It Takes a Lifetime to Become Yourself Mary O'Malley

It Takes a Lifetime to Become Yourself Mary O'MalleySocial reformer, peace activist, policy advisor, Kay Carmichael keenly observed the downtrodden and effected much of the social reform we take for granted. This collection of her essays and writings many from her column in New Society in the 1980s reflect a courageous spirit in crystal clear prose. Her dying was as controversial as her life and her thoughts on death are things we need to hear and discuss for ourselves and for our young.

But the house isn’t even finished

humans have relied on and respected the earth and its bounty

joined the Communist Party as a young man

has been struck with a bitter tragedy

into a rhythm

baby-group small talk

His poems appear in Enitharmon’s Branch-lines: Edward Thomas and Contemporary Poetry anthology (2007)

His poetry has appeared widely in Ireland

uplifting genius of Thomas Wolfe’s (1900-1938) short story 'Circus at Dawn'

Whether focusing in on catching fish off a pier

and have to get home in time for supper

we tend to look upon journeys in terms of departure and arrival