
n4er me an4 sen4 me *l/ing in!o !he s!ree! or on!o !he .a)emen!- magaIines an4 .a.ers
sca!!ere45 Sho.s com.lain !o Mr5 McCa**re/ !ha! The #rish Times is coming in 4ecora!e4 +i!h
"i!s o* ice an4 4og shi! an4 he m!!ers !o s !ha!s !he +a/ !ha! .a.er shol4 "e 4eli)ere4-
<ro!es!an! rag !ha! i! is5 E)er/ 4a/ a*!er m/ 4eli)eries # !ake The #rish Times home an4 rea4 i!
!o see +here !he 4anger is5 Mam sa/s i!s a goo4 !hing 7a4 isn! here5 He4 sa/- #s !his +ha! !he
men o* #relan4 *ogh! an4 4ie4 *or !ha! m/ o+n son is si!!ing !here a! !he ki!chen !a"le rea4ing
!he *reemason .a.erN
There are le!!ers !o !he e4i!or *rom .eo.le all o)er #relan4 claiming !he/ hear4 !he *irs! cckoo
o* !he /ear an4 /o can rea4 "e!+een !he lines !ha! .eo.le are calling each o!her liars5 There
are re.or!s a"o! <ro!es!an! +e44ings an4 .ic!res an4 !he +omen al+a/s look lo)elier !han
!he ones +e kno+ in !he lanes5,o can see <ro!es!an! +omen ha)e .er*ec! !ee!h al!hogh
Hal)e/s Rose ha4 lo)el/ !ee!h5 # kee. rea4ing The #rish Times an4 +on4ering i* i!s an
occasion o* sin !hogh # 4on! care5 As long as Theresa Carmo4/ is in hea)en no! coghing #
4on! go !o con*ession an/more5 # rea4 The #rish Times an4 The Times o* Lon4on "ecase
!ha! !ells me +ha! !he King is . !o e)er/ 4a/ an4 +ha! EliIa"e!h an4 Margare! are 4oing5
# rea4 English +omens magaIines *or all !he *oo4 ar!icles an4 !he ans+ers !o +omens
Kes!ions5 <e!er an4 Eamon .! on English accen!s an4 .re!en4 !he/re rea4ing *rom English
+omens magaIines5 <e!er sa/s- 7ear Miss Ho.e- #m going o! +i!h a *ello+ *rom #relan4
name4 McCa**re/ an4 he has his han4s all o)er me an4 his !hing .shing agains! m/ "ell/
"!!on an4 #m 4emen!e4 no! kno+ing +ha! !o 4o5 # remain- /ors an9iosl/- Miss Ll
Smi!h-,orkshire5 Eamon sa/s- 7ear Ll- #* !his McCa**re/ is !ha! !all !ha! hes .shing his /oke
agains! /or "ell/ "!!on # sgges! /o *in4 a smaller man +ho +ill sli. i! "e!+een /or !highs5
Srel/ /o can *in4 a 4ecen! shor! man in ,orkshire5
'C&
7ear Miss Ho.e- # am !hir!een /ears ol4 +i!h "lack hair an4 some!hing !erri"le is ha..ening an4
# can! !ell an/one no! e)en m/ mo!her5 #m "lee4ing e)er/ *e+ +eeks /o kno+ +here an4 #m
a*rai4 #ll "e *on4 o!5 Miss Agnes Tri..le- Li!!le $i44le:on:!he:T+i44le- 7e)on5 7ear
Agnes-,o are !o "e congra!la!e45,o are no+ a +oman an4 /o can ge! /or hair .erme4
"ecase /o are ha)ing /or mon!hlies5 7o no! *ear /or mon!hlies *or all English+omen ha)e
!hem5The/ are a gi*! o* Go4 !o .ri*/ s so !ha! +e can ha)e s!ronger chil4ren *or !he em.ire-
sol4iers !o kee. !he #rish in !heir .lace5 #n some .ar!s o* !he +orl4 a +oman +i!h a mon!hl/ is
nclean "! +e $ri!ish cherish or +omen +i!h !he mon!hlies- oh +e 4o in4ee45
#n !he s.ring!ime !heres a ne+ messenger "o/ an4 #m "ack in !he o**ice5 <e!er an4 Eamon 4ri*!
