Introduction

 Una Hora Menos, Introduction

 

This collection of verse commenced in April 2022 shortly after the publication of Faith Hope and Covid Diaries. It came as Covid was on the wane and we were beginning to mingle again. As a family we had formed a ‘bubble’ with our daughter and husband who had two young children who were frequently unwell and could not be exposed to the virus.

 

I had spent much, too much, time during Covid looking up property websites in Tenerife. We had sold our property in Adeje Paradise two days into Covid, but we had always discussed the possibility of buying a much smaller less expensive property. My wife conveniently forgot. But I did not.

 

By chance I discovered the perfect property, for me at least, for a reasonably small sum near the airport in southern Tenerife. It had views of the sea front and back, and overlooked the ninth hole of the gold course which gave unending enjoyment. The adventure of buying again lifted my soul and so verse flowed. The title is inspired by the constant comment on Spanish TV when giving the time to add, one hour earlier in the Canaries – una hora menos

 

Sadly the property did not work out and was sold within the calendar year, but verse kept flowing. We had the luxury and pleasure of our holiday home in Carne which features frequently. Also the rediscovery of the beauty right beside me in Killiney and Dun Laoghaire. 

 

World events feature especially the tragedy in Ukraine. But the biggest topic is the pressing issue of climate change and my acceptance that we will largely not win it for most people. At times angry, at times resigned. Health and mortality also feature.

 

There is no attempt at a pattern. The poems were written on the hoof and are humbly presented. There are a few good poems. But how to choose?  And people’s tastes amaze and vary.

 

The hope as always is that a single line may speak to the reader. And that is my reward.

 

Autumn 2023