I am so old now
but I still remember Kathleen
and her sweet kisses
My eyes fill with tears
falling like autumn leaves
as I recall her
Crushed now underfoot
in the forest of despair
by time's ceaseless march
It was teenage love
when all spring's joy blossoms out
belying time's round
She left me of course
I rushed to Pandoras side
to be given hope
I'm sure she nodded
but fables play with men's minds
they talk not of days
Now autumn leaves fall
sweet Kate waves to me again
all these years later
I wave back at her
laughing and crying at fate
as we kiss once more
This is a true poem of two teenagers whose lives took separate paths only to find each other again both widowed in their seventies. Although the poem is in haiku format it should be read as a narrative because I even think now in 17 syllable sentences when I write!
Image found at www.pixabay.com
I had an uncle many years ago in England that was a carpenter working on building construction and like most young and able men at that time he was encouraged to join the Army at the start of the Second World War.
He was a single man and owned a motorbike and his life was opening up for him as Britain slowly emerged from the years of the depression hoping for better times to come.
It wasn't long before he was called up to take active service and was enrolled in the Royal Army Service Corps and having some knowledge of driving he became a driver of an army truck.
In my early childhood days I was encouraged to write to him as he served in North Africa, Italy and finally Austria while he responded faithfully giving me reasons why he couldn't send me bullets at souvenirs!
He told me after he had returned safely of his abhorrence of war and the ugly side of service and explained that despite many attempts to get him to accept a higher rank he remained a private thoughout the war.
The reason he said was that he never wanted to be in a position where he might send another human being to his death; luckily he survived the conflict to tell me that himself.
Image found at www.miliblog.co.uk
On way home from school
Liked how he gave us candy
Kindly and smiling
Waving each morning
Seeming to be so noirmal
To all of us kids
And just who could tell
From his outward appearance
He was lighthearted
Then the dramatics
Cops came round to arrest him
What a fuss there was
Kindly and smiling
Liked how he gave us candy
On way home from school
Image found at www.guavatini.com
It was fortunate
That the day my owner died
She was feeding me
Changing my water
Filling my bowl with some seeds
While chirping her way
I looked down at her
Then to the open window
Wind waving the drapes
Fluttering my wings
Cautiously I made my way
Whistling with wild hope
I looked back at her
Sleeping now there in her cage
She would never leave
Image found at www.windycityparrot.com
I am so old now
But take my capsules each night
And dream of the past
And so remember
Those former halcyon days
And our walled garden
Busy bees working
Pollen sticking to their backs
Thanks for the nectar
On this hottest day
Invasion of kakydids
Come to say hello
On scorched driveway
Our active children hopping
Over the chalk marks
Wife tapping the gourd
Nearly ready for picking
I'll not intervene
Take toddler to shops
Oops! Now she is shoplifting
Candy in her hand
That's my crooked mind
Spreading memories again
Of long ago past
I'm back home again
Having an afternoon nap
Still dreaming of you
Image found at www.lerablog.org
I've no feet of clay
Just sand between my toes
What simple pleasures
Others have all gone
The moon is my companion
And a pair of gulls
I can relax now
Far from the lies of the world
Away from my cares
I rest on the shore
Night's cover eases my mind
Worries are all fixed
Asleep on the beach
Woken by a mermaids breath
Angels singing songs
Dare I snatch a kiss?
No, they will just box my ears
Laughing swim away
Image found at www.pinterest.com
This poem was published back in 2013 and may be new for most
I wake up screaming only then
Do the ashes of the past
Drift slowly away
My heart's now thumping in my chest
Just what, where, and when was this
And why are you here?
Slowly it all comes back to me
I am free and rinsed clean
Was found not guilty
Funny that after all this time
Having got out of this mess
You still stir the pot
Will you never leave me alone?
Submitting me to all this pain
I only shot once
Image found at www.favim.com
The virgins grave
The island of Savai'i is part of the independent state of Samoa (formerly Western Samoa) in the south Pacific Ocean where there is an extensive lava field caused by a lava flow following a series of earthquakes beytween 1905-1911.
In those days the Samoan Islands were colonies (or dependencies) of Germany and the United States although a number of European nations traded there. Robert Louis Stevenson the renowned author "Kidnapped, Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde" amongst other writings took his extended family there thinking that it would be a good place to live as he suffered from tuberculosis eventually dying there in 1894.
When the lava flow resulting from the earthquakes had solidified it was discovered that in one devastated area near Saleaula that the lava had avoided but surrounded one grave of a young girl from the village. It is now a tourist attraction to walk on that same lava field probably quaking in your shoes to see it for yourself.
My wife and I visited the islands in 1985 and considered it to be one of the best holidays we ever had also visiting Robert Louis Stevenson's former home there on the more populated island of Upulu just a few kilometres from the capital Apia.
