Friday, March 16, 2012

St. Patrick's Day Massacre

Date: May 11, 1977; Photographer: Jim Walker
Source: University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections - Winnipeg Tribune fonds (PC 18, A.81-12), Folder 3402, Item 45

This picture depicts young Jon Kennedy admiring an 1835 Kentucky squirrel gun next to Derek Burdeny admiring a 7' 1775 Irish musket. They both have that same look of childlike wonderment on their faces as they think of all the great things they could shoot and maim with these. Kind of brings a tear to your eye, doesn't it?

This post was meant to have a St. Patrick's Day theme but I realize a photo featuring a big Irish gun is a pretty weak connection to St. Patty's Day.  So in honour of St. Patrick's Day tomorrow, I composed my first (and likely last) photo-related limerick:

There once was a young boy named Jon
Who's Kentucky squirrel gun made him yawn.
Derek's musket was Irish.
Made Jon feel less childish.
Now nothing is safe on Jon's lawn.

Happy St. Patrick's Day everybody!