TC/1259

Omagh - August 15,1998

Peaceful the town, when the dawns early light
Started to banish the darkness of night.
The people awoke to the sounds of the day;
All so familiar in their certain way.
Shops they did open and customers came.
Children at home played their favourite game.
Some with their mothers went, happy to go,
Mostly to buy something special, you know.
It was the usual Saturday scene.
People out shopping, you know what I mean!
There was a carnival too! I must say;
Many had come to enjoy it, that day.
No talk of troubles, in this pleasant town;
Discordant voices made citizens frown.
Folk were respected, whatever their views
Never ' twas thought, town would be in the news.
Slowly the daylight hours drifted along;
All seemed as usual, nothing seemed wrong;
But death was out stalking! Soon it would claim
Innocent victims; no matter their name.
Why was it chosen, this nice friendly town,
By real fanatics, who seek great renown?
Time passed till 2.30, 'tis said;
When warning was heard, of danger ahead.
People were rushed it was thought, from harm's way
But false was that warning! On this sad day.
So it did happen, were safety was sought,
That was the place where the bomb's blast, they caught.
And shattered were dreams! I'm sorry to say.
Broken were hearts! In this terrible way.
So many injured and so many dead.
There's no excuse! No matter what's said
Remember forever, Omagh's great pain.
Let not each sacrifice be all in vain.
Norah Hallowell
Birkenhead

Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION

Ref: TC/1259

Published Date: 01-Oct-98