It’s the feast day
of Saint Patrick –
a very green day … usually,
a day of celebration … usually,
a day to go to Mass … usually.

But not this year.

Coronavirus has arrived in Ireland,
you see,
and this year
the national mood is not one of celebration –
but of trepidation.

I don’t go to out to Mass
because I’m afraid –
afraid of either catching the Coronavirus
or of unknowingly passing it on
to someone instead.

But, thanks be to God ,
we have the Internet
and I’m able to watch morning Mass
online.

Mass ends with an old favourite hymn –
Hail Glorious Saint Patrick
and this year
some of the words
really strike home –
“O come to our aid,
in our battle take part.”

My heart shoots a prayer
up to Saint Patrick.

“Saint Patrick, pray for us.
Please??”

© Claire Murray