When Daddy was eighteen years old
he went to Dublin
and over the course of a weekend
he discovered the delights
of O’Connell Street –
four ice-cream parlours!

Daddy enjoyed several
ice-cream sundaes
and concluded that,
in his expert opinion,
the best sundae of all
was one mysteriously called
“Melancholy Baby”.

Seventy-two years later,
Daddy still talks about
that Melancholy Baby!

One day
I have a wee chat
with Michael at Fiorentini’s
and a fortnight later
we all go to Fiorentini’s
where Michael serves up
Melancholy Babies
for Daddy and me.

Colourful layers of
ice-cream and fresh cream,
jelly and tinned fruit
with sprinkles and a parasol
on top
all beautifully-presented
in tall glasses.

Truly a treat to behold!

We both tuck-in
and some time later,
Daddy proudly polishes his off.

Wow – that was yummy!

Thank You, Lord,
for the kindness
of people like Michael
who are prepared to go
that extra mile
to help Daddy (now 90 years old)
relive happy memories
of long ago …

Melancholy Babies …
in O’Connell Street …
seventy-two years ago …
Boys-a-boys …
those were the days!

© Claire Murray, 18th January 2025