A while back i was given poems that were written by a young man callled John Jones from Enniskillen in Co Fermanagh who died in 1979, aged just 22. Tomorrow is his anniversary so I thought i would put up one of them. This is my favourite one and perfectly captures the dark misery that was 1970's N. Ireland. It was dated Oct 1978 and this month also has deep resonance for me as it was one of the darkest periods of my life.
The Town I Love So Well
They sipped from cups of steamy welcome tea
and fag ends hissed as they hit the water.
The traffic lights were amber, the cinema closed
As they plunged once more with twilight sneaking.
The peckish crowds drew lots for a better view,
Their consensus instability, despite his tender years
and that Daglish would surely hit the thirty mark.
The paper boy dripped when they brought him up.
His feet were encased in two large pumpkins
And already the pike had nibbled at his flesh.
He left no note and no one mentioned murder.
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Hi Aideen, I've quickly had a look over the blog and I believe that John Jones was my uncle. I have sent the link onto my mum who was his twin and she has confirmed this. I'd really appreciate it if you could get back to me on here my mum is over the moon that someone has found John's work. Thanks NiallMiss
Hi Aideen He was my cousin once removed I sent this link to my dad it made him very emotional. They actually share the same name as they were both named after their paternal Grandfather who was the Trade unionist and Labour Councillor John Jones. Thanks so much for posting this, my dad doesn't speaks much about his family but I keep finding out they were a pretty amazing bunch.New comment
Hi Jasmine, I'm glad you found it. John's twin has also been in touch and was pleased that I had posted the poems. Thanks for getting in touch.