in the dream I’m out on the town 
with my mother and her siblings 
including my Uncle Pat, dead now 15 years
it’s time for me to cut loose
but the group's gone ahead, like dutiful pub crawlers
I’m so tempted to peel off
without trying to find them
the Irish goodbye
but you goad me to track them down
I find them entering another bar 
they gleefully greet me
but their faces fall when I say
I’ve got to head out
and start a round of one-armed hugs
skipping Uncle Pat 
not sure if he’s really there
My mom says flatly
But when will we ever have this much fun again?
I smile weakly
and find my way out the door

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