The ghosts who buy memories listen closely to

The echoes of the song sung by the faminie children

As the tones of the big bell settle in the dust

Of this small market town in County Meath

And, on the stained glass window, still

I see the sun-marked

Resonance of bell --

Circles of uninscribed sound

Uncaged

Through all the cerebral centuries

Chimes and chants for Christ the King

Chimes of crucifix, pyx and plate -

These bells have blessed the insouciant faithful -

Buttressed, battered, no-man mattered -

Through all the occupied centuries.

Turning dust to dust again

And swaying to the music of bells.