WOWO Thursday 6 March 2025, 7-9pm

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