A VILLANELLE FOR OMAGH TOWN (POEM)
A VILLANELLE FOR OMAGH TOWN
Dust settles through the evening's dying rays,
Forgetting as it does its going down,
With those who know the total of their days.
And time stands still for those alive who stay,
Numbed by so many broken hearts that drown,
The silent grief of those who, helpless, pray.
Who will forgive the dark and callous ways
Of violent men who Omagh's streets have strewn
With horror, snatching precious lives away.
Who will atone or even start to say,
The myriad quiet griefs of Omagh Town,
As cruel time unfurls each dawning day?
Grief never ends but also never stays
The same for long. So as each day goes down
Let gentle hope grow stronger come what may.
And mighty commerce start again to play
Its life affirming roles in Omagh Town,
Confounding sullen hatred's broken way.
May pain and torment ever lighter weigh,
On noble hearts and minds in Omagh Town,
As settles dust through evening's dying rays,
With those who know the total of their days.
David Fullerton,
Belfast (formerly of Omagh)
Dust settles through the evening's dying rays,
Forgetting as it does its going down,
With those who know the total of their days.
And time stands still for those alive who stay,
Numbed by so many broken hearts that drown,
The silent grief of those who, helpless, pray.
Who will forgive the dark and callous ways
Of violent men who Omagh's streets have strewn
With horror, snatching precious lives away.
Who will atone or even start to say,
The myriad quiet griefs of Omagh Town,
As cruel time unfurls each dawning day?
Grief never ends but also never stays
The same for long. So as each day goes down
Let gentle hope grow stronger come what may.
And mighty commerce start again to play
Its life affirming roles in Omagh Town,
Confounding sullen hatred's broken way.
May pain and torment ever lighter weigh,
On noble hearts and minds in Omagh Town,
As settles dust through evening's dying rays,
With those who know the total of their days.
David Fullerton,
Belfast (formerly of Omagh)
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/0505
Published Date: 27-Aug-98
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