Tag: Of Irish Blood

Read an excerpt of Mary Pat Kelly’s Of Irish Blood, publishing February 3rd.

Bridgeport, Chicago

June 23, 1903

“We’ll have to run for it, Ag.” I can see Johnny Murphy forcing his old nags into the traffic on Archer Avenue. Miss the horse tram and I’ll be late for work— again—and my niece Agnella for class at St. Xavier’s High School.

“Come on,” I say to her.

“Oh, Aunt Nonie. He’s pulled away from our stop. We’ll never catch up,” she says, panting.

“Ah, now,” I shout, “what God has for ye won’t go past ye,” imitating my Granny Honora’s brogue. I start running.

“You shouldn’t make fun, Aunt Nonie!” Agnella says, but begins trotting along beside me. One block left to Archer and Arch, where the brown brick bulk of St. Bridget’s chides us. Should have left earlier.

Full summer now and the sun, finally serious about Chicago, turning our few trees green. A warm breeze too but from the west. So all clogged with the smell of the Stockyards.

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