Author: Jutta Rosen

While Frank is on holiday, we’re delighted to have Mary Hodson as moderator on Thursday.

With a long list of items, be prepared for surprises – with only four exceptions, you are receiving no preparatory information about the contents of most of the presentations! However, rest assured that the high standard we’ve grown accustomed to from our contributors will ensure an entertaining and stimulating evening!

Child’s Play by Póilín Brennan is a tender and reflective poem capturing a fleeting, bittersweet moment of watching children at play. While young friends tumble onto the green, lost in stick wars and carefree joy, the poet – quietly bearing private sorrow – observes from a distance, caught between absence and presence. Gentle, poignant, and deeply human, this piece honours both the healing power of play and the quiet strength it offers to those who watch from the edges. This poem has also been turned into an evocative, inspiring song with the help of AI.

Coop by Deirdre Anne Gialamas is a sharp, darkly witty story of strained domestic life and simmering frustration. John, overlooked at work and mercilessly nagged at home, clings to routine and quiet endurance. Yet beneath the surface, something is shifting. As years of resentment begin to stir, the balance between submission and rebelling start to tilt. Both blackly humorous and painfully astute, this portrait of a marriage teeters deliciously between the tragic and the absurd.

Life with a Spark by Anne Murray celebrates half a century beside a quick-witted electrician whose bright hands power everything from appliances to family life. Anne charts laughter, setbacks and seven lively ‘sprongs’ as the couple move to their own rhythm – an affectionate portrait glowing with humour and hard-won resilience.

And nine further items !!

Programme:

Charlotte Bronte – A Medical Casebook Dr Michael O’Dowd

The Road to Where Josephine McCann

Come Take my Hand Bill Geoghegan

Coop Deirdre Anne Gialamas Short Story

Child’s Play Póilín Brennan Poem

Child’s Play Póilín Brennan Video

Life with a Spark Anne Murray Poem

Writer’s Block Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Almost There Helena Clare

The Invitation Mary Hodson

You Are Mary Hodson

I’m Finding it Hard to Explain Why Mary Hawkshaw

The Ship Joyce Butcher

Our writing year is gradually drawing to a close, which is reflected in this evening’s programme as contributors vie to have their works presented before the end of the season. And what a strong list of items it is!

This May, the closing date for the next Mug of the Month Competition is earlier than usual: 10 May. The new key words are RING and SHOW – two words which offer multiple possibilites for challenging the imagination! We expect a close contest to round off the literary year! Entries as usual to: annemurraypost@yahoo.ie.

These are tonight’s items:

Lightning by James Conway is a fierce and vivid poem capturing the primal drama of a storm at sea. With imagery that crackles and churns, Conway evokes a world caught between chaos and calm – where boatmen hover in suspense, waves obey unseen forces, and lightning reveals the storm’s hidden intent. Nature becomes both a stage and a warning, as we sense the hush before fury finds its voice.

The Journey I Cannot Name by Mary Hawkshaw invites us on an interior journey that slips ‘between words, like mist through memory’. It charts moments rather than miles as she explores identity, inheritance and the porous border between an ageing mind and boundless imagination – a quest that starts in quiet uncertainty and blossoms into a vast, dream-like ‘mansion’ of insight, leaving us before an open doorway where wonder eclipses fear.

Ode to Garlic by Judith Davitt Geoghegan is a witty and affectionate tribute to one of cookings’s most divisive heroes. Mixing playful humour with a touch of reverence, the poem celebrates garlic’s paradoxical power: banishing colds, fending off vampires, transforming bland dishes, while perhaps dooming romantic moments. Judith’s ode reminds us that in garlic’s unmistakable aroma lies both joy and health, proving that sometimes the boldest flavour bring the richest rewards.

Pertinent Nest by James Conway is a lyrical meditation on joy, music, and the quiet power of nature. As a blackbird sings at dawn, its song captivates the world around it – free from structure, rich in emotion. Conway’s imagery transforms the street into a stage, the trees into listeners, and the morning into a moment of rebirth. This is poetry as celebration: tender, hopeful, and tuned to the rhythms of spring.

Easter 2025 by Thomas McMahon blends zesty lemon crepes, palm-ash devotion and the bright song of a yellow finch into a light-hearted hymn to renewal. Thomas layers fluffy chicks, woolly lambs and cheeky chocolate ‘surgery’ with prayers for loved ones and golden daffodils – a joyful nod to the feast that follows Lent, inviting everyone to praise the Lord and, above all, ‘smile’.

Life with a Spark by Anne Murray celebrates half a century beside a quick-witted electrician whose bright hands power everything from appliances to family life. Anne charts laughter, setbacks and seven lively ‘sprongs’ as the couple move to their own rhythm – an affectionate portrait glowing with humour and hard-won resilience.