o** !o Englan45 <e!er is *e4 . +i!h Limerick- no girls- an4 /ore 4ri)en !o /orsel*- +ank +ank
+ank- !ha!s all +e e)er 4o in Limerick5There are ne+ "o/s5 #m senior "o/ an4 !he Jo" is easier
"ecase #m *as! an4 +hen Mr5 McCa**re/ is o! in !he )an an4 m/ +ork is 4one # rea4 !he
English- #rish- American magaIines an4 .a.ers5 7a/ an4 nigh! # 4ream o* America5
Malach/ goes !o Englan4 !o +ork in a rich Ca!holic "o/s "oar4ing school an4 he +alks aron4
cheer*l an4 smiling as i* hes !he eKal o* an/ "o/ in !he school an4 e)er/one kno+s +hen /o
+ork in an English "oar4ing school /ore s..ose4 !o hang /or hea4 an4 sh**le like a .ro.er
#rish ser)an!5The/ *ire him *or his +a/s an4 Malach/ !ells !hem !he/ can kiss his ro/al #rish arse
an4 !he/ sa/ !ha!s !he kin4 o* *ol langage an4 "eha)ior /o4 e9.ec!5 He ge!s a Jo" in !he gas
+orks in Co)en!r/ sho)eling coal in!o !he *rnaces like Uncle <a Kea!ing- sho)eling coal an4
+ai!ing *or !he 4a/ he can go !o America a*!er me5 'C'
XO###
#m se)en!een-eigh!een-going on nine!een-+orking a+a/ a! Easons- +ri!ing !hrea!ening le!!ers
*or Mrs5 Fincane- +ho sa/s shes no! long *or !his +orl4 an4 !he more Masses sai4 *or her sol
!he "e!!er shell *eel5 She .!s mone/ in en)elo.es an4 sen4s me !o chrches aron4 !he ci!/ !o
knock on .ries!s 4oors- han4 in !he en)elo.es +i!h !he reKes! *or Masses5 She +an!s .ra/ers
*rom all !he .ries!s "! !he Pesi!s5 She sa/s-The/re seless- all hea4 an4 no hear!5Tha!s +ha!
!he/ shol4 ha)e o)er !heir 4oor in La!in an4 # +on! gi)e !hem a .enn/ "ecase e)er/ .enn/
/o gi)e a Pesi! goes !o a *anc/ "ook or a "o!!le o* +ine5 She sen4s !he mone/- she ho.es !he
Masses are sai4- "! shes ne)er sre an4 i* shes no! sre +h/ shol4 # "e han4ing o! all !ha!
mone/ !o .ries!s +hen # nee4 !he mone/ !o go !o America an4 i* # kee. "ack a *e+ .on4s *or
m/sel* an4 .! i! in !he .os! o**ice +ho +ill e)er kno+ !he 4i**erence an4 i* # sa/ a .ra/er *or
Mrs5 Fincane an4 ligh! can4les *or her sol +hen she 4ies +on! Go4 lis!en e)en i* #m a sinner
long .as! m/ las! con*ession5 #ll "e nine!een in a mon!h5 All # nee4 is a *e+ .on4s !o make .
!he *are an4 a *e+ .on4s in m/ .ocke! +hen # lan4 in America5 The Fri4a/ nigh! "e*ore m/
nine!een!h "ir!h4a/ Mrs5 Fincane sen4s me *or !he sherr/5Lhen # re!rn she is 4ea4 in !he
chair- her e/es +i4e o.en- an4 her .rse on !he *loor +i4e o.en5 # can! look a! her "! # hel.
