A Touch Of Green
My Paternal Grandmother
The sole outlier from the family tree
That wends its way tween Alba’s rocky coasts,
She planted unknown roots in this vast country,
Roots that harkened back to Eire and unknown forebears.
What proof? Just family lore and tales of fiery temper.
Also a small box of ragged green card inscribed with Dublin
On its side and nestled gently within
A tarnished pair of ibis-shaped embroidery scissors,
An ivory awl threaded with a faded silk ribbon,
And a note that read:
“These scissors and ivory awl were used to make
the Christening Dress of Margaret Jean Black
by her Mother’s Mother, Grandma Black”.
So when we sing the praises of Alba’s rugged shore
We must Include a tribute to the gentle green of Eire.
