James Gallagher
Think slow lyrics like Leonard Cohen. Think of his melody. His open talk that’s flowing. Now think of your life. Describe it in poem. Will it be happy or sad? Will it be good or bad? So, this one is about Dad. James Gallagher, just Dad. He was a smart boy. He showed love and loyalty. To give his family some joy. Winning contest of math. Prize was cash. To buy meat from the butcher. An insight to his person and hope for their future. I loved you then. Even before I was born. You told me tales of mischief and honour. You taught me how to care and love. You taught me how to hear and see. I see you as a hero. I think of you every day. Remember you told me about the cigarettes and the Christmas tree. Sadly, what you can’t see. Is the man you’ve made of me. You worked tirelessly to provide. You had that laugh that we will always remember. I can see you now. Our favourite time. 25th of December. You gave yourself some time off. Our table, you’re kids and wife. Remember the snooker table. You in your dressing gown. Space, sparse, what a laugh. This is sad, I remember your smell. Musky, cigars and diesel. Dad, we lapped you up. No words can describe how I miss you. Your special chair, Dads chair. I miss the way you combed your hair. Or how you spent time at the door. Seeing us off, checking we’re there. Home, safe, in bed. This is why I’m like you in many ways. I thrive to be as good as you. Better. That’s what you’d want. Hard job. I’ll try.
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