AND SO, IT COMES AGAIN

And so, it comes again, that time of loneliness and hunger - when the streets are bitter-cold.

The time it is so clear that no one really wants you when you’re tired and getting old.

I tried so hard to keep the light of love alive within my heart,

I tried so hard to get myself a job and make a brand-new start.

I tried to keep my self-respect, despite the endless days of walking, - with no place to go.

I went from factory to factory and all they ever said was “No!”

I watch the happy shoppers underneath the garish lights, - so filled with Christmas cheer.

The wind cuts through me, but at least I begged enough to buy a sandwich and a beer.

I used to get some money from the state,

But then they stopped it when, one day, I turned up late.

I sold my watch a long, long time ago,

And now it’s just the kindness of the passers-by who keep me from Death’s gate.

I’m thinking this might be my last cold winter on these rain-soaked streets.

I’m old and worn like these old clothes, which hardly keep in any heat.

I am pretty sure I smell, but after all this time I can no longer tell.

If cleanliness is next to Godliness, - I guess I’m bound for Hell.

But then, I gave up on religion a few harsh years ago,

When my rich religious landlord threw me out into the snow.

I was once a man with pride who walked with shoulders broad and straight.

I stood with eyes that gleamed with pride beside the barracks gate.

I fought in wars that made me wonder if my loyalty had somehow been misplaced.

And then the fear that overtook me caused me to be cashiered from the army in disgrace.

 I got some work on zero hours and rented out a flat, but when austerity kicked in the work got thin and quickly ended that.

So, now I walk the streets - I once fought to defend,

And I call out to a God, whom I'm no longer sure exists, to let my suffering end.

Patrick W Kavanagh
27/11/2018
Image by Leroy Skalstad, Pixabay

When Tears Will Not Come

 Sometimes, we are frozen. We are frozen by grief and frozen by shock.

Perhaps, we feel that we are being strong. We are ‘holding it together’ for ourselves and those we love. We keep a tight grip on our emotions to get us through the loss of a loved one, a broken romance or the unexpected ending of our way of living. We harden our hearts and struggle on, while each day a little piece of us dies.

Tears must come. Without them, we will never release the pain and find healing. Until we let go of the anger, frustration and grief inside of us we will never be fully alive again. Ten years ago, I lost my wife and I fell into deep despair. I withdrew from life and my health began to fail. Each day, I died a little more inside.

Then one day, the first poem appeared from somewhere beyond my conscious mind. I believe that it was guidance from the spirit of my departed wife. Each poem brought tears. Each poem brought healing.

I was encouraged to post my poetry on social media. The many comments which I have received over the past six years have convinced me that the messages which I have passed on have provided a source of comfort and healing to those who are suffering from depression and grief. Many also relate to coping with our own illness and that of loved ones. They seem to contain a wisdom which is beyond my conscious awareness and I believe that they can provide a valuable resource for those who wish to live a more inspired and fulfilling life.

Patrick W Kavanagh
November 2018

My Spirit Sings: When tears will not Come

My Spirit Sings: When tears will not Come: This book will bring tears. It will bring healing and it will, over time, help you to find peace and acceptance.  If you are struggling wi...

When tears will not Come

This book will bring tears. It will bring healing and it will, over time, help you to find peace and acceptance. 
If you are struggling with depression, grief or loss, you will find comfort and inspiration in these pages. I too was frozen with grief, pain and depression.
I was waiting to die until something beyond my understanding stepped in and I began to write. 
Each word brought me closer to healing. 
I have waited almost ten years to assemble this book from my writings, - if indeed they are truly mine. 
I was told to share my work on social media. 
I know that they have helped many people and I have included a sample of the most recent comments at the beginning of the book.

Click to read on Kindle or paperback:

Some comments from readers:

 

Donna H, “Thank you. This is such a beautiful testimony to real love.”

Maponos M, “This is really beautiful. There is so much truth and insight here...Well done... thanks for sharing it...”

