Vincent Holmes is a former civil servant. Formerly of Roinn na Gaeltachta. He is currently on the board of Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe, the National Irish Theatre, Gaillimh le Gaeilge, and Dúchas na Gaillimhe. Tá cónaí air i gCnoc na Cathrach ó 1983 lena bhean Gearóidín, a iníonacha Katie agus Louise, an cat agus na madraí.
Gamins
(To some active gamins in Knocknacarra)
What did I do to you
to cause you
to take a newish moped
of some 635 miles done
from my front door
and smash its front
rip out its wiring and panels
wantonly tear its seat
and break
its lights?
Nothing.
What did you gain
and contribute to
your community
by stealing
and destroying
and laughing
aloud at your
“heroics” and
dubious know-how?
Nothing.
What does a future
hold
if your paths
continue to follow
a destructive
abusive course
against decent
neighbours?
Nothing.
What’s the contribution
to your family reputation,
avoidance of
criminal record
that denies access
abroad
where you might
broaden your minds?
Nothing.
My gift to you
Is a silent fervent prayer
That in your life
It will never be said of you
“He was worth….
Nothing”
The Galway Review 