Nov. 12, 2017
Over the years I have written celebration poems for special occasions. They have given me great satisfaction and pleasure, to think about the occasion and the people involved and to write about them. Many of you will know that I my own birthday was on Saturday 11th November. To my complete delight an surprise my son-in-law Chris presented me with a book of poems by rupi kaur entitled milk and honey and his first written poem. It had to be part of my blog. I am touched, grateful and impressed. Incidentally the picture was made by my grandson Harvey to deptict his journey to his holiday home. Enjoy.
Circles
Or: an attempt at a poem on the occasion of Peter’s birthday
1945 -2017
Ever decreasing circles.
Ranelagh, Crumlin, Ballinteer, Malahide
Ever increasing circles.
One house, six people
Too many circles?
Maybe.
But somehow it works,
like cogs in a clock
ticking forward
occasionally backward
or stopped.
But mostly it works.
By Chris
Triona Mc Morrow
18.11.2017 18:33
That is lovely, tender and understanding. The drawing is very apt.
Margaret D
15.11.2017 14:52
I love the poem, the drawing and the music - a great tribute to the Clarke/Doherty family. Well done to Chris.
Latest comments
25.11 | 22:15
Grief is experience through the mundane. Simple but powerful. The accompanying image really compliments the poem.
07.11 | 11:14
Hi Peter,
A great observation! Social media can be a scary place... I also need to reduce my time there
Hugs,
John.x
06.11 | 16:24
A great one, Peter, in the context you describe. I don't read social media myself, I doubt my equilibrium could stand it. 'The balance of his mind disturbed' yes, I think it would be.
06.11 | 15:59
Yes, gossip is a weapon of mass destruction.
In my business as well as personal life I have zero tolerance.
Echoes of the Old on the New Battlefields
Warrior chiefs of the GAA were early on the field to prepare:
Posts and cones positioned to mark territories
Very young novices came later by parents’ chariots
clad and shod for the ensuing battles
Firstly, paced for speed, resilience and flexibility,
then marked off into opposing teams
Each warrior chief led a young squad of hopefuls
in further exercises to bring them to fit levels
There followed a huddle, an exhortation rant,
responded with clamour of intent and enthusiasm
Skirmishes began, speed across the field, hunt for the ball,
to be delivered as the goal, or to be prevented at all costs
Warrior chiefs egged on, instructed, altered the field of play
the young ’uns complied with fighting spirit
For every fall and hurt spells were cast on the side line
till fitness returned and they were entered back into play
Scores mounted, roars enhanced, casualties grew,
novices flagged and regrouped across the fields
Between bouts came the talks of encouragement
Stay back, pass, pass, pass, keep the pace.
Old hands passing skill onto new palms with dedication,
a gift of generous wisdom gladly given
Peter Clarke
20th April 2024