Bulpaddock Sonnet

(Trinity College 2005)

I stand in the classroom and through

the large glass windows look out

across the Bulpaddock - the bronze statue

of the famous bull guards

the ‘Keep off the grass’ sign and the ivy-stone

buildings frame students  as they walk to classes.

My eye catches a leaf as it falls while the wind

sends another scurrying along the old worn footpath,

the sunlight slants through the bare trees,

the scene unearths memories of Dad

from years before when he breathed

and I stood holding his hand

amongst the raked leaves and cut garden -

everything smelling as if it would last forever.