Poetry

The Reunion

Father John W. Ó Néill

Contents - Dec 2012 - Buy a copy now Homily: Benedict XVI: the new consoling certainty of Christmas - Pope Benedict XVI Culture: Western crisis is spiritual: Russian Orthodox leader - Metropolitan Hilarion News: The Church Around the World Sectarianism: Dignitatis Humanae Institute: Christian values in public life - Babette Francis Young Men of God 2012 Conference showcases Christian leadership - Br Barry Coldrey Events: iWitness Retreat / Campion College Summer Program Pilgrimage: Crossroads: young people spread the message of life and love - Angela Schumann Catholicism: The Year of Faith: time to revisit the Catechism of the Catholic Church Church - Audrey English A different fire: Vatican II and the new evangelisation - Archbishop Mark Coleridge History: Parish life in the Middle Ages (Part 1) - Frank Mobbs Caroline Chisholm Library: Melbourne's hidden gem - Angela Schumann Advent and the Second Coming: a forgotten article of faith - Br Christian Moe FSC Letters: Abortion silence - Thomas M. Kalotas Letters: Courage of convictions - Robert Bom Letters: Bob Santamaria - Brian A. Peachey Letters: Old Testament - Fr Brian Harrison Letters: Harm minimisation - Tom King Christmas: Latin Mass in Melbourne Poetry: The Reunion - Father John W. Ó Néill Books: A BIBLICAL SEARCH FOR THE CHURCH CHRIST FOUNDED, by Linus F. Clovis - Michael Daniel (reviewer) Books: ADAM AND EVE AFTER THE PILL, by Mary Eberstadt - Brian Peachey (reviewer) Support: Fighting Fund Books: Order books from www.freedompublishing.com.au Reflection: Feast of the Holy Innocents: Rachel weeps for her children - Anne Lastman

The Reunion

I hadn't seen my friend for years – he dropped in the other day,
The memories came floating back – I had a lot to say:
But I couldn't get a word in – I was really on my own,
My friend suffered an addiction – he had a mobile 'phone!

He was scarcely in the house at all, his coat was hardly hung
When he was grabbing for his pocket – that wretched thing had rung!

"Oh. Good to hear from you," he said, as he reclined in a nice chair:
I sat and waited patiently – I thought I would despair
Of having our reunion – for he talked at some great length.

I began to tap my fingers – running out of patience' strength –
I wanted to catch up on years since we were mates at school:
Our triumphs on the footy field, our victories in the pool.

At last the 'phone call ended. I said "How about a beer ..."
And headed for the 'fridge', but he didn't even hear
My cordial invitation to relax and quench our thirst –
He was reaching for that thing again: his telephone came first!

"Hang on a minute, mate," he said, "I need to make a call":
And I began to wonder why he'd dropped in at all.

Was he really pleased to see me after all the years since school?
I leaned against the old 'fridge' door, and stood there like a fool
Feeling I was left right out, someone who didn't matter –
Unconnected with the world and all its vital chatter.

"Sorry about that," he said, and took his beer, and then
We didn't get a chance to talk – the darned thing rang again!

He stayed about an hour, and then he had to go
How his life had gone these years I really didn't know –
I hoped he wasn't married – his wife must live alone
For he'd said: "'till death do part us" to that confounded mobile 'phone!

Father John W. Ó Néill, 5 Sept 2012

Reprinted from AD2000 Vol 25 No 11 (December 2012 - January 2013), p. 16