Millisle, Co Down

Seven likely, gentle lads

Propping up a sepia seawall

Circa 1925.

Ready to trip the light fantastic

Of a north-west summer’s evening,

Three miles to Donaghadee,

And then the world.

That's him on the right, just apart,

Black shirt, white shoes,

Modishly at ease

Performing a balancing act

With the dog,

With them all.

Will he follow the crowd?

Or stay with what he knows?

Who knows?

Those futures came and went,

Leaving us holding on

To their anticipation

For dear life.