On the edge
that’s where I started.
A small island between
oceans and continents.
Our untamed west coast
home to puffins, red deer
indolent grey seals.
In my Dublin school there were
debates about joining
about progress, solidarity.
I fell in love with Europe
boulevards, Beethoven
harmony, peace
and many tongues
in accord.
Later, kindred Glasgow
welcomed me
became home.
Europe constantly at the core
of work, of my future.
Now borders are back.
Hearts closed.
People talk about others.
I’m bereft
in double measure.
© Rona Fitzgerald
Rona has poems in UK, Scottish, Irish and US publications. Highlights include the Stinging Fly 2011, Aiblins: New Scottish Political Poetry 2016, Oxford Poetry 2017, Poems for Grenfell Tower, Onslaught Press 2018 and #Me Too, Fair Acre Press, 2018.
