MY GRANDFATHER’S HOUSE

A painting done of Michael Murphy’s house in County Mayo.

RAIN

I love these days
When the sun
Eclipse-like
Is shrouded
Clouded
Covered over so completely
Under a heavy quilt
Of cumulous down
That you'd be wondering 
If something's gone haywire
Up there with the physics
Of the whole plan.
But you could also be thinking
Quietly to yourself
As I seem inclined to be doing...
"Isn't this so comforting
That even though
I'm up and in my chair
I feel the weight of the blankets
Piled high on the bed
And I'm inclined to stay
Here because I've been
Given the odd dark permission
To stay put with my tea
And my heartbeat."