Home is where the heart is
Entitled ‘Homings’, the book includes a compendium of poems penned by the Lisburn ex-pat, including many in tribute to his former hometown.
This is Robert’s third book, following on from ‘Some Measured Canaan’ and ‘Many Ways’.
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Hide AdSince reaching the ripe old age of 80, Robert has now placed an increasing emphasis on recollections of early life in Lisburn and the effects of the ageing process.
Robert, who was born in Wilmont Cottage in 1933, is a former pupil of Drumbeg School and the old Lisburn ‘Tech’ in Castle Street.
One of Robert’s poems, entitled ‘Kingmaker Re-visited’ is penned in memory of Dr Samuel Semple, the first Freeman of the city of Lisburn and one of Robert’s former teachers.
He also shares memories of playing in Wallace Park, of learning of the outbreak of war whilst at school in Drumbeg, his years in Castle Street at Lisburn Tech, and falling in love on the banks of the River Lagan.
‘Kingmaker Re-Visited’
In memory of the late Dr Samuel Semple MBE JP,
First Freeman of the City of Lisburn
Composed, in celebration of his ninetieth birthday, 2007.
Yes, we remember you still, who on long-past
celandine-golden summer afternoons
as long as centuries, whittled our minds
into the shapes of learning. In your drab
and buzzing schoolroom you anointed us
kings over books. You have us Hardy’s heath
Goldsmith’s deserted village with its ghosts.
and Hohenlinden’s snows to be our realms.
Standing with us and Cortez on that peak
in Darien, you showed us sun-bright seas
of prose and verse: broad coast-lands to explore
and cherish. Now accept the thanks we owe,
and blessings for the crowns you gently placed
on tremulous heads in summers long ago.