Liam's Poetry Page

  Turning the big 4-0!   Well, Holy shit, Batman! It has finally come to pass. The last few days of my 30’s have caught up with me so fast. It only feels like yesterday, I ate the candles off my cake! But that was many moons ago, of that there’s no mistake!   Our wedding day in ’04 – one of the best days of my life. That day my best friend Mag Mannix became my gorgeous wife! Since then life’s been great to us, the years have made us wise, and God has bestowed onto us 4 wonderful happy boys!   Stevie is our firstborn, an amazing gentle soul. A fantastic help to Mom and Dad, he loves that ‘eldest’ role. A soccer mad 6 th class boy, who towers over me already! The focus now on secondary school, we know that he is ready!   Donncha is an out and out rogue, sure the whole world’s mad about him. A rugby nut of 8 years old, a basketball star for certain! A charmer of the highest order; that smile will truly break hearts. If they ca...

  Oh, Ballybunion! It’s a fabulous day, oh what shall we do? Time for a spin and hit the road with my crew! A full tank of Diesel and no destination, A family day out beats any Playstation! Out the gate we go left, somewhere different today. Destination unknown, but far, far away! “Where are we going, Daddy? – the cry from our son. “Wait and see lads!”, our journey’s barely begun!   We head for Tralee but I yearn to go North. To a place up the county that’s close to my heart! For I want to go somewhere that meant so much, to me as a child and my heart it will touch! Ballybunion for me is a place that I love. Fond memories from childhood, times oft dreamt of. My Grandad and I used to go there by bus. No one else to bug us, just the two of us.   I used to love the park overlooking the Castle. Playing in the swings without ever a hassle. To see my own boys playing in that sacred place, brings a joyful smile to this weather-be...

    For Chester... They say a star that shines the brightest, does so for half as long. You blazed a trail across the sky, your heart in every song. The voice of a generation, angelic some would say. But your demons all but won the fight, a year ago today. Your music was so powerful, your lyrics always told a tale. You poured your soul into every song, a broken heart for sale. I never got to see you live, yet I had hoped to in time. I share your music with my sons, and we rock to every line! So, RIP dear Chester, your music shall always live on. Your story now immortalized, within every single song. We can never know the struggles faced, behind closed doors. We must support one another, and learn to listen more!   LM -  20 th of July, 2018

A Lakeshore Walk Waters lapping by the lake shore so gently, A robin observing from an upturned tree. An old boat, whose cargo now only old leaves, Sits overlooking its waters and what used to be. Birds bobbing along on small little waves, a young deer  stops grazing, only to stare. The Castle, imposing under this dark, grey sky. High trees wavering, let out a deep groaning sigh. The limekiln is battered by the strong lakeside wind, Far away islands seem lifeless, bar the birds which sing. Purple Moun tain above Tomies, Its head in the clouds.  What a wonderous terrain we can wander around! A freshly laid path, slowly leads the way. Towards that Cathedral Spire, I must find my way. Wild Killarney, I love you – Don’t ever you change! Beyond the days of  my grandchildren, please stay the same! LM - January 2017

  Praecognitio:   At home one morning – chilling, sitting at my kitchen table. A cup of tea with stone cold toast, feeling fit and able. A cat passes by the kitchen door, a robin perched on a swing. Save for the sound of a ticking clock, I couldn’t hear a thing. The peace and quiet was shattered, a key opens the front door. The sound of a child bursting in, life buzzing from every pore. The young face was familiar, but I didn’t know what to say. Their daddy looked like Stevie, though aged 40 if a day. “Ganda”, the little princess shouts and runs to me with smiles. I’m at a loss as to what is going on, I’ll play along for a while! And Mommy with a newborn babe asks me how I am. Did I take my tablets? How are my shaking hands? I look down to see those hands, a map of veins and liver spots. What the hell has happened to me, have I finally lost the plot?  I realize that I’m an old man, 30 years gone in a flash. My heart sinks for my loved ones, of whom I...

