Dun Leary December.

 Dun Leary December. 


December in Dun Leary

And the weather’s all confused

The pier fills with more people

Than a July afternoon. 


Some in dark raincoats

Who didn’t get the memo

But the forecast is just right

The sun is warm, the breeze is light. 


Track suits are the favored

By young men with big biceps

While leggings hug the legs 

Of comely shapely maidens. 


Small sailboats in the harbour

Sail round in smallish circles

Their white sails a bulging

With the first clean winds of winter. 


The ferry ploughs ahead

Blasting on his horn

From Dublins North Wall

Barreling to the East. 


The waters blue of Scotsman’s Bay

Beside the beach at Sandycove

Round the corner the chilly Forty Foot

In the safe surrounds of summer houses. 


Elegant houses with verandahs

Where the wealthy over summered 

From urban Merrion Square

When Britannia ruled the waves. 


On to Joyce’s tower

Whose pilgrims come in June

Where brave souls bathe in Winter

Where Dublin’s lung is clean.

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