Poetry Magazines - The best collection of poetry magazines online - Simon Armitage

Poetry Library Southbank Centre - The Poetry Library housing the Arts Council Collection at Southbank Centre

« Previous item
Contents of this issue
Next item »

Liam O'Meara

print this page

Diceman

still forever

do they not sweep the streets before you
I used to chuckle to myself
for often it seemed you walked in fear
of treading on broken glass

and gratefully I shared the wonder
of standing pedestrians
witnessing your snail’s procession
through the main streets of Dublin

you were the Cheeky Prisoner,
rude Mona Lisa,
an awkward teapot on a crowded Dart
Dracula, scourge of Moore Street traders
or simply the Blonde Vamp

best of all, was when you just stood still
leaving us hanging for your pursed lips
wrinkled forehead, arched brows
any sudden movement

but it wasn’t all fun
you worried us once in bloodied robes
your clown face weeping
for a suffering world

then your gaunt appearance
on the Late Late Show - apology to Mum;
your farewell wave in the Evening Herald;
the final procession to your resting place

McGinty, McGinty, your number’s up -
you winked, oh! you winked at death
rather you had blinked

Thorn McGinty, in his role as the Diceman was Dublin’s best loved street character. He was also a brilliant mime artist. His upright walk, unblinking stare and colourful costumes gave entertainment to tens of thousands of people in his Grafton Street beat for almost 20 years. Even during his illness, his love of life was awesome. He strived to create a positive image of man living, not dying with Aids. Finally, he succumbed to the disease in February 1995.

Page(s) 46

Back to top