I'm Seamus Burke from Ballymuck

a fortunate gombeen.

I try to guarantee my luck

by wearing shades of green

*

This thing called serendipity

confounds my addled brain.

I gasp with incredulity

the notion’s quite insane.

*

To go through life expecting chance

to grab you by the throat

seems such a very passive stance,

it doesn’t float my boat.

*

The scales of fortune, seems to me,

are waiting to be tipped.

I try to shape my destiny

my fate begs to be gripped.

*

Whilst walking down the sidewalk grey,

square flags beneath my feet;

I stride in my peculiar way,

the cracks I always cheat.

*

And when a ladder comes in view

I see it as a trap.

I never choose to walk straight through,

my brain says, “mind the gap!”

*

I watch for special integers

sweet seven is just great.

though days when fate is in reverse,

I favour number eight.

*

As I lack confidence today,

erosive doubts intrude.

I hear my inner guardian say,

“why don’t you knock on wood?”

*

To face the world with head held high

I wear my em'rald suit.

Affixed to my left lapel I

display a rabbit’s foot.

*

My self-belief begins to swell,

 it shouldn't be a shock.

Since pinned to my right-hand lapel:

a four-leafed green shamrock.

*

But do these aids to life success

just banish my self-pity?

Or should I count myself  twice blessed

by serendipity?