On a visit to a local community garden. Ballaghadereen Co. Roscommon

Memories

Scattered seashells, shifting sands
beneath a child’s excited hands
ferns, thistles meadows rolling
happiness just keeps on flowing.

Barefoot step in cold dark clay
tumbling, rolling – new mown hay
carving names on large oak trees
lying, listening to honey bees.

Such are memories of times past
passing years have shadows cast
days, months, years go by
memories, moments in my mind’s eye.

Jpoet7 (#doolan317 ) ( @wordverse.me )

Hands press-partition glass

Lost in the shadows of my mind
troubled now – I cannot find
see your smile – gentle reach
Scrambling, searching – inner screech.

Rolling back to childhood days
Muddled, confused, vacant gaze
Hands press – partition glass
Seconds, minutes, hours pass.

ceaseless silence, constant-blaring
Pressured nurses, doctors-caring
Unfamiliar sterile spaces
alas no more warm embraces.

Jpoet7 ( # doolan317 ) ( @wordverse.me )

Moves within us everyday

in a most mysterious way

Guiding us as we move on

Unknown aid we lean upon

Silent spirit – secret sign

help our energies align

From our shoulder take a weight

relieve us from a turmoiled state

let that spirit be our guide

be forever by our side.

Jpoet7 ( #doolan317 ) ( @wordverse.me )

Trapped within a troubled world

in a mind so twisted / knurled

love suspended deep inside

release that spring let me ride.

Trampled by my troubled brain

pent up anger – silent pain

hitting out at loved ones dear

even so they persevere.

A moment in a happy place

see a smile upon your face

my brain it sparks, traces bright

You’re constant love / see the light

Jpoet7 ( #doolan317 ) ( @wordverse.me )

Living in the zone

Playing Tarzan / climbing trees tumbling / falling / bloodied knees stinging nettles / thorns / thistles / jumping / kicking / blowing whistles on happy streets / spinning tops / cries of laughter / never stops / from early morning ‘till sunset falls / Kicking footballs / vaulting walls / snitching apples / jumpers full / Life was lively / never dull. Now our children / never seen / in the gardens / on the green / locked now into / cyber space / of fun and games / there is no trace / who are we to criticise / maybe we were not so wise / life was then so innocent / of evil doings ignorant / no conversations at a dance / book appointments in advance / traditions trampled / much is lost / in future we may count the cost.

Jpoet7 ( #doolan317 ) ( @wordverse.me )

I seldom went to movies

they were never fun alone

rather listen to my music

In a bedroom on my own.

It wasn’t that I wanted to

I felt so isolated

In a world of images

In my mind I had created.

For outside I was different

with different coloured skin

people jeered / looked at me

as if I were a sin.

I never understood back then

why it was such a crime

In a world that’s painted

In colours all the time.

I lived within a circle

of bigotry and hate

ignorance in people

prejudice from the state.

With dignity and fortitude

in life I have survived

Hopeful this at last will change

and unite this great divide.

Jpoet7 ( #doolan317 ) ( @wordverse.me )

Yesterday Ireland opened its doors to business. Will we ever learn.

Sadly we’ll never learn

The Penny hasn’t dropped

as queues of people shopped

lines, lines / unmasked faces

viral smiles / once more embraces.

Months we spent alone in lockdown

city silent / scary ghost town

friends we lost / private sorrow

fighting for a new tomorrow.

That sacrifice / we’ve all paid

stepping stones / neatly laid

frontline staff / lives in danger

for us all friend or stranger.

Forgotten now for a bargain

lured again / sales pitch jargon

there is a word for those who queued

me I wouldn’t be that rude.

Jpoet7 ( #doolan317 ) ( @wordverse.me )