After ten O’clock mass on Sunday ,
I would push through the crowd .

Stopping to bless myself and follow those with their heads all bowed .

Then I’d wait by the big green gate
for my Father to come out .

There were families piling into cars
others walked about .

I watched my Father on Sunday ,
walk out of the chapel door .


There was a smile upon his face ,
that he shared with many more .

Like a vessel filled with kindness .
greeting others happily .

He saw me at the gate there ,
and came over hurriedly .

We walked to Delaney’s Shop for a paper and an ice cream .

Then off to the Grove baths we would go across Newington Green .

He taught me how to swim there ,
in the shallow end of the pool .

Sharing Sundays with my Father ,
brought happiness as a rule .


By Paul McCann