DUBLIN, 1988

"Walking all the day, near tall towers where falcons build their nests/ Silver winged they fly, they know the call of freedom in their breasts."  Mary Black

After the convent it was good to be back
The new estate. The new morning.
Rathmines then Stephen's Green.
Finding clothes for Anna,
Dressing her kindly,
Gentle and wicked she wakes.
The personal is the political.

....

The wide-empty pavement
The bus half-filled
This August afternoon with women.
Why aren't the leaves falling?
In October colours these squares spurt earth
Now only summer taffic greys my mind.

.....