Entered 3-4-1846 aged thirteen. Died 4-9-1849. Any season would do to tell this story. In summer these structures would gleam defiance, their dark brown heaviness standing guard pitiless and immoveable. Even spring would fail to brighten the picture with its thoughts of young life blunted, bent and then ended. Winter makes any scene cruel, but… Continue reading Mullingar Workhouse

LEGACY My mother was given some marron – unfortunately edible crustaceans – swimming in a plastic bag, claws grasping; throw them alive in boiling water. Lacking the neighbours’ prey drive, she led instead a revolt and set the victims free in a creek. Mum is no longer here to see them but the marrons’ descendants… Continue reading Legacy and Heron

SLAVE I was not born to this, but time has done its work. On the first day all those years ago, I smashed my head against the wall like the Spartan boy choosing death over servitude. But walls soften over time, and the life I fought against has become a barrier against the freedom I… Continue reading Slave, Art Imitating Life, Vase