Poems
Second chance
In Flanders fields red poppies grow, In far away lands of ice and snow A wolf howls his love for his pack As he follows his timeless old track. In sandy deserts where no shade is found A camel groans, as he toils around, Carrying out his tasks, a human’s slave....
Dreaming
As daylight ends And night descends The time is drawing nigh For counting sheep And go to sleep In slumber perchance to dream But once we've closed our eyes it seems Not knowing the reason why We climb a mountain May swim a lake Or sometimes even fly We walk through...
Flowers
January, Frost is clinging From trees and boughs on high Like a shroud of white it lays Set against a clear blue sky. Drifting into February Rising bulbs are seen Snowdrops and Daffodils show their heads Spreading colour to a carpet of green. March winds blow their...
Is the World your oyster ?
If you were given the choice To live where you wish In this great big World where we live Would it be a hard decision to take What considerations would you give Maybe the Culture or Climate Comes uppermost in your mind Is it a sun-kissed solitary Island you seek Where...
Acupuncture
My shoulders are damaged in need of repair I’ll have to try something find someone to care I make a phone call and speak to a friend Acupuncture’s worth trying it’s the modern trend I think for a while ‘til my brain is quite numb Are the needles my saviour, do I...
We’re so proud of you
From birth to age five His life’s just begun The world is his oyster Full of laughter and fun He’s playing at soldiers Hiding behind trees Ducking and diving Scuffing his knees From six to age twelve He’s off with his mates Playing out of sight now From the garden...
The evening primrose
I would live a double life, The Evening Primrose is my choice. To live for just a time so brief. Yet lasting forever, I will rejoice. To see the look of wonder, As children pause and ponder, Ti see my tiny buds in seconds explode, Revealing my flowers brilliant mode....
South Armagh April 1974 to April 1975
Northern Ireland is beautiful and green, But now the true beauty can never be seen, Because as soon as they start enjoying the view, They find themselves stuck in a queue For one of our V.C.P.s. If the locals could see things as we do, They would never moan about...
Bomb watch in Armagh
And it’s Bomb Watch time again, Where we walk about with the men, Where we meet hostile people, As we pass the church steeple, And we wonder when it will end. Armagh is a historic city, But don’t you think it’s a pity, When you walk about, Whenever you go out, And see...
Ode to a serving soldier
A soldier stood on the corner of the street, watching the world go by, He wonders who, next he will meet, or if he’s next in line to die, He stands there not for the fun of his health, instead he’s gambling with his life, Wondering what fate has in store for him, or...
Drifting off, into my World
I’m daydreaming again Today I am George Feeling the salt laden spray Stinging my face As I pull on the oars In rhythm with the waves I’m on my way to Kirrin Island My island! Julian, Dick and Anne Have been kidnapped! By the evil witch Masquerading as, ‘Miss Jones’...
British soldier
British Soldier If not you Then who? In time of need Who will you turn too? Who will keep the enemy from our shore? To stop them coming through your front door It doesn’t need to be a lifetime commitment But it will be a lifetime of memories So I ask again If not you...
The one the Ancients Called “Devil Bird”.
In the middle of March, the excitement starts. Each morning I wake, and listen for sounds, Search through the window for new arrivals. Every year the same impatience for migrants. When will they come? the Swallows, the Martins. And the one the ancients called “Devil...
Sunsets
Last night, The sun sinking on the horizon, Flirted with the end of day. Dropping in a curtsey of soft light, As it played hide and seek, Down between the Elms, and Oaks. Tonight, The sun blazing on the horizon, Glared and scorched at the coming of night, The Elms,...
So many Dawns
Childhood dawns, frosted and sparkled, To be gazed at in wonder, Through windows closed, and spider web patterned, When the cold could not be endured any longer, Back to the warmth of blankets, and siblings. Teenage dawns, shadow dispersing, secretive. Streaks of...
The Greatest Show on Earth.
Far removed from a three ringed Circus, Billed as the greatest show on earth, Geared to making money, All captives, The audience, participants,animals and human, They gasp scream, clap at unnatural acts. Now leave it all behind you, watch nature’s show. Lean on a...
