People, Old Laws, a Loss and a Design Classic

Photo: Chris Grayson in Killarney

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More Hospice Morning Pictures

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More Brehon Laws

Glossery; a spancel was a piece of rope that tied the animals two legs together so that he couldn’t wander far or jump any fence.

I remember my mother spancelling a young cow who was not used to being milked and might kick out.

A yoke was a piece of wood tied under an animal’s head so that if he tried to walk too quickly, the yoke would hit him and deter him from straying.

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A Sad Parting

BEN.

By Mattie Lennon

We’re left with only memories,

At those we now must clutch 

 Your picture on the kitchen wall

 It is our only crutch.

That image is consoling

And helps to ease the gloom

As your eyes, like Mona Lisa’s 

Just trace me round the room.

From scraping plates to closing doors

To going to bed at night,

All have a Ben-connection;

Each smell and sound and sight.

Your meat and nuts  disposed of

(To the Blue-bin went your bed.)

I didn’t want any witnesses

When tears flowed in the shed.

We got you thirteen years ago,

You were only four months old.

The last one of your litter,

The others all were sold.

We brought you home immediately

‘Twas a lovely Summer day. 

Both had our eccentricities 

So we bonded straight away.

We strolled and shared our traits for years 

(A half a score plus three.)

Strangers always hailed you first 

And then they’d talk to me.

I now walk out without you,

Your spirit’s there but , then

The dreadful thing I  have to say.

When  people ask., “Where’s Ben.”

To you kind and loved and loving dog

The illness came to stay.

Then needles, scans and Xrays

Were the order of the day.

Some medicines you wouldn’t take

And your pain I couldn’t see.

I forced tablets down and hurt you

Now that thought is hurting me.`

When all that could be done was done,

The end came mighty fast.

Decision made. The plunger pushed.

Relief from pain at last.

We didn’t use that terrible word,

The one that rhymes with “Dread.”

I asked the Vet a question

As our son then kissed your head

Mattie Lennon

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Moments of Reflection

Thank you, Fred Ward for these photographic memories

Bobby reading

Me signing

Friends who came to support me

more cousins

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The Biro….a Classic of Design and Usefulness

John Anthony Hegarty shared the following with us

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A Fact

The world’s first car dealership opened in London in 1897.

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