Footnotes by Carolyn Campbell, widow of Patrick J. O’Shea(father)
POEM TO SHATTER STONE
Fill me with inspiration Give me the dedication For which to write a poem To weaken hearts of stone Let it hold the power Shattering their solid tower Let it seep into the souls Of the heart of rock fools
Father
*On several occasions I tried to convince Pat to get his poetry published. His response made me feel that he didn't think it was the style of poetry people would read. But he always added this comment that he said lightly but it made me uncomfortable: “You're never a famous poet until you're dead.” My prayer is that this poem along with the rest of the book will not only touch but shatter many hearts of stone!
HEART OF ROCK FOOL
For 30 years I carried the weight of stone But your words of wisdom helped me let go Sometimes I’ve confused being cold with being cool But now I realize I was a heart of rock fool So I’m writing this to let you know You wrote a poem that shattered stone
Son
LIFE’S NOT LIKE THESE FAIRYTALES
Before you go to bed Take a word of advice my son Listen to me well You will learn in days to come Life’s not like these fairy tales
Hey my little man Understand as you grow older These things I can’t foretell Go ahead, cry on daddy’s shoulder Life’s not like these fairy tales
Oh tiny little young one Get wise to the world of man Know what you buy or sell Make it the best you can Life’s not like these fairy tales
As you fall asleep Remember mistakes you make Try harder when you fail Love only when there’s love to take Life’s not like these fairy tales
Father
* This poem was read at Pat’s funeral. Many of his friends and coworkers had no idea that he wrote poetry. I believe that somewhere in his soul he knew he would die young. Everyone was touched deeply by this poem.
FAIRYTALES
I learned this lesson When I was five When they told me You were not alive And when my brother Left me too Then and there I knew These fairytales Are untrue
Son
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