Child’s Play by Póilín Brennan is a tender and reflective poem capturing a fleeting, bittersweet moment of watching children at play. While young friends tumble onto the green, lost in stick wars and carefree joy, the poet – quietly bearing private sorrow – observes from a distance, caught between absence and presence. Gentle, poignant, and deeply human, this piece honours both the healing power of play and the quiet strength it offers to those who watch from the edges.

Jessica by Anne McManus is a tender, perceptive short story about love, family and the quiet burdens carried between generations. Narrated by Kate, a devoted aunt, the piece begins light-heartedly with a reluctant shopping trip to find a dress for Jessica’s upcoming wedding. Beneath the easy rapport, however, deeper worries surface. Jessica, who lost a leg in an accident, confides fears that her fiancé Robert may be motivated more by guilt than love. Kate offers warmth, wisdom, and gentle encouragement but is painfully aware of the limits of her role. Subtle and compassionate, this story explores what is voiced, what remains unspoken, and the quiet courage it takes to face an uncertain future.

Coop by Deirdre Anne Gialamas is a sharp, darkly witty story of strained domestic life and simmering frustration. John, overlooked at work and mercilessly nagged at home, clings to routine and quiet endurance. Yet beneath the surface, something is shifting. As years of resentment begin to stir, the balance between submission and rebelling start to tilt. Both blackly humorous and painfully astute, this portrait of a marriage teeters deliciously between the tragic and the absurd.

Whistle Call by Deirdre Anne Gialamas captures a child’s innocent yearning and vivid imagination on a cold winter morning. Young Clara, frail but full of anticipation, peers out at the snowy landscape awaiting the arrival of local women on their silent march to the Big Factory. To her, they appear almost angelic in their crisp white uniforms, a vision of adult life she longs to join. Dreaming of the day she too will wear their attire with pride, Clara’s reverie is broken by the harsh call of daily chores and school. Poignant and delicately drawn, this story tenderly explores childhood aspirations set against the stark realities of rural life.

Baile Beyond by Deirdre Anne Gialamas (writing as Ludditeyanne) is a playful and nostalgic letter celebrating the tactile joys of writing on paper in a digital world. Brimming with humour and personal confession, the nartator reflects on a lifelong bond with pen, paper, and the quirks of old habits – offering warmth, wit, and a fond glimpse of a personality both defiant and endearing. Light yet tender, this charming missive speaks to the comfort of simple pleasures and the quiet rebellion of staying true to oneself.

Programme:

Poem Lightening James Conway

Poem The Journey I Cannot Name Mary Hawkshaw

Poem Ode to Garlic Judith Davitt Geoghegan

Poem Pertinent Nest James Conway

Poem Easter 2025 Thomas McMahon

Poem Life with a Spark Anne Murray

Poem Child’s Play Póilín Brennanary Hawkshaw

Short Story Jessica Anne McManus

Short Story Circled Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story Coop Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story Whistle Call Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story 3 Baile Beyond Deirdre Anne Gialamas

It’s the last Thursday of the month, the traditional date for our Mug of the Month Competition. Five contestants with texts including the words SPARK and TANGLE will be vying to become the latest Mug champion. Good luck to all entrants!

The closing date for the next Mug of the Month Competition is earlier than usual: 10 May. The new key words are RING and SHOW. Entries as usual to annemurraypost@yahoo.ie.

Lightning by James Conway is a fierce and vivid poem capturing the primal drama of a storm at sea. With imagery that crackles and churns, Conway evokes a world caught between chaos and calm – where boatmen hover in suspense, waves obey unseen forces, and lightning reveals the storm’s hidden intent. Nature becomes both a stage and a warning, as we sense the hush before fury finds its voice.

The Journey I Cannot Name by Mary Hawkshaw invites us on an interior journey that slips ‘between words, like mist through memory’. It charts moments rather than miles as she explores identity, inheritance and the porous border between an ageing mind and boundless imagination – a quest that starts in quiet uncertainty and blossoms into a vast, dream-like ‘mansion’ of insight, leaving us before an open doorway where wonder eclipses fear.

Reaching for the Moon and Stars by Anne Murray paints a celestial lullaby for newborn Luna and her shining sister Stella, as sun-kissed parents Dave and Jill reach past daylight’s warmth toward a sky where hope ‘soared on silent wings’. With tender images of moonbeam eyes and a family’s growing galaxy, Anne weaves a dream-bright hymn that celebrates love expanding beyond the night – a poem now set to music, ready to light up tonight’s double presentation.

