It was a day

 It was a day

It was a day bursting of spring 

Of goodness and grace in Monkstown 

When Quakers bought window boxes

And drank tea for Mendicity.* 

Out of the silence of Meeting

Laughter and chatting spilled forth

The school room opened out

Under a cheery blue sky under heaven. 

All the rust of the news cycle 

Was removed in the spirit of hope

That every window box made a change

To the lives of old men in the city. 

We were unprepared for this feeling

That comes unexpected, unannounced,

That rewards the faithful who had gathered

Through the winter in the old Meeting House. 

Moments like this when the heavens 

Peel apart just a couple of inches

When the sober are lifted above

Closer to God for just a few seconds. 

After tea we trailed home to our houses

Where Mothers Day flowers brightened kitchen tables

Where the flower boxes stood empty and waiting

Monday’s trip to the Garden Centre. 

It’s nice to have something that lasts 

And marks our generous urges

That fills our lives with bright colors

Not sought for but all the more welcome. 

*Mendicity is a charity that serves homeless men in Dublin City Centre.