in memoriam

Declaration

Artillery guns wisp their deathsmoke
for the final time. A nation takes breath 
while politicians straddle the direction of wind;
promises of rebuilding and restoration.
 
Widows and unmet children linger in doorways,
ready for the turn of a key
as Spring submits to Summer. 

Open-mouthed forests swallow bodies into nameless graves, 
roots drenched in blood and slaughter 
from all sides. 

The fight against fascism continues.

Monsters dwell.

Photo by Galt Museum & Archives on Unsplash

If Men Were Gods

If the 200-yard walk while drinking tea was a sport
you would have been a world champion
I’ve never known a man since
who could time his brew from doorstep to doorstep
without spilling a drop
without breaking their mug
even better was your ability to puff a smoke
and stop for craic with folk you liked
between our streets

your soundtrack was eclectic
Elton to Abba
Hot Chocolate to Jimmy Nail
which I want to thank you for
because it rubbed off on me

I’ll always be envious of your moustache
because it made the smile on your face
all the more rich
but I don’t envy the shellsuits you liked
or some of the neon vests

Cantona once said
“I think I have a sense of mischief and that I can laugh at myself.”
he could’ve been quoting you
because your humour was only second
to your loyalty

You taught me so much
yet I’ve still got lots to learn
but I’ll do it with a glint in my eye
and a smile on my face
the way you would.

This poem is dedicated to my late, great Uncle Ray.

A Poem To Remember Her Majesty The Queen

The bells toll in your memory,
soft and enduring,
a portrait of your life,
and dedication to the kingdom;
your majesty, witnessed by all 
- when the weight of the crown 
was placed upon you,
as you carried our country,
from the shadow of war,
to the light of a new world. 

In the dark days,
you were there,
a pillar in our lives, 
picking up your people, 
when we were down,
with wise words and warm eyes,
the epitome of a true Queen. 

Throughout it all,
you showed courage, grace and decorum,
with a smile so bright, 
it coloured the dullest of spaces,
with a renowned wit and humour,
sharper than the swords,
you used to cut your cakes. 

Now your duty is complete,
and the burden you bravely held is lifted,
may your spirit soar,
Prince Philip is waiting,
for the next part of your journey. 

Rest In Peace Your Majesty.

*********

Like many, I was saddened at the loss of The Queen. A lady who took the weight of more than 15 nations on her shoulders at a young age, reigning over 70 years. She was a monarch and matriarch who served not only Britain and the Commonwealth but also the world. She resonated with so many as so many grew up with her presence; as my mam said, The Queen was like the nation’s Gran, a thought echoed by many. She will be missed.

Thanks for reading.