Easter 2025 by Thomas McMahon blends zesty lemon crepes, palm-ash devotion and the bright song of a yellow finch into a light-hearted hymn to renewal. Thomas layers fluffy chicks, woolly lambs and cheeky chocolate ‘surgery’ with prayers for loved ones and golden daffodils – a joyful nod to the feast that follows Lent, inviting everyone to praise the Lord and, above all, ‘smile’.

Life with a Spark by Anne Murray celebrates half a century beside a quick-witted electrician whose bright hands power everything from appliances to family life. Anne charts laughter, setbacks and seven lively ‘sprongs’ as the couple move to their own rhythm – an affectionate portrait glowing with humour and hard-won resilience.

Pertinent Nest by James Conway is a lyrical meditation on joy, music, and the quiet power of nature. As a blackbird sings at dawn, its song captivates the world around it – free from structure, rich in emotion. Conway’s imagery transforms the street into a stage, the trees into listeners, and the morning into a moment of rebirth. This is poetry as celebration: tender, hopeful, and tuned to the rhythms of spring.

A Memorable Night by Josephine McCann tracks a frazzled letting agent who secures a rare evening of silk sheets, chilled champagne and solitary bliss. But a chance meeting with the magnetic Marco plants a flicker of unease that shadows her much-anticipated ‘night of self-pampering’, as Josephine entwines sensual detail with gathering tension – blurring comfort and peril in a tale where dream and danger might share the same key.

Oui, Oui by Deirdre Anne Gialamas sweeps us onto the Champs Élysées with a newly qualified nurse whose London credentials hardly prepare her for the perfumes, protocols and pitfalls of 1979 Paris. Deirdre drifts from chic daydreams to daunting duties –babysitting a champagne-loving socialite, dodging a rogue agency, and strugggling to order a simple baguette – in a witty, self-deprecating memoir that captures the sparkle and grit of saying ‘oui’ to adventure in the City of Light.

Once more, we can look forward to a memorable evening of scintillating texts from our creative and talented members!

Programme:

Competition Mug of the Month Five Entries

Poem The Journey I Cannot Name Mary Hawkshaw

Poem Lightening James Conway

Poem Pertinent Nest James Conway

Poem Life with a Spark Anne Murray

Poem Easter 2025 Thomas McMahon

Song Reaching for the Moon and Stars Anne Murray

Short Story A Memorable Night Josephine McCann

Short Story Oui, Oui Deirdre Anne Gialamas

With eight magnificent entries this evening, we can look forward to a stimulating and varied selection of works by our members. We’re particularly pleased to welcome back James Keogh after a long absence, with a chapter from his exciting novel set in Ireland in the early 1900s. While Mary Hodson caters for humour, the remaining entries display a strong poetic seam, whether in verse or in prose.

There will be no Write-On session on 24 April, when we take our traditional Easter Break on the Thursday after Easter Sunday. So, while Mug of the Month entries should have reached Anne Murray by Sunday, 20 April, the competition itself will take place a week later than usual. The key words to be included in your 50-word text are TANGLE and SPARK.

Welcome to Write-On’s Zoom Session on Thursday evening, sit back, relax and enjoy! These are our pieces for this evening:

Swing, Miss, Repeat by Mary Hodson
Maura and her friend Kate embark on their first golf lessons, armed with confusion, sarcasm, and a questionable understanding of the rules. As they hack, splash, and laugh their way through the course, what begins as a comedy of errors blossoms into unexpected joy. A delightful tale of friendship, humility, and finding your swing – eventually.

The Rise and Fall of Gertrude Wall by Deirdre Anne Gialamas
In this witty and satirical poem, society’s obsession with reinvention is laid bare through the tale of Gertrude Wall – transformed, renamed, and ultimately undone by the pressures to be someone else. With playful rhyme and biting humour, the piece explores identity, class, and the absurdities of social aspiration.

Lightning by James Conway is a fierce and vivid poem capturing the primal drama of a storm at sea. With imagery that crackles and churns, Conway evokes a world caught between chaos and calm – where boatmen hover in suspense, waves obey unseen forces, and lightning reveals the storm’s hidden intent. Nature becomes both a stage and a warning, as we sense the hush before fury finds its voice.

The Stained Collar – Chapter 1 by Seamus Keogh plunges us into the tense hush before a storm, where history and resistance smoulder just beneath the surface. Widow Mamo O’Connor commands her household and comrades with sharp wit and an iron will. As whispers of a ‘training’ in Merlin Woods stir memories of bloodshed and sacrifice, an old weapon is unearthed – one tied to the Easter Rising and stained with personal loss. Past and present collide in this opening chapter, where old ghosts wake and the next battle quietly begins.

