On The Passing Of John Kelleher

Sad news out of Millstreet for to learn of today

The ambulance driver John Kelleher from life has passed away

An octogenarian who was widely liked and known

One the people of Millstreet felt proud for to claim for their own

In his prime years John Kelleher was handsome, athletic and tall

As a pole vaulter he was Millstreet's greatest of all

He comepeted with success against Ireland's best

And he was never found to be wanting when put to the test

Quite an amiable fellow in his own unassuming way

Of his many life achievements he never had much to say

That actions speaks louder than words as a truism remain

The meaning in this it's own self does explain

A self coached pole vaulter in his physical prime

In ageing sports fans of Duhallow memories of him live on in time

In pole vaulting competitions in Ireland he seldom finished out of a place

Win or lose he always had a smile on his face

In sports as a pole vaulter he was unique in Millstreet

Against the best of his time he did compete

But there was more to him than being good at sports in good example he led the way

Among many of those who admired him he is resting today

In death he is one well worthy of recall

And this last night and day is ahead of us all

Hope his parting from life for him a painless release

John Kelleher the great man may he rest in peace.

We All Need A Dream

The cream to the top never does fail to rise

A saying that lives on from someone that was wise

Though the climb to fame for some is quite tough

They do reach the summit if they are good enough

So many do daydream of wealth and great fame

That Worldwide theirs will become a household name

But daydreams as is known for so few come true

Though good things from life most believe is their due

Success it is known for to boost self esteem

Far more losers than winners in the World it does seem

It is not saying anything in any way that is new

That life dreams come true only for the few

But we all need a dream for the years ahead

And in the one without a dream hope is all but dead.

There Are Moments

There are moments when joy has you laughing out loud

And moments you feel sad in a happy crowd

And moments when into your pillow you shout

As the anger within you does come gushing out

There are moments in public when you fight back the tears 

A sadness you have not felt for many years

Life does have it's ups and it's downs as they say

We all have our different moods every day

There are moments when you feel life on you is tough

That your best it is simply not good enough

There are moments when you feel you just cannot win

The feeling of failure in you has it's sources within

There are moments of happiness and moments of self doubt

Suppose this is what living life is all about.

This Terrible Virus

It does not recognize borders of Country or State

And between the wealthy and famous and the poor it does not differentiate

Every day so much about it we read of and of hear

And among people Worldwide it causes widespread fear

Under the strongest of miscroscopes it can only be seen

This fatal to many virus known as COVID-19

It has killed hundreds of thousands of people Worldwide

And from it there is not any safe place to hide

And though good things about it anyone does not say

It is not racist in any sort of a way

It travels in host people from city to town

And kills all Nationalities black, white and brown

Much to the World's Health Organizations regret

A vaccine has not been discovered for it yet

Those that it has infected and did not kill

It will shorten their natural life spans as it left them feeling very ill

The wealthy and famous it treats as the same

As those without a penny to show to their name

It visits every town unwelcome and unseen

This terrible viruis known as COVID-19.

Dawn

Her wavy curly hair is the colour of gold

Perhaps in her early forties and lovely to behold

Devoted to her children and to her husband a good wife

Some men do have all of the good luck in life

Dawn is an attractive woman without conceit or guile

She is one who is blessed with a beautiful smile

And so much about her for one to admire

Her equals are few in the coastal Moyne Shire

So friendly and gentle in her down to earth way

Dawn she does make a new friend every day

One who possesses the bright inner glow

People like her are nice of to know

The Dawn's of the World to say the least rare

The joy that is in her with others she share.

Tower Hill Of The Peek Wurrong

In Tower Hill of the Peek Wurrong lots of wildlife to see

Like Koalas eating leaves on a manna gum tree

And emus, wallabies and echidnas are not known to be rare

As the many visitors to the volcanic valley are of aware

In Tower Hill large mobs of grey kangaroos

And flocks of long billed corellas and yellow tailed black cockatoos

And in Tower Hill lake many species of  wild duck, coot, grebe, stilt, swamphen and moorhen

In a nice place to visit for nature loving children and women and men

On warm summer evenings in the shade of the trees

The Peek Wurrong people had their corroborees

For Tower Hill they did have another name

This was long before people from the northern Lands came

And though in Tower Hill today lots of wildlife to see

The Peek Wurrong a memory of what used to be.

You Do Not Prove Yourself A Man

You do not prove yourself a man by drinking heaps of grog

Or being the owner of a big dangerous dog

Or hooning about in a big six cylinder car

Impressing you impressionable girlfriend doing burnouts on the bituman and tar

You do not prove yourself a man though your mates you may impress

When you brag to them of your sexual prowess

Like you they look on manhood in a shallow sort of a way

No shortage of egotistical males in the World of today

There are plenty like you who of themselves like to boast

To the ego in the self they like to drink a toast

And the males like you who of self love to brag

For narcissism only does carry the flag

And the real men of the World true for to say

Are different to your sort in every way.

For To Give Him His Due

Materially one who has little to show

But when it comes to life and knowledge quite a lot he does know

For himself he never has that much to say

He listens whilst others do waffle away

Though from time to time he does have a few drinks at the local pub

He is not a member of any community club

In his early sixties well past his physical best day

The hair on his balding head is silver grey

A man who works hard for his take home pay

Nothing easy in life ever does come his way

Any great sporting moments do not ask him to recall

As sport does not seem to interest him at all

He is one who has known of sorrow in his life

Years ago in a motor car accident he lost his three year old daughter and her mother his wife

He never re-partnered or remarried and never again became a dad

His memories are mixed of the good and the bad

A man who in his interests is different to most

Yet of his wealth of knowledge he never does boast

To his higher self one who tries to live true

He is a good person for to give him his due.

On Covid -19

A virus that began in Wuhan in China that has spread Worldwide

Of COVID-19 so many have fallen ill and so many have died

Without a vaccine it kills more people every day

For to die than this many a far better way

A virus that it's very name in billions of people Worldwide instil fear

Of it more deaths every day one does read of and of hear

A virus that between the wealthy and poor does not differentiate

From China it has spread Worldwide at suich a fast rate

COVID-19 infects and kills more people every day

It is not ageist or racist in any sort of a way

Fear, suffering and death it only does create

This virus that does not have a use by date

A silent killer that cannot be seen

And it does not recognize borders COVID-19.

In The Nearby Church

In the nearby church bell tower the funeral bell

For a devoted deceased member is tolling farewell

As the hearse that bears her last remains the cortege leads the way

To the nearby cemetery where she will forever lay

Though into her eighties there were parting tears

In the eyes of the people who had known her for years

She had attended church services as a child with her brother and her mum and dad

And all who knew her at her passing are left feeling sad

She never had children or was never anyone's wife

Devotion to her god and the church her main interests in life

In her working years as a State Registered Nurse she was compassionate and kind

And to help those in need of helping she was alwaays willingly inclined

The church bell for her tolling as she begins her final drive

But in all who loved and knew her she remains alive.

The Smiling Millstreet Rose

Good memories live on as a source of great joy

She was the pride of the Parish when i was a boy

Wavy raven hair to her shoulders and eyes blue as ripened sloes

She was one of rare beauty the smiling Millstreet Rose

So friendly in her ways and free of conceit

She was one who was not to grrow old in Millstreet

On going back the years some six decades in time

In her early twenties then near her physical prime

The wanderlust in her for places far away

She went off to live in the U  S of A

She would be in her eighties if living today

Did she marry or remain single i do not know to say

The children of the nineteen fifties now ageing women and men

And so many changes in Millstreet since then

The type of young woman most young men desire

She was one in Duhallow that many did admire

The memories of such beauty a lifetime remain

Cannot say if she returned to Duhallow again

The finest in Millstreet though there she did not stay

She is an octogenarian if living today.

