Community
He’s flanked tight by family
in the front pew, I only catch
a glimpse. Unrecognisable
in black suit, the set of his shoulders
reveals the steady lad from my class.
Out of uniform, in key position
beside his Mum, a boy no more
he attends as the minister extols
the Departed coffined at the altar.
We think of what is not said, or asked.
The Miner’s Club, men, wives,
neighbours line the village street.
Heads bow heavy with questions.
As he holds the door of the limo
for his Mum, he glances at me.
Unsmiling he straightens, nods.
Finola Scott’s widely published poems can be read in The Honest Ulsterman, One Hand Clapping and Atrium. Former teacher now performance poet, she has three pamphlets published. Finola examines all manner of things, from ecology to pondering women’s roles and clouds.
Black Nore Review 