Memories

by Leanne Vaughan

My memory tastes like drinking a coffee on a cold winter’s morning.
My memory smells like the freshly baked apple tart
straight out of my grandmother’s oven.
My memory sounds like the songs my family sung
whilst we dressed our tree in December.
My memory looks like butterflies gathering around the pink rosebush in May.
My memory feels like the warmth of a hug from someone near and dear
Whilst buildings fall around me
War tearing up my place.
Only seventeen years of memories
Only seventeen years of love.

Written by Leanne Vaughan (TY) from Castlerea Community School, Roscommon, during Poetry as Commemoration workshops led by Terry McDonagh, November 2022.