I Lived For Many Years

I lived for many years near the Town of Millstreet

And on Spring and Summer evenings often walked through the fields to where the waterways meet

But since then time that ages has become my foe

And going back the years this now seems long ago

On sunny evenings with a gentle breeze

The wild birds on song on the bushes and trees

And today i remember without any tears

Of beauty i knew in the now long gone years

Old memories today remain as a source of joy

Of where i grew to love Nature as a young boy

Where old Clara Mountain as ever looks down

On the green countryside just west of Millstreet Town

Good old memories live on they do not fade away

And in my visualizations Claraghatlea does live in me today

I retain mental images of the beauty i see

That is all i have now of the what used to be

In this beautiful place of koala, wallaby and kangaroo

And long billed corella and emu and yellow tailed black cockatoo

South of where i was born and raised in distance far away

I am learning new things of Nature every day.

The World's Best

Most parents believe their children are the World's best

Superior in every way to all of the rest

Their pride in their offsprings they like to express

And in public like to boast of their every success

They believe they have something for to brag about

Of the greatness of their sons and their daughters they leaave none in doubt

Their egos are talking or so it does seem

Their childrens every small success becomes parental self esteem

When their child wins a prize they lead in the hooray

Their ego will live on in their d n a

Most parents with their children may well be impressed

But only one child can be the World's best

They believe their children are a credit to humanity

And if they believe they are right then right they must be.

From Life We Do Learn

From life we do learn something new every day

We learn as we live it does seem this way

And the more we do learn the more we come to realize

That we do know so little this not a surprise

So lucky are those quite lucky indeed

Who of any more knowledge do not feel in need

The know it all people are not of the few

And this is not saying anything that is new

That on the day we left school our lessons in life did end

Some who think they know better do like to pretend

But then we only believe what we wish to believe

And if your mind is not open to learning knowledge you cannot receive

That we never stop learning some may disagree

This is how it is and how it always will be.

Mostly About

Today you were found to be wanting when put to the test

But at least anyhow you did try your best

To come out second best is never a sin

And you may be near to a very big win

It is the praises of the winner the majority sing

And for the loser disappointment is a natural thing

But it does take a brave one for to lose with grace

And you accepted defeat with a smile on your face

A hard fact of life that anyone would not choose

For one to win big many do have to lose

It is a tough climb to the summit of fame

In all aspects of life it is much the same

And though a loss can sow in one the seeds of self doubt

Competiting is what it is mostly about.

The Memories Remain

It is a place that i do think of every day

Though from there in distance i live far away

And i have not lived there for thirty four years

Though for what used to be i have long shed my last tears

Claraghatlea in Duhallow just west of Millstreet Town

Where ancient Clara mountain as ever looks down

On those old fields where i grew to love Nature when i was a boy

And learning of her ways today i enjoy

Of the fields of the badger and waterways of the brown trout

In the home of the marsupials in this Land of the south

Many Seasons past my physical prime

It looks like that i may well live out my time

Though nostalgia in me has died the memories remain

And in fancy i often do walk in the old fields again.

Octogenarian Great Grandparents

Living under the one roof their best years long gone

And only their fear of death keeps them living on

They no longer socialize together they have drifted apart in life

Though for sixty years they have lived as man and wife

Octogenarian great grandparents their family is now all they do share

Suppose in a long term relationship this is not rare

With little interests in common words between them are few

That love can grow stale is not saying what is new

It is each to their own in the words of the wise

With her artistic friends she socialize

And with his mates in the pub they mostly talk of football

And in hindsight great moments in sports do recall

The love in their marriage did die years ago

And time that ages all things has become their foe.

Jack's Death Wish

Jack's death wish is to be reborn as a wealthy old lady's cat

From good times and good food quite lazy and fat

Living like a lord in a comfortable house

Without having to hunt for a bird, rat or mouse

Of stress, care or worry completely free

As she sits by the warm heater he purrs on her knee

Jack says to be reincarnated as a privileged feline how great this would be

It would be such a great life would you not agree

To eat the very best of fish and meat

Far better than most people are privileged to eat

Far better to live as a privileged feline than  middle aged labourer Jack

Who from constant hard work has a painful arthritic back

Jack wishes to be reborn as a wealthy woman's cat

From living the good life lazy, sleek and fat.

Those Who Willingly Give

Those who willingly give can expect to receive

This is something that does not seem hard to believe

Those who every day do perform a good deed

For their future good Karma are planting the seed

It is not by the book of good Karma they do live

Those who take and take and never do give

There is more to life than living for the i

Those who believe that self only matter believe their own lie

The people who help the financially down

Remain as the unsung heroines and heroes of the town

It is the arrogant wealthy celebrities the majority admire

And of singing their praises never seem to tire

But for their kindness and compassion one respect to must pay

Those who perform a good deed or two every day.

It Is One Of These Days

Such beautiful weather breezy and bright

Butterflies seemingly dancing in the warm sunlight

Nature's flowers in full bloom quite a beautiful sight

But for you today nothing  has gone right

A text message from your lover the one who was to be your wife

Telling you that she has a new man in her life

On your way home from work on the five o clock train

The tears welling in you seem so hard to contain

The joy you felt in love has ended for you in tears

It is one of these days you will remember for years

As one of those memories that caused you sadness and regret

Life's good and bad memories one does not forget

The sun shining bright in a sky blue and grey

And you feel so sad on this beautiful day.

Concreter Joe

What hard physical work can do to the body look no further than Joe

That he earns his living in the hardest way happens to be so

He looks older than one in his early fifties he walks stiff and slow

The yeaars of hard work on him it clearly does show

His two sons living overseas in their early twenties he lives with Mandy his wife

For the concreter no easy payment in his working life

He looks more like an octogenarian not one of fifty three

Few jobs harder than shovelling concrete as most would agree

For him in life never an easy pay

He earns his livelihood in the hardest way

Broad shouldered and muscular from laying concrete floors every day

On his balding head his once brown hair is grey

Though physically strong and healthwise feeling well

Years of laying concrete floors on his body does tell.

On Port Fairy

There you may not meet anyone who is financially down

In what is supposed to be the World's most livable smaller Town

Though livable only for the privileged few

And this is not saying anything that is new

As a holiday destination it is known far and wide

Port Fairy in the Moyne Shire's coastal countryside

It is the homeplace of many a millionaire

A really poor person could not afford to live there

That it is the World's most livable small Town some may well disagree

For what is livable to you may not be so to me

I always thought that  a livable place is where homes are reasonably priced to buy or to rent

In Port Fairy it would cost you over two hundred dollars a week in a holday park to pitch your tent

The residents of Port Fairy in their beautiful coastal Town feel a justifiable pride

But to live in it is not for the working poor or the unemployed

But if you are a wealthy person with lots of money to spend

Port Fairy for you a house to buy in i would recommend

Voted as the World's most livable small Town where close to the seashore

Most homes in Port Fairy are worth a million or more

What is livable to you may not be so to me

But then suppose on all things very few do agree.

You Were Not The Winner

You were not the winner it was not your day

But what matter you gave it your best anyway

Quite sporting you said that the better one won

And graciously said to the winner well done

You accepted defeat with a smile on your face

It does take a brave one for to lose with grace

The winners are those the majority of wish to know

And in numbers their fans always quickly do grow

And though losing is a thing anyone does not choose

For one to win big many do have to lose

Suppose in all things in life it is much the same

Only for the winner the glory and fame

You did try your best though it was not your day

And you accepted defeat in a gracious way.

The Old Dog And The Pup

The old brown dog looking sleepy and tired and his muzzle is grey

And clearly he has known of a better day

The five months old black and white pup at him bark begging him for to play

But the old dog growls back telling him to go away

The old dog long past his playing days all he wishes to do is sleep

Whilst the pup barks at him his safe distance from him keep

Last week the old dog him did chastise

And for the pup it is better of him to stay clear he has come to realize

The old dog is much like a cranky old man

Who is near to the end of his living span

Feeling tired after an hour of chewing on his bone

All he wishes for now is to be left alone

The pup he is not lacking in energy

Like all puppies he is one who does not tire easily

But to an old dog who spends much of his time at rest

A playful puppy is just a young pest

The old dog is never in the mood for play

He growls at the pup for to go away

He does have his moods like a cranky old man

Who is near to the end of his living span.