Pertinent Nest by James Conway is a lyrical meditation on joy, music, and the quiet power of nature. As a blackbird sings at dawn, its song captivates the world around it – free from structure, rich in emotion. Conway’s imagery transforms the street into a stage, the trees into listeners, and the morning into a moment of rebirth. This is poetry as celebration: tender, hopeful, and tuned to the rhythms of spring.

The Birds Told Me by Deirdre Anne Gialamas is a tender, spiritual piece where the natural world becomes messenger and companion. As birds gather in quiet communion, their presence seems to offer answers to questions unspoken. With gentle reverence, Deirdre invites us to listen not just with ears but with soul – to sense meaning in wingbeats, breath, and the hush between calls. A poem of stillness, wonder, and quiet wisdom.

Persuasion by Anne McManus
A sharp and self-deprecating tale of one woman’s reluctant plunge into the world of alternative medicine – complete with Epsom salts, grapefruit, olive oil, and an unforgettable coffee enema. With wit and just the right dose of disbelief, the story charts the hilarious consequences of friendship, ageing, and the enduring power of peer pressure.

Breath by Anne McManus
A poignant and delicately layered poem capturing the tender moment between a parent and child – where a simple act, like blowing bubbles mirrors the deeper truth of letting go. With lyrical grace, the piece evokes both the wonder of beginnings and the quiet sorrow of inevitable separation.

Programme:

Poem The Rise and Fall of Gertrude Wall Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem Breath Anne McManus

Poem Lightening James Conway

Poem Pertinent Nest James Conway

Poem The Birds Told Me Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story Swing, Miss, Repeat Mary Hodson

Short Story Persuasion Anne McManus

Short Story The Stained Collar, Chapter 1 Seamus Keogh

Almost There continues the story of Delia and her children on their emigration from Connemara to her sister’s home in Scotland in the late 19th century. The small group have now reached the last lap of their arduous journey. The narration brings us loving detail for emotions, scenery, and protagonists, painting a clear image of a complex situation in bygone times. The reader is left with hope for the future of Delia and her boys.

Swing, Miss, Repeat shows us Maura and her friend Kate on their first golf lesson, armed with confusion and a questionable understanding of the rules. As they hack, splash and laugh their way through the course, stretching the patience of their instructor to the limit, they eventually realise that what began in ignorance and chaos has evolved into an unexpected joy.

In Confidence. In this completely revised version of a story presented to the group some months ago, we meet a family during a car journey from Sligo to Ennis. The piece explores the private burden of Mae, a firecely independent woman concealing her illness, especially from her nosy daughter-in-law. With quiet restraint and emotional honesty, Mae strains to retain control over her narrative – even from those who love her most. The reader is left to judge how far consideration for others should impede on one’s own desire for privacy.

Persuasion provides a humorous and self-deprecating tale of one woman’s reluctant plunge into the world of alternative medicine – complete with Epsom salts, grapefruit, olive oil and an unforgettable coffee enema. With wit and just the right dose of disbelief, the story reveals the consequences of falling to persuasion, despite one’s own mature experience taught by common sense.

The Waiting Room. In a complete reversal of roles, the narrator listens to the doctor’s complaints about the problems in his family. Wavering between humour and sensitivity, the story captures the universality of family and its challenges, regardless of one’s standing or background.

The Rise and Fall of Gertrude Wall is a witty and satirical poem displaying society’s obsession with reinvention. Gertrude Wall becomes transformed, renamed, and ultimately undone by the pressure to be someone else. Wtih playful rhyme and biting humour, the piece explores identity, class, and the absurdities of social aspiration.

Breath is a poignant and delicately layered poem capturing the tender moment between a parent and child – where a simple act like blowing bubbles mirrors the deeper challenge of letting go. With lyrical grace, the piece evokes both the wonder of beginnings and the quiet sorrow of inevitable separation.

First is a moving tribute that explores the many ‘firsts’ shared between a mother and child. With warmth and gratitude, the poem traces the emotional landmarks of a lifelong relationship, gently reminding us how love teaches, repeats and shapes who we become.

Programme

Short Story Almost There Helena Clare

Short Story Swing, Miss, Repeat Mary Hodson

Short Story In Confidence Frank Fahy

Short Story Persuasion Anne McManus

Short Story The Waiting Room Anne McManus

Poem The Rise and Fall of Gertrude Wall Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem Breath Anne McManus

Poem First (for Elizabeth Hannon) Her Son

Our session this week will open with the popular Mug of the Month Competition. Members have submitted a text of maximum 50 words, including the given key words ECHO and HAVEN. After the presentation, members can vote for their favourite entry on their smartphones – the winner will be the proud holder of the Mug for the following four weeks. This time we have seven entries, and with the usual high standard, deciding who to select will not come easily!

