Dec. 19, 2017
Children make Christmas. This is especially true for me and my grandchildren. They have altered everything and become beacons for me. I feel so rich, grateful and delighted to be around them. So here are some words about them.
Besotted
They called him Harvey,
it’s not the same
as any label in the clan.
He grows into it though
becoming what that name
might look, feel and how
embraced, covered by its form
carrying and carried for a year
shaping and shaped into its norm.
Bright mind, wide smile, huge eyes,
feint tint of auburn top,
more kinks than curls the way it lies.
This bursting blasting strain
of endless moving child
deep ploughs the brain,
churns what is not him
until it recedes train into tunnel.
He is the desktop saver.
Walter
The baby has become a boy:
loud in shouts,
bright in smile,
infectious in laughter,
lively in walk, run and dance.
Engaged in the world,
with everybody in it.
Secure, sure, demanding
captivating in gaze
he reaches through your eyes
to the very depths of your toes.
Leo S
21.12.2017 13:37
Great, heartfelt, hymn of gratitude.
'to the depths of your toes' last well after the page is closed.
Joy to all!
Tom Dredge
20.12.2017 20:21
Two tender observations of childhood. Lovely. I particularly like
'he reaches through your eyes
to the very depths of your toes.'
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