At Such A Young Age

At such a young age life on him is so tough

Homeless and hungry at fifteen and at night sleeping rough

So many young people live like him in the World of today

And this is a sad thing for to have to say

The judgmental say everyone have life choices words are easily said

It is hard to feel happy when hope in you is all but dead

Abused by his father the reason that home he fled

His mum overseas to another man wed

So many young people like him in the World of today

Without hope for the future living in the hardest way

Born into life for to battle the odds

They must be the children of the lesser gods

Of a better future he can only live in hope

He does seem so young to be struggling to cope

He has little if anything to feel happy about

In him a lack of self confidence gives rise to a lack of  worth and self doubt

Of those in poverty as teenagers success stories are few

And this is not saying anything that is new

At least he is one who has nothing to lose

But his is not the life any teenager would choose.

Good Health And Life

Feel grateful for every day you wake to see

Though you do not live as a stranger to poverty

You are better off living than in a hole in the ground

In darkness with earth under and above you and earth all around

You are in good health though financially down

One of the poorest people on your side of the town

The town's materially wealthiest man in a hospital bed dying

To say he would swap his life for your's would not be lying

A few more sunsets at most he will survive

All of his money will not keep him alive

In a few days from now he well may be dead

And of you better times may be ahead

He is too weak to go under another round of the surgeon's knife

And you have the two greatest gifts good health and life.

Alfie Cooney

Alfie Cooney is one who deserves his fame

Beyond his home in Rathcoole his is a well known name

For many years a Rathcoole Rovers player and Club Manager as well

Of Alfie so many good stories to tell

Cooney Park in Rathcoole where The Rovers their homes games do play

Has been Alfie's memorial for many a day

Far beyond Duhallow's green countryside

The Likeable Alfie is known far and wide

Though he retired from playing many Seasons ago

And time that ages everyone has become his foe

His devotion to the game he loves Alfie retain

A love that in him until death will remain

Alfie a man free of conceit or guile

Win or lose on the playing field he always could smile

In every town in Duhallow he is well known

And in Rathcoole they feel proud to claim him for their own

In his life's seventh decade of him one can say

He is a likeable fellow in his own charming way

Through the years in Duhallow his friends in numbers have grown

The likeable Alfie Cooney he is Rathcoole's own.

If Not In All

There is room for improvement in most of us if not in all

And any self improvement is never too small

It is not what you do for yourself but what for others you do

That says more of the person that is really you

She or he far from a good person the multi millionaire

Who with those doing it tough does not wish for to share

Wealthy materially but of mind poverty

Their very existence is centered on the me

They are blessed in their gifts the compassionate and kind

Nearer to the higher self than most are with enlightenment of mind

For their future good Karma they plant the good seed

And of more of their sort the Human World is in need

If everyone embraced self improvement how great this would be

Not for themselves only but for all of humanity.

One Who Gets Carried Away

You may be quite excellent at what you do

And few if anyone is as proud as you

For to meet your equal one might have to travel far

But there are a few better than you are

With your successes you are one who gets carried away

But no shortage of people with over inflated egos in the World of today

Any humility in you it does seem is dead

Your praises by your admirers has gone to your head

Few on the summit of success their lifetime does stay

Far greater than you are financially struggling today

They once were among the admired of the town

But few wish to know of the financially down

Though nowadays your praises many do sing

As is said of fame it can be a fleeting thing.

July The First

In the blue sky just a few clouds of grey

For the first of July such a beautiful day

Even warmth in the sun in the park by the bay

Just so nice to be living in truth one can say

Though it is near mid Winter in this southern Land

A day like today by the gods must have been planned

The warbling of the magpies so pleasant to hear

On quite amazing weather for the time of year

From the recent Winter showers the parkland so green

And in the yellow blossoms on the wattle trees such beauty to be seen

Though frost overnight and the morning was cold

On Mother Earth in Winter sunshine great beauty to behold

Though at least eight weeks from the birth of the Spring

In the sunlit parkland the birds chirp and sing.

On The Passing Of Betty Forde

Sad news to read of online today

Betty Forde from life has passed away

Born and raised in Direen near Millstreet Town

Sadly she has seen her last sundown

Of years perhaps close to the four score

She raised her children in Claramore

Blond and attractive in her physical prime

Though this in years is going back in time

One of the finest in her time in Millstreet

A down to earth person and nice for to meet

Twenty kilometres at least from her home countryside

In Ballyclough she grew old and in the Mercy University Hospital in Cork she died

Though physically she had known of far better years

She was one well worthy of parting tears

Her gift of life from her may well have gone

But in all who knew her good memories of her will live on

In Millstreet by Cashman's Hill in St Mary's her last remains lay

Not far from where she first saw the light of day

From life for all of us a final release

May Betty Forde forever rest in peace.

The Man Known As Grumpy

In life he did not have big dreams to pursue

But to his own self he was one who was true

The man known as grumpy was buried today

At peace with the World he forever lay

He never had children or a partner or wife

And he never had any close friend in his life 

And he never had a male friend though the judgmental of him did say

Since he does not have a woman he has to be gay

But those who knew him better say he was pure of mind

And despite his grumpy appearance he was one who was kind

He never refused help of one of helping in need

He was one who always did sow Karma's good seed

Though one seldom seen with a smile on his face

The good side of humanity he did embrace

On his seventy ninth year he breathed his last

In a massive heart attack death came to him fast

The one known to few and by few ever praised

Died in the house he was born in and raised

He is now in the grave where his mum and dad lay

The man known as grumpy was buried today.

Time As Is Said

He was a great athlete when in his life's prime

Though this is going back some four decades in time

Against the best 800 metres runners in the Country he did compete

Tall and lean and athletic he was quick on his feet

Back in the days when his hair was light brown

One of the admired young heroes of the town

But time as is saaid becomes everyone's foe

And going back the years this now seems long ago

Often see him in the park walking with his wife

Their grandchildren now are in the prime of life

The effects of a motor car accident on him does show

Nowadays his fastest walking pace is slow

The hair on his balding head is silver grey

Who would believe that looking at him today

That years ago at 800 metres he competed against and often beat the Country's best

And was never found to be wanting when put to the test

In his late sixties a champion athlete of the past

But few things in life ever does seem to last

And only the memories with him now remain

Of what used to be but will not be again.

On Seeing Greenfinches

For the time of year quite a pleasant day

Something of great beauty to take me far away

In a June afternoon breezy and bright

Perched on a wire paddock fence in the afternoon sunlight

A small flock of greenfinches a source for joy

I used to see the males when i was a boy

Above their breeding territories in April and May

Performing their butterfly like aerial courtship display

Three to eight white eggs with blackish markings in cup shaped nest on fork of tree

Of grass, moss and twigs lined with hair from the ground hard to see

From mid April in the north and all through May

The dullish green females are known to lay

Introduced into Australia from Lands far away

On seeing them bring back good memories to me today

Many Do Have To Lose

In a Human World where many have to lose for one for to win

They are a rare breed those who live free of sin

So few near to perfect would you not agree

The imperfections i see in others are the imperfections in me

You can only live as a person to be as good as you can be

Suppose to be flawed is part of our humanity

It is from the needs of the self that the ego is grown

And the one without ego to humanity is unknown

Though some have far more than enough of ego in the World to survive

And in the misfortune of others they do seem to thrive

The narcissisists of the Human World are no longer rare

Those that others have needs too are not aware

And though losing is something that anyone does not choose

For one to win big many do have to lose.

