Every time I phone her, she is peeling onions. I know this because she says, I’m peeling onions, and the tone of her voice is far from joyful. I ask her what she’s making, and she says, I don’t know yet, but everything starts with an onion. And I say, that’s a good line, it … Continue reading The World is Just a Great Big Onion
St. Patrick’s Day came early for me when I attended a Scottish-Irish poetry event during the week. One of the poets was a young Dubliner called Stephen James Smith. Without reference to paper or book, he delivered a long, lyrical, swiftly paced poem called, ‘Dublin You Are.’ He captured us. It was a love poem … Continue reading Ireland, My Ireland
Saint George, Saint Andrew, Saint David – I suppose there is a bit of a revival going on to celebrate their patronage of England, Scotland and Wales. But such a renewal has never been necessary for Saint Patrick, carried high and proud by the Irish the world over. I don’t know why is it so. … Continue reading Drown Your Shamrock
My Edinburgh Press 