Often we wait, we hesitate,
We contemplate and ruminate,
Deliberate, procrastinate,
'Til it's too late.
'Til whereupon, not acted on,
Our chance has gone. Perhaps our one,
And only one, chance is forgone.
And life goes on....

To make the best of any mistake
The chance to learn one must not forsake;
No learning from a mistake to take
Is the worst mistake that one can make!

It is better to try and fail,
Better to give it your best shot,
Than it is to let fear prevail,
To scupper the chance you have got.
To be afraid is natural;
Fears are real let us not forget.
But what you should fear most of all
Is a whole lifetime of regret.

All those chances you did not take,
Opportunities slipped away,
Those changes you chose not to make
Because you let fear rule the day.
But you can change in the future,
Many chances will come your way.
And even if you are unsure
Feel the fear, Do it anyway!

Poetry by its very nature
Its immortality does secure.
For from the seed that one poem sows
Others take root, germinate and grow
To bloom as poetry of all kinds
From many fertile, creative minds.
Thus ensuring the art shall endure;
Shall flourish long in to the future.

Without taking our first breath
we would never learn to breathe
Without having our first taste
we would never learn to feed.
Without taking our first step
we would never learn to walk
Without saying our first word
we would never learn to talk.
Without making our first mistake
we would never learn to learn
Without having our first dream
we would never learn to yearn.  
Without feeling our first want
we would never learn to need
      Without taking our first chance
      We can never hope to succeed !
© Damian Murphy 2020

Should you be having a bad day
For one reason or another,
Do not make those around you pay...
Do not take it out on others!

I'm so proud to be the Father
of the lovely young lady
that you have turned out to be.
There's none other I would rather
for a daughter because you see;
You my love mean the world to me.

I cannot cry for I fear
That following my first tear
All the sadness felt before
Will see me cry ever more.
For if I let myself go
Years of tears will freely flow,
Once I shed that first tear drop
I may never, ever stop.

Life is not about brevity
Any more than longevity.
It is all about what you do
With the time that is granted you.

Life should be more than a journey
Between the cradle and the grave;
Life could be more an odyssey
Should one choose to live, to be brave!

The earth darkness grips
Behind the moon the sun slips
A solar eclipse.

I decided to throw a sickie,
I thought; What the hell?!
But I knew it would be tricky
convincing work I was not well.
I’m not the type to take the Mickey,
I’m normally as good as gold
And I was feeling a little bit dicky,
if the truth be told.
I just needed a day off or two
but had used all my holidays,
And I knew I would not be up to
doing very much anyways.

When I rang, I coughed and spluttered,
convincing as could be!
I won’t be in today I muttered,
ever so hoarsely.
I think I have an infection
but I’m not really sure,
My stomach keeps retching
and I have a temperature.
I have not slept since yesterday
with a pounding headache,
I think coming in to work today
would be a huge mistake!

“That is totally unacceptable”!
was the unexpected response,
“You will be in so much trouble
unless you come to work at once”!
“You had better come in this morning!”
“This is just not good enough!”
“Or I will give you a final warning,
and you can pack up your stuff”!
“If you do not come in today,
don’t ever bother coming back”!
“if you are not in work straightaway,
I will give you the sack”!

I was somewhat taken aback,
I could not believe my ears
To be threatened with the sack
after working hard for years!
I think I went into shock,
I was suddenly left reeling!
I was in an awful ****,
Twice as bad I was feeling!
I could not help but stress,
I could not believe it was true.
So I went to work under duress,
what else could I do?

I was not long at my work station
when spark out cold I went!
Causing great consternation,
It was a major incident!
And when it was discovered
what had actually gone on,
before I had even recovered
the manager responsible was gone!
Thank God I recovered fully
after some rest and recuperation
and was able to retire comfortably
on my substantial compensation!

For all managers, a lesson
When people ring in sick,
You should never go off on one!
There’s no point getting thick!
You may be the one they fire
Where would be the gain?
And the target of your ire
may never have to work again!
You need to tread more carefully
In this litigious age,
You need to have the ability
To control your rage!
You may have a job to do
Lots of boxes you must tick
But if this is why they fire you,
Would you not be Sick?!

At long last I am legally separated
I have been officially liberated
While I wish only the best for my ex wife
I am determined to be single the rest of my life
A wonderful feeling sweeps over me
With the realisation that I am now free
But why do I feel just a little bit scared?
Maybe I am not ready, just not prepared

Now the lads were great, said it would be fun being single
They took me out so many nights, encouraged me to mingle
But it was a different world, something I had ever known
How did I answer a girl who asked if I “was in the Zone”
They laughed in my face when I asked “Would you like to dance”?
I was so far out of date sure I did not stand a chance
I had no pick up lines, what was this “banter” about
In the end I made up excuses not to go out

It's been six months now, worse than I thought
I cannot find the happiness I have constantly sought
And if there is one thing I have grown to hate
It's friends surprising me with yet another blind date!
To be honest I did not have a hope
I am not good with women, I just cannot cope
Though I have seen some ladies I would have liked to ask out
My nerves go to hell and I chicken out!