On Singing Honeyeaters

Often seen them on the coastal trees by Stingray Bay

Of light brown on head and back, yellow and white patches on cheek, brown tails and unders of streaked grey

Quite vocal for their size and they have a nice song

Once seen and once heard you never again get them wrong

Though not that fearful of humans they seem far from tame

Singing honeyeaters for them does seem an apt name

The female lays her eggs on outer fork of tree 

Of light pink with brown dots of two or three

They eat nectar on tree blossoms and tree insects as well

And apart from most other species they are not hard to tell

Quite distinctive birds with ways of their own

Throughout Australia they are widely known

On the coastal acacia trees by Stingray Bay

By people out walking they are seen and heard every day.

Could Not Care Less

It does not worry him his lack of material success

And he feels no desire others for to impress

You ask him what is his key to happiness

And he will tell you the name of it is could not care less

He has no desire for great wealth and fame

And Could Not Care Less for him is an apt nickname

In his late twenties without a partner or a wife and he is not a dad

He says to be healthy and living i feel grateful and glad

Of nights of passion he has known of a few

When one chooses to leave him he always finds someone new

Perhaps he will never have a long term partner or wife

Most young women like a man with ambition in their life

He is not the type most women with would spend a long stay

As he only works in casual jobs without big take home pay

Not good husband material and of him one can say

That he does not look at life in a serious way

His own praises you will never hear him sing

He is just happy in his mind and he does his own thing

He does have his own key to happiness

The fellow who is known as Could Not Care Less.

Since Trust Is A Thing

Since trust is a thing that must be shared by two

How can you trust your government they do not trust you

To them you are just one more misguided soul

Their biggest worry the next political poll

They may tell you for all of the Nation's people that they do care

But like many other voters you too must be aware

That on the sincerity in their words you must cast some doubt

It is the fear of losing personal power they only worry about

Do not trust your members of parliament since they only flatter to deceive

Bigger fool you if what they do tell you them you believe

With lying most politicians never have any problems they lack in the inner glow

Am i telling you something that you already know?

With you your local member of parliament mind games does play

Trust is a thing that goes more than one way.

Of Late Things In Life

Of late things in life have not been going your way

But your luck for the better can change in a day

Life is never a predictable thing

And who is to say what tomorrow will bring

You well may bemoan your lack of success

But you have the greatest gift anyone does possess

The great gift of life and where it is there is hope

And the good times to you may come if with the tough you can cope

At present not among the happy people of the town

Down on your luck and financially down

In a Human World where billions of people for success compete

In life every day some new challenge to meet

And your luck in life it can change overnight

Tomorror you may be smiling in delight.

In Tatters

In his early seventies seems his power he has abused

Of sexual harassment he stands accused

By many beautiful young women their claims he does deny

He who administers the law the law too does apply

Though the case against him in numbers seem strong

The one who used to pass judgment claim he has not done any wrong

In court the one who often passed judgment on others too may have his day

The law he used to uphold on him will have the say

So many women claim them he did offend

In court his so called good reputation he may have to defend

Against his accusers and one has to suppose

That some who have powerful friends are not without foes

Whether the case against him in court is upheld or dismissed mud sticks as they say

That his so called good reputation is in tatters it does seem this way.

A Quiet And Shy Person

In his bed at night tears from his eyes down his face often flow

Of how it feels like to feel sad he is one who does know

He has lived with clinical depression for many years

An illness that cannot be cured by the shedding of tears

On doctor prescribed medication since before his physical prime

He is one who has suffered for quite a long time

He does not have children or a partner or wife

One with little for to celebrate in his life

In his two bedroom unit he lives on his own

A quiet and shy person to few he is known

One who does work hard for his livelihood pay

It has been years since he knew of a happy day

On doctor prescribed medication he often feels down

One of the loneliesst people on his side of the town

Though he has never been homeless or have had to sleep rough

One cannot say in life he has not known it tough

Quite an honourable person of him one can say

He minds his own business and lives in his own way

In his early fifties his best physical years long gone

But his love of life helps him for to live on.

Galahs

Familiar in their feathers of pink and grey

Parrots i see often though not every day

In small flock to flocks of one hundred sometimes near to two

Galahs known to some as pink and grey cockatoo

Quite pretty to look at with ways of their own

All over Australia they are widely known

High in a cavity in an old tree

The female lay white eggs of four sometimes three

Compared to most others cockatoos they have a pleasant sort of a song

Once seen and once heard you never again get them wrong

Sometimes see them eating grain spilt from trucks on the grass by roadway

Yet so much to be known about them in truth one can say

They eat leaf buds, roots, nuts, insects, seed and grain

And once seen and once heaard you will know them again.

I Too Have To Begin

A known fact of a better World to live in

With improvement in self i too have to begin

To be kinder to others and help anyone of helping in need

And of future good Karma plant the good seed

I should not be condemning the judgmental since i too am this way

We dislike in others what we see in ourselves only true to say

And though the praises of those into self promotion i refuse for to sing

Material self betterment to themselves they are only trying to bring

Since they never do any harm to me

Perhaps in my words i ought to leave them be

For the self centered Human World we live in others i should not blame

Since in many ways like them i too am the same

For a better World for all to live in with myself i must begin

Since the power to do good can only come from within.

One Does Wonder Why

Through different eyes difference we do see

What is beautiful to you may not be so to me

And what is great to me to you may seem ordinary

Our difference in our likes and dislikes makes us more interesting would you not agree?

What makes us different from each other is our individuality

If we all agreed on all things how boring we would be

The praises of individuality feel happy to sing

Different ideas and different thinking change for the better can bring

Though by many they may be looked upon as strange

It is usually the non tribal who instigate change

The people who from most look at life differently

Of ties to any tribe they do live quite free

Even those of similar thinking do not always see eye to eye

Why we all are so different one does wonder why?

True To My Calling

Do not care if mine is not a widely known name

Or if i am a stranger to any sort of literary fame

Any hope of literary success years ago from me did fade

Still every writer is needed in the wordsmith trade

It was my love of rhyme made a rhymer of me

And a rhymer is all that i do wish to be

For many years i have been a rhyming buff

And all i wish is for to write readable rhyming stuff

I used to love reading rhymes when i was a boy

And writing them nowadays i thoroughly enjoy

One who is not worthy of the title of poet

I feel no desire for any literary note

My best days in life in the forever gone

But true to my calling i keep rhyming on.

Such A Beautiful Memory

The lark was a musical speck in the sky

Above Clara on that sunny Sunday afternoon in early July

The tiny blue whortleberries of the heather in the mouth tasted sweet

Above the green countryside near the Town of Millstreet

Her wavy shoulder length dark hair and eyes blue as ripened sloes

She looked so attractive even in her casual clothes

My feelings of love for her then beyond me to explain

But such a beautiful memory a lifetime to retain

So happy and young free of conceit or guile

On her beautiful face such a beautiful smile

Smitten by her beauty near her physical prime

The memories remain over decades of time

A memory that remains as a source of joy

She was in her early twenties and i was a ten year old boy

Shortly after she left for the U  S of A

In my memory she remains as she was today

On the slopes of Clara Mountain a nice Summer breeze

On a sunny Sunday afternoon of over twenty degrees

We talked and laughed and eat whortleberries as we stood looking down

On the green countryside bordering Millstreet Town.

As Of Another Time

Though they are dismissed as of another time

The rhymers they never do run out of rhyme

What was popular in the past most literary critics agree

Has become the doggerel of the twenty first century

Today there are rhymers in every town

Who will never know of literary renown

Rhymers nowadays not seen to be worthy of any literary note

We are in the literary era of the non rhyming poet

To literature as in most things time with it change does bring

Of the praises of the novelist and the playwright and the blank verse poet the literary critics do sing

And rhyme is dismissed as a thing of the past

Few things as is known in time ever does last

Their sort used to be popular in Seasons long gone

Though true to their calling the rhymers rhyme on.

