I take a stroll among my flowers of memory.
The door I close upon the present with its woes and joys.
I wander on and on.
To fields far off and years long gone;
Through many a gate and many a door.
I pass where oft’ I passed of yore.
And on and on through scenes that smiled.
Upon me when I was a child
The winds of recollection raise.
The curtain o’er departing days.
Down boreens of the past awhile
I chase a face and haunting smile.
An unforgotten form I greet.
With fond caress and kisses sweet
But there alas were tear-drops too.

Thus, olden friendships I renew
Hurrying here, delaying there.
For something dear or sweet or fair.
Thus pictures come; thus pictures pass –
Like sun and shadow o’er the grass.

MICHAEL MULLIN, ‘The Bard of Foremass,
Foremass Lower, Sixmilecross, Co. Tyrone.
Won 7/6 -2nd place