Incredibly touching poem David and so eloquently read in person. I've heard and read most of the stories, happy and sad about the two divided traditions within Northern Ireland but this one is up there with the best ballads, songs and poems I can think off.
You show how love can conquer even the most extreme sectarian divide, and sadly how the bigoted refuse to allow this to happen, by taking their murderous intent even into a holy place during wedlock !
And indeed, as if the gravity of their actions were not serious enough, the pathetic scene afterwards when the bodies are separated, destined to lie apart within their own religious sanctuaries!
Gratifying that the great Redeemer, uplifts them in spiritual unison away from the anarchy below to be together for all eternity!
Astounding effort, so glad I came across this remarkable piece of poetry ! 'The pen can do so much more than the sword' !
I loved hearing you read this! The poems about how throughout histoery we have messed up the love of God with our arbitrary "codes" of religions. I had to smile at the hat. I think it added to the cold cold events in your poem!
Thank you for this special gift today!