I have to admit I do not like being alone
But I would rather try sorting it out on my own
And though I know that my friends only mean well
Some of their blind dates were straight from hell!
Many of them I was pleased to send on their way
Just hoping the dog warden was not working that day
I will not use the word ugly, it is quite unkind
But now I know why they say “Love is blind”!

So I tried out the “Singles Club” scene
But got more depressed than I have ever been
There was so much pretence; the whole thing was a sham
I have never seen so much mutton dressed as lamb!
So I decided to give the dating agencies a try
And only found out how much people lie!
Then I thought I would have a go at Internet dating
But my lack of computer skills made it too frustrating
So I thought I might purchase a mail order bride
And I must admit the few I tried
Would have been happy to marry me, Yet;
I could not do it, they seemed so desperate!

I wondered what I was stressing myself out for
And resigned myself to the life of a bachelor
though when I'd see couples holding hands and kissing
I began to think that there was something I was missing
But then I met a woman one day on the bus
And something clicked between the two of us
We have being going out now for almost a year
And I am sure that is wedding bells I hear!!

is it true
That those times
We least want to
Are those same times
We most need to?

On reflection I am very well off indeed
There are many worse off no doubt.
In truth I have everything I might need,
What I want, I can live without.

It's not that I'm rich or have material wealth;
These things matter little really.
I have enough to get by and am in good health
And have great friends and family.

For too long these things I did not appreciate;
Forgot what was of true value.
Thankfully I realised before it was too late,
And am richer for it, it's true.

Those to whom lies come easily
Should not be trusted, verily!
Though they may mean no harm, forsooth!
Why then can they not tell the truth?

Who amongst us is not
Shaped by our past some way?
Much of it best forgot,
Mistakes made on the way.
Though it taught us a lot
It's important to say:
What we were matters not,
But what we are today.

You shall never succeed unless
To all you do you give your best;
To have any hope of success
You must give it your all...no less!

Who fails to learn from past mistakes
Hope for future success forsakes

There was a man who wrote poetry,
There were none more prolific than he.
And all that he wished
Was to be published
But alas it was never to be!

In clutching at straws,
Not giving up a lost cause...
Hope Springs Eternal.

There are many types of intelligence
It can be measured in so many ways
But I do not care what anyone says
The most important must be common sense.

Life may knock me down yet
Keep me down it cannot!
Up I shall always get
For give up I will not!

As stars the night sky illuminate,
Poetry does the darkness abate.

Some write for a hobby just,
Me? I write because I must.
Writing to me is a need
As to life the need to breathe.

Despite all you meant to me
We were just not meant to be;
My priority was you
But I was not yours I knew...

You only live once,
That is a given.
Why would you think twice?
Get Up! Start Living!

If an afterlife there should be then...
Bury me with a notebook and pen

I have noticed that during any argument
A woman’s language is completely different
What is said is not always what is meant
You should ignore this to your detriment!
If during a discussion she lets out a long sigh
You should know better than to even try
Looking for an explanation as to why
Unless of course you really want to die

The sigh should indicate she is quite exasperated,
does not appreciate you being quite so opinionated
That you could be so stupid is making her frustrated
and if you carry on this way you are going to be berated.
The sigh may also indicate she does not want to argue
That she could not be bothered fighting with you
Stopping right there would be the best thing to do
But most men keep on digging because they have not got a clue

The alarm bells should start to ring
If she should say “IT IS NOTHING”!
Know that it is indeed something
And not just any little thing!
You would be wise never to forget
though she may insist “I AM NOT UPSET”
She is actually seething, you can bet
and you will be paying for this for a long time yet.

You should know you have crossed the line,
You need to know that she is lyin’
If she tells you that she is “FINE”!
Because you have just stepped on a landmine!
Please be warned that she just may
Simply tell you that “IT’S OK”
This only means you are going to pay
For the error of your ways someday!

You would be completely off your head,
You would probably need to be brain dead
To take her literally if she said:
“THAT IS FINE, GO AHEAD”
Do not be fooled into thinking it is true
When she tells you “IT IS UP TO YOU”
She is just daring you to follow through
knowing she objects, it’s the worst thing you could do!