m/sel* !o a roll o* mone/5 Se)en!een .on4s5 # !ake !he ke/ 'CB
!o !he !rnk .s!airs5 # !ake *or!/ o* !he hn4re4 .on4s in !he !rnk an4 !he le4ger5 #ll a44 !his
!o +ha! # ha)e in !he .os! o**ice an4 # ha)e enogh !o go !o America5 On m/ +a/ o! # !ake !he
sherr/ "o!!le !o sa)e i! *rom "eing +as!e45
# si! "/ !he Ri)er Shannon near !he 4r/ 4ocks si..ing Mrs5 Fincanes sherr/5An! Aggies name
is in !he le4ger5 She o+es nine .on4s5 #! migh! ha)e "een !he mone/ she s.en! on m/ clo!hes
a long !ime ago "! no+ shell ne)er ha)e !o .a/ i! "ecase # hea)e !he le4ger in!o !he ri)er5 #m
sorr/ #ll ne)er "e a"le !o !ell An! Aggie # sa)e4 her nine .on4s5 #m sorr/ # +ro!e !hrea!ening
le!!ers !o !he .oor .eo.le in !he lanes o* Limerick- m/ o+n .eo.le- "! !he le4ger is gone- no
one +ill e)er kno+ +ha! !he/ o+e an4 !he/ +on! ha)e !o .a/ !heir "alances5 # +ish # col4 !ell
!hem- #m /or Ro"in Hoo45
Ano!her si. o* !he sherr/5 #ll s.are a .on4 or !+o *or a Mass *or Mrs5 Fincanes sol5 Her
le4ger is +ell on i!s +a/ 4o+n !he Shannon an4 o! !o !he A!lan!ic an4 # kno+ #ll *ollo+ i!
some4a/ soon5 The man a! ORior4ans Tra)el Agenc/ sa/s he can! ge! me !o America "/ air
nless # !ra)el !o Lon4on *irs!- +hich +ol4 cos! a *or!ne5 He can .! me on a shi. calle4 !he
#rish Oak- +hich +ill "e lea)ing Cork in a *e+ +eeks5 He sa/s- Nine 4a/s a! sea- Se.!em"er
Oc!o"er- "es! !ime o* !he /ear- /or o+n ca"in- !hir!een .assengers- "es! o* *oo4- "i! o* a
holi4a/ *or /orsel* an4 !ha! +ill cos! *i*!/:*i)e .on4s- 4o /o ha)e i!N
# 4o5
# !ell Mam #m going in a *e+ +eeks an4 she cries5 Michael sa/s- Lill +e all go some 4a/N
Le +ill5
Al.hie sa/s-Lill /o sen4 me a co+"o/ ha! an4 a !hing /o !hro+ !ha! comes "ack !o /oN
Michael !ells him !ha!s a "oomerang an4 /o4 ha)e !o go all !he +a/ !o As!ralia !o ge! !he
likes o* !ha!- /o can! ge! i! in America5 Al.hie sa/s /o can ge! i! in America /es /o can an4
!he/ arge a"o! America an4 As!ralia an4 "oomerangs !ill Mam sa/s- For !he lo)e o Pess-
/eer "ro!her is lea)ing s an4 !he !+o o* /e are !here sKa""ling o)er "oomerangs5Lill /e gi)e
o)erN
'CC
Mam sa/s +ell ha)e !o ha)e a "i! o* .ar!/ !he nigh! "e*ore # go5 The/ se4 !o ha)e .ar!ies in
!he ol4 4a/s +hen an/one +ol4 go !o America- +hich +as so *ar a+a/ !he .ar!ies +ere calle4
American +akes "ecase !he *amil/ ne)er e9.ec!e4 !o see !he 4e.ar!ing one again in !his li*e5
She sa/s !is a grea! .i!/ Malach/ can! come "ack *rom Englan4 "! +ell "e !oge!her in
America some4a/ +i!h !he hel. o* Go4 an4 His $lesse4 Mo!her5
On m/ 4a/s o** *rom +ork # +alk aron4 Limerick an4 look a! all !he .laces +e li)e4- !he
