I Have Seen Both Sides of Life
Another of my reflective poems, as I look back on life, more serious than “Once Upon a Time in Ballinasloe“: more along …
Village of the Three Generals
St Johnstown, or Ballinalee From where the three generals hail Monroe, Wilson and McEoin Two Scotsmen, one of the Gael. All men …
Sons of Cain Are Told by the Mark
The “Out of Africa” theory is generally accepted by science today, but how did we become white if everyone originally was black? …
The New Politics – much like the old politics – Getting blocked on Facebook by Ken Smollen – Blog
The homeless crisis is the issue of the day, with occupations in Dublin, and all sorts of groups offering all sorts of …
Let Death Not Sneak In Our Door
In the days gone by during the War On the family farm in old Lislea My mother but a child she was …
Smyth Sisters of Grousehall
This poem is a telling of our family history in verse, and how the differing fates of the descendants of two sisters …
Once Upon A Time in Ballinasloe
Once upon a time in Ballinasloe Bollick naked our hero was seen Lying in a mess of his own making Bawling relentless …
Staring Down Forty
“Forty years from now, there wont be a word about us” ~ John Carty (dad) It is but three hours from now …
The Homeless Are Not Just For Christmas
The homeless are not just for Christmas. We need to sort more hostels and housing and services to prevent it in the …
He Bore Witness To The World
Bears witness through written word, Records it line by line: The song of the earth: its painful cry, Behind smiling face that …
The Land Between Two Rivers
The land between where two rivers flow Wonders if ever peace again it will know Forgotten are the glories of long ago …
Anger of the Water Carriers
“I grew up when we had to carry water. We know the value of water” ~ Longford Fine Gael activist Before school …
Some Man
“Your some man” ~ Joe “Your some man!”, that was his phrase A catch all that could mean anything: Be it that …
Our Never Had Romance
(Song – Music: Guillherme Schroeter – Lyrics: Tomás Ó Cárthaigh) I held her hand Just for one dance It was our very …
Willie Rimes Applies to Be Santa Claus
Santa is real, as well known by all girls and boys Comes every Christmas to good children and give to them their …
Elegy for Fidel Castro
Condemn me. It does not matter. History will absolve me. ~ Fidel Castro Source M.I.A. If not by man, who so often …
Best Move for Wrong Reasons
The markets are nervous of what will happen when Brexit, maybe Irexit worries the financial men Who amble and gamble and even …
That Most Important Prayer
That most important prayer: That most forget to say – That is said by folk of all faiths At any time of …
Cutting the Yarrow
A Halloween Game – as detailed here on the Irish Folklore Commission – in North Longford was called “Cutting the Yarrow“ Eleven …
And That Morning Too Came
And that morning too came Common sense said it could Every fool and bigot has a vote They use it, unlike us …