At The Shannaknock Cross

At the Shannaknock Cross by the Millstreet- Rathmore roadway

No Irish travellers horse drawn vans for to be seen today

They have not parked there since the late nineteen fifties that now seems long ago

And of the children back then time has become the foe

The sharp increase in motorized vehicles to their horse drawn vans brought an end

To old ways as is known time is never a friend

By motorized vehicles from then on the travellers did travel around

Though in twenty first century Ireland in large numbers they do not abound

Their favourite type of horses were pinto mostly white and brown

That they bought and sold at horse fairs in many an Irish town

Even the horse fairs in Ireland today in the few

That most things lose out to time is not saying what is new

By their campfires at night when i was a boy

Listening to their songs and music i used to enjoy

But few things as they were ever seem to stay

A very different Country to live in the Ireland of today

Yes a different Ireland nowadays than the Ireland that used to be

At the Shannaknock Cross Irish Travellers and their horses and vans one does not see

And only the memories now does remain

Of what used to be but will not be again.

You Only Can Be

You only can be the best that you can be

And remain honest in your dealings and treat others respectfully

And always give everyone the respect they are due

And to your higher self try to remain as true

And try not to be judgmental as some people are

And though on the ladder of material success you may not have climbed far

The good things for others in your day to day life you do

Than the good you do for yourself says more of you

Since those who only seek their own gain in a selfish way

Are further from their higher selves than those who perform good deeds every day

You are not being the best you can be though you are a multi millionaire

If only with your family and close friend some of your financial gains you do share

And though on the material ladder of success you may have climbed far

This does not tell us of the sort of person that you really are.

He Is One Who Knows Of

He is one who knows of life in Earthly Hell

For many years he has been mentally unwell

Except for his mother who loves him he does not have another love in his life

He may never know of the love of a partner or a wife

A kind and caring person in his own gentle way

For himself he never has that much to say

In his late thirties just past his physical prime

He has not known of a happy day for quite a long time

One of the sad people on his side of the town

Life is never easy on the mentally down

On doctor prescribed medication to help him contend with his dark moods of despair

Though he is one who never says life can be unfair

With a sad look on his face few happy days of he has known

Often see him walking in the park always on his own.

We Take And Take From Her

Like all life forms without her we just could not live

Yet we take and take from her and in return to her little give

And for her hidden treasures dig huge holes in her ground

In the twenty first century among humanity greed does abound

For the Earth that feeds all of us so few seem to care

She is the one who creates every billionaire

With her others life forms few of us wish to share

Destruction of natural habitat due to human greed is no longer rare

Though for our very survival on her we depend

Most of us humans do not treat our Earth Mother as our greatest friend

To abuse the one we depend on to live seems quite silly indeed

Of far more human friends Mother Earth is in need

We take and take from her and in return to her little give

Yet she is the one that we depend on to live.

Where Years Ago

Where years ago to many mine was a known face

Today i would be a stranger in my first homeplace

Claraghatlea near Millstreet Town where i first saw light of day

Years ago the yearn for wander did lure me far away

From the old fields just west by the Rathmore road from Millstreet

In the green countryside where the waterways meet

Where i grew to love Nature as a young boy

And learning of her ways today i enjoy

Of this place of koala, echidna, wallaby and grey kangaroo

And emu, long billed corella and yellow tailed black cockatoo

I only have memories of the what used to be

And in fancy the bracken clad face of Clara i see

Like a sentinel of Duhallow ever looking down

On the green countryside and the homes of Millstreet Town.

Her Wonders Are Many

Her wonders are many and her secrets not few

And of Nature every day we learn something new

Yet the more we learn of her the more we realize 

That of her we know little this not a surprise

The food that we lives on she helps our Earth Mother to grow

Yet little respect to her so few of us show

Mother Earth her partner to satiate our greed we abuse

For our sins against Nature and our Earth Mother there is no excuse

Due to destruction by us humans of their natural habitat many of Nature's creatures are becoming rare

And too few of us sad to say seem environmentally aware

Nature and her partner Mother Earth of more human friends are in need

By our abuse of them of our own extinction we may be sowing the seed

For our abuse of Nature and Mother Earth future generations of human beings may have to pay

And this is a sad thing for to have to say.

High On The Tall Trees

High on the tall trees in day's fading light

They do a lot of cawing before settling in for the night

On their roosting trees at the end of their day

One wonders to each other what do they have to say?

Of their intelligence there is not any doubt

One wonders with each other what would they be talking about?

Some believe when crows are in a talkative mood

That they may be telling their friends of new spots to find food

At twilight on their roosting trees they caw when they meet and each evening it is the same

One wonders do they know each other by name?

Many claim them to be Nature's cleverest birds with ways of their own

Yet so much about them remains to be known

At twilight on their roosting trees by the old country town

The crows are cawing loudly just after sundown.

Of The What Used To Be

In years just seven short of my fourth score

I may never again climb on Claramore

And enjoy the views of the green countryside

Of Duhallow and Sliabh Luachra that stretch far and wide

Far beyond Millstreet Parish and beyond Rathmore and Knocknagree

And well into east Kerry as far as the eyes can see

Today the old memories remain evergreen

Of the beautiful sights that i have seen

When i was much younger decades ago

Time that rusts iron has become my foe

All i have are the memories of the what used to be

Mental pictures of natural beaauty that i did see

This is all today i have to retain

Of the what used to be but may not be again.

It Never Does Fail

It never does fail to bring joy to your day

When others of you do have nice things to say

It is even as good for your self esteem as a raise in your pay

It makes you believe in life things are going your way

But those who instil in you some doubt of your self worth in your mind

By saying of you words that are unkind

Are not helping you in your self belief it does seem

And are not doing anything for your sense of self esteem

The need for to be loved is such a natural thing

A sense of self worth to the praised one it never fails for to bring

But the one in her or his words who deliberately puts you down

Will never become your best friend of the town

Yes it never does fail to bring joy to your day

When others of you do have nice things to say.

Nature's Compostors

They hide in heaps of old timber well hidden away

The insects that do live on Nature's decay

Known as slaters or woodlice and of them it would be true to say

That they feel secure when hidden from the light of day

Of their value to Nature few seem to realize

Dark grey they look crawling armadillos of minute size

Though they are friends of Nature as all environmentalists and scientists agree

They are not protected by any government decree

In a heap of wood  or under bark of old decaying tree

Hidden from daylight they feel safe as can be

As at hurrying on decay they work tirelessly

Though billions of them die in fires every day

As friends of Nature their part they does play

On breaking down rotting timber they lessen the impact of bushfires on the ground

As Nature's compostors in large numbers they abound.

Far Beyond The Planets

Humans have walked on the surface of the moon

And a visit to Mars in their planning for soon

Though they do not yet have a vaccine for COVID-19

People have died in their thousands from a killer that cannot be seen

And though money speaks every language as we have been told

The wealthy like the poor eventually grow old

And like the poor too have a last night and day

We are born to die life works in this way

And though many human achievements are to say the least great

With all other life forms we share a common fate

In that we are born into life to eventually die

Earthly mortality for human beings is based on a lie

Though there may be a World for good souls somewhere beyond the stars

Far beyond the Planets of  Jupiter and Venus and Mars.

The Joy Of Children

The joy of children at play in the park of the town

They laugh as they chase the football up and down

Though the sun behind grey clouds is hidden away

So pleasant the laughter of children at play

It brings back the memories of years ago

Long before time it did become my foe

With my boyhood friends i too played football

Good memories are always a joy to recall

But few things in life ever does seem to last

The youthful years did seem to go so fast

The children i played with like me are ageing today

Youth is a thing with anyone that does not stay

Children playing football in the town park today

Wake in me the memories of my youth far away.

