For Oom Piet by Finuala Dowling 2026
When I was least happy in life
my daughter led me across the road
to a neighbour whom I did not know
with the purpose of a toddler
who does not see gates and fences
but the ducks and puppies
on the other side.
You spoke to me in the same low murmuring tones
you used for lame horses and bilious dogs.
Crops, flowers and poultry were our theme:
you made me tea and wiped the counter,
you said ‘Foeitog’ and ‘I don’t hope so.’
You guessed.
You told me I was beautiful,
In the courtly way of an old man.
One day when it rained
you phoned from your side and said
‘I’m sending some ducks for Beatrix’
̶ you always called her ‘Beatrix’
out the window we saw them,
waddling over,
in the way of ducks
when directed by Oom Piet.
You moved and I moved, but one thing stays:
the sense of a rescue, somehow being saved.
, This phrase shows that the speaker was at her
lowest emotional point.
When I was least happy in It suggests deep sadness or emotional struggle,
life creating context for why the kindness she later
receives is so meaningful and powerful.
This shows the child taking on a guiding role,
suggesting innocence and instinctive wisdom.
my daughter led me across The mother is emotionally vulnerable, and the
the road simple act of being led symbolises support, trust,
and movement from isolation toward comfort,
care, and emotional healing.
The speaker emphasises that comfort comes from
an unexpected source.
to a neighbour whom I did The lack of familiarity highlights trust, openness,
not know and the idea that kindness and support can come
from strangers, not only from close friends or
family.
This phrase shows that the child acts with innocent
determination.
with the purpose of a A toddler moves without overthinking or fear,
toddler guided by instinct rather than logic, suggesting that
the child naturally and unknowingly leads the
speaker toward help and emotional healing.
The phrase shows the child’s innocence and
openness.
She is unaware of restrictions or emotional
who does not see gates
barriers, focusing instead on possibility and
and fences curiosity.
This suggests that healing can begin when fear,
limits, and adult caution are temporarily ignored.
This phrase shows how a young child focuses on
warmth and attraction rather than danger.
but the ducks and puppies It suggests innocence and instinctive hope, where
comforting, gentle images guide action and lead
the speaker toward unexpected emotional healing.
The phrase suggests a place of hope and relief
beyond current pain.
It represents emotional safety and comfort that
on the other side. lies past obstacles, showing how healing can exist
just beyond fear or sadness, waiting to be reached
through trust and guidance.
When I was least happy in life
my daughter led me across the road
to a neighbour whom I did not know
with the purpose of a toddler
who does not see gates and fences
but the ducks and puppies
on the other side.
You spoke to me in the same low murmuring tones
you used for lame horses and bilious dogs.
Crops, flowers and poultry were our theme:
you made me tea and wiped the counter,
you said ‘Foeitog’ and ‘I don’t hope so.’
You guessed.
You told me I was beautiful,
In the courtly way of an old man.
One day when it rained
you phoned from your side and said
‘I’m sending some ducks for Beatrix’
̶ you always called her ‘Beatrix’
out the window we saw them,
waddling over,
in the way of ducks
when directed by Oom Piet.
You moved and I moved, but one thing stays:
the sense of a rescue, somehow being saved.
, This phrase shows that the speaker was at her
lowest emotional point.
When I was least happy in It suggests deep sadness or emotional struggle,
life creating context for why the kindness she later
receives is so meaningful and powerful.
This shows the child taking on a guiding role,
suggesting innocence and instinctive wisdom.
my daughter led me across The mother is emotionally vulnerable, and the
the road simple act of being led symbolises support, trust,
and movement from isolation toward comfort,
care, and emotional healing.
The speaker emphasises that comfort comes from
an unexpected source.
to a neighbour whom I did The lack of familiarity highlights trust, openness,
not know and the idea that kindness and support can come
from strangers, not only from close friends or
family.
This phrase shows that the child acts with innocent
determination.
with the purpose of a A toddler moves without overthinking or fear,
toddler guided by instinct rather than logic, suggesting that
the child naturally and unknowingly leads the
speaker toward help and emotional healing.
The phrase shows the child’s innocence and
openness.
She is unaware of restrictions or emotional
who does not see gates
barriers, focusing instead on possibility and
and fences curiosity.
This suggests that healing can begin when fear,
limits, and adult caution are temporarily ignored.
This phrase shows how a young child focuses on
warmth and attraction rather than danger.
but the ducks and puppies It suggests innocence and instinctive hope, where
comforting, gentle images guide action and lead
the speaker toward unexpected emotional healing.
The phrase suggests a place of hope and relief
beyond current pain.
It represents emotional safety and comfort that
on the other side. lies past obstacles, showing how healing can exist
just beyond fear or sadness, waiting to be reached
through trust and guidance.
