Fantasy Holidays in a time of COVID

Imagine a teenager with an inchoate desire to test herself but no ability to foresee consequences who goes AWOL from a charter flight that stops to refuel in Greece, then hitchhikes her way alone through Europe and returns, spirits (and virginity) intact Robin takes us to the road from Athens to Patras along the Aegean on a starry summer night at the start of her adventure thumbing through Europe. 

She’s since made her life in New York City where she’s worked in the field of Brand Engagement while raising a daughter from Jiangsu, China and is now pursuing an MFA from Bennington.  

Her work has appeared in The New York Times Modern Love column, Mc Sweeney’s, The Missouri Review (Winter, 2022) and Off-Assignment. Sound Engineer - Nour Harakati 

https://robinreif.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-reif-46133a/ https://www.facebook.com/robin.reif.96

During the early 1970’s times were hard for Brian and Susie Bannigan.   They'd previously left Ireland to come to England in the early 60's.   Now with a gaggle of ten boys Brian was working at the Corby Steelworks.  He was also driving taxis and coaches in between shifts, some nights and on days off. 

Thinking that life overseas might bring more opportunities, he contemplated a life in Australia like so many others at the time; but naturally sad at the thought he might never again see his homeland again he wrote a poem to capture his thoughts.

Eamonn, his son recorded him reading this poem around 12 years ago purely to capture his voice.  It was never intended for a public audience and hasn't been professionally recorded. Today is his birthday and ten years since his passing.  Today we celebrate his voice, his love of storytelling and to share his poem.  We think he would have loved it.  Enjoy and be sure to capture all those special memories and voices while you can x