There were two of us on Main Street
(a misleading name,
that might be more appropriately
called Only Thoroughfare).
(a misleading name,
that might be more appropriately
called Only Thoroughfare).
She walked a little ahead.
She stopped in her tracks,
looked right and left.
Then up and back.
She laughed, and shook her head,
"Isn't it a fright to be lost in Kilmac."
We are so safe here, and
this village is an easy mark.
Over in Mashhad,
it's no joke to be lost.
Law shifts like sand,
injustice at its beating heart.
Our own Bernard Phelan
is being forcibly detained
for being a touring European,
and, when not in jail,
promotes Iran as a destination.
Seemingly the only dual citizen
to ever use a passport,
he was the one-in-a-million
to take photos,
see the sights,
send postcards.
And now he is on hunger strike.
(Update: Bernard Phelan was freed in May 2023).
(Explanation: FREE BERNARD PHELAN.
When I was writing this poem, Bernard Phelan was on hunger strike. I am relieved to hear that his sister persuaded him to return to eating, but I am so sorry that Bernard Phelan has not been released yet.