Metamorphosis by Póilín Brennan is a poetic tribute to our Write-On Group, illustrating the transformative journey of creativity and community. Rich in symbolism and elemental imagery, the poem charts the process of artistic growth – from uncertainty and silence to expression, voice, and connection. Each stanza reflects a step in this evolution, much like a chrysalis unfolding into flight.

Brian’s Bank Balance by Anne Murray is a sharp and witty tale set in the world of banking – both financial and emotional. Brian is a creature of habit and caution, closely guarding his finances and living a life of routine. But one seemingly innocuous visit to the bank throws his predictable world into delightful disarray. The author explores how a single moment can shift one’s perspective on security, generosity and even the meaning of wealth itself.

The Day the Sea Turned Black by Anne Murray is a hauntingly poetic reflection on an environmental tragedy witnessed through the eyes of a child. Set against the backdrop of a once-vibrant seashore, the piece captures a moment when the familiar beauty of nature is marred by a creeping darkness, both literal and symbolic. Anne’s evocative language and deeply visual imagery draw the reader into a world where nature speaks in silence, and the consequences of human carelessness ripple across generations.Hair Today – Gone Tomorrow Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Hair Today – Gone Tomorrow by Deirdre Anne Gialamas is a witty, sharply observed tale that captures the social pressures and self-consciousness of adolescence through the lens of a simple haircut. When school picture day arrives, our young narrator is suddenly burdened with a disastrous fringe that triggers a cascade of self-doubt, internal drama, and desperate attempts to regain control over a rapidly unravelling situation. With humour and heart, the story explores themes of identity, image, and the quiet heroism it takes to face public scrutiny in the schoolyard.

Adam and Eve’s Breeze by Póilín Brennan is a lyrical and mystical meditation on land, memory, and ancestral wisdom. Set among the stone figures known as Adam and Eve in Saggart, the poem follows a mother and her children as they engage in a quiet, sacred ritual – asking permission from the land, offering water and gold, and listening to the whispers of wind and stone. Through rich imagery and Irish-language phrases, the poem evokes themes of spiritual connection, balance between the masculine and feminine, and the subtle power of intention. Myth, magic, and maternal love are woven into a timeless moment of reverence and joy.

Our discussion theme this evening encourages members to present a work that has a special meaning for them. The outcome of such moments is often a reverberation of similar feelings and the recalling of further evocative texts. In such discussions, the true feeling of community within our group finds its ideal manifestation.

This Thursday, you can expect a selection of absorbing new texts, the agony of having to decide who to vote for in a list of equally excellent offerings, and the revelations generated by the discussion of works chosen for their personal meaning in the life of the presenter.

Look forward to yet another varied, unusual and inspiring session on Write-On!

Programme

Competition Mug of the Month 7 Entries

Poem Metamorphosis Poilin Brennan

Poem The Day the Sea Turned Black Anne Murray

Poem Adam and Eve’s Breeze Póilín Brennan

Short Story Brian’s Bank Balance Anne Murray

Short Story Hair Today – Gone Tomorrow Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Discussion Can you present a favourite or interesting story for discussion? All Members

Discussion Latest developments in the world of AI All Members

A Memorable Flight by Joyce Butcher
On a long-haul flight from Singapore to London, Jean is charmed to have an entertaining neighbour, an elderly gentleman with captivating stories of his adventures as an actor and theatre director. She is entranced by his encounters with stars like Shirley Temple and Cary Grant, and the journey passes swiftly. All the greater is her surprise at what she learns about her travelling companion after landing. Join us for this intriguing tale which lifts the veil between past and present, the natural and the supernatural.

Shackleton and I by Jutta Rosen
Jutta Rosen’s memoir, ‘Shackleton and I,’ takes readers on a remarkable journey that connects her to the legendary Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton. During a visit to
her godchild Mary’s home, she discovers a small rock with an inscription—brought back from Elephant Island by Shackleton himself. Intrigued, she unravels the rock’s incredible journey from Shackleton’s possession to her godchild’s bookshelf. The memoir masterfully weaves historical details of Shackleton’s harrowing Antarctic survival with personal reflections on fate, history, and the small, unexpected connections that bind us to the past.

Full Circle by Mary Rose Tobin
Mary Rose’s short story examines the complexities of family relationships, responsibility and redemption. When a casual friendship results in an unwelcome pregnancy, James avoids accountability and moves on. Decades later, his own unmarried daughter becomes a parent, and James’s unredeemed past confronts him at last. Rich in emotional resonance and beautifully crafted, the story poignantly illustrates how life’s lessons can return, guiding us gently but inevitably full circle.