Debi R, “Perfect, Patrick! Your words are always so evocative.”

Laura MacD, “This is beautiful, powerful and emotive. May I share this? There are some people I know who need these words.”

Eugene B, “Quite enthralling. Deeply moving.”

Sharon B, “Wonderful words and feelings, made me cry, beautiful”

 Sandra J. B, “Love it, you are the best, I have not come across one of your pieces that I have not liked. Thank you for sharing the beautiful writing you do, I feel very privileged to be reading such wonderful work.”

Candice W, “Thinking of one who has loved and lost...this is perfect.”

Donna H, “I do walk with you, Patrick. Your wonderful words take me with you as we take this journey called "life". Thank you for sharing them here so that I and others can "walk with you" a way.”

Ian M, “Powerful words Patrick. Yet again your lines sum up the subject matter better than a hundred-page essay.”

Eternal Light

I never knew you grandad, though they said that you were brave.

They say you went away to fight for freedom but instead, you found an open grave.

It stretched for miles and filled with blood which soaked into the ever-present mire.

While tattered remnants of your comrades and your so-called enemies festooned across the wire.

My nanna said your sacrifice was all in vain, - as nothing really changed, 

Except the poor got poorer and that many came home crippled and deranged.

The eldest sons of wealthy lords still held their rich estates,

While younger sons were sent to lead us straight through Hades open gates.

It makes me sad that you, and millions more, were not to have their moment in the sun.

I watch the empty bench where old ghosts sit and wonder what we’ve done.

We’ve drenched the Earth in blood a thousand times and in the streets, the poor are dying, still.

It seems as if Mankind have never learned a single thing of worth and maybe, - never will.

Yet somehow in the haze of my own tears, I seem to see an angel’s wings.

And in the whisper of the trees, I hear a choir of angels sing.

The follies of the rich and greedy were no fault of yours,

And though you died a wasted death your hearts were kind and pure.

Your bravery was real, and, in your hearts, you fought to make a better world.

Your honour was impeccable and even in a foolish war, you showed your worth.

And now, you have a moment in the sun, but in a world beyond this world of pain.

And though we all will meet someday; this world will never see the likes of you again!

Patrick W Kavanagh.

09/11/2018

Image by Tina Kavanagh

The Faery King Take 4 WIN 20181020 13 27 50 Pro

No one said it would be easy

No one said it would be easy

No one said it would be easy when the doctor slapped your ass and sent you on your way.
No one said it would be easy when the preacher filled your mind with terror as he spoke of judgement day.
No one said it would be easy as you struggled with the bullying and jeering every day you went to school.
No one said it would be easy when your teachers called you ‘idiot!’ or ‘fool!’

No one said it would be easy when you took a job and earned your first weeks’ pay.
No one said it would be easy when you left the life you knew behind to live in your own way.
No one said it would be easy when the bills poured in and work left little time to rest or laugh and play.
No one said it would be easy, but you knew you’d somehow, someday, find a better way.

No one said it would be easy when you raised a family and first discovered sleepless nights.
No one said it would be easy when the love you knew became an endless line of silences and fights.
No one said it would be easy when your vigour and your strength began to wane.
No one said it would be easy when your body turned into a wrinkled shell beset by aches and pains.

No one said it would be easy, but you lived your life with courage and with pride.
No one said it would be easy, but you always did your best to show your better side.
No one said it would be easy, but each moment of compassion was a burning beacon which you left upon the way.
No one said it would be easy, but you’ve earned your rest and you are free to go or free to stay.

Stay a while, now that you’re free to sit and watch the morning sun arise while others drag themselves into the day with sleepy eyes.
Stay a while to tell your tales and see the look of wonder in the little children’s eyes.
Stay a while, - The world you left behind is yours alone to cherish and to savour every happy memory.
Stay a while,
and share your wisdom,
with a world that’s yet to be…

Patrick W Kavanagh
05/05/2018
Art by Bill Oliver
.