The simple life
Whatever happened to the simple life Where people were carefree and gay Even the word at the end of the last line You mustn’t mention today We live for political correctness No inference should ever be used As there might be misinterpretation And cause persons to be...
Twilight
As the sun begins to fade And the night is drawing nigh Out of the window I set my gaze To the slowly darkening sky Which now has changed to a darkening Pink That’s edged with a ribbon of gold It’s a truly magnificent Sunset A pleasure to behold But as the day just...
Changes
No different to the rest at the very start, The proud soldier stood, brave of heart, Bulletproof he felt, knowing it wasnt the case, No fear or worry shown, on his soldiers face. Across the water, he sees the end of life, Dissapeared a mom, a daughter, a wife, Throws...
Conscia Mens Veritas*
If I had not written these very words...you may have Known not of my actual existence and Mortality, though...thereafter should You acknowledge them you will Still know not who I Really am For... I exist Only as a mere Fantasy in the roots of Your innermost curiosity....
Ad Vivum…Ne Cede Malis*
Sometimes in your life...you will feel happy...and Sometimes in your life...you will feel sad. That is always the way that The pendulum swings... To and fro. So... Know this...that This is the way that Your emotions are meant to Be endured...accept this condition...
Dulce Bellum Inexpertis Est*
When it is time for my funeral...mourners might attend...though They will be there at the wrong time and they will mourn me For the wrong reasons. And they will spew forth their Sorrows at the wrong occasion...for I am not of the living... As I had died since Long...
Retrospect
In War there is one winner The Grim Reaper is his name In retrospect it’s easy On who to lay the blame But in these British Islands Soldiers true we’ve trained To carry out their daunting task So peace may be maintained ‘tho we all know impossible Is what their goal...
The Stones
From all around the world we hail Ex Ganges boys, who the sea did sail Shamrock, Thistle, Daffodil and Rose The Elephant, here in smart repose We forget our aches and petty moans We come to dedicate these stones From ages past to present Day We remember them all as we...
Dark before dawn
Autumn Came in '39 With an infamous day in September Peace is shattered, War's declared A day the whole World will remember Chamberlain's failed to negotiate Terms based on Britain's Hopes Time alone it seems will tell How well the Nation copes With Ration Books & Gas...
Passage of time
As I sit in my chair and close my eyes But it matters not how hard I try I do my best to visualise The years are trying to pass me by In the early years, when times were hard When our worries were Oh! so small We’d always find time to play in the yard And wait for...
The British Soldier
He left the shores of his homeland In the service of the Queen And as we headed out in the Channel Behind us the White Cliffs of Dover seen For the last time perhaps In many a day, or even months or years As he gazed at the wake behind him In his eyes were just a few...
The Life Man
As my Service Life comes to a close It brings forth a couple of tears Where have they suddenly vanished Those days in 22 years I remember well the day I joined The Service of my choice The forbidding sight of the Guardroom The volume of the Sergeant’s voice We were...
End of Time Serviceman
As I walked through the gates for the very last time And heard them close behind My eyes were closed by a flood of tears As the thoughts seemed so refined The memories, to me, came flooding back Of happiness and sorrow As I realized that what was past Would not be...
You asked me.
You asked me if my poems were rude As if I wrote them in the nude As if id written them, when in the Bath When what I want, is to make you laugh Some times I want to make you think So I don’t write them by the sink Some poems bring comfort, when loved ones die Some...
Yorkshire Building Society Gainsborough
I looked across the Market square, as I sat on a bench To leave my fire side that day, had been a massive wrench I needed funds withdrawn in time, for a driving course But opening times on Wednesday fill me with such remorse Sat on my bench across the square and...
A Fractured Nursery Rhyme
Mary, Mary, Flirtatious Mary, How do your boy friends grow, Of Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen fair, And pretty boys all in a row, But it’s the handsome red tunicked Guardsman, Who resides in my Jardiniere,
Biscuits Brown
Biscuits Brown You can’t help but frown As you bite on down On a biscuit brown Someone once told me they were edible I find that totally incredible They give you meat paste To disguise the taste But you still do not eat them with haste Have you ever eaten the meat...