On the Eleven Thirty to Dublin by Anne McManus
Anne McManus’ short story, ‘On the Eleven Thirty to Dublin,’ is a sharp, humorous, and vividly written piece that captures the essence of public transport eavesdropping.
The story follows a lively and unfiltered conversation on a train, where a woman loudly shares her grievances, medical experiences, and juicy gossip with a friend over the
phone. As the monologue unfolds, passengers unwittingly become part of her life, absorbing her frustrations, judgments, and sharp-tongued wit. Through rich dialect and
keen observation, McManus delivers a brilliant social commentary that feels both familiar and hilariously uncomfortable.

Near Death by Deirdre Anne Gialamas
A crowded beach with family parties enjoying the seaside fun, oblivious lifeguards, barbecues – and a solitary, struggling swimmer. Isolation and fear in the midst of a carefree world – Deirdre’s powerful poem challenges readers to reflect on the fragility of existence and the unseen struggles around us.

Resurrection by Anne McManus
Anne McManus’ poem, ‘Resurrection,’ delivers a witty and irreverent reimagining of the biblical tale of Lazarus. The narrator, newly arrived in heaven and enjoying his
peaceful eternity, is suddenly yanked back to life—only to find himself once again at the mercy of his nagging sisters and the burdens of earthly existence. With humor and
sharp commentary, McManus turns a miraculous event into a tongue-in-cheek reflection on fate, unwanted second chances, and the weight of divine intervention.

Prayer to a Fixed Washing Machine by Póilín Brennan
Póilín Brennan’s whimsical poem morphs the drudgery of doing the laundry with the rhythmic cadences of traditional prayer. The washing machine’s restoration takes on divine significance, celebrated with reverence and relief. An unusual and affectionare tribute to finding gratitude, wonder, and even a touch of the sacred amidst everyday routines.

A Mother’s Gift by Mary Hodson

Mary Hodson’s heartfelt poem tenderly celebrates the enduring love and unwavering strength of motherhood. Through vivid, intimate imagery, the poet reflects on the various stages of childhood and growing up, nurtured and guided by maternal love that shapes, supports and sustains us all throughout life.

This Thursday we hope to welcome Joyce Butcher from Australia LIVE in our Zoom headquarters in Galway! And Saturday 22 March, at 3.30pm sees the Book Launch of John Hodson’s volume of poetry and drawings at the Clydaun Hotel. This event is open to the public, and we expect a large crowd!

Finally, don’t forget to send in your entry for our Mug of the Month contest, with the key words ECHO and HAVEN. Entries should reach annemurraypost@yahoo.ie by Sunday, 23 March at the latest.

See you all on Thursday!

Programme

Short Story A Memorable Flight Joyce Butcher

Short Story Shackleton and I Jutta Rosen

Short Story Full Circle Mary Rose Tobin

Short Story On the Eleven Thirty to Dublin Anne McManus

Poem Near Death Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem Resurrection Anne McManus

Poem Prayer to a Fixed Washing Machine Póilín Brennan

Poem A Mother’s Gift Mary Hodson

Resurrection by Anne McManus
Anne McManus’ poem, ‘Resurrection,’ delivers a witty and irreverent reimagining of the biblical tale of Lazarus. The narrator, newly arrived in heaven and enjoying his
peaceful eternity, is suddenly yanked back to life—only to find himself once again at the mercy of his nagging sisters and the burdens of earthly existence. With humor and
sharp commentary, McManus turns a miraculous event into a tongue-in-cheek reflection on fate, unwanted second chances, and the weight of divine intervention.

Open the Window by Mary Hodson
Mary Hodson’s poem, ‘Open the Window,’ is a deeply moving exploration of Irish funeral customs and the rituals surrounding death. Steeped in tradition, the poem follows
the practice of opening a window to let the departing soul pass freely. With delicate yet powerful verses, Hodson captures the sacred hush, the stopped clocks, the veiled
mirrors, and the whispered prayers that accompany a loved one’s passing. This poignant reflection on loss, remembrance, and the enduring customs of grief speaks to the
universal experience of saying goodbye, while honoring the ties that keep our ancestors’ traditions alive.

The Jumper by Mary Hodson
Mary Hodson’s memoir, ‘The Jumper,’ is a heartwarming story of love, tradition, and perseverance. Beginning in 1983 with the intention of knitting a school jumper for her
child, the project remained unfinished for over 40 years, tucked away in the depths of a wardrobe. The memoir takes readers on a journey through time, exploring the deep-
rooted Irish knitting traditions, the symbolism behind Aran patterns, and the patience and dedication required to complete such an intricate piece. When Mary joins a local
knitting group in 2024, the long-lost jumper finds new life, ultimately becoming a family heirloom. Rich with nostalgia and warmth, this tale beautifully weaves together
family, craftsmanship, and the passage of time.

