Saturday 27 April 2024

Cavan Singers, founded 1984 - a poem for us by Noel Monahan

a book sits on a couch, the title is Journey Upstream, the author is Noel Monahan, the picture is of a rural painting with river and fields and trees and sky
In noel Monahan's latest book of poetry, Journey Upstream [pub. Salmon Poetry], we are on page 63. The other poems are beautiful and thought provoking, but we may be a little biased in thinking the one about us is the best:
Cavan Singers, Founded, 1984 A jubilant journey started, When moon longed for the shimmer of morning And days of woes at work were tiresome, Semibreves, minims, crochets, quavers Spread across the Cavan Singers’ pages Life laughed and we became its story. I return as a ghost now looking back To Tuesday nights for rehearsals: stops and starts and scales …. sheet music For our perusal, jubilant voices climbing higher Choir contests in Wales & Rome …. Voices raised to heaven, pondering Every note, enjoying each inflection And the loyal support: husbands, wives, A sea of faces cheering on the Cavan Singers. Charity performances for one cause or another Lines of parked cars outside the Parochial Hall, Cups of tea, ham sandwiches half shy of mustard, Talk and more talk …. Christmas Carol Singing Outside the Post Office, Winter lanterns, Sprigs of red-berried holly In every overcoat, hat, scarf Collection-box rattle Memories sleep in peace now, Sleep in heavenly peace…. The Cavan Singers’ life-long desire Was and is: To bring joy to all who listen And to honour the memory of all departed members. Let the final sentiment of “Va Pensiero” Soften into silence: So That We May Endure To The Last May Endure To The Last. Noel Monahan © 2024
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