After The Sinking (Portrait Of Padraic Fiacc) Poem by Anthony Weir

His daddy fought bitterly
'for Ireland' - rarely
at home - usually
on the run.

His auntie hoped a teddy
bear would keep him happy
or comfort him at any
rate - or at least keep him
quiet while she did what she
did for the cause
without a gun.

He pulled the arms and legs off
and shat upon the mutilated plush.
He met his mother for the first time
on the boat to America.
Now he is a whining, published poet
and a lush.

As he hugs me guiltily and almost tenderly
I tell him:
'Sex is only the tip of the iceberg...'