Wine
Why do the French drink so much wine When they eat their dinner, To me my beer, it is just fine, I wonder, is that why they’re thinner?
Bad News
Tonight the world was blown away, Destroyed from under our feet! I tried to watch it on the T.V news But my wife wanted Coronation Street.
A Policeman’s Lot
A Policeman’s lot, “is not a happy one,” Gilbert and Sullivan once said. Perhaps it’s because they’ve got big feet And they’re far too over fed.
Recruit
A light turned on, as he stepped off the train, A voice so loud, screams through the pouring rain, Conditioned to train, committed to fight With the putting on of the uniform, on goes the light. Day in day out the same routine Into different uniforms, different shades...
Blue
Blue’s my favourite colour, I see it every day, Except when it is duller And the sky is cloudy grey.
Trauma
Winter storms The rain-soaked earth… Renewal.
Innocence
Foliage Lush vernal vigour… Abundant.
Vanity
Blossom flowers Summer’s best finery… Self-arrayed.
Salving
Teardrops As the rain… Cleansing.
Uncertainty
Autumnal mist Occluding the seasoned view. Mystifying.
Transcending
The caterpillar Greedy...bitter leaf munching… Metamorphosis... Becomes sweet nectar tasting Radiant butterfly
High society dreamer
Walking, with medals on his chest A man of no fixed abode “He's a tramp,” I heard someone say “Just an old man of the road.” Yet he's a high society dreamer Years ago he did what he could, Now he can't forget the memories Of the shedding of all...
Lincoln green
The Lincolnshire Wolds Clothed in nature’s vernal gown… Never more lovely.
Hand in hand
When we first started courting We’d walk side by side Our hands would brush together Should I, or shouldn’t I try? The second time out walking I held her hand in mine I remember the sun was shining The day it was divine. Getting a little bolder My arm went...
Incompatibility
Summer and winter Discordant separate souls… Fire and ice unmet.
Easter chicks
Come on round, have some lunch Make some eyes, with two hole punch Get the red material, give it a tweak Cut out little square and make a beak Glass of wine, are we a bit thick Grab a needle sew a chick Weekend gathering, with our friends Sticking and sewing, any...
Contrast
Spring and autumn Newness and maturity… Incongruous.
Discord
Winter chill... Melting snow ending A warm hearth.
Enchanting valleys
A fragrant Welsh air In sweet harmony singing… No lovelier sound.
Bittersweet
Throughout the years Lichens growing on gravestones… O how bittersweet.
Caledonian spirit
Scotland Steadfastly… Braveheart.
Going down
Alighting Bees on the blossom… Then the fall.
Erin’s treasure
Ireland Verdant jewel… Precious.
Dark solitude
Long dark nights From warmth the cooling… Loneliness.
Tears in Your Eyes
The tears in your eyes, my heart full of pain. Don't worry I'll be safe, and back home again. See you soon, take care, the words stumble out. I love you I'll miss you, my heart shouts out. Your face at the window one last brave smile. How long apart, hope it's only a...
Intolerance
The mountain A heart of stone… Unyielding.
For my Grandad
Why do you do it grandad? When you know it upsets you so Every year you march in London, tell me why do you need to go? You stand in the cold for hours just waiting for your turn When you march past with the others tell me why do you look so stern? I remember asking...
Lost
The beauty of the Stars seen in the dark of night… Lost in the sunshine.
Young Driver
Little Alfie didn’t want to go very far So to get there quick, he took the car Seat pulled forward blocks on his feet He set off on his journey down the street He had only gone a few yards, no more When he stopped by the kerb and opened the door He had made an error...
Contradiction
The hot air Of global warming… Chilling words.
Sam Small, of Monologue Fame
You’ve ‘ear of Sam Small, of Monologue fame Who wouldn’t pick up his musket, till Duke ‘ad came ‘E then went to battle, against Napoleon’s crew T’ show ‘em just what, a Yorkshire man could do It were twenty to one, on Napoleon’s side But Sam wasn’t bother, he soon...