And if she should say “THANKS A LOT”
Do not think you have hit the Jackpot
Because you most certainly have not
You will pay for this, not a little but a lot!
If she should say “THAT IS JUST FANTASTIC”!
Do not start thinking you are right or anything so drastic
She is actually telling you that you make her sick
She may feel she is losing and is only being sarcastic.

The last word you want to hear is “WHATEVER”
Do not start thinking that you are oh so clever
It means she will remember this argument forever
And feel free to throw it back in your face, whenever
Do not feel you have won if she tells you “YOU ARE RIGHT”
It is extremely unlikely but you never know, she might
She is only telling you that she is fed up of this fight
But rest assured you will pay for this, for many a night.

If she is desperate she may just turn on the tears
A tactic employed by the fairer *** for years
very successfully too, because it appears
this is one of each and every mans greatest fears.
If she gives you the Silent Treatment, just let it be
Buying chocolates and flowers only tells her you feel guilty
You are admitting that you’re wrong is all that she will see
And that is the way things will continue for all eternity.

So you cannot say that you have not been warned
that Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned
Though we come from different planets from one another
It seems we cannot live with, or without, each other
And it’s healthy to argue when alls said and done
When making up afterwards can be such great fun.
Despite our differences we should all thank the man above
For the fact that we’re loved and have someone to love.

It took me many years to see the light,
To realise that I was born to write.
From the first time I put pen to paper
I knew there was nothing I loved greater.
I write for myself, to fulfil a need,
Words that I know others may never read.
Though for no greater joy could I have wished
Than that which I felt when I was published.

Your dreams will not come true
Though dream all day you may,
But if work hard you do
They may come true one day.

Who doubts they are as smart
as they really are
Are amongst the most intellegent
By far.
For they will never be as arrogant
as some
Who think they know it all, which is just
Plain dumb!

As leaves are to the tree
Poetry is to me

Sitting there homeless on the street
Staring at all the passing feet
You gave me time out of your day
While many choose to look away.
As many, heads bowed, rushed on by
You stopped and looked me in the eye
Offering your hand without fear
Where most won't come anywhere near.
We spoke for a while which was nice
Reminding me I had a voice
You wanted to know how I fared
I knew you genuinely cared
You gave me help, a coin or two
For that I will always thank you.
And then alas you had to go
But there is something you should know;
What you did while talking to me
Was help restore my dignity,
Making me feel I have value,
And though homeless I matter too.

Often I have a dream
That leaves me full of fear,
For in said dream I scream
But nobody can hear.

Athough in my worst dreams,
The stuff of my nightmares,
Others can hear my screams
But not one of them cares.

A heartfelt thanks to all going
To work on the front line knowing
You are stepping into harms way,
Risking your lives every day
In caring for, and comforting
All those in pain and suffering.
For the fantastic job you do,
Stepping up when we needed you,
For the sacrifices you make
And the daily risks you take,
The country should never forget
We are forever in your debt.
You are true heroes all of you
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you…….

Do not we all have moments of self doubt,
Not fear that one day we shall be found out?
Do not all have crises of confidence,
Times of uncertainty experience?

Are they such a bad thing, these fears and doubts
Providing one does not let them win out?
What one should fear though is that confidence
Without doubt could soon become arrogance!

When all goes to hell
I retreat into my shell;
Human Crustacean?

To be a success
Takes nothing more, nothing less
Than all you can give!

At last they are away off on holiday
We thought the day would never come
A free gaff for two weeks, Hip Hip Hooray
We are going to party and then some!!

Two weeks with no rules or regulations
Gone are the mind-numbing routines
Let the party begin, bring on the celebrations
Let’s live it up like proper teens!

There was a sermon about responsibility
But was anyone listening at all?
As for all that talk about maturity;
One might as well talk to the wall!

We can have our friends over for parties
Oh we are going to have mighty craic
Yes, we can do just as we please
At least until those two come back.

No more checking over our shoulder
To see who’s in and who’s out
Yes we can be just that little bit bolder
Knowing they are not lurking about

We can get up whenever we choose
Eat at any old time of the day
Maybe overdo it a bit on the *****
They cannot wreck our heads the next day

It will be two weeks of take-aways
No more being forced to eat healthily
We can have friends over for overnight stays
Ah God bless freedom and liberty

We can forget about washing and ironing
They are always are on our backs
Thank God to be free of constant nagging
We can chill out, really relax.

For there is always something they want done
Keeping up with their demands is tough
It’s never ending, it’s not much fun
It seems we can never do enough

But now for two weeks all that will desist
Absolutely nothing will be done
And though they left a “To Do” list
They have two chances; “Slim and None”

Two weeks without judgement and criticism
About everything we do and say
Two weeks of pure hedonism
Doing just what we want every day.