Lin4mill S!ree!- Har!s!onge S!ree!- Ro4en Lane- Ros"rien Roa4- Li!!le $arring!on S!ree!- +hich
is reall/ a lane5 # s!an4 looking a! Theresa Carmo4/s hose !ill her mo!her comes o! an4
sa/s-Lha! 4o /o +an!N # si! a! !he gra)es o* Oli)er an4 Egene in !he ol4 S!5 <a!ricks $r/ing
Gron4 an4 cross !he roa4 !o S!5 La+rences Ceme!er/ +here Theresa is "rie45Lhere)er # go #
hear )oices o* !he 4ea4 an4 # +on4er i* !he/ can *ollo+ /o across !he A!lan!ic Ocean5 # +an! !o
ge! .ic!res o* Limerick s!ck in m/ hea4 in case # ne)er come "ack5 # si! in S!5 Pose.hs Chrch
an4 !he Re4em.!oris! chrch an4 !ell m/sel* !ake a goo4 look "ecase # migh! ne)er see !his
again5 # +alk 4o+n Henr/ S!ree! !o sa/ goo4:"/e !o S!5 Francis !hogh #m sre #ll "e a"le !o !alk
!o him in America5
No+ !here are 4a/s # 4on! +an! !o go !o America5 #4 like !o go !o ORior4ans Tra)el Agenc/
an4 ge! "ack m/ *i*!/:*i)e .on4s5 # col4 +ai! !ill #m !+en!/:one an4 Malach/ can go +i!h me
so !ha! #ll kno+ a! leas! one .erson in Ne+ ,ork5 # ha)e s!range *eelings an4 some!imes +hen
#m si!!ing "/ !he *ire +i!h Mam an4 m/ "ro!hers # *eel !ears coming an4 #m ashame4 o* m/sel*
*or "eing +eak5A! *irs! Mam laghs an4 !ells me-,or "la44er ms! "e near /or e/e- "! !hen
Michael sa/s- Lell all go !o America- 7a4 +ill "e !here- Malach/ +ill "e !here an4 +ell all "e
!oge!her- an4 she ge!s !he !ears hersel* an4 +e si! !here- !he *or o* s- like +ee.ing eeJi!s5
Mam sa/s !his is !he *irs! !ime +e e)er ha4 a .ar!/ an4 isn! i! a sa4 !hing al!oge!her !ha! /o
ha)e i! +hen /or chil4ren are sli..ing a+a/ one "/ one- Malach/ !o Englan4- Frank !o
America5 She sa)es a *e+ shillings *rom her +ages !aking care o* Mr5 Sline/ !o "/ "rea4- ham-
"ra+n- cheese- lemona4e an4 a *e+ "o!!les o* s!o!5 Uncle <a Kea!ing "rings s!o!- +hiske/
an4 a li!!le sherr/ *or An! Aggies 4elica!e s!om'C3
ach an4 she "rings a cake loa4e4 +i!h crran!s an4 raisins she "ake4 hersel*5 The A""o! "rings
si9 "o!!les o* s!o! an4 sa/s- Tha!s all righ!- Frankie- /e can all 4rink i! as long as # ha)e a "o!!le
or !+o *or mesel* !o hel. me sing me song5
He sings SThe Roa4 !o Rasheen5T He hol4s his s!o!- closes his e/es- an4 song comes o! in a
high +hine5The +or4s make no sense an4 e)er/one +on4ers +h/ !ears are see.ing *rom his
sh! e/es5Al.hie +his.ers !o me-Lh/ is he cr/ing o)er a song !ha! makes no senseN
# 4on! kno+5
The A""o! en4s his song- o.ens his e/es- +i.es his cheeks an4 !ells s !ha! +as a sa4 song
a"o! an #rish "o/ !ha! +en! !o America an4 go! sho! "/ gangs!ers an4 4ie4 "e*ore a .ries!