Vailima, just outside Apia on Upolu
Image 1 found at www.traveladventures.com
Image 2 found at https://en.wikipedia.org
I'm winding round a flagpole
Like a slippery snake
I'll bite those who touch me
Just for old times sake
I could be a kinder chap
If you would look at me
Just as Eve in the garden
Who through me could not see
So Adam ate the apple
It stuck right in his throat
Humans do make a mess
Even put me on the boat
Flagpoles are not your friends
For enemies they make
Many have no bread to eat
Yet others eat rich cake
This is of course a parody of how well humanity has coped since creation. Adam and Eve dissatisfied in Eden fared no better when free as even evil was taken with Noah on the ark in the form of the snake. That is my pattern of madness for you with a bit more thrown in for good measure as the snake recounts what has happened!
Image found at www.pinterest.com
In Australia the vast desert areas inland are called coloquilly "The Outback" which takes up much of the country with all the major settlements clinging to the coast line in states that were established separately as British colonies until they united into one country in 1901. This inland is sometimes called the dead centre although that is far from true as even the desert areas support a variety of wildlife with birds, marsupials, reptiles and insects who make this most inhospitable area home as water can be found particularly from the condensation on plants at night.
It is home too for many native Aboriginal tribes who developed separately and still use their unique languages who used to trade (or stole) items including women with each other to ensure that inbreeding did not take place. Another outback inhabitant is the camel who though not native to Australia was brouight over from India in the late 1800's together with local handlers known as Afghans. These were used as beasts of burden that could endure the harsh climate until proper roads and railways were built in the 20th century. Many camels still survive and roam free and at Alice Springs the town in the centre of the continent they still have a camel cup carnival where races are held just as in the Middle East.
Image 1 found at www.abc.net.au
Image 2 found at www.thefiscaltimes.com
I looked at you
You looked at me
Considreing
The grave consequences
Of this our love
With firm resolve
I said those words
Contemplating
The heated discussion
with your father
You smiled at me
And you said yes
Deliberating
What he'd say when he found
You're up the duff
Despite the stress
His jarring voice
And irritable look
He laughed it off with an
Infectious grin
Image found at www.cosmopolitan.com
Changes are happening
Sun now starts sinking
Autumn winds now whisper in my life
Then winter cuts with its sharp knife
Chilling me to the bone
Now that I'm all alone
Sweet was the springtime
Summer a heady wine
How glorious were those days of ours
As we whiled away those happy hours
The sun knows does she not?
That you'll never be forgot
Image found at www.hdwallpaper.com
I saw her first many years ago
With a basket on her arm
Collecting flowers so she said
But I was the one that she picked
Springtime when we were both young
With a grin on both our faces
She was flicking her blonde hair
And me trying to be so smart
Smite me down if I tell a lie
But before long we were writhing
In the straw around a haystack
Was she a champion kisser
Her dad caught us of course
In his guise as a concerned father
Said it was deplorable behaviour
With me shaking in my boots
Try to be a bit more discreet
He said with a grin on his face
Being a dyed in the wool country man
There was no fire in his voice
Been married now for thirty years
Watched my daughters like a hawk
But they all chose their own partners
Much like their Ma I suppose
Image found at www.hdw.eweb4.com/
Badass politics
Happy to encourage
Drilling the Great Australian Bight
For fossil fuel oil
Idiotic concept
In drilling the Earth's core
"With all necessary protection"
In a whale sanctuary
Then there's the fish stocks
Nurtured for years
Our valued King George Whiting
Strictly harvested
This murderous concept
May end the whales singing
And all controlled fishing here
Offering us disaster
Be spellbound by dolphins
These waters need protection
From such foolish whimsy
With our steely resolve
There is a proposal for oil companies to drill for oil in the Great Australian Bight which is a conservation area for Southern Right Whales as well as carefully controlled fishing grounds for Tuna and King George Whiting and many other species of fish, penguins, seals and sealions, sea grasses etc. We remember the Gulf of Mexico disaster of 2010.
Image 1 found at www.dailyadvertiser.com.au
Image 2 found at www.nofibs.com.au
They call me by my name
But they do not know me
They see me everyday
I chat with the barista
Katie the waitress
Gives me a wide grin
Ellen's dark eyes lower
As she takes my order
I call them by their names
Know nothing about them
There is one with tattoos
One is a single mum
The boss comes for a chat
Talks all about Italy
Politics and the past
Remembers my wife
I've finished the crossword
It's time for me to go
Goodbye Robin they say
See you tomorrow
Image fouind at www.timeout.com
I know you will say I shouldn't have but I went back to Ackender Wood last week.
Do you remember all those years ago when we were teenagers and I had a crush on you...well I thought I was in love with you.
At the weekends we used to go for long walks together holding hands and cuddling together with no-one else to see us among the trees.
The whisper of the pines and the scent of wild flowers is just the same and brought it all back; the way you smiled at me and me touching you so tenderly.
Just then I saw the tree under which we sat what seems a lifetime ago and I carved our initials in the bark inside a wobbly heart so that our love would be recorded for ever.
Well we have grown up and gone our separate ways and so has the tree as you can barely make out the inscription R x J but it is still there alright so thats OK.