  Jack Ryan’s   The end of an era in Abbeyfeale, a true landmark closes its doors. The time has come to say goodbye to a place that’s given us more.  More than mere nights out, a proper ‘local’ as long as I’ve known.  Jack Ryan’s has been my favourite haunt, no matter where I’ve roamed!   I remember going in there, for a first pint with some old friends. A pub of many along the street - ‘Pat Macs’ we called it back then.  A pint of black, your only man, the best pint that you could get. Then down to Little Nero’s, on Kebabs the change was spent!   Jack himself took over the bar, just over 20 years ago. Many’s a night I spent down there with my dear old Uncle Joe. Joe had his spot down by the bar, vacating only for a smoke. A one-liner and a chat for all, he really was a charming bloke.   I remember Mag and the girls aiming to drink the top shelf dry.  Until a knock came to the door, you could hear the collective sigh...

Oh, little Butterfly: Fly away, oh little butterfly. Flutter away along the breeze. Go on away from peering eyes, Seek shelter in the trees. Menaces are all around, Solely hell-bent on harm. You must stay safe and sound, Nestled safely in green arms. Alas, wind eases, fly again! Soar! Up to the warming sun. Away from evil and it’s kin. Fly ‘till the darkness comes. Don’t look back, pray listen here! You’ve waited for this day. They cannot hurt you, have no fear. Wings of blue, just float away.

  The Old Man: Standing in the isle one day, time was passing ever so slow! Jeez can we ever hurry on, don’t we have somewhere to go? My eyes traced along the meat counter, little dull displays of red. Shopping is such a chore, I’d rather be at home instead! My attention was captured by a basket - silver, bare and light. A banana and a sandwich there, my concentration lost its fight. A man of many, many moons ordered three slices of ham. My mind began to wander, what’s the story with this old man? Do you have a hand to hold when the nights are dark and cold? Do you have someone who asks ‘Will you still love me when I’m old?’ Do you set just one place with a solitary fork and knife? Have you ever experienced the love of a wonderful wife? I jolted back to reality - awoken by the cleavers slam. And almost lost my good ankle to a woman with her pram! A little voice beside her called out for one and all to hear: ‘Grandad, please hurry on let’s go get some ice cream!’ The old man turned ...

  Stevie:   Where have all the years gone to? A man I see before me! Time’s going by far too fast, where is my little boy Stevie? Another summer draws to a close, the schools are back again. My boy stands waiting for his bus, a dark figure in the rain.   But only yesterday we brought you home, that first time through the door.  A dream baby and little boy, who could ever wish for more?  You loved the Crèche and making friends, Bob the Builder and the toys Your first day at big school - too cute, you smiled but made us cry!    School plays and fun with your friends, never once I heard you complain. The most chilled out little boy, funny how some things never change! The best big brother you have become, a rock to us and the boys.  ‘Mr Dependable’ too for Grandad Pa, this I say with pride!    You have your work as well as school, you’re always on the go.  To see you head to work, clean-shaven, really ...

Will you be my friend, Daddy?   ‘Will you be my friend, Daddy?’ My boy Ronan asked today. ‘Of course I will, my little man!’ Was all that I could say.  With that he held on to my hand, as we both walked up the hall.  Paw Patrol or Blippi the viewing choice of one so small!    He played his first ‘match’ yesterday, my heart just burst with pride.  He loves going up to rugby with me and next thing he’s gone from my side.  He has made new friends and is just stone mad about all of his coaches.  ‘Go forward and pass the ball backwards’ the mantra springs from many voices!   For a boy just of four and a half, he really melts my heart. A sweet or crisp without hesitation, he would gladly part. Always smiling, giggling, having fun or playing with our puppy. A pure character, the baby of the house, to love him we are so lucky.   But time is going a little too fast, I want it to slow down. I may smile and have ...

  A wander back in time: I awaken to a familiar sound, one from the depths of my youth. But how can I hear those old bells, that old convent is gone, that’s the truth! Hang on just a minute, where am I? Where is this place at all? What’s with the decor? Dated 80’s style. Last night, did I take a fall?   I go to the window and to my shock and surprise, a sight I know before me. Isn’t that the Fire Station as it used to be, when I was a kid in the 80’s? What’s going on? My mind is racing! I can’t make any sense of these things. One heck of a dream maybe? It feels so real, let’s see what a wander may bring.   I go down stairs and walk through the shop, “Well, God arose and appeared to many!” “Fine for some” says he. I smile but I’m rattled, that voice really is uncanny. I know that face and the smell of this chemists, how am I at Johnny Harnett’s? I bolt through the door, out into the street, how did I get myself into this fine mess?   I wonder what would happen if I cr...