clothes, putting something in the savings against the time well pack up
and move to England entirely and save there to go to America. Mam
herself could get a job in an English factory making bombs or some-
thing and God knows we wouldnt know ourselves with the money
pouring in. She wouldnt be happy if we grew up with English accents
but better an English accent than an empty belly.
Bridey says it doesnt matter what class of an accent an Irishman has
for hell never forget what the English did to us for eight hundred long
years.
We know what Saturdays are in the lane.We know some families
like the Downeses across from us get their telegram early because Mr.
Downes is a steady man who knows how to have a pint or two on a
Friday and go home to his bed.We know men like him run to the post
office the minute theyre paid so their families wont know a minute of
waiting or worry. Men like Mr. Downes send their sons RAF wings to
wear on their coats.Thats what we want and thats what we told Dad
before he left, Dont forget the RAF badges, Dad.
We see the telegram boys on their bicycles swing into the lane.
Theyre happy telegram boys because the tips they get in the lanes are
bigger than anything they get in the grand streets and avenues where
rich people will begrudge you the steam of their piss.
The families that get the early telegrams have that contented look.
Theyll have all day Saturday to enjoy the money.Theyll shop, theyll
eat, theyll have all day to think about what theyll do that night and
thats almost as good as the thing itself because Saturday night when you
have a few shillings in your pocket is the most delicious night of the
week.
There are families dont get the telegram every week and you know
them by the anxious look. Mrs. Meagher has waited at her door every
Saturday for two months. My mother says shed be ashamed of her life
to wait at the door like that.All the children play in the lane and keep
an eye out for the telegram boy. Hoi, telegram boy, do you have any-
thing for Meagher? and when he says no they say, Are you sure? and
hell say, Course Im sure. I know what I have in my feckin pouch.
Everyone knows the telegram boys stop coming when the Angelus
rings at six and darkness brings desperation to the women and
children.
Telegram boy, will you look in your pouch again? Please.Aw, God.
I did. I have nothing for ye.
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