Inheritance

by Mia Coney

I walk out today
with the hands of my father
Calluses and concrete
They’ve held the weight of moneymen.

Where the dust settled
I find solace where boys once stood
I’m reminded war doesn’t live in bombs
but starts in our homes with nothing
more than words.

I left with hunger
A young boy with too little to lose
But I soon learned of loss
And I returned with my father’s
empty gaze.

Written by Mia Coney as part of Poetry as Commemoration workshops led by Mark Granier in North Wicklow Educate Together Secondary School, Bray in September 2023.