col4 reach his si4e an4 he !ells me 4on! "e ge!!in sho! i* /ore no! near a .ries!5 Uncle <a
sa/s !ha!s !he sa44es! song he e)er hear4 an4 is !here an/ chance +e col4 ha)e some!hing
li)el/5 He calls on Mam an4 she sa/s- Ah- no- <a- sre # 4on! ha)e !he +in45
Come on- Angela- come on5 One )oice no+- one )oice an4 one )oice onl/5
All righ!5 #ll !r/5
Le all Join in !he chors o* her sa4 song-
A mo!hers lo)e is a "lessing
No ma!!er +here /o roam5
Kee. her +hile /o ha)e her-
,oll miss her +hen shes gone5
Uncle <a sa/s one song is +orse !han !he one "e*ore an4 are +e !rning !his nigh! in!o a +ake
al!oge!her- is !here an/ chance someone +ol4 sing a song !o li)en . !he .rocee4ings or +ill
he "e 4ri)en !o 4rink +i!h !he sa4ness5
Oh- Go4- sa/s An! Aggie- # *orgo!5The moon is ha)ing an ecli.se a"roa4 !his min!e5
Le s!an4 o! in !he lane +a!ching !he moon 4isa..ear "ehin4 a ron4 "lack sha4o+5 Uncle <a
sa/s-Tha!s a )er/ goo4 sign *or /o going !o America- Frankie5
No- sa/s An! Aggie- !is a "a4 sign5 # rea4 in !he .a.er !ha! !he moon is .rac!icing *or !he en4 o*
!he +orl45
Oh- en4 o* !he +orl4 m/ arse- sa/s Uncle <a5 Tis !he "eginning *or 'CE
Frankie McCor!5 Hell come "ack in a *e+ /ears +i!h a ne+ si! an4 *a! on his "ones like an/
,ank an4 a lo)el/ girl +i!h +hi!e !ee!h hangin
*rom his arm5
Mam sa/s- Ah- no- <a- ah- no- an4 !he/ !ake her insi4e an4 com*or! her +i!h a 4ro. o* sherr/
*rom S.ain5
#!s la!e in !he 4a/ +hen !he #rish Oak sails *rom Cork- .as! Kinsale an4 Ca.e Clear- an4 4ark
+hen ligh!s !+inkle on MiIen Hea4- !he las! o* #relan4 #ll see *or Go4 kno+s ho+ long5
Srel/ # shol4 ha)e s!a/e4- !aken !he .os! o**ice e9amina!ion- clim"e4 in !he +orl45 # col4
ha)e "rogh! in enogh mone/ *or Michael an4 Al.hie !o go !o school +i!h .ro.er shoes an4
"ellies +ell *ille45Le col4 ha)e mo)e4 *rom !he lane !o a s!ree! or e)en an a)ene +here
hoses ha)e gar4ens5 # shol4 ha)e !aken !ha! e9amina!ion an4 Mam +ol4 ne)er again ha)e
!o em.!/ !he cham"er .o!s o* Mr5 Sline/ or an/one else5
#!s !oo la!e no+5 #m on !he shi. an4 !here goes #relan4 in!o !he nigh! an4 i!s *oolish !o "e
s!an4ing on !his 4eck looking "ack an4 !hinking o* m/ *amil/ an4 Limerick an4 Malach/ an4 m/
*a!her in Englan4 an4 e)en more *oolish !ha! songs are going !hrogh m/ hea4 Ro44/ McCorle/
goes !o 4ie an4 Mam gas.ing Oh !he 4a/s o* !he Kerr/ 4ancing +i!h .oor Mr5 Clohess/ hacking
a+a/ in !he "e4 an4 no+ # +an! #relan4 "ack a! leas! # ha4 Mam an4 m/ "ro!hers an4 An!
