A WAY OF REMEMBERING GIBRALTAR

 (FOR AMY)

The freezing rain pelted down;

I faced the oncoming traffic

without blinking as headlights blinded and horns hooted

in support of our line, our attempt to

jolt memories.  Our attempt to say;

Remember.

 

The freezing rain pelted down

and I could not have been colder if I’d been shot dead

with my hands held above my head in Gibraltar!

but here in Belfast on this apocalyptic night

my hands held the poster across my heart

to hold tight, the dream they dreamed.

The rain got colder and thicker

and our white line picket grew longer and stronger

no one moved or fell out until the end

soaked to the skin we hurried home

to talk: some to pray, but all to remember

twenty five years ago that day. Gibraltar.