Poems come from all kinds of places. This one is the result of a visit to our good friend Sarah Flynn. Her late husband, Dave Ellis, made the painting that is on the front page of my blog. Sarah had just acquired a new dog from The Dog’s Trust and we were witnessing her settling in. The following day, we texted to check how the night went. The text that Sarah sent by way of reply simply demanded a treatment. So here it is. Read, share, enjoy and let me know what you think.
Woke at seven thirty
breakfast for two followed
by forty-minute walk
slowed by investigation
all territory re-marked
in the usual manner.
House restructured
to accommodate
needs of new friend, water
plants, a social
event that includes
repeated marking.
First rest of the day
needed to recover
from morning outburst
then immediately
short trial separation
first test of commitment.
Fifteen minutes later
anxious expectant eyes
greet from the other
side of the front door
a great relief all round
reunion a happy one.
Noises provoke a few
barks, new security
in place, the contract sealed.
Peter Clarke
8th July 2018
Marguerite
08.07.2018 22:08
Are you sure Mindi didn't write this, someone was seeing a new world. Dan brea, a Pheadair
Clíodhna
08.07.2018 21:13
Lovely!
Debra
08.07.2018 17:56
Very cute - bonding of hound and human!
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