Beyond the Grail: 'A Thorn Rose. Surely Not an Irish Lullaby.'

By Andrew Shankland

An American in the sunset of his time, who through interaction with relatives and other people in the land of his mother's birth learned a great deal of the struggles encountered. More important, the affirmation of the old saying, "that fact is stranger than fiction." The human conflicts in life are reflected as they occur between a few people or groups of people including countries. A major theme of the story as written signifies that we are all truly victims of our environment. Also, the common bond that can exist between persons witnessing the horrors of war and the feelings they express of their opposing it if at all possible. One theme to be challenged by the reader in conclusion is the experience of life and the purpose of it for each person.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Aug 13, 2008
• ISBN: 9780595607693

Andrew Shankland

Andrew Shankland is from Virginia, a graduate of Randolph Macon College, who has spent a half century of travel in North America, Europe and the Far East. pertaing to his work profession in the heavy marine industry of ships and offshore drill rigs. As a result, he has written other books regarding his experiences and subsequent thoughts; THE DAY OF, BEYOND THE GRAIL and RESOLUTION or REVOLUTION “Our Choice’

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Good morning, Mum. Where’s father? Is he out to the cows? ‘Tis late for him, says John, the youngest of three sons, as he sits to the table for breakfast. He is usually the last of the Baird family to rise.

His mother turns from the stove with a face drawn and ashen. Yous poppa not be out tending to chores. He be in bed with Reverend Friar looking to him. The young man can now see the redness in his mum’s eyes, with tears beginning to fill them as she raises the apron to her face.

Mum, I don’ta understand what yous mean, John says as he turns to look to the far end of the hallway. He sees the bedroom door is closed, which is unusual for this time of the morning. Only at night, when his mum and poppa are together, is the door to the bedroom shut. With his brothers, David, 20 years of age, and Matthew, 22, he has on occasion heard the moans and groans coming from the bedroom, followed by silence. As he entered his puberty years, it became an occasional ritual on Saturday night to listen to the lovemaking of his parents.

*          *          *

These sons, raised in a depressed Ireland, have not had the luxury much other than to assist with the crops and animals on one of the large farms outside of Ballynure, County Antrim, approximately 16 kilometers from the City of Belfast, known as the diamond of the Emerald Isle.

It is now early in the 20 century, the year being 1903. Many people continue to take their few possessions and leave the country for America or other places, as it is hard for Ireland’s poor to make a decent life for themselves and their families. Malnutrition continues to take a toll on the residents, as does with rickets, scarlet fever, pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Throughout Ireland, the day-to-day living standard of the people is emblematic of the slow progress made since the disaster of some 50-odd years ago, the Irish Potato Famine. The Baird family, through hard work and with a diversity of crops and animals, is one of the few successful farm operations in County Antrim. In most respects, it is due to the dedication of Matthew Baird, combined with his willingness to assist less-fortunate farmers to gain some reward from their labor by working his land, since their small farms cannot produce enough to support their families.

As Matthew Baird experiences old age and failing health, he takes satisfaction in knowing that he has three strong sons capable of continuing the success of the farm operations; although he has concern that his eldest son, his namesake and sole heir will follow in his foot-steps.

In the end, a weak heart takes the life of Matthew Baird at 63 years of age.

*          *          *

Before John can ask his mum how sick his poppa is that the Reverend had to come, his two brothers walk out of the bedroom, followed by the Reverend, with their heads held low. John cannot help but see the contrast in the expressions shown by his brothers. There are tears in David’s eyes, but his eldest brother, Matt, exhibits the same air of arrogance and confidence as when they do farm chores. In the fields, Matt always directs John and David on what to do, even if it is contrary to the instructions given by their father.

As they enter the kitchen, John senses that there is no need to ask about his father.

Mary, the Reverend says, I shall attend to the arrangements in accord with Matthew’s instructions to me. Burial is not to take place until Sunday. Matthew was insistent that no persons are to be taken from the toil of their land or his land because of his death.

The Reverend places his hand on John’s shoulder and pats him, saying, Things shall be made right young lad. Tears are now streaming down John’s face.

David walks over and takes his young brother’s head in his arms as the lad’s body begins to tremble with his sobs. After a few moments, John opens his eyes, looking at his oldest brother. As his focus becomes clearer, he can make out the look of contempt on Matt’s face, assuredly because of his display of emotion.

The Reverend continues, saying, As I say, things shall be made right as there be a man to fill the boots of yous poppa. In accord with the monarch, the eldest son, ye brother, Matt now be the owner of the Baird land. He assumes the responsibility for all of yous that comes with being the rightful inheritor. And I knows that he canst trust yous to keep the farm on the continued road to prosperity that finally represents the truth of God’s answer to His faithful servant’s prayers.

