Certificate of Merit

Delighted to receive a certificate of Merit in this year's Golden Pen awards in Gurteen Co. Galway for my poem 'Lemming'


Lemming

I remember the moment
You, lying there
Immaculate in pinstripe and cuff links
And the tie you only wore to weddings
The broad grin fixed
For all eternity

You blew your chance then
Of growing old gracefully
Missed out on memories
Pipe smoke and slippers
Sunsets of affection

You might have been famous
Graced the top tables
Taken your place
On pedestals and podiums
Had you not decided to leave?
When you did, and so suddenly

You could have taken it all in your stride
Laurel wreath and golden handshake
And yes, you also missed out on
Crow’s feet and quackery
Weeks of wet Mondays
And endless obituaries