Kevin

 One year on

One year on and the world has hardly changed

Since Kevin departed and was laid to rest

In Shanganagh soil, twixt mountains and the sea

Looking out to Wicklow mountains and to Dublin hills

This fair January morn when the world breathes in

And hopes for deliverance after two years of plague. 

We too are one year closer to joining him

Along an avenue with crosses and headstones 

That slowly snakes longer with each passing year 

Handsome marble stones beside more modest crosses 

Testament to the ultimate democracy of this short life

When we will join the young and mostly old

Lying peacefully in the cemetery. 

If we can gaze on life and death

And greet them both with equanimity 

If we can reflect on the shortness of this life

How we might value it and embrace the hours 

That number fewer with every passing day. 

There is a sweet sadness in remembering our friendship

And the days we spent in Leopardstown 

When the world was young and all was possible. 

Toiling cheerfully for the Kingdom of God

Happily living vows of obedience and simplicity. 

Tell me they were not wasted hours

Working in the vineyard of the Lord

The years that showed no material return. 

While on the world spun oblivious 

As now it now seems to spin on and on

But it’s a better world for having you around 

Enriched by your gentle humor

No, the world will never be the same 

Because of you.