In spite of the good words stated by the Reverend, the expression of Matt does not change as he stares at his two brothers.

Reverend Friar walks over to Mary and puts his arm around her, saying to all, "Let us bow our heads in prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, we deliver Ye faithful servant, Matthew Baird, to Ye. Hold him in Ye tender mercy until we meet him when our time hath come. During this time of mourning, give us the strength by faith to know that the plan for all of us be a part of the sadness that we feel today. Keep each one of us to be steadfast and strong. Show Ye obedient servant, young Matthew, the road to follow to be the best of the best as we witnessed with his beloved father. Hold him as the new head of this family in the palm of Ye hand and the same with his dear mum, Mary. Comfort her, gentle David and young John as they suffer so greatly. Now, Dear Lord, we place our trust in Ye as always, Amen.

Each person says, Amen, as well except for young Matthew, representative of the disdain that he has for religion.

Matthew Baird is buried on the third Sunday in August of 1903, with a ceremony befitting of his stature as a man and the respect for him by the citizens of the area; not withstanding, his ownership of one of the largest farms in the area.

*          *          *

October brings the overcast and rainy days leading to a harsh winter in Northern Ireland. Thanks to the good weather of the summer and the improved harvest of crops, the people for the most part will experience less difficulty making it through this winter than in recent years.

However, things have changed for the Baird family with the growing arrogance displayed by the new master of the land, demonstrated foremost when Matt moves his mother out to the carriage-house cottage and takes the master bedroom for himself.

Christmas comes and goes with little effort made by Matt to truly fill his father’s shoes, although he does give his mother a bouquet of flowers. Otherwise, he attributes no signifi cance to the day, even declining David’s request to visit with their mother, along with John, for a mid-morning feast.

*          *          *

In the early afternoon, David visits his girlfriend, Jennie, and her mother at their small row house cottage in the town of Ballynure, a few kilometers walk from the farm. David and Jennie, whose mothers are lifelong friends, have known each other since they were children, and they’ve courted since secondary school.

These young people appear to be the ideal match in looks and temperament; A handsome man with a muscular build and a true Irish beauty with sparkling blue eyes, long fl owing brown hair, skin as smooth as silk and a slender feminine physique.

Arriving at the row house, David peers through the window before going to the front door. He sees Jennie and her mother, Mazzie, sitting in front of a glowing fi re. The fl ames seem to be dancing on the window as he steps back and goes to the door.

As David knocks, the young Irish woman leaps to her feet with a burst of exuberance. Opening the door wide, she says, Who coulda this be all bundled up standing at me door? Surely this not be Saint Nick or Father Christmas, the giver of gifts.

Aye, that be me, replies David with glee as he pulls from under his coat, a cake baked by his mother.

It was August, after the funeral of his father, when they had last partaken of one of Mary’s cakes, which she had baked in celebration of her husband’s life. And without David bringing one this day, they would eat only the stew prepared by Jennie and the soda bread made by Mazzie. Like most inhabitants of the area, their existence is quite frugal. And if not for Jennie’s sewing skills, they would be looking to move elsewhere.

Good Christmas day to yous, says Mazzie as David enters arm in arm with her daughter, having kissed Jennie before stepping inside—unaware that the reflection on the door provided the woman with a silhouette of the couple embracing. It gives Mazzie pleasure as she knows this gentle and good young man is the right one for her daughter.

A Merry Christmas to you, responds David.

Look what he brought, Mum, exclaims Jennie with joy as she holds the cake out for her mother to see.

Oh goodness, says Mazzie. There be nothing like dear Mary’s cake in this world.

After settling down and partaking of cake with tea, they talk of the religious significance of the day with the birth of Jesus. Moreover, they express how thankful they are for their blessings compared with other folks. At one point, David thinks to himself, How happy they be compared with me family. Even Mum seems to be giving up since Matt moved her out to the carriage-house cottage. Before returning home, David enjoys a bowl of stew with bread.

Like Christmas, the gala New Year’s Day dinner normally orchestrated by the head of the Baird household is now history, as far as Matt is concerned. He makes no plans to celebrate the occasion; instead, he instructs his brothers to meet him at the noon hour, as he considers the start of a new year being the right time to inform them of his plans for changes—which are to be effective immediately.

Having performed farm chores since the early morning, David and John return to the house together with the expectation of a family gathering and a big feast, but they are surprised to see only Matt. Matt, for his part, feels only resentment. David and John have always been so close; that is, closer to each other than one of them to him.

Immediately, John asks, Where be Mum? And there be no food about as well. I don’ta understand. What this be about?

