smodal bhreug

by Iain S Mac a’ phearsain

Pàdraig Òg –
coltas athar fhèin
an tac an teine
na eanchainn threun

a’ tarraing asam
mar bu nòs
dha Mac ‘Ain Cholla
am fear nach maireann fòs

‘S an toll ga lìonadh
beag air bheag
le faclan biorach
is smodal bhreug

gus am brist an latha,
a-rithist
    ‘s a-rithist
        ‘s a-rithist

a smattering of lies

Young Patrick –
the likeness of his very father
beside the fire
with his vibrant mind

taking the piss out of me
as was wont to do
Iain Colla’s son
the still late one

and the hole fills itself
little by little
with cheeky words
and a smattering of lies

till day breaks
again
    and again
        and again