Hares

Hares unlike rabbits do not live in burrows in the ground

And unlike rabbits in large numbers do not abound

To escape from predators they depend on their speed and dodging skill

And they can move quite fast even when running uphill

The female hare gives birth to four fully developed leverets two or three times a year

That their young become self sufficent quite quickly is obviously clear

In different parts of their territory their mother hides them in long grass well out of sight

And individually comes to them for to suckle milk from her in the darkness of night

The shrill cries of a dying hare mauled by greyhounds is not pleasant to hear

In coursing parks many of them die every year

Nowadays park coursing greyhounds are muzzled which is a big improvement just the same

Netting of hares for park coursing will never have a good name

Some hares do live up to twelve years old

And many stories of them have been written and told

Shy creatures for their survival they rely on their dodging skills and speed

One can say of them they are quite amazing indeed.

In This Human World

In this Human World where the judgmental are not rare

Too few of us of our own shortcomings seem aware

When i criticize the flaws in others i do see 

I am overlooking the blemishes that are living in me

For to make the Human World a better World to live in

With my own self i have got to begin

It is not the good i do for myself but for others i do

But in this respect what applies to me also applies to you

It is so easy in words for to put others down

The judgmental are not rare in any village, city or town

And these are the people some choose to admire

Though self betterment in others they do not inspire

It is the non judgmental and selfless in their own kind way

Who help people in need of helping every day

Without the expectation of recognition or pay

For the betterment of humanity their own part they does play

Too few of us the good in others do not wish to see

And in our thinking on some do seem quite ordinary

But those who criticize those doing it tough in some of their ways are small

For a fair go for some is not a fair go for all.

Moses Fifth Commandment

Moses fifth commandment states thou shalt not kill

But does not say anything about wishing on others ill

Suppose in this case it is the actions not the words that constitutes the sin

Though it is often from thoughts deeds good or bad begin

Many people Moses commandments never do obey

Every day Worldwide people are dying in the foulest way

And many are serving many years of jail time

For what is humanity's worst sort of crime

If someone wishes to harm you they most certainly can

Anyone can if they wish to in a foul way shorten your life span

People for murder imprisoned every day

For such a crime the price can be huge for to pay

It is not breaking Moses fifth commandment any murderer fear

But the penalty that is for it is obviously clear.

It Is Something All Australians

It is something all Australians ought to celebrate

Australia's first people their history is great

That the descendants of the first people are living today

Is something worth celebrating only true to say

For thousands of years their ancestors have lived in this great southern Land

That colonization for them has not been an asset not hard to understand

Sad to think in the recent past their human rights to them were denied

In some of the European history in Australia thus far not much in to feel pride

Though as second class citizens in many instances they do remain

The honour of Australia's first people they will always retain

Not hard to blame those of them who do not celebrate Australia Day

Which marks the arrival to their Country of people from Lands far away

Australia's first people we ought to admire

And of singing their praises i for one cannot tire.

Regret At Words Spoken

The things you remember and wish to forget

The moments in your life you have lived to regret

Memories of guilt of words spoken that in time does last

We cannot change but only can learn from the past

Words that cost you a good friendship and relationship that ended in tears

The regret of your error has lived in you for years

Too late to realize to a dear former friend you had not been nice

For ill chosen words to pay there is always a price

And for this in guilt of mind you does pay

A guilt that perhaps will be with you until your last living day

At the time sorry you could not bring yourself for to say

For to humble yourself pride did get in your way

Regret at words spoken that in you does stay

And may be with you until your last living day.

Born To Die

Us humans like all mortals born to die

That death is for everyone is not a lie

The monarch and president will die one day

On everyone's life death has the final say

Great religious leaders who claim to know god

Are only mortals like the poor and downtrod

Eventually life's reaper will come reaping your way

Only earthworms live where dead people lay

Of life for the soul after bodily death ask one more enlightened than me

Only know we are born to die eventually

And this as a truism ever remain

Though cannot say after bodily death if the soul will live again

Only know that us humans are born to die

Like all other life forms and this not a lie.

I Am From A Place

I am from a place by old hills far away

Where i have not been to for many a day

I have not seen the Boggeraghs for thirty four years

Yet for the what was i have shed my last tears

Those i went to school with are ageing today

And some from their first homes living far away

And some where the dead are at peace now do lay

With any one person youth never does stay

I left the old fields the bigger World to see

Though i now realize the old fields they did not leave me

In fancy i often walk to where the waterways meet

In the green countryside near the Town of Millstreet

But only the memories now does remain

Of the what was for me that will not be again.

Quite A Lot To Admire

He is not one who does have uni degrees

And he is not one any time he cough or sneeze

To seem embarrassed and say pardon me

Not refined in his ways is how he seems to be

He is not a member of any community or social club

And he drinks on his own in the local pub

And since he is not tribal on any way at all

He never talks sports or politics or football

Not well known or popular on his side of the town

But of those in need of helping he never turns down

For his every good deed he never seeks any money or praise

Some times those passed off as ordinary can truly amaze

The judgmental who dismiss him as a loser to his goodness seem blind

Than they are he is less judgmental and far more compassionate and kind

As every day he does sow Karma's good seed

He never shuns anyone of his help in need

Not into socializing or politics or sport

He works hard for his pay his wife and children to support

To be part of a tribe he does not feel any desire

Yet in him there is quite a lot to admire.

An Ageing Migrant

Four score and four years of time a lengthy span

Far north of here he grew into a man

On his balding head the hair grey that used to be brown

He may die far south of his first hometown

Many times a great grand-dad his wife of fifty six years

Her death last Summer reduced him to tears

Devoted to him until her last breath in life

They lived as a happily married husband  and wife

Of happier days in life he is one who has known

In his two bedroom unit he lives on his own

Born and raised in Lindau in Bavaria in Germany

Though fluent in English he retains the accent of his original Country

Quite a nice old fellow in his gentle way

He walks on his own in the park every day.

I Will Keep Rhyming On

It is something i just enjoy doing every day

Without the rewards of monetary pay

I have penned so many of them over decades of time

Just one of those people who loves writing rhyme

I have no wish for mine to become a well known literary name

And i feel no dessire for any sort of fame

Three score and thirteen years time catching up on me

I wrote my first rhymes in nineteen seventy three

I loved reading them when i was a boy

And writing them nowadays i thoroughly enjoy

One who will never know of literary note

I just leave it to others their title of poet

My best days in life in the forever gone

But for as long as i can do i will keep rhyming on.

Australian Magpies

The warbling flute like notes always pleasant to hear

Of the birds who do sing every day of the year

Crow sized black and white  birds who are in reality piping shrike

The Australian magpies do not have a look alike

In untidy saucer type of nest lined with grass high on a tree

The female lay brown spotted bluish eggs never more than three

At breeding time they are very aggressive in defense of their territory

And they even attack and swoop humans regularly

With quite a distinctive warbling flute like song

Once seen and once heard you never again get them wrong

They do have a huge range Australia wide

And they live in town parks and in the countryside

Birds i hear and see many times every day

Familiar Australians of them one can say.

Wise Words Of A Wise One

Wise words of a wise one of the long ago

The one without a friend can be one without a foe

And the one with many friends is one not without an enemy

This is how it was and it is and how it always will be

The enemy of my enemy is a friend to me

That this does not need an explanation would you not agree?

Some things from the past with us does stay

And remain as relevant in the Human World of today

In a Human World where billions of people for every form of success compete

You cannot like everyone every day you do meet

The one with many friends is not short of foes

Human relationships work in this way one does have to suppose

The one without a friend may well not have a foe

Wise words of a wise one of the long ago.