Aggie "a4 as she +as an4 Uncle <a- s!an4ing me m/ *irs! .in!- an4 m/ "la44er is near m/ e/e
an4 heres a .ries! s!an4ing "/ me on !he 4eck an4 /o can see hes crios5
Hes a Limerickman "! he has an American accen! *rom his /ears in Los Angeles5 He kno+s
ho+ i! is !o lea)e #relan4- 4i4 i! himsel* an4 ne)er go! o)er i!5,o li)e in Los Angeles +i!h sn
an4 .alm !rees 4a/ in 4a/ o! an4 /o ask Go4 i* !heres an/ chance He col4 gi)e /o one so*!
rain/ Limerick 4a/5
The .ries! si!s "esi4e me a! !he !a"le o* !he Firs! O**icer- +ho !ells s shi.s or4ers ha)e "een
change4 an4 ins!ea4 o* sailing !o Ne+ ,ork +ere "on4 *or Mon!real5
Three 4a/s o! an4 or4ers are change4 again5Le are going !o Ne+ ,ork a*!er all5
Three American .assengers com.lain- Go44am #rish5 Can! !he/ ge! i! s!raigh!N
'CD
The 4a/ "e*ore +e sail in!o Ne+ ,ork or4ers are change4 again5Le are going !o a .lace . !he
H4son Ri)er calle4 Al"an/5 The Americans sa/- Al"an/N Go44am Al"an/N Lh/ !he hell 4i4 +e
ha)e !o sail on a go44am #rish !"N Go44am5
The .ries! !ells me .a/ no a!!en!ion5All Americans are no! like !ha!5 #m on 4eck !he 4a+n +e
sail in!o Ne+ ,ork5 #m sre #m in a *ilm- !ha! i! +ill en4 an4 ligh!s +ill come . in !he L/ric
Cinema5The .ries! +an!s !o .oin! o! !hings "! he 4oesn! ha)e !o5 # can .ick o! !he S!a!e o*
Li"er!/- Ellis #slan4- !he Em.ire S!a!e $il4ing- !he Chr/sler $il4ing- !he $rookl/n $ri4ge5 There
are !hosan4s o* cars s.ee4ing along !he roa4s an4 !he sn !rns e)er/!hing !o gol45 Rich
Americans in !o. ha!s +hi!e !ies an4 !ails ms! "e going home !o "e4 +i!h !he gorgeos +omen
+i!h +hi!e !ee!h5 The res! are going !o +ork in +arm com*or!a"le o**ices an4 no one has a care
in !he +orl45 The Americans are arging +i!h !he ca.!ain an4 a man +ho clim"e4 a"oar4 *rom
a !g"oa!5Lh/ can! +e ge! o** hereN Lh/ 4o +e ha)e !o sail all !he go44am +a/ !o go44am
Al"an/N
The man sa/s- $ecase /ore .assengers on !he )essel an4 !he ca.!ain is !he ca.!ain an4 +e
ha)e no .roce4res *or !aking /o ashore5 Oh- /eah5Lell- !his is a *ree con!r/ an4 +ere
American ci!iIens5 #s !ha! a *ac!N Lell- /ore on an #rish shi. +i!h an #rish ca.!ain an4 /oll 4o
+ha! he go44am !ells /o or s+im ashore5
He clim"s 4o+n !he la44er- !g"oa! chgs a+a/- an4 +e sail . !he H4son .as! Manha!!an-
n4er !he George Lashing!on $ri4ge- .as! hn4re4s o* Li"er!/ shi.s !ha! 4i4 !heir "i! in !he
+ar- moore4 no+ an4 rea4/ !o ro!5
The ca.!ain annonces !he !i4e +ill *orce s !o 4ro. anchor o)ernigh! o..osi!e a .lace calle4-
!he .ries! s.ells i! *or me- <oghkee.sie5 The .ries! sa/s !ha!s an #n4ian name an4 !he
Americans sa/ go44am <oghkee.sie5
A*!er 4ark a small "oa! .!:.!s !o !he shi. an4 an #rish )oice calls .- Hello- !here5 $eJass- #
sa+ !he #rish *lag- so # 4i45 Col4n! "elie)e me !+o e/es5 Hello- !here5
He in)i!es !he Firs! O**icer !o go ashore *or a 4rink an4 "ring a *rien4 an4-,o- !oo- Fa!her5 $ring
a *rien45
The .ries! in)i!es me an4 +e clim" 4o+n a la44er !o !he small "oa! +i!h !he Firs! O**icer an4
!he Lireless O**icer5The man in !he "oa! sa/s his name is Tim $o/le *rom Ma/o Go4 hel. s an4
+e 4ocke4 !here a! !he righ! !ime "ecase !heres a "i! o* a .ar!/ an4 +ere all in)i!e45 He 'C1
!akes s !o a hose +i!h a la+n- a *on!ain an4 !hree .ink "ir4s s!an4ing on one leg5There are
*i)e +omen in a room calle4 a li)ing room5 The +omen ha)e s!i** hair- s.o!less *rocks5 The/
ha)e glasses in !heir han4s an4 !he/re *rien4l/ an4 smile +i!h .er*ec! !ee!h5 One sa/s- Come
righ! in5 Ps! in !ime *or !he .a+!/5
<a+!/5Tha!s !he +a/ !he/ !alk an4 # s..ose #ll "e !alking like !ha! in a *e+ /ears5
Tim $o/le !ells s !he girls are ha)ing a "i! o* a !ime +hile !heir hs"an4s are a+a/ o)ernigh!
