One day last February
I lost my voice.
I couldn’t call to my children.
I could barely speak to my husband.
I couldn’t sing to My God.

One day last March
I sat in the café at the City Hall
with my two girls.
I missed my voice so much
and had no idea
when it would return.
I felt overwhelmed
by a deep sense of loss
and silent tears began to fall.
My two girls chorused,
“Mummy, don’t cry!”
I was mortified.
When I got home
I went to bed –
the only place in a busy house
where I could cry in peace.

Last March for me
me was a month of long, dark days.
I struggled.

This is March, St Patrick’s Day
and as I drove home from Derry
my heart soared.
It’s March
and I can call to my children!
It’s March
and I can speak to my husband!
It’s March
and I can sing to My God!

This March for me
is a month to give thanks
and to celebrate
and to laugh
and to proclaim,
“LIFE IS GOOD!”

© Claire Murray