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Drenched In Red With Saint Valentine

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I posted this poem last year about the St. Valentine's Day Massacre in Chicago, but repeat it here in honor of Valentine's Day.

Straight-up the arrows,
hard-pressed the doors
to all the rooms
in all the houses
on Clark Street.

Father Coughlin brought blessings
thinned with broth
from potato peelings.

Women poured tears
into fringed shawls,
and buried their dead
above Dublin’s seashore,
along the banks
of the river Liffey.

Through the years,
the ghost of James Clark,
Bugsy’s brother-in-law,
pursued Al Capone 
all the way to his grave.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2015




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Date: 3/9/2015 8:09:00 PM
A bit of history unknown to me always a joy to learn! Light & Love
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Cona Adams
Date: 3/10/2015 10:03:00 AM
Yes, the St. Valentine's Day Massacre was one of Al Capone's worst mistakes. The ghost of James Clark tormented him all the rest of his miserable life. The Chicago mob's roots spanned the ocean from Ireland. Thanks for reading, Debbie, and all the best to you.
Date: 2/8/2015 8:55:00 PM
I really like this write. Interesting from start to finish! A 7 and big Al did not escape from justice neither here or in the coming judgment.
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Cona Adams
Date: 2/9/2015 7:19:00 AM
You are so right, Robert. Evil never wins in the end. Greed turns the wheels today as it has always done, but we must learn our lessons from the past. Thanks for reading, and double thanks for your generous comments and rating.
Date: 2/8/2015 8:12:00 PM
A poignant picture you have painted with your words Cona.
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Cona Adams
Date: 2/9/2015 7:16:00 AM
Thank you, Connie. History has a way of calling to us to look deeper into the past for answers, and seek a better future.
Date: 2/8/2015 2:44:00 PM
I rather like this, Cona. Shades of "Saint valentines day" massacre! :) john.
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Cona Adams
Date: 2/8/2015 9:10:00 PM
Thank you, John. Yes, the Irish mob ruled Chicago, and the St. Valentines Day Massacre wiped out Al Capone's opposition.

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