If Only
If only I was in the political game I'd be the Prime Minister, shooting to fame I'd put right the country with some flare and fashion Caring for people with lots of compassion. If only we all had a real true friend One who stands by you right up to the end Who no...
Walk on by
When you see a beggar on the pavement, huddled over and dressed in old rags Do you think there’s another loser who wastes his money on cheap cider and fags? You only had time for one quick glance, as you walked on quickly by What you failed to see in that unwashed...
Winter already old
Winter already old Drapes itself in a shroud Lends itself to the blossom Its tears of grief are caught In the budding snowdrop
Pearl of despair
Pearl of despair Your tracery spreads slowly The bitterness of our love
The Rainforest Story
I remember when life was sweet. I danced with gorgeous tropical flowers on my body, Like a great army of trees. I sang with the sweet, colourful parrots. Life was sweet; life is forgotten. A time before awful machines came. Before fiery chainsaws were made to haunt...
For King and Country
It was for King and Country That I did sign up for To go to war They say that this one is to be known as the Great War The one to end all wars We marched in line and column Through towns and villages Pretty girls would give us a wave It made us feel brave I’d never...
Night
Long nights spent not knowing,if day will break again, The fear of the darkness, The blood the tears the pain, This is the life chosen, after reading out the pledge, With honour respect and dignity, Going well beyond the edge. One day the care free boy from Birmingham...
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
If it should be that I grow frail and weak And pain should keep me from my sleep, Then you must do what must be done For this last battle can’t be won You will be sad, I understand Don’t let grief then stay your hand For this day more than all the rest Your love and...
The dark and the light
The Angel saw her foe A Dark soul from hell below They watched together As the men did strike their blows They wait to fight over these new souls The bodies lie still as the life breath has stopped Another human life has just been topped But the fight has not yet...
A mind of mine
A mind of mine Is a mind of yours? I never said my was fine at all Inside this head Are many thoughts? I could never explain I could never state The terminology Of this head It is and has been unread I never thought Life would sway I never thought My mind would give...
Generations
So many generations All under one face Never knowing what next is to take place All under one room Is you myself and I Never dawning a moment Never finishing the echo of cries I wish I knew the will and testament of this life Take me away somewhere new Somewhere I...
O’Lord
O lord Of mine Give peace, ease of mind Make me aware of my suffering inside Made me cry Made me lie to myself inside Gave me mourning Gave me hell Made me sit n dwell O lord O lord I prey to you Not through begging knees But through my desperate times n needs Through...
One day I shall wake
One day I shall wake And see the world is not a life sentence For the restless few the forsaken In denial waste the demanding force We all knew The sky will be blue The clouds distributed All around in every direction n view The people I pass pleasant but few The...
R.I.P.
Rest in peace All you who died Made a sacrifice Us all question why Some gave freedom Protection free speech Power to all All who fight the fallen beasts With every slash and rifle shot The dead are not forgot. With every look of our time We forecast a memory Of the...
The pain
The pain It gains no remorse It has no consciousness It has no feeling To the inner self Outer body Physical or mental Anatomy With every grinding day That reappears each way My tears built My anger grows Inflicted pain is what I know To feel the water on your cheek...
Unearthly war
Writing line for line Note for note I told you What your little sister does What other folk embrace While your gone While you fight An unearthly war In the name of Christ Our lord I wait and seek The letter of all letters The one I seek The one I need To get me...
While we sit
While we sit n feast on your life You know ours is far from over Never complete Never judged Never right The sun no longer shines From left to right The light still blinds the pupils In sight Nor shall the forever moving Eternally begotten clouds fade So pure faded...
The night
Do i pierce the night of an interior death when all around appears in bloom So much a Mask Just for friends in the silence of my Tomb But Christ can rise to roll the Stone So heavy in my breast And not snuff out This smouldering Wick That needs his promised...
