Tuam

A piece that takes an account of the Tuam baby scandal in Ireland.

1925

The destitute walk with tired feet to the work house,

Since the time of the famine this prison reeks of death,

Yet a conversion of brick and wood will lead to evil,

Ah the Bon Secours gather like witches with wicked breath.

1961

This house  with the history of destruction for all souls,

Mothers and babies linger in spirit tied to the mortar,

Shallow graves not marked and kept as a vile secret,

Now closed as the lies become to heavy to bare last quarter.

1972

Lets demolish this shrine to murder and shame,

Those officials do love a chance to show their mask,

A great silence will gather and hold the people to ransom,

For only Church and state are really up to that task.

1975

Innocents discover the bones of those kept silent in years,

Ah the poor famine victims, must be them that lay there,

A shrine must be built in Jesus name amen,

Shadows darken and grow stronger what should have been care.

2012

Corless pleads with the people through study and figures,

Those conditions not fit for vermin yet saddled on the backs of mothers,

No records seems odd even with mortality as it was,

Surely someone must know the truth lets look my dear brothers.

2013

A mission has seeded the mind of a brave and fearless woman,

Where are they she asked for those records of life ended,

So hidden all but two, of the 798 babies in the ground,

Now answers are needed from the source of never splendid.

2014

There names to be carved in stone one paper reports,

Rather late one would think however time means less,

Gather strength as they once has done in face of atrocity,

To late some will say for no one can now bless.

2015

The government now orders for men to investigate,

The bones of nearly eight decades of lies,

Deaths, adoption oh how they stripped any human right,

Does the law now even look or indeed applies.

2017

A chamber of horrors awaits those that dig,

Sent to their graves among filth and waste water,

Angels now hold them close to their breast,

Sing out a chorus and make those nuns falter.

Now

Where do we go from this knowledge and shock,

Yes they are all sorry and shocked not a comfort to be had,

Still fighting after years to uncover those sordid secrets,

May they rest and be known by all how sad.

Author's Note

The investigation began in 2015 after claims emerged that hundreds of babies were buried in a mass, unmarked grave near a home in Tuam, County Galway.

Reviews

[5minutesofcrazy]

There's a coldness to the write that feels almost too sad. I think it really captures the spirit of the poem and intensifies it. The words you use are beautiful and are fitting. The mood you create is devastating. After being gone for so long from this site, reading this has reminded me why I loved this creative space!

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Thank you.

[Brad]

I am not familiar with this situation but how many atrocities through the years have been covered up by "Those officials (that) do love a chance to show their mask"
How can this possibly have happened! - happens nauseatingly often.

[nastassia]

This is devastatingly beautiful. You capture the mood so well. The mood of sadness yet beautiful at the same time

[johnnyqueer]

I'll have to look more into this, I've never heard about it! Really cool write!

[Chris Shaw]

This is a hard hitting piece to read. Heartless behaviour by those who should have known better. Certainly not acting as Christ would have done. It is important that these pour mites are not forgotten. Your poem speaks on their behalf. Thank you for bringing them to my attention.

Chris

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Thank you Christine.

[Cherrie Palmer]

What a powerful piece.
The souls of the innocent cry out, damming the heartless who can be found in Hell.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Indeed, thank you.

[Mr.Bagel]

Pretty darn good, I'm quite impressed and I'm new to the site, not to sound shameless or anything, but could you check my story?

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Thank you, I will.

[Einstein Noodle]

i just shake my head .. what words to describe such gross disrespect of life. certainly many questions will remain as to whether murder was committed among so many babes. The "Nuns" offered and apology ... admitted they were not acting in a Christian manner ... basically flushing those souls down the toilet. i just shake me nog brother. thanks for your tribute and bringing Tuam to light .."Bon Secour" order of Nuns responsible ... what a slap in the face for all those babies treated with such disregard. "Good Help" indeed.>;/
E.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Thank you EN