I Warn You Solemnly, Sir

by Ava Johnston

As I write this, the day is November 1st
And my sons are imprisoned in your jail, sir
And I weep, I weep because I miss them so
Ernest, Cecil, and Patrick, — I’m sure their names are familiar?
I am impressing on you, sir, the danger they are in
They are impossibly cold and horribly hungry
And two are imprisoned without even a trial!
I warn you solemnly sir, that if my sons die
You will be indicted for their unjust murder
So I suggest you are careful
And play your cards wisely.

 

Reproduced with author’s permission. Written during Poetry as Commemoration workshops led by James Conor Patterson at Mount Lourdes Grammar School, Enniskillen in November 2023.

Themes

1923 , Anti-Treaty , Civil War , Dublin , English Language , Ernie O'Malley , Family , Free State , IRA , Marion O'Malley , National Army , Richard Mulcahy , War , Women , Workshop Poem , Youth