Yes, says David. "Where is Mum?

Matt answers, There be no such gathering here today. And Mum has no need to be in this meeting as she has no say in things. I be the owner of this land, and the time be now to make changes for all concerned.

David and John look at each other in bewilderment, as they cannot comprehend in any way what this matter is all about. Since they were young boys, they have worked hard to contribute to the success of the farm. And, considering their family’s situation compared with most people, they cannot imagine what changes their brother could have in mind.

What changes ye be talking about? asks David.

Yous two can’ta expect to be living off me land forever, replies Matt.

What do you mean, yous land? asks John defi antly.

Just what I say, answers Matt. This land belongs to me and the time be now for yous to leave and make ye own way. There be too many responsibilities to worry about; taking care of Mum and paying yous way as well.

An argument ensues, with John yelling and swearing that he will never be put off the land that is rightfully his home, no matter what some papers say or what Matt says.

Matt turns to David saying, And you; I guess ye be challenging me. Hah, thinking yous a better man.

A better man, I be for certain, replies David resolutely. That be why I have no intention being around a scoundrel like you. I be gone with my things in short order.

Good, says Matt. And I don’ta want yous running to Mum telling her that I can’ta support her and her two sons too.

CHAPTER TWO

A month has passed since the happenings of New Year’s Day.

John is staying with the family of one of the old farm hands that worked for his father and now for Matt. Being familiar with Matt’s daily routine as well as his ways, the man hires John for chores that keep him away from the farm almost exclusively. They agree that if by chance he is seen on the farm by Matt, the purpose for being there is to see his Mum. Thus far, the plan is working well as Matt spends more time away from the farm.

David is now living with Jennie and Mazzie. As he schooled as an apprentice machinist a few years earlier, he was able to get a job at the local foundry. However, the work hours are normally less than a full week and he is looking for something better.

Near the end of March, David learns that Harland and Wolff, the big shipyard in Belfast, is hiring machinists. He travels there to apply for a job. When filling out the employment application, he leaves blank the section that addresses religious affi liation. Although his family contains both Catholics and Protestants—which is an awkward situation in Ireland—he has never given preference to one over the other. It’s never been an issue that Jennie and her mum are Catholics and his mum a Protestant. Moreover, like other young men of the time, he has come to question the value of faith due to the troubles that are caused by religious differences.

But the omission almost prevents him from getting hired. Fortunately, the shipyard foreman is present when the employment supervisor confronts David, saying, Why not admit yous a republican trying to get a slot that shoulda go to a loyalist?

Because I not be a republican and never will be although there be plenty of good ones, says David.

At this point the foreman intervenes, saying, With the name Baird, he be no problem, as I need machinists right away, I do.

Thus, David is hired on a probationary basis. Also, the foreman explains, the job will last only as long as the shipyard has a full workload.

David rents a room during the week in Belfast, returning to Ballynure on Friday afternoons. In Belfast, he often hears of the opportunities that await anyone willing to go to America. For first time in his life, he thinks of a future away from the problems and troubles that plague his country.

*          *          *

Matthew Baird’s widow, Mary, cannot believe what has happened since the death of her beloved husband. These events have pushed her to a state of severe mental depression. In her mind, Matt is possessed by the devil, but she is too weak, both physically and mentally, to confront him.

After a visit from her youngest son, Mary overhears the words exchanged between him and Matt just as John is leaving the cottage. You needs to get training like yous brother as I now hear he be working in the big shipyard in Belfast. Aye, Matt tells John. Yous know I’ll work, John responds. Yous my brother and shoulda care about me well-being rather than trying to put me on the street like a beggar. Ye be not my concern, Matt replies. I got me own responsibilities and taking care of yous mum be one of them. Now agitated, John says, If it be me land, she wouldn’ta be put out here. And I intend that she not be alone all the time.

Hah, says Matt. Yous expect to be a coming around here when I tell ye to stay off me land. Yous days of coming and going from this place be fi nished. Now ye best be leaving. And if yous keep coming back, there be the day ye be leaving here in a coffi n.

Then yous best get a coffin, says John as he turns and walks away.

Later that day, desperate to talk to someone, John visits Jennie and her mum. He senses that he might otherwise do something foolish that only would cause further problems.

When he knocks, Jennie opens the door. Oh John, so good to see yous, lad, she says as she gives him a kiss on the cheek. We be talking the other day how we miss you and hoping to see yous soon, although David not be here ’til Friday. Come in.

As he responds, Hi Jennie, he notices a change in her appearance, like she has gained weight. But her beauty is still very impressive to him. John sees Mazzie sitting on the