My Son at UCD
By Tim Egan
Beyond thrilled, I took my oldest son Wedge Donovan Egan to begin his collegiate career at University College Dublin. I've been back many times to do a "field check" to make sure the lad is tending to his classes. It's a hell of a good excuse to have a Guiness where it's made and visit my old friend Johnny Keenan. Written on 6.12.2022
My Son At UCD
You are on your way to Dublin my boy with a song in your heart.
I could not find more joy as I hear music each mile of your start.
When Parkinson’s has snatched my body and my eyes are distant, my voice will finally fail.
You, son, lover of music who feels the tune yet may sing off key, will have to sing my song.
You will soon learn life’s lessons and not mimic the singer but sing from your heart.
Just as there can only be one Elvis and amongst the Clancy’s, only one Liam.
There must be only one Wedge.
Your are your own song my son and I encourage you to sing, to play the music that inspires your heart.
This world’s waves will batter you against the shores of life and I demand you sing in the memory I am to be.
As the night gets darker, sing. As troubles get deeper, sing louder.
As I die my final of a thousand goddamn deaths, laugh with a song in your heart.
Live as I have lived, with a song on my lips.
A poem in my mind that I just could not finish but damn well tried.
A drink in my hand and lips yearning for an eternal peace.
You are the leader of the next generation lad. I couldn’t be prouder of the man you already are.
And as my granda would always bellow, “I would bet a dollar note”.. you’ll be a better man than me.
Dublin is yours my son, sing it loud and sing it proud.
My heart will never stop bloody singing because of my love for you.