hn!ing 4eer- an4 one +oman- $e!!/- sa/s- ,eah5 $44ies *rom !he +ar5Tha! +ar is o)er nearl/
*i)e /ears an4 !he/ can! ge! o)er i! so !he/ shoo! animals e)er/ +eeken4 an4 4rink Rheingol4
!ill !he/ can! see5 Go44am +ar- e9cse !he langage- Fa+4er5 The .ries! +his.ers !o me- These
are "a4 +omen5 Le +on! s!a/ here long5
The "a4 +omen sa/- Lha!cha like !o 4rinkN Le go! e)er/!hing5 Lha!s /or name- hone/N
Frank McCor!5
Nice name5 So /o !ake a li!!le 4rink5All !he #rish !ake a li!!le 4rink5 ,o like a "eerN
,es- .lease5
Gee- so .oli!e5 # like !he #rish5 M/ gran4mo!her +as hal* #rish so !ha! makes me hal*- Kar!erN #
4nno5 M/ name is Frie4a5 So heres /or "eer- hone/5
The .ries! si!s a! !he en4 o* a so*a +hich !he/ call a coch an4 !+o +omen !alk !o him5 $e!!/
asks !he Firs! O**icer i* he4 like !o see !he hose an4 he sa/s- Oh- # +ol4- "ecase +e 4on!
ha)e hoses like !his in #relan45Ano!her +oman !ells !he Lireless O**icer he shol4 see +ha!
!he/ ha)e gro+ing in !he gar4en- /o +ol4n! "elie)e !he *lo+ers5 Frie4a asks me i* #m oka/
an4 # !ell her /es "! +ol4 she min4 !elling me +here !he la)a!or/ is5
The +ha!N
La)a!or/5
Oh- /o mean !he "a!hroom5 Righ! !his +a/- hone/- 4o+n !he hall5 Thanks5
She .shes in !he 4oor- !rns on !he ligh!- kisses m/ cheek an4 +his.ers shell "e righ! o!si4e
i* # nee4 an/!hing5 # s!an4 a! !he !oile! "o+l *iring a+a/ an4 +on4er +ha! #4 nee4 a! a !ime like
!his an4 i* !his is a common !hing in America- +omen +ai!ing o!si4e +hile /o !ake a s.lash5
'3(
# *inish- *lsh an4 go o!si4e5 She !akes m/ han4 an4 lea4s me in!o a "e4room- .!s 4o+n her
glass- locks !he 4oor- .shes me 4o+n on !he "e45 Shes *m"ling a! m/ *l/5 7amn "!!ons5
7on! /o ha)e Ii..ers in #relan4N She .lls o! m/ e9ci!emen! clim"s . on me sli4es . an4
4o+n . an4 4o+n Pess #m in hea)en an4 !heres a knock on !he 4oor !he .ries! Frank are /o
in !here Frie4a .!!ing her *inger !o her li.s an4 her e/es rolling !o hea)en Frank are /o in
!here Fa!her +ol4 /o e)er !ake a goo4 rnning Jm. *or /orsel* an4 oh Go4 oh Theresa 4o
/o see +ha!s ha..ening !o me a! long las! # 4on! gi)e a *i44lers *ar! i* !he <o.e himsel*
knocke4 on !his 4oor an4 !he College o* Car4inals ga!here4 ga+king a! !he +in4o+s oh Go4 !he
+hole insi4e o* me is gone in!o her an4 she colla.ses on me an4 !ells me #m +on4er*l an4
+ol4 # e)er consi4er se!!ling in <oghkee.sie5
Frie4a !ells !he .ries! # ha4 a "i! o* a 4iIIiness a*!er going !o !he "a!hroom- !ha!s +ha! ha..ens
+hen /o !ra)el an4 /ore 4rinking a s!range "eer like Rheingol4- +hich she "elie)es !he/
4on! ha)e in #relan45 # can see !he .ries! 4oesn! "elie)e her an4 # can! s!o. !he +a/ !he hea!
