The Rock Of Cashel Poem by John F. McCullagh

My mother told me on the bus-
about the tumor in her breast.
She told me in that public place
I was stunned; She, self possessed

she was so calm- no hint of fear.
I was floored by what she said
I was very young back then
with limited knowledge of the dead.

Post surgery she did just fine.
It turned out the tumor was benign.
My mom would say “It’s not my time”.-
That was her way. She spoke that line.

She did possess that quiet strength
Bequeathed her from High Kings of old
She was a rock of Christian faith
From which derived her peace of soul.

She had that quiet confidence
Death itself held her in awe
Faith banished any fear of Death
who feared to linger at HER door.