Time
I only got to be with you for awhile But what a time it has been The wondrous things that we have seen You are the best friend a person could have been The calls and the walks All those summer night talks The laughs and the giggles I never had to play piggy in the...
We feel your tears
We feel your tears, we sense your strife When trying hard, to understand this life Your deep felt loss, and to you profound We share it now with all around We share your grief, we feel your pain Life must go on, but not the same May your torment cease, may you get...
Cancer Countdown
I feel my time is finished The fight in me has gone Time to shed these earthly bonds And join that mighty one The ‘Chemo’ gave me some reprieve Remission loomed ahead Then cancer cells returned again Now trapped at home in bed I think about the treatments Of endless...
Forgive Me Brother
Forgive me brother For I do not cry upon the world’s shoulders I do not mourn upon thy death I do not seek sympathy from those unknown But I expect your memory to maintain and withhold In the world’s structure when I grow old. As time may go And age may sweep upon me...
No One Told Me
No one told me life was going to change Failed to mention birth n death they come at some stage Never given an option to refuse Say no, go away Life is a funny thing… why does it change We develop we grow, The world matures Into what we know With technology our new...
The Bayonet
The Bayonet A weapon of steel It is sharp when honed Cutting through flesh and pushing past bone Those fearful words of command FIX……………BAYONETS Striking fear into man As you stand there with a bayonet in your hand When fixed to a rifle A fearsome sight You can try...
A darkness moves over this land
A darkness moves over the land It is caused by man All part of his master plan Something to do with being the top man Dark ghouls move from battle to battle Collecting souls as if they were cattle They put them in a box and let them rattle They have no eyes just empty...
The River
Down below in the glittering moonlight Flows the silver of the night A power as the source of life The river it never sleeps
A moment-Galley Hill
Watching, with eyes squinting at diamonds glinting winter sun low creating a glow 40 carat perfection set in reflection
Another cat
We have a new cat at our house She couldn’t even catch a mouse She doesn’t leap upon my knee She doesn’t scratch to find a flea She doesn’t eat meat and doesn’t eat fish She doesn’t lap milk out from her dish She doesn’t wander around in the flowers Nor does she sleep...
Shining boots
Shining Boots to match Sailors Suits Lonnie called them Daisy Roots In the airing room, hours we’d spend Enough to send you round the bend Hours spent with yellow duster Spit and polish so we’d pass muster Toecaps gleaming till they shone Or round the parade ground...
Temper
Temper raging far within Like a burning tempest fire. A diamond scratched upon the glass, A rabbit snared in wire. It bubbles up from far below Like a boiling cauldron pot By the time it reaches to the head, The cause is near forgot’. But still the temper rages on, In...
The Chosen Man
Boots bulled up with a mirror shine Sun's rays warming and feeling fine From new recruit, to chosen man Defends his country, best way he can. He proudly marches, getting dressings from the right The Royal Green Jackets 1986, what a beautiful sight The pace is fierce,...
Free
I want to walk free Alone with nobody else just me I want to feel the wind on my face The cool breeze embrace I look up to the sky You can ask god why I feel like I want to cry Why must I die? I watch the clouds move on by As they drift through the sky Not a care or a...
Shadows
My shadows are with me both day and night You won’t see them, for they are not for your sight They are from memories that lie in the back of my head That only come to fore when its time for my bed I can also hear the voices of those long since gone No matter where I...
Is this the end ?
Why did they destroy me? My self esteem and confidence have gone. If I did have PTSD before, how did I work so well, for so long? They focused on “Not to work in the frontline” and ignored “Should be redeployed”. Despite all my determination and hard work THEY WON, I...
I know that you are sad
I know that you are sad And that you really miss your Dad And that you know he is somewhere bad But he is your Dad And for that we are glad He misses you so Of that you definitely know from his letters and calls But we know that he does not tell all At night when it’s...
Faith
I saw an Angel, standing near My bedpost one dark night, When I first set my eyes on her, She was such a wondrous sight. She then smiled at me so softly And caressed my furrowed brow, She spoke in a tongue so strange to me But I understood her; anyhow. “Do not be...
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