is coming an4 going in m/ *ace5 He alrea4/ +ro!e 4o+n m/ mo!hers name an4 a44ress an4
no+ #m a*rai4 hell +ri!e an4 sa/ /or *ine son s.en! his *irs! nigh! in America in a "e4room in
<oghkee.sie rom.ing +i!h a +oman +hose hs"an4 +as a+a/ shoo!ing 4eer *or a "i! o*
rela9a!ion a*!er 4oing his "i! *or America in !he +ar an4 isn! !his a *ine +a/ !o !rea! !he men
+ho *ogh! *or !heir con!r/5 The Firs! O**icer an4 !he Lireless O**icer re!rn *rom !heir !ors
o* !he hose an4 !he gar4en an4 !he/ 4on! look a! !he .ries!5 The +omen !ell s +e ms! "e
s!ar)ing an4 !he/ go in!o !he ki!chen5Le si! in !he li)ing room sa/ing no!hing !o each o!her an4
lis!ening !o !he +omen +his.ering an4 laghing in !he ki!chen5The .ries! +his.ers !o me again-
$a4 +omen- "a4 +omen- occasion o* sin- an4 # 4on! kno+ +ha! !o sa/ !o him5
The "a4 +omen "ring o! san4+iches an4 .or more "eer an4 +hen +e *inish ea!ing !he/ .!
on Frank Sina!ra recor4s an4 ask i* an/one +ol4 like !o 4ance5 No one sa/s /es "ecase /o4
ne)er ge! . an4 4ance +i!h "a4 +omen in !he .resence o* a .ries!- so !he +omen 4ance +i!h
each o!her an4 lagh as i* !he/ all ha4 li!!le secre!s5 Tim $o/le 4rinks +hiske/ an4 *alls aslee. in
a corner !ill Frie4a +akes him an4 !ells him !ake s "ack !o !he shi.5Lhen +ere lea)ing Frie4a
leans !o+ar4 me as i* she migh! kiss m/ cheek "! !he .ries! sa/s goo4 nigh! in a )er/ shar.
+a/ an4 no one shakes han4s5 As +e +alk 4o+n !he '3%
s!ree! !o !he ri)er +e hear !he +omen laghing- !inkling an4 "righ! in !he nigh! air5
Le clim" !he la44er an4 Tim calls !o s *rom his li!!le "oa!- Min4 /orsel)es going . !ha!
la44er5 Oh- "o/s- oh- "o/s- +asn! !ha! a gran4 nigh!N Goo4 nigh!- "o/s- an4 goo4 nigh!- Fa!her5
Le +a!ch his li!!le "oa! !ill i! 4isa..ears in!o !he 4ark o* !he <oghkee.sie ri)er"ank5 The .ries!
sa/s goo4 nigh! an4 goes "elo+ an4 !he Firs! O**icer *ollo+s him5
# s!an4 on !he 4eck +i!h !he Lireless O**icer looking a! !he ligh!s o* America !+inkling5 He sa/s-
M/ Go4- !ha! +as a lo)el/ nigh!- Frank5 #sn! !his a grea! con!r/ al!oge!herN
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