But all good things must come to an end
And though we really love them dearly
Their two weeks holidays will soon end
and our kids will have to come home, clearly!

Women use the “Silent Treatment” as a strategy
When men transgress, no matter how trivial it might be
The following is an example, a scenario
Typical of how these situations go.
          
What have I said?
What have I done!
Don’t wreck my head,
Tell me please hon.
          
Was it that bad?
How could it be?
You will drive me mad
If you don’t speak to me!!
          
Was I so wrong?
What did I say?
This is going on too long
Is this it for the day?
          
It’s like a bad dream
This cant be right
Why don’t you scream
If you want to fight?
          
Are you so sick?
Or are you insane?
Does it give you a kick
To see me in pain?
          
I’m losing my patience
I’m not getting through
Would you please see some sense
And tell me WHAT DID I DO???
            
This is getting us nowhere
Can you stop messing around
You are just not playing fair
With this picture without sound
            
Right I’ve had enough
I’m not taking this anymore
You’re not speaking? TOUGH
I’m walking out that door.

Well I really don’t know
I’m away on the beer
Unless you can show
That you want me here

God! Did you speak?
******* down dead
Your voice was so weak
What was it you said?
                              
Why are you glaring?
Are you out of your tree?
Why are you staring
Like you could **** me?
                              
Have you nothing to say?
Why do you shake?
Do you want me to stay
Or was it my mistake?
                            
Right! I’m away out!
This is a joke.
You should spit it out
Before you choke
                            
Did you say don’t go?
Speak again fast
Are you in there Hello!
Time is getting past.
                          
Oh no! Not a tear!
Baby please don’t.
You don’t have to fear
I won’t go so I won’t!
                        
Is that all it was?
Oh It’s ok honey
I’m only laughing because
You must see it’s funny.
                      
You don’t have to cry
You don’t have to worry
Though I’m still not sure why
I am really sorry.

Even a full moon
Majestic, Proud
Can be all consumed
By a dark cloud....

Home may be where the heart is tho'
'Tis in the garden where souls grow

Much harder than your own pain to bear
Is the pain of one for whom you care,
Their pain for yourself you would welcome
If it would ease their suffering some.

Once I had a dream
Which I made come true...
If I can do it
Well then, So can you!

Knowing what one wants not
Is just as important
As knowing what one wants;
Perhaps more important?

More can be read into change easily,
Then change becomes a CHAlleNGE for many;

Change could spell less of a challenge maybe
If only change could be spelled out clearly?

These are our sisters, mothers, wives,
And all of Irelands daughters lives
Being put at risk so needlessly,
Devalued oh so callously!

The truth is, there’s no denying,
Women have died with more dying
Who could have been saved possibly
If there had been more honesty?

When the problem first came to light
That some test results were not right
The first thing that should have been done
Was to inform everyone.

Alas, all those in power chose
The facts, the truth not to disclose
To women who in tests had faith  
‘Til for many it was too late

How can it have become the norm
To coldly choose not to inform
Women when smears are positive,
To give them the best chance to live?

The facts cannot be argued yet,
Though facing needless early death,
They force them down the legal route
Rather than own up to the truth.

How can there be any defence
When the truth is the difference
For many between life and death?
What justice can they hope to get?

Why add to their pain, suffering,
Why not now just do the right thing
By these women failed so badly?
Though for some ‘tis too late sadly.

The choice to cover up and lie
Knowing many women could die
While in no way done in our name
Is to Irelands eternal shame.

The politicians promise change,
The Health System to rearrange
Forgetting they have been remiss
As they presided over this.

What use to grieving families
Platitudes and apologies?
No change can justify the cost
Of mothers, sisters, daughters lost.

It is the first day of Spring
Such a wonderful thing
A time for rejoicing
Definitely!
A new year in the making
now that winter is breaking
The whole world is awaking,
Thankfully.
The long winter is ending
Daylight hours are extending
Good weather is pending,
Hopefully.
Longer days so empowering
Plants that spent the winter cowering
Begin budding and flowering,
Abundantly.
After months hibernating
It’s time for procreating
Many creatures start mating,
Joyfully.
The whole world is reviving
Mother Nature is thriving
Offspring start arriving,
Happily.
Birds that spent winter sojourning
In the sun start returning
As the weather begins turning,
Eventually.
And such a wonderful thing
to hear the birds begin to sing
in the bright early morning,
Cheerfully.
Everything begins growing
New life begins showing
Bright new colours glowing,
Eagerly.
People get to wondering
what the new year will bring
Hoping, wishing, praying,
Earnestly.

Look at what you did
Said the Ego to the Id,
Have you no Conscience?