From The Cliffs Of The Foreshore

From the cliffs of the foreshore overlooking the sea

You are looking at what the coastal land first people centuries ago did see

Ocean views despite the advancement of technology

That has not changed it would seem from century to century

Though they looked at life and the World from us in a different way

The coastal first people looked on what you look on today

From the foreshore cliffs they sensed their gods to them were nearby

On the ocean horizon where the sea meets the sky

A scene that has inspired the artists and writers of song, story and rhyme

That remains as unchanged through the centuries of time

Long before the arrival of explorers on ships from Lands far away

From the foreshore cliffs the coastal Lands first people looked on what you look on today

And the huge white waves crash on the rocks of the shore

In a sound from the past that is forever more.

Get Rid Of

Get rid of these titles Sir, Lord , Lady and Dame

Since they are linked to royalty and do not treat all people as the same

And get rid of royal titles since what use are royals anyway

They are born into privilege and never have to work for their pay

Death makes us equal to life we are born by chance

People should not have privilege due to birth circumstance

They are the linchpin of rank and class distinction humanity of them not in need

Since red is the blood we all shed when we bleed

Get rid of dictatorial leaders and their governments they cause so much distress

The poor of their Countries they only oppress

Far too many politicians become obsessed with their power

They are like the weeds of the garden that stifle every flower

That there is so much poverty in the Human World does not make for good sense

Get rid of every government that favour the wealthy at poor people's expense

Make the weaalthy pay their fair share of taxes which they never do

What applies to working for wages people should apply to them too

We should honour the people whose names will never be on a memorial wall

A fair go for the privileged and wealthy and famous is not a fair go for all

It is the upholders of class distinction and social rank

For the wrongs of the Human World that we have to thank.

A Story Of Success

He is one that life on has been rather tough

Know on how it feels like to be hungry and on how it feels like to sleep rough

Due to an abusive father homeless at sixteen

Some tough times he is one who has known of and seen

On his twenty sixth year with a home to live in and a wife and baby son

One can say of him how well he has done

With a steady job he earns an honest pay

To make a success of his life he has done it in the hard way

One who has known of hungry times on poverty street

At a young age with tough challenges he is one who did meet

As a homeless teenager on the poor side of the town

There is some truth in the saying a good one cannot be kept down

For making a success of his life credit is his due

That fortune favours the brave remains ever true.

On Olive Backed Orioles

Reddish bills and brown streaks on white unders and back, wings, head and tail mostly green

Birds i know of  but have not often seen

Birds migratory in their habits they do travel far

And are often to be seen where fruit bearing trees are

On bulky type of cup nest of bark and fibre high on outer branch of tree

The female lay white brown dotted eggs of four two or three

Not the predatory type of birds who hunt for their meat

Mostly berries and other fruit they do like to eat

They have a beautiful and distinctive flute liike cheerful song

And as migratory to any one place they do not belong

In the wood in Selby years ago them i did hear and see

Singing and nest building in their breeding territory

The olive backed orioles with ways of their own

Quite pretty to look at and nice to listen to but not that well known.

How Great It Would Be

If of racism. narcissism and xenophobia humanity was free

How marvellous to live in such a World would be

In a World where might is based on military power

These are just like three species of weeds of the garden that stifle every flower

A World without war would be great to live in

For harmony and peace among people it would be a huge win

Of leaders who wage war for power over others of the Human World is not in need

Their machevillian behaviuor has it's source in personal greed

How great it would be to live in a World without poverty

That does have strong links to human inequality

The side effects of class distinction found in the social divide

That remain as prevalent in Countries Worldwide

How great it would be a Human World without the need for material success

That leads to our desire others for to impress

But human spirituality cannot thrive only true for to say

In a Human World where so many for material success compete with each other every day

For a better World to live in with improvement in self we begin

We can become the instigators of a better World for all to live in 

For love and tolerance, compassion and kindness have their sources in respect

And when practiced  by many can have a ripple effect.

Our Young Years

Our young years our best years and every year past our physical prime

Our bodies begin to show the wear of time

But you cannot put a young head on old shoulders as they do say

For our life experiences in years lived we do pay

The longest lived human life in real time not a long span

Three score and ten the average a few years more for a woman than it is for a man

It has been said that wisdom does come with age

But not every ageing woman or man is a sagess or sage

Everyone do grow older but few do grow wise

Some young people too have wisdom one does come to realize

Though it is to ageing people life's experience mostly belong

A minority of younger people this theory has proven wrong

Our younger years our physical best years as a fact does remain

But from ageing most people life experience do gain.

On Silver Gulls

In car parks by Australian beaches birds one does see every day

Of red bills, red legs and overall silver grey

They squabble over scraps of food picknickers throw away

Of a scavenger nature but pretty to look at one can say

To be rather plentiful is their one claim to fame

Silver gulls for them is their apt common name

That they are Nature's survivors none can deny

With the passing of the Seasons their numbers seem to multiply

Of the presence of humans they have lost most of their fear

And to where people are eating they are always near

In expectation of thrown out food for them to eat

Bits of bread, bits of fish, potato chips or scraps of meat

Around rubbish tips flocks of them one often does see

Australia's most populous members of the gull family.

On Hindsight As Is Said

On hindsight as is said it is easy to be wise

And we learn from our mistakes one does come to realize

We do learn from life as we live every day

That we never stop learning does seem true to say

And a fact of our existence and fact never lie

Is the longer you live the sooner you will die

And what you do for yourself says less about you

Than the good things for others that you choose to do

Those who do help others of their help in need

For their future good Karma are planting the seed

As they are the people who do firmly believe 

That in life we must give if we wish to receive

Live and let live and give to all their due

If to an honourable existence you wish to remain true.

As you Possibly Can

The lifetime of the World's oldest people in real time not a long span

So live for as long as you possibly can

Live for there may not be a life for your soul when you draw your last living breath

It may well die in you in your bodily death

There may not be a World somewhere beyond the sky

For souls  post bodily death with wings for to fly

To when life's reaper comes reaping your way

Since for all of us there is this last night and day

Any deceased person has not yet come back to tell

Of an afterlife for the soul or of a heaven or hell

Feel grateful if you have good health and keep on living on

You will be forever dead when life's breath from you has gone

The longest lived human life in time not a long span

So live for as long as you possibly can.

On Short Beaked Echidnas

Short beaked echidnas or spiny anteaters scientifically classisfied as monotreme

Along with other echidna and platypus are egg laying mammals strange as this may seem

With their sharp front claws they dig for ants in the ground

Always on their own in large numbers they  never abound

With spines for protection like the Eurasian hedgehog but not related in any way

Since hedgehogs give birth to live young and eggs never lay

The echidnas when under threat partly bury themselves with their sharp spines sticking out

And the attacker is usually deterred with a bloodied painful snout

In the warmth of their pouch their one egg gives forth life and to a young echidna grow

And to dig for ants and insects the only life of they will come to know

In Winter they hibernate for a few months underground from the cold

And they have an average of a ten year life span in their wild state which is not very old

Quite beautiful slow moving creatures but rather timid and shy

Echidnas or spiny anteaters are the names they are known by.

Independence Day 2020

July the fourth in the U S is Independence Day

But Americans have little to celebrate in truth one can say

Since they are leading the World in deaths due to COVID-19

One of the World's great super powers better days has seen

To be leading the World in COVID-19 deaths is nothing to brag about

The self assurance felt by most Americans has given way to self doubt

A virus in the naked eyes that cannot be seen

That is known as Corona Virus or COVID-19

Has reduced the people of a great and celebrated Nation to worry and fear

That there is no such a thing as a superior race is quite obviously clear

On COVID-19 deaths they lead the way

But nothing to boast of in this for the U S of A

For them things will get better one only can say

To all Americans a happy Independence Day.

Most Long Term Migrants

Most long term migrants do retain a strong sense of place

Where to many today their's may not be a known face

Though content today in the place or town they live in

They often think of where their life's journey for them did begin

Call it patriotism or nostalgia or call it what you may

In most migrants love of first homeplace does stay

Though they have not been to there for many years

And for what used to be have long shed their last tears

Memories of original families and friends today they retain

And in their visualizations they go home again

Of the what used to be only thoughts in them last

And in memory they only can go to the past

But of where they were born and raised the mental images do stay

And will be with them until their last night and day.

