lined up in rows.
And though they were strong it wasn't long
before the bowlers bowled.
As hard as it was to believe
it was worse to have been deceived
by a First World, modern state.
And bad as that was
it was worse to have gone
without knowing you could have been saved.
All of the Nicolas, denied proper care,
will never bend their heads again
for a child to pull back their hair,
to share a secret only meant for them.
(Explanation: In relation to this article, on 2nd May 2018, I heard a man called David speak on Liveline, Joe Duffy's RTÉ radio1 show, about the death of his wife, Nicola, in relation to the Cervical Check scandal in Ireland. It was heartbreaking to listen to David, but he spoke very well and gave the timeline and details of his late wife's suffering. His children have a great father, but it is tragic that they are, needlessly, without their mother.
Update on 14/11/2022: RIP Vicky Phelan)
