advice from grandfather


︎︎︎ J.M. Ó Faoláin

︎ Oct 26, 2024

sip scotch from a flask
clean your rifle hard and well
sway gently next to a fire
whittle a songbird from oak
swing a cavalry sabre once, twice
lick wine from a stranger’s lips
pray to your mother each dawn
brawl only with courage
lead those who are lost
find humour in your plight
and for god’s sake
forgive, forgive
or what else?
















J.M. Ó Faoláin served in the Canadian Armed Forces and bounced at several bars in the Toronto area. He has been published in High Horse Magazine, The Modern Struggle Magazine, and is pending publication in DFL LIT. @j.m.ofaolain