Here at FMF, you will find my latest, uncut creations fresh off the fire-hot grill of my mind. These are poems that were compiled earlier in the week but which have not yet been workshopped/refined. I hope they will give you some idea of what goes on in the mind of a poet (or at least this poet) who is attempting to create a piece of art from the ether of artistic creation.
For Danny
“Oh, Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling from glen to glen, and down the mountain side.”
Danny, Danny, Danny—where to begin?
Which nugget of life advice is most important?
I reckon, my sweet boy, I shall begin with this—
be a man when others are acting as children.
Be brave, bold, broad-shouldered.
Be strong of spirit, body and mind.
Have faith, my sweet boy, in God above
and the power of love.
Take time to stoop and lift the snail from
your path just as you do today.
Take time to say “Good morning, Crow!”
“Good morning, Squirrel!” just as you do today.
Take time for prayer—prayers of gratitude,
guidance and the healing of friends.
Be on the watch—there will be chances for you.
Take them.
Be fearless in your fighting of fear.
Find a good woman and honor her.
Be humble.
Nobody loves a braggart.
Be a loyal husband, father and friend.
Steer clear of the whiskey, my boy.
It will lead you down some dark
and dirty alleyways. It is a dead end.
Trust your inner compass. It is true.
When it whispers to you, take time to listen.
Beware of envy. It is poison to the soul.
Beware of apathy. It is the beginning of the end.
Avoid a life of leisure. Yes, I know the world
will tell you it is the end goal of all good humans.
Don’t you believe it. Toil, struggle, the overcoming—
that is what matters most in life.
Do not shy away from it.
Embrace it.
Daniel, you are my greatest achievement.
You are the last flicker of light in this fading lantern.
So, when times get tough and the darkness sets in
when you feel most alone, please know this:
“It's I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow, oh, Danny boy, oh, Danny boy, I love you so!”