But when MacNeice was just five years old, his mother died.
It was a loss he never fully came to terms with, and one
which cast a long shadow over the rest of his life.
鈥y Mother wore a yellow dress;
Gently, gently, gentleness.
Come back early or never come.
When I was five the black dreams came;
Nothing after was quite the same.
Come back early or never come鈥�
From Autobiography
After his mother鈥檚 death, MacNeice鈥檚 father
immersed himself in his work. He preached every Sunday in
the parish church of St Nicholas. The young MacNeice found
the church and religion a terrifying experience. However,
he appreciated the power and beauty of his father鈥檚
sermons.
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Introduction
