UNSHACKLED

LADY AT PIER

She has found this isolated pier
To unveil her aged skin,
And gingerly dips into the sea.
Immersing her dependency
Beneath the gentle briny swell.
Free - at last-
Released by elemental power
From all the well-intentioned,
Who help and coddle -
Those who have the time
After all their busy lives
For this aged woman…

Consigned to family photo snaps
And a place of honour
At family occasions…
At the pier the shackles fall away,
Moving like a dolphin
Against the counsel of loving daughter
Against advice of lecturing doctor
Against this tirade tide
She lives
To fight another day.

Gerard O'Shea