I recall no fear,
in childhood's Eden
innocence sensing no hostility;
the world seemed good,
posed no threat,
love protected vulnerability.
Reality was harsh,
soon disapproval's breath
was felt.
Clothed in a garment of personality
I hid behind a mask
and learned to cope with life.
FEAR; I know your name
but keep it secret
lest others see through me.
Love puts you to flight.
I dont allow your dark shadow
to obscure light.
From North Antrim Fields (page 36)
Dedicated to the 'Seven'
2002
About the writer
- Ita McMichael
- Born Jan 1925 - Died Nov 2008 ...grew up in the 1930s in Belfast on the Falls Road, after training to be a nurse in the Mater and Royal Victoria Hospitals she spent a short time as a plastic surgery nurse in England. She moved to Ballycastle to nurse at the Dalriada Hospital in the 1950s where she met her late husband James, a local Pharmacist. She has 7 sons. Ita was a member of the Joan Newman writing group and has published works in the Glens of Antrim Historical Society magazine 'The Glynns', the Catholic Herald, Women's Weekly,the West Belfast Living History Project(Glandore Publishing), Rythym of Hearts (Ballycastle Writer's Group), Ring of Voices (published by Ballymoney Borough Council), You can't Eat Flags for Breakfast and My Weekly. She has several anthologies to her name including, 'Catching Breath', 'North Antrim Fields' and 'Pink Flamingo'. Ita retired in the late 1980s and lived by the sea in Ballycastle looking out over the sea of Moyle. She finished her last poem about her husband James two years ago and it is as yet unpublished.
Seaside Imagery
"...swimming in an open sea; I thought it brave; to shudder in its cold embrace. With feet sinking in sand; I'd race in marram grass; sometimes snicking toes; on the long blades..."
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