Thoughts Of Derry Poem by Liam ó Comáin

Thoughts Of Derry

In August at mid-day on
An English building site
The air was clammy,
And office workers
Across from the site
Lay in the shade of
Ancient trees, at lunch break.

I too sat eating tomato
Sandwiches after hours
Of hudding bricks
Wondering if the sun
Was roasting the Creggan
Or were grey clouds
Sprinkling drizzle on the Foyle.

Near by, roses were
Blooming and window
Boxes flourished with
Natures glory but in
Thought recalling flowers
Mantling the grounds of
Brooke Park and St.Eugenes.

And as a tourist sought
Directions his presence
Initiated recall of past days
At Fahan and Buncrana
When the August Bank
Holidays sparked an exodus
From my native City.

Tonight, with a friend
From the Fountain, I
Shall enjoy a few pints
And then back to the
Hostel where sleep will
Prevent, unless I dream,
The constant tug of my Derry roots.