Image found at www.genarrator.com
Marriage is like that
The softness of being loved
Not wanting to part
See them look your way
Remembering former days
Those twinkling eyes
Keeping a grave face
The the children misbehave
Instead of laughing
Needing to be firm
When making decisions
Never uncertain
Heated discussions
Then cuddling up together
All now forgiven
Then crying alone
In the now huge empty bed
After they have gone
Image found at www.pinterest.com
I want to thank you
For that look in your eyes
Meant just for me
For words you whisper
When we're snuggled up alone
So cosy and warm
The way you touch me
Gentle as a summer breeze
At the break of day
Then when gardening
You toil with just happiness
Flowers and you bloom
I hear you singing
Like a lark soaring skyward
Your sunshine is mine
When you hold my hand
We are but just one person
I love you for that
I want to thank you
For that look in your eyes
Meant just for me
Image found at www.serenadevi.wordpress.com
Rubbing the genie's lamp
I'm preparing my list
Long as the alphabet
Do I really want wealth
No, lets be serious
A kindest to neighbors
A hush to the bombing
Ending the world crying
Smooth jagged discontent
Sanitation for all
Proper homes for the poor
Now what am I missing?
Yes, cheese and chocolate
For those that crave it
Image found at www.pinterest.com
Now that I am here
I lean against oak tree
Listen to whispers
This is a wild world
The birds having a gossip
The stream tinkles on
A wild cry is heard
Furry creatures quarreling
Love will have its way
Snap of a branch
The undergrowth is stirring
With one shriek of pain
Old foes meet again
Territorial dispute
To talk it over
Perching now stock still
Owl's eyes follow me around
Old doubting Thomas
Looks me up and down
Checks my authenticity
To be there at night
Gets ready to tilt
Into his swooping attack mode
To drive me away
Brushes against my hat
A scream like a Banshee tells me
I am unwelcome
Image found at www.dailymail.co.uk
O Littlehampton
Seaside memories of youth
Long sandy beaches
Funfair and short pier
By the river Arun's flow
Ferry to West Beach
Putting greens and girls
Screaming at the waters edge
With me ogling on
Plenty of pubs there
Long queues of day trippers
Coach to take them home
Image found at www.stones-of-london.org
I climbed the mountains
I sailed the seas
I searched the forests
Yet none did they please
I spoke foreign tongues
And ate their foods
Their rivers I swam
But still my heart broods
Something still calls me
From far away
Just what it is
I just cannot say
But then I recalled
A seer once said
"Do travel the world
Your mind must be fed"
"Though far you may go
Remember this
Your heart will crave for
Your mothers first kiss"
Just what he had meant
I never knew
Until that one day
It came out of the blue
England's green pastures
Oak forests deep
My country of birth
Now caused me to weep
Image found at www.picssr.com
I laughed to myself as we
Hugged and kissed each other
In the dark dank passageway
It was not the only time
That we had taken the risk
They said it was forbidden
Her and me clinched together
Oh what a feeling that was
Families quite unaware
Luckily our paths at crossed
Our eyes met and that was that
An opportunity seized
Enabling us to meet for
A few moments of freedom
Secret trysts, stolen kisses
We were both only seven
This poem tells of two young kids meeting for a kiss after school and being only seven each line of the poem contains only seven syllables. (Later: Oops I have realized I used Clinch rather than Cinch...whatever! I prefer my word.)
Image found at www.pinterest.com
It was her bright eyes of course
Twinkling like the evening stars
That pierced me with passion's dart
That stole away my poor heart
Her voice like a sirens call
Whispering sweet love divine
Mists they rose and all was clear
Each word she spoke was so dear
Long ago she beckoned me
Beside her I now lay down
My head safe upon her breast
Cuddled in cared not for rest
But she's gone now from my side
So I must dream all alone
Whispering trees say not where
Mindless of my deep despair
Such is life's every bloom
That sadly fades as love cools
The heat that once drove us on
Tears like petals now have gone
Those days have now long past
How sweet my memories are
But oft I wake with a start
As I recall passion's dart
Image 1 found at www.pinterest.com
In the distant past
O to be a child again
(Not the milky stage!)
Changing shape each year
Never getting tired playing
Sunshine or in rain
Feet squishing mud
Knocking on Dad's pumpkin
Growing in garden
Streets almost empty
Seeing sheep fly in clouds
Finding a bird's nest
First ride in a car
Cutting myself with a penknife
Scratching name in bricks
Too busy to write
In diary when outside called
Coming home dirty
Hoping for a theme
That would suit boys not just girls
Writing an essay
Looking at sweet Sue
Who smiled at me in class
She had long blonde plaits
Wish I could go back
Remembering what shaped me
Before I grew up
Image found at www.skoolatoz.nsw.edu.au
Ink from a cuttlefish
Sting of a bee
Romance is over
Between you and me
Silence is mutable
Words are a threat
Sun's not shining
You've flown from the net
Sparkle has now all gone
Snow flakes they fall
Your threats not veiled
Grief now casts its pall
Tapestry woven
Precise you've schemed
Love's flown away
All's not what it seemed
This ignorant lover
Made such a mess
Lightness to dark
I'll miss your caress
Image found at www.style.over.net