Song of Peace and Tranquility by Mary Hawkshaw
In a world burdened by conflict and uncertainty, Mary Hawkshaw’s CAPCUT creation, ‘Song of Peace and Tranquility,’ emerges as a soothing balm for the soul. With her expertise in digital storytelling and music production, she crafts a serene and meditative composition that invites us to pause, breathe, and reflect. This piece offers a glimpse into a world where kindness, humanity, and harmony reign, even if only for a few moments. It stands as a gentle yet powerful reminder that peace is always within reach— if only we choose to embrace it.

On the Eleven Thirty to Dublin by Anne McManus
Anne McManus’ short story, ‘On the Eleven Thirty to Dublin,’ is a sharp, humorous, and vividly written piece that captures the essence of public transport eavesdropping.
The story follows a lively and unfiltered conversation on a train, where a woman loudly shares her grievances, medical experiences, and juicy gossip with a friend over the
phone. As the monologue unfolds, passengers unwittingly become part of her life, absorbing her frustrations, judgments, and sharp-tongued wit. Through rich dialect and
keen observation, McManus delivers a brilliant social commentary that feels both familiar and hilariously uncomfortable.

And I remember too by Veronica O’Neill
Veronica O’Neill’s poem, ‘And I remember too,’ is a nostalgic reflection on childhood and growing up. Through vivid imagery, she captures the mundane yet deeply personal
details of school life—ironing uniforms, mismatched socks, and the struggle to keep up with growing bodies. The poem moves seamlessly through memories of sports, school struggles, and the hunger of youth, painting a relatable picture of the past that resonates with warmth, humor, and the enduring presence of a mother’s quiet patience. This touching piece invites readers to step back in time and revisit their own childhood moments.

Shackleton and I by Jutta Rosen
Jutta Rosen’s memoir, ‘Shackleton and I,’ takes readers on a remarkable journey that connects her to the legendary Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton. During a visit to
her godchild Mary’s home, she discovers a small rock with an inscription—brought back from Elephant Island by Shackleton himself. Intrigued, she unravels the rock’s incredible journey from Shackleton’s possession to her godchild’s bookshelf. The memoir masterfully weaves historical details of Shackleton’s harrowing Antarctic survival with personal reflections on fate, history, and the small, unexpected connections that bind us to the past. Rich in historical insight and personal narrative, this story bridges generations through adventure and discovery.

A Stitch in Sin by Anne Murray
‘A Stitch in Sin’ is a humorous and reflective poem by Anne Murray that revisits an old superstition from her grandmother—that sewing on a Sunday is a sin, leading to an
afterlife of unpicking stitches with one’s nose. The narrator wittily debates the merits of giving up sewing versus investing in a nose job to prepare for the eternal consequences. Balancing playful irreverence with a deeper contemplation of traditions and faith, this poem is a clever take on inherited beliefs and the weight we give them in our daily lives.

Mind Your Head by Deirdre Anne Gialamas
‘Mind Your Head’ by Deirdre Anne Gialamas is a lighthearted yet thought-provoking poem about the small, everyday decisions we make. The narrator wrestles with the
never-ending cycle of household chores—dirty dishes, unkempt duvets, and messy cupboards—before questioning whether the world would truly stop if they chose to
pause and indulge in moments of idleness. As they embrace the freedom of relaxation, they find joy in memories, music, and creativity, reminding us all of the importance
of stepping back and appreciating life beyond the mundane.

We can expect a full and exciting evening of creative work.

And don’t forget: Mug of the Month is starting anew, with the key words ECHO and HAVEN. Entries should reach annemurraypost@yahoo.ie by Sunday, 23 March at the latest.

See you all on Thursday!

Programme

Poem Resurrection Anne McManus

Poem Open the Window Mary Hodson

Memoir The Jumper Mary Hodson

Song and Video Song of Peace and Tranquility Mary Hawkshaw

Short Story On the Eleven Thirty to Dublin Anne McManus

Poem And I remember Too Veronica O’Neill

Short Story Shackleton and I Jutta Rosen

Poem A Stich in Sin Anne Murray

Poem Mind your Head Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Tradition dictates that the last Thursday session in every month opens with the presentation of the entries for Mug of the Month, and this week is no exception. The key words SHELTER and SHADOW have attracted numerous texts of various genres, and as usual tension will vie with enjoyment until the winner has been elected!

The following four items were originally scheduled for last week. We look forward to hearing them tonight!

