Category: Poetry

Remembrance Sunday 2010

Remembrance Sunday 2010

Remembrance Sunday 2010 I remember the mothers The sisters, the wives, the daughters And … oh yes … The girlfriends. Certainly the girlfriendsleft alone with no claim(not even the same name) I remember their deserts of waitingTheir oceans of wondering if,When the bloody tide runs read more

In Memory of Dollina Carmichael

In Memory of Dollina Carmichael

In Memory of Dollina Carmichael Dollie’s Cottage was a Lismore landmark. Originally known as Tigh a Bheallaich (house of the pass), it was universally known as Dollie’s Cottage. Dollie had lived there all her life and her mother had died there just short of 103. read more

Discrimination is Vital

Discrimination is Vital

Discrimination is Vital I’m sorting what I needfrom what I wantit’s important workdiscrimination is vitalthe light of experiencemust become a laserexposing lies what I want would be simplebut centuries of smooth talkershave tainted desiresbeyond trusting

A Poem for Paule

A Poem for Paule

A Poem for Paule It started with Louis, with Edac A meeting at Courtney Place And there we all were Ready, eager, delightfully unaware of the Roles written for us and the parts we were playing On the stage made ready for Tony Enter stage read more

Homecoming 2009

Homecoming 2009

Homecoming 2009 Even as we leaveWe’re coming homeThat’s the way we bend, strainOur prevailing windOur magnetic pole and guiding star Lismore Time can play with us butOur direction is true – unvariedWe are at home here. Not a Liosach I hear!A settler perhaps, a blow read more

Have you got a gun?

Have you got a gun?

Have you got a gun? OsteopathyHomeopathyAcupuncture I think she wants themIt’s her way of controlling thingsYou’ve got to meet us half way dear Occlusal splint,Hair analysisExclusion diets Are you eating correctly,Letting your anger outYou can’t hang on to them forever ImigranErgotamineAnti depressants They work for read more

Outlook

Outlook

Outlook I count my blessings Even crosses I convert until everyone, Despite the evidence Thinks me lucky, And some would say Spoilt. It’s a talent I was born with My face prefers to smile My eyes to shine And my language strains towards laughter Even read more

He’ll Soon be Back

He’ll Soon be Back

He’ll Soon be Back I’m sick of it nowThoroughly – heartily – sick of it Sick of seeing your eyes brim your face crumple and your pain trudging up the path Sick of those two blue cases being stuffed and carted away Sick of trying read more

Gleam

Gleam

Gleam I was fifty-two before I had my first dishwasher Now at fifty four I have two It was love at first sight first plop of tablet, first facial in the post cleaning steam how brazenly the cutlery shone the glasses gleamed and pots glowed read more

Isabel

Isabel

Isabel In that wayOnly babies knowYou throw yourself at me Nothing withheldNo how do I lookWill she want meDare I risk this In that wayOnly adults canI scoop you upand enfold you utterly Together we define trust LaterYou spot me across the roomStopping only to read more

On the Shelf

On the Shelf

On the Shelf I did not – could not – weepFor years my tears driedYet on the plane outI wept convulsively The flight attendant thought meSad to be leavingShe saw it all the time It was relief that flood I never thought I’d I’d get read more