As part of Poetry Day Ireland 2025, twelve poems have been selected following a national call out to respond to this year's theme, May Day - read Tea Break with Tin Mug by Enda Coyle-Greene below.
Tea Break with Tin Mug
— for M. G.
What were we doing
during all those years
if not breathing?
This is a mystery
ascribable to nothing
more than chance,
articulate as steam
from the kettle no one hears
over the out-tray's scuff.
Our history’s like tea
that drizzled-on cold milk
will stifle, stun —
in spill-proof mugs
it tastes of tin, of time put in
in offices, in skin.
Poetry Day Ireland 2025 will take place on Thursday, May 1st - find out more here.