The White Cliffs of Dover by Mary Hodson is a deeply moving family memoir that follows a pilgrimage to Belgium to visit the grave of a relative who died in the Battle of Ypres in 1917. As the family retrace his journey, the narrative captures the weight of loss, remembrance, and the importance of passing down these stories to future generations.

Threading Time by Deirdre Anne Gialamas is a meditation on the passage of time and its impact on the human experience. The piece weaves through memories, contrasting fleeting moments of joy with the weight of nostalgia.

A Short Poem by Joyce Butcher is a playful but perceptive piece exploring the complexities of language, self-expression and regret. With clever wordplay and rhythmic flow, the poem captures the internal struggle between speaking freely and wishing for restraint. Both humorous and reflective, it highlights the tension between spontaneity and hindsight, reminding us of the power – and pitfalls – of our words.

Resurrection by Anne McManus is a sharp, darkly humorous poem that reimagines the experience of being raised from the dead – only to face the burden of life once more. The narrator, who has found peace in the afterlife, is suddenly pulled back, not for divine glory, but to pacify the mourning of others. With biting wit and a sense of weary resignation, the poem explores themes of duty, fate, and the unintended consequences of miracles. In a world where resurrection is no blessing, the speaker questions whether peace can ever truly be eternal.

When Nations Weep by Mary Hawkshaw is a powerful song and video production reflecting the timeless struggle for freedom from tyranny, dictatorship and colonial rule. Through the lens of Ireland’s fight for independence, the writer draws poignant parallels to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the latest example of the universal quest for self-determination.

We wish all participants a thoroughly enjoyable evening!

Programme

Competition +++ Mug of the Month +++ All Members

Memoir The White Cliffs of Dover Mary Hodson

Short Story Threading Time Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem A Short Poem Joyce Butcher

Poem Resurrection Anne McManus

Video Production When Nations Weep Mary Hawkshaw

Our programme this evening is comprised mainly of texts that were scheduled, but not presented, in the past few weeks. Our prolific members have inundated us with wonderful submissions, so that we can look forward to another 120 minutes of fascinating story-telling and poetry.

The Sunday Visit by Mary Hodson is a delightful memoir of pleasant childhood visits to the farm of loved relatives. The story captures the resonance between the innocent child and the caring grandfather in an environment of nature, family and tradition.

The White Cliffs of Dover by Mary Hodson is a deeply moving family memoir that follows a pilgrimage to Belgium to visit the grave of a relative who died in the Battle of Ypres in 1917. As the family retrace his journey, the narrative captures the weight of loss, remembrance, and the importance of passing down these stories to future generations.

Vertical Ridges by Jutta Rosen contrasts the abundance and comfort of life today with the rigours of the Famine in the 1840s. The desperate and backbreaking efforts to provide food are visible to this day on the hillsides of Connemara, for those who know what to look for.

They by Póilín Brennan is an enigmatic poem which examines the unseen influences that shape our lives. The poem explores an omnipresent force, leaving the reader to interpret who or what ‘they’ represent, while imparting a sense of unease and reflection.

A Short Poem by Joyce Butcher is a playful but perceptive piece exploring the complexities of language, self-expression and regret. With clever wordplay and rhythmic flow, the poem captures the internal struggle between speaking freely and wishing for restraint. Both humorous and reflective, it highlights the tension between spontaneity and hindsight, reminding us of the power – and pitfalls – of our words.

Threading Time by Deirdre Anne Gialamas is a meditation on the passage of time and its impact on the human experience. The piece weaves through memories, contrasting fleeting moments of joy with the weight of nostalgia.

Resurrection by Anne McManus is a sharp, darkly humorous poem that reimagines the experience of being raised from the dead – only to face the burden of life once more. The narrator, who has found peace in the afterlife, is suddenly pulled back, not for divine glory, but to pacify the mourning of others. With biting wit and a sense of weary resignation, the poem explores themes of duty, fate, and the unintended consequences of miracles. In a world where resurrection is no blessing, the speaker questions whether peace can ever truly be eternal.

And don’t forget! The closing date for entries to our monthly Mug of the Month competition is drawing nigh! The key words to be included in your fifty-word submission are SHADOW and SHELTER. Anne Murray, at annemurraypost@yahoo.ie is expecting your entries by Sunday 23 February at the latest! That’s the coming Sunday!!!!

We wish all participants a thoroughly enjoyable evening!

Programme

Short Story The Sunday Visit Mary Hodson

Memoir The White Cliffs of Dover Mary Hodson

Poem They Póilín Brennan

Short Story Threading Time Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story Vertical Ridges Jutta Rosen

Poem A Short Poem Joyce Butcher

Poem Resurrection Anne McManus