Darkness is to day as dawn is to night
As hobgoblins roam to give you a fright
I recall the days as child in my bed
As curtains were drawn that feeling of dread
Made worse by brother who set fire to fuel
Of telling stories of ogres so cruel
I'd sleep okay but end up dreaming
Of witches and wolves and wake up screaming
Mother came in to see me filled with dread
Only to find that I had wet my bed
So change clothes, change bed, oh what a to do!
I got back to sleep then brother shouted "Boo!"
By luck parents heard every word said
So next day Dad cleared spare room for my bed
From that day on I never wet myself
Even put my books on very own shelf
How sweet now my dreams as the younger son
Fairies and pixies play in the bright sun
Paddling in the stream of the dark wood
Living a joyous childhood as I should
Why do these long gone times now flood my brain?
Those halcyon days playing in the rain
How thankful I was the boy that roamed far
Despite my Britain was then deep in war
How versatile us children really were
Planes, bombs and losing uncles we held dear
School was good but then how much more we learnt
By seeing buildings bombed, destroyed and burnt
Image found at https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/517632550911750689/
This poem about WW2 is based on my early life at that time but is completely mixed up so that it cannot be said to be true. It merely gives the feel of war to a five year old child. Many children then were bed wetters because they were aware and frightened. Luckily I was not so troubled being younger when the war started so everything to me seemed normal!
I walked in the garden at twilight
The dogs raced around playing a game
My wife furious with anger indoors
As I'd winked at a girl I'll not name
Looking up birds flew home at twilight
Theirs wings out of sync with each other
As the dogs now came to check me out
Me being out there was a bother
My wife was preparing the table
Both the dogs rushed in though they'd been fed
Labradors hunger never ceases
Sniffed around then settled in their beds
How I yearn for those halcyon days
When at dusk she drew the curtains to
That palace of ours which was our home
Many things bring back that deja vu
I went up to her and hugged her tight
She looked up and lay her head on me
Such little things drive a woman mad
Words husky from crying I could see
Image found at www.blossom-organics.com/positive-relationships/to-get-in-the-mood-hold-your-partner-tight/
As a boy at school
Bore sarcastic percussion
From my Latin teacher
'Twas Taffy Jenkins
"What would your Mum think of you?"
Still drums in my brain
As those years rolled on
His admonishments grew cruel
"You are less than dust"
So he translated
"Beneath my chariot wheels"
So the whole class laughed
Later I left school
And without Latin to help
I am what I am
I had a great job
Then came to Australia
A successful life
Think Mum was quite proud
But I cannot tell him that
As he is long gone
Image found at https://www.mylondon.news/lifestyle/lifestyle-opinion/note-self-old-school-classroom-6727115
I've seen the look on their faces
I have seen it in many places
The sea birds shake their heads at me
When I take a walk down by the sea
Recently there's been strange looks too
Then my cat Bess whispered a clue
Stop being so foolish human
or you'll sit with the ferryman
You are causing the Earth's demise
Most of what you do is unwise
You trash the oceans and the fish
Burn the forests and demolish
Vast swathes of land that give you life
Dear animals fear gun and knife
Just so some mad millionaire
Can show stuffed animals with flair
Soon the Earth will be a desert
Is what you want just barren dirt?
With children crying without food
And only you in a joyful mood
For the best way to tend this Earth
Is love and care for all we're worth
I want to hear the lions roar
And birds in trees; nest, sing and soar
Image found at https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1970.283.1/
Note: The ferryman rowed the dead to Hades in Greek mythology
The beauty of being a poet
Although you don't really know it
That by writing your words in rhyme
You'll be remembered past your time
As readers will see what you've seen
Even though it's been all a dream
When they read your words from the start
And may then feel your beating heart
There'll be birds soaring in the trees
And scent of flowers on the breeze
There will be good times and the bad
They'll be laughing when they'll be sad
Most of all there will be that time
When their tears will fall at your rhyme
You've made them feel just as you do
They'll say "Wish I was a poet too"
Image found at https://pixabay.com/en/in-love-thinking-poetry-poet-652485/
I look to the distant sea
Love the shingle on the beach
Sound of waves on pebbles
Sea moans as it breaks in surf
Hear seagulls calls of despair
As they circle in the air
You once placed your hands in mine
I felt your warmth in this place
But you've gone from this wild world
Leaving me alone missing you
Walking miles through the pine trees
Sobbing, coming to my knees
Do I repent loving you?
Love is precious won or lost
Theres a trace of you in my heart
That will not leave evermore
I feel your eyes that follow me
Wait; I'll wait eternally
Image found at https://pixabay.com/en/beach-sun-summer-sunset-816578/
The candles have extinguished
Gone the way of waving flames
Darkness fills my living room
And my heart with dismal gloom
Your note's shredded on the floor
Got the message you have gone
Shadows of the night take hold
It's time for rats to be bold
Men are such foolish lovers
Blind to most important things
You've crossed my name off your slate
Will no longer be my mate
I search the torn letter's text
To find just one word of hope
Thought we stick just like glue
You were a peach, how I loved you
The candles now extinguished
Gone the way of waving flames
Darkness fills my living room
And my heart with dismal gloom
Image found at https://themighty.com/2016/11/how-to-love-a-guy-with-anxiety/
