We ride the waves Giddy with excitement. Eyes on the horizon, Seeking craggy rocks. They rise from the deep, Weeping in their isolation, Giving respite to travellers And nomads of the sea. White feathered sanctuary, Calls carried on the wind. Out of the blue they appear As from another realm - Gannets sleek and strong, Skimming the waves in full flight, Noble masters of the sea. Dolphins bring delight. Monks once followed in their wake Guided by an inner light, Seeking solace in Christ’s name On rock as black and dark as night. Place of grace Guarded by the Archangel. The climb is steep. With steps mindful and slow We reach the top of the outcrop. Relics of the past, Rocks shaped by mystic hands. Sacred site hiding mysteries. Sunshine floods our day, Lighting the beauty of this place, Lifting our hearts. Grateful for friendship As from these shores we sail.
The Thread
There’s a thread you follow. It goes among things that change. But it doesn’t change. People wonder about what you are pursuing. You have to explain about the thread. But it is hard for others to see. While you hold it you can’t get lost. Tragedies happen; people get hurt or die; and you suffer and get old. Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding. You don’t ever let go of the thread. - William Stafford.
The Secret
A spark of light Entered the fusion of my being And there was I, perfectly clothed In a mantle designed for matter. A source from beyond With a mission To regain my fullness through perception. Filled with light and love With wisdom and potential. But in my struggle to survive The elements of earth and time, My heart and mind and limbs Concealed the truth within. Concerned with the inessentials, Proud of the inconsequential Leaps and bounds, Disguised in my achievement. My paradise became a fool’s. Laughter turned to tears. Joy became a sorrow Until I found Through the wisdom of the ages That spark of hope The sacred secret deep inside.
Memory Of My Father
You were always there no matter what – standing by me. Feet planted firmly on the ground. Strong, ever present, tender and kind. Full of the joy of being and doing. Your gift of giving was total, And your totality touched me And the hearts and lives of many. Nothing was too much, No one was let down Or ever left short by you – no half measures. Secure within your arms My life unfolded. You painted my past, Pictured my future, And through all the years, In laughter and love Joy and pain, We shared the gift of a lifetime.
Re-Born
In silence he speaks No words A fusion of being I am He is That is the reality. He touches deep Not a feeling But a knowledge Knowing it has happened A realization The dawning light. He waits I approach He responds He in me responds The moment of re-birth.
In Search
What have I lost? What have I gained? What more has life to bring? What have I found? What have I missed? What lies in store for me? Full measure overflowing? A cup of bitter wine? Be it as it was meant to be From the moment of light. For I was made to lose and gain, To search and find. To grow until mortality Becomes divine.
For Mike
Twenty-two years – Loss of not knowing you. Love at first sight. First dance by chance. And even though the glance Becomes routine My life is lived in being with you. Two worlds, two lives as one Combine and compensate. Soft eyes have Captured my heart, Coloured my dreams, Calmed my fears, Guided my way, Gilded your love. Husband, Father and Son Defined as one So precious in my eyes.
New President
First citizen of our land Historic land, Land of the Celts, Island of saints and scholars. Invaded land, Liberated land, Divided nation. Land of the young and Hope of the future. First citizen of our land – Cherish our pride, Our heritage and Our emerging destiny in your hands. We, the people, have seen fit To exalt you. Now, inspire and inspirit This restless and romantic nation. Bring your office to bear upon events Bring your person to the people. Embody the enshrined ideals So dearly paid for. Go forth and be the face of Ireland Among the nations of the earth. Take our seal as President and First citizen of our land.
Birthday Boy
I’m sure this man Has long outgrown the boy. And yet sometimes The eyes and smile betray The shy and tender Child of prey. Today another thirty something And looking back You well must know Where strife and rife were born. The years like short Autumnal days sweep by And rustic trees Now raped of leaves Our souls imply. Something or maybe thirty something Still to go – who knows? But sometime on some Sunny afternoon Take time to hold that little boy And underneath the falling leaves Go gently wipe the tears away And tell him of the buds of May. Remember in the darkest night The flickering candle casts a light And worries waxed upon the brow May melt and disappear As birthday greetings come to cheer.
Atlanta Games
Atlanta Games are calling you, Come, take your place among the brave And make your mark upon the world And set for us a noble stage Where body, mind and soul engage To leap beyond the highest bounds. The sweat, the tears, the pain, the fears The dreams of past and future years Emerge as one whose channelled flow May lead you to that golden glow. And even if the gleaming fades. Worries bound and heart sinks low, Tis those who dare will always win And stand upon their pedestal.