A Large Single Red Rose.....

Last week I passed a graveyard

a cold and lonely place,

A man stood by a headstone

wind blown tears upon his face.

He stood there silently weeping

etched deeply in his face was pain,

why does everyone have to die

at the end only death can reign.

In his hand he held a flower

a large single red rose,

his eyes seeing old memories

of the one he once held so close.

I saw him later in a pub

alone and at the bar,

I saw the crack in the mask

I saw his deep red scar.

I know I'll always remember him

standing there silently weeping,

he frequently enters my thoughts

silent, unbidden and creeping.

1983

Late Home.....

Me Dad 'll bloody kill me,

he said "Don't be late!"

He told me "Be in for seven!"

But its already half past eight!

He'll knock me bloody head off,

He'll hit the bloomin roof,

Damn, what can I do?

Dare I tell the truth?

I'll tell I missed the bus!

No! I got talking to a mate,

helped a woman to catch her dog,

Awww Dad I said I'd be late!

Why does he never believe me?

how does he spot the lie?

"You can't kid an old kidder son"

he says, "thats the reason why!

1987

Soldier in Arms...

Amidst the streets of Belfast

the lonely soldier walks,

carrying powerful weapons

that end all the talk.

Gliding along the pavement

eyes wide with fear,

feeling for the bullet

that will end their short career.

Playing follow the leader

mates in staggered file,

waiting,hoping,praying,

today, no death so vile.

Eyes burning with sweat

tummies churning round and round,

waiting for the rifles crack

poised and ready to hit the ground.

Weapons cocked, on safety

walking a slow slow pace,

people stop and stare

with ne'er a smiling face.

They do not ask to die

nor face the angry ones,

they want to walk in peaceful streets

without powerful guns.

These poor boy's visit to Ireland

could never be a friendly one,

asked to keep the peace

between the Irish sons.

1979