Vox Populi
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Fred Johnston: The Summer Before We Were Killed in the War
for Andrew, who was there
We’d double scull the river, splitting the river
Like a scalpel through silk
When the light went on forever
And the cold beer went on forever
And our girls would deliciously shiver
Cross-legged on the burnt green, the summery burnt green.
We would ripple in our veins, electricity in the veins
From the oiled heart and skin
Shine like eels with neon in the vein
Red in the face and sky blue the vein
And the moving girls would in chorus name
Out each one of us, come to us, and anoint each one of us.
Copyright 2024 Fred Johnston
Fred Johnston (born 1951) is an Irish poet, novelist, literary critic and musician. He is the founder and director of the Western Writers’ Centre in Galway. He co-founded the Irish Writers’ Co-operative in 1974, as well as Galway’s annual Cúirt International Festival of Literature in 1986. His many books include Rogue States (Salmon Poetry, 2019).
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Love the music!
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I love poetry rich in music
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So do I!
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I love this, and also listened to “Wall, Plaque, Book” which confirmed this poem as well, begs to be read aloud. It’s cadences are most certainly part of it all. Wonderful to be introduced to another essential voice, as happens so frequently on Vox Populi.
Thankyou
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Thanks, Sean. I’ve been following Fred’s work for a number of years, so I’m glad to include him here. Glad you like the poem.
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