Vincent de Paul Society, Mrs. McGraths shop, the search for coal down
the Dock Road, the worry over Oliver not wanting the boiled onion,
and if hes like this tomorrow shes taking him to the doctor, and now
shes going to bed.
Soon were all in bed and if theres the odd flea I dont mind because
its warm in the bed with the six of us and I love the glow of the fire
the way it dances on the walls and ceiling and makes the room go red
and black, red and black, till it dims to white and black and all you can
hear is a little cry from Oliver turning in my mothers arms.
In the morning Dad is lighting the fire, making tea, cutting the bread.
Hes already dressed and hes telling Mam hurry up and get dressed. He
says to me, Francis, your little brother Oliver is sick and were taking
him to the hospital.You are to be a good boy and take care of your two
brothers.Well be back soon.
Mam says, When were out go easy with that sugar. Were not
millionaires.
When Mam picks up Oliver and wraps him in a coat Eugene stands
on the bed. I want Ollie, he says. Ollie play.
Ollie will be back soon, she says, and you can play with him. Now
you can play with Malachy and Frank.
Ollie, Ollie, I want Ollie.
He follows Oliver with his eyes and when theyre gone he sits on
the bed looking out the window. Malachy says, Genie, Genie, we have
bread, we have tea. Sugar on your bread, Genie. He shakes his head
and pushes away the bread Malachy is offering. He crawls to the place
where Oliver slept with Mam, puts his head down and stares out the
window.
Grandma is at the door. I heard your father and mother were run-
ning down Henry Street with the child in their arms. Now where are
they gone to?
Oliver is sick, I said. He wouldnt eat the boiled onion in milk.
What are you blatherin about?
Wouldnt eat the boiled onion and got sick.
And whos minding ye?
I am.
And whats up with the child in the bed? Whats his name?
Thats Eugene. He misses Oliver.Theyre twins.
71