Millstreet's Shane Browne

One well loved by many in old Millstreet Town

The likeable character known as Shane Browne

Though in the twenty first century his sort becoming a rare breed

Every town in the World of a few like him in need

On his forty seventh year a good pitch and putt player and a veteran athlete

He is one of those people who just loves to compete

Though not born and raised in Millstreet where he is loved and well known

Most like to claim him there as one of their own

For worthy causes one who carries the flag

Fifty blood donations to his credit well worthy of a brag

For anyone for to do this is a selfless thing

His praises for this do not feel shy to sing

Born and raised in Tramore in Waterford and of Waterford Gaelic Footballers and Hurlers a devoted fan

But for being loyal to his County in sports one cannot blame the man

Even the most ardent Cork G A A supporter in Millstreet for this Shane can forgive

And him for his loyalty to his County colours have learned with for to live

In him Tramore's loss has become Millstreet's gain

And in the Town in view of Clara hope he does remain

Every town in the World needs a few like Shane Browne

His sort never leave their community down.

The Old Mountain Roadway

The old mountain roadway winds up and down

That links Rathmore in Sliabh Luachra to Duhallow's Millstreet Town

Along by Clara and Gortavehy  with the face of stone

And by high and rugged Caherbarnagh on towards the Paps of  Shrone

Through a mountainy countryside where despite human industrialization natural beauty survive

A nice road for to travel on for a scenic drive

Along by the Boggeragh Ranges that are so old in time

That have inspired the writers of  song, story and rhyme

Of a beauty that was old when the first people arrived in the Land known as Ireland today

Such natural beauty with who witness it a whole lifetime does stay

Where the Counties of Cork and of Kerry do meet

On the mountain road towards Rathmore from the Town of Millstreet

Such a beautiful memory a lifetime to retain

In moments of nostalgia for to visit again.

Since Very Few Do know Of

Since very few do know of enduring fame

For most it can be like a flickering flame

That dies in the frost of a cold Winter's night

Hours before the dawning of morning's grey light

Admired by the masses but lacking in the inner glow

Many of the wealthy and famous of happiness does not know

Though millions admire them and their praises do sing

Happiness to them fame did fail for to bring

Since happiness is a thing that cannot be bought or sold

It does not have a price on it of money or gold

It can be said of she or he that they are rare

The contented of mind known billionaire

The words of a wise one worthy of recall

That those you think have everything do not have it all.

Love Is A Thing

Love is a thing that must be shared by two

Seems hard to love one who does not love you

Few until death remain as husband and wife

Their love for each other did not last for life

The love of most mothers for their children a lifetime remain strong

A form of love that to true love belong

Though the love between a minority of mothers and their children a lifetime does not remain

Even this bond does break when under severe strain

That there are many forms of love seems true for to say

Some last a whole lifetime and some quick to fade away

But those old words of wisdom worthy of recall

Better to know of love and lose than never know of love at all

It can end in tears what begins with a kiss

But when in full bloom it can be earthly bliss.

Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoos

These big dark brown parrots of humans quite shy

Do call out 'wee yu' as in small flocks they fly

Though some do refer to them as the weerloos 

They are better known as yellow tailed black cockatoos

In a cavity in a tall old tree from view well hidden away

Generally one large white egg the female bird lay

Their low breeding rate the reason their numbers by the years do not multiply

That Nature works in it's own way one cannot deny

Yellow tailed black cockatoos have a healthy appetite

Dark seeds from pine cones and seeds frome hakea nuts are in their diet

As well as grubs they find under bark of older tree

Which to their taste buds is a delicacy

With yellow on either cheek and some yellow on tail but mostly mottled dark brown

They are sometimes seen in the park of a country town

From other cockatoos in voice and appearance different with ways of their own

To birds watchers and bird fanciers they are well known

They never flock with other species among their own kind they stay

Birds i see often though not every day

These big dark brown parrots of human kind shy

Wee yu wee yu they call out as they fly.

Leave It To Others

Leave it to others to praise you if praise is your due

As self praise is no praise remains ever true

Nowadays self promotion does seem an in thing

So many their own praises willing to sing

So many their own selves like to celebrate

The ego is not a hard thing to inflate

In the twenty first century narcissism is on the rise

Suppose in the age of advanced technology this is not a surprise

Those into the promotion of the self  it seems true to say

From their higher selves are the furthest away

The humble of mind may becoming more rare

Yet of the needs of others they do seem aware

Those of singing their own praises who never seem to tire

Are not the sort of people that i do admire.

Red Wattlebirds

Not pleasant to listen to the hoarse song they were born with to sing

In every garden in their range with flowering trees their voices a familiar thing

Birds you will know again when them you see and hear

Red wattlebirds their name as they have visible red wattles hanging from under either ear

Of humans they show a respectable fear

And their coughing like calls can be heard at anytime of year

Thrush sized birds with red eyes and slightly curved long thin bills and mostly speckled brown

They even visit the flowering trees in the parks of the town

In a saucer type nest of twigs on fork of branch of tree

The female lay pink spotted eggs of two or three

Honeyeaters to follow their food source they do travel far

And you will always see and hear them where lots of insects and flowering trees are

Birds that will never be famed for their song

But once seen and once heard you will never again get them wrong.

The Bellowing Bull

Last night the bull in the paddock nearby for a few hours kept me awake

He kept bellowing on until the grey of daybreak

And since to bellow at he does not have a neighbour bull

Perhaps the reason for his bellowing is that the moon it was full

If the moon effects some people then it must affect animals in some sort of a way

Since i never do hear him bellowing by day

But for keeping me awake for a few hours last night him i do not blame

Since most animals in their behaviour feel no sense of shame

If your neighbours are playing loud music about it to them you can complain

But complaining to a bull any satisfaction from him you will not gain

Today he is quite with his cows chewing his cud he does lay

I never do hear him bellow by day

Perhaps the moon does affect him in some sort of a way

As he bellowed all night until the break of day.

Quite Bleak Overall

In Australia feral cats and foxes have pushed many small species of wildlife to extinction brink

That because of them many species have become endangered so sad of to think

That this never makes news headlines only true to say

That wildlife are not seen as important in the World of today

To the few who speak out for the preservation of wildlife great credit is due

On so doing to their higher selves they are only being true

Millions of birds and small animals being slaughtered by cats and foxes every year

That many small creatures need protection from introduced predators is obviously clear

Due to the destruction of natural habitat for development as well as climate change wild creatures are doing it tough

For their survival with these things to contend with ought to be enough

And add to this the mass slaughter by predators makes their struggle for survival harder by far

Small animal and bird numbers are dwindling where introduced predators are

Little hope in Australia in their wild state for birds and creatures that are small

The future for them looks quite bleak overall.

In The Minority

I was not one born to life for to fight in a war

Though from where i first saw light of day in distance i live far

I do not wish to treat as my enemy

People who never have done any harm to me

I look on most twenty first century ways of living and thinking to many differerently

Which suppose places me in the minority

Over promotion of self to me to narcissism belong

And not true love of self but self love gone wrong

The humble achiever nowadays is a thing of the past

But then few things in human life ever does seem to last

Suppose it is hard to remain humble when many laud you as a great

The ego is not that hard for to inflate

In the age of the internet over promotion of the self is on the rise

A reason for the rise in narcissistic behaviour one does come to realize

There has always been narcissistic people but their numbers on the increase of late

So many their own selves love to celebrate

Of their patriotic love of Country patriots may love to brag

Far too many have died for the love of a flag

But the egotistical people who start war in wars never die

And that most political leaders are narcissistic is not telling a lie.