Irish Lourdes Poem by Frances Macaulay Forde

Where it is said 'Our Lady appeared ' to Knock faithful,
enterprising vendors parade their wares on sidewalks.
You'll find a large range of rosary beads
hanging in silent prayer - necklaces of every hue
to match any outfit you choose - posing for photos.

1 hour processing while you worship, Extra film,
Holy Water Bottles in the shape of Mary,
small enough to send home with the postcard
or buy a granite headstone for Father, Son,
ready-carved - off the rack, just in case

for those times when you are caught unawares...
Plastic floral wreathes, colour matched, some
have see-through domes to protect or preserve,
all kinds of religious mugs, pens, cups, mouse mats...
the soul wonders as eyes boggle in Knock shops.


Please NOTE: in retirement I have closed most of my web pages including francesmacaulayforde and poetscornerwa. Both of these pages have now been taken over by a bot. However, I have retained my Wordpress BLOG or my ETSY shop.