Poet Bartholomew

I am a knight

Evoked in armour

A warrior of light

A stern voice

I walk with purpose

Knowing where the path leads

He sees me from afar

Guiding my gentle steps

He allows me freedom

I seek more understanding

He releases my burdens

And I feel the stillness

Married to the patience

The ever-flowing presence

Sitting beneath the sun

And being well aware

For what are they doing

Running around chasing gold

For he forewarned you all

That he is coming again

The precious stones and jewellery

For they will wither too

But his gifted soul

Will last into the eternal

Weathered skin is nothing

For the value is within

He set forth a journey

Precious hearts he will renew

Beyond the foreshore

And past the horizon

For it is on the clouds

That he will return

I have told you

But will you hear

This is close to the end

Listen clear, listen, listen

Lord I ache for your love

Your warmth and nurturing spirit

My dearly beloved father

I call out in pain

I am moving towards you

You know me like no other

I am battle weary

You rejoice at my path

Lord hold me closely

My enemies are everywhere

You know my strength

And show me my weaknesses

God help me each day

Draw me closer to your love

I am calling out bravely

To guide my ways

You are close I know

We believers want you back

Talk to me, teach me

Your student is ready

Burren and the stone

Are the Celtic’s sand

Burren and the stone

Is God’s land

The Fire, the warmth

The green, the greys

Fresh wind, wild waves

Limestone cliffs, crystal caves

Sauntering today, sleep tonight

New dreams, new days

County Clare, County Clare

Here, here, in Eire

Burren and the stone

Are the Celtic’s sand

Burren and the stone

Is God’s land

Rolling hills, green land

Sail ships, Aran Islands

Surfing boards, brave souls

Gaelic balls, hurling goals

Here, here, in Eire

County Clare, County Clare

Old days, old dreams

Run tonight, relax today

Burren and the stone

Are the Celtic’s sand

Burren and the stone

Is God’s land

Sand in between my toes

I sit vaguely looking out

The waves rolling frequently

The ocean pleasantly still

I ponder my future

And feel stillness in my soul

A broken body I lie in

But hope taps me on the shoulder

He leans and whispers

A voice I was ignoring

“This is my second coming,

I will rise again,

No one will get in my road this time”

To whom was this message?

And to why did he choose me?

I am a teacher’s son

Meandering through life

T’was it not ironic

As I sit there in the silence

And as I look back and recall

For it was on King’s Beach

For the king was calling

He was sounding a trumpet

He chose me as a deliverer

For the news is mighty worthy

If I were to share my journey

It would crush many spirits

But now that I have the book

It makes my soul renew

As to why I am blessed

For he shall only know

May he touch your life

And greet you on your way

For troubled times are near

And the world is vastly changing

May your steps be wise

And your ears start to listen

He’s calling you too

Pulling you away from traps

Your future can be certain

And his love will be eternal

It’s time to slow down

This journey is important

A wildness of living awaits

Our hearts are crucial to this world

May we value our purpose

Recognise our ego death

Simplify our daily routine

And dream of tomorrow

Breathe in and out

Connect to our soul

Be open to the lessons

And always recognise the truth

Seek nothing outside ourselves

Purge the need for possessions

Rest in the clarity of inner peace

As we experience freedom

I sit before the throne

Pledging my allegiance

My undying love

For he who is greater

I wish no scorn

No bad will

No damnation or hate

For my enemy is weak

He knows nothing

He is a fool

He is severely blinded

He is a lost man

May his nightmares

Return to a dream

May he seek the peace

And not of chaos

May the sword of spirit

Rewire his forked tongue

May he seek no fury

But a reminder of whom he was created

May the splendour of the past

Give him an assurance

That the same fruits still exist

That he is a mighty warrior too

I bring forth my forgiveness

As I find closure

My allies have arrived

As an army of light

Seek not any vengeance

For God almighty has a plan

He has set me forth

To endure many more days

Falling down, crashing hard

Feather duster, lightning strike

Stuck words, tears flowing

Tiled floors, hurting hard

All alone, no light

What happened, where now

Lost sight, eyes weary

No hope, broken soul

Endless hopelessness, battered mind

Shower beckons, sitting down

More tears, heartache ensues

I'm done, all over

Crippling thoughts, time done

Any lessons, can't find

Broken-hearted, endless pains

Doubtless sorrows, darkness again

They arrive, special ones

Reject initially, no help

Too sore, too late

Why now, where before

Soon realise, help required

Can't believe, here again

Lessons coming, Learning now

Light returning, moving forward

Fresh insight, new perspective

Clenched fists, power returning

Feet grounded, new sky

One step, my choices

You have weathered the storm

Fought all the wrong battles

Taken your wrong advice

And forgot to listen to anyone

You’ve danced with the devil

And risen from its ashes

Now your feet firmly grounded

Your next step, the one

Chances are you’re still young

You have energy to reclaim

It’s time to power through

And finally be the one

Time to fly with eagles

Soar above the grey clouds

Listen closely to your soul

It’s your only one

Freedom is our natural state

Clarity to choose and move

Laugh joyfully and smile happily

Breathing into this present moment

Our shadow attackers we thank

Breaking open our closed wounds

Taking us to loss and despair

Guiding us to truth

We can sit, ponder and regret

Think what could have been

Realise there is light and dark

And now know the way home

Our purpose is simple

To love ourselves some more

And as others need it

Our hearts remind them too

Today is what matters

Feet in the sand

Heart bathed in ocean

Spirit in the air

Life is here today

And only in this moment

May our worries clear

And our light shine brighter

Beyond the space and time

He sits on his lofty throne

Looking over our wellbeing

He knows us better than ourselves

He hopes and dreams

That we will listen

He’ll comfort and encourage

And be witness to our deeds

Walking sternly forward

He knows our righteousness

Allowing us to show his glory

Peace and freedom await

Why do we live?

This harsh world is ridiculous

The evil is beyond measure

For we need to find solace

He has many rooms

They are laid out for the believer

Mansions line the street

And he will reign supreme

Riding the waves of uncertainty

Travelling along a distant past

Working my way through darkness

Will this ever end

I lost myself helping others

Thinking I had a way

Now I know my father

Jesus will guide me home

I have family and friends

They love me like no other

I am lucky to be alive

Take my luck and enjoy

I am brave, I am free

No one can hurt me

There’s a path God sees

And he’s waiting, waiting for me

Life is a gift

Be willing to receive blessings

Losing your way was part of it

Return home

Jesus is my Saviour

He died for my life

He is my best friend

He is my Lord

God gives me grace

God allows me to love

God is my best friend

Wherever I go, I have God

God I ran away from you

God I am sorry

God you are my comfort

God please love me

When I was lost

You were there for me

When I was sad

You gave me hope

God I know you want the best for me

God I want your desires met

God clear the noise

Keep me safe

I fell hard and left my calling

Helping those who were broken

Forgetting who you were

Now I know you always loved me

Please bring me peace

Bring me hope and joy

Allow me to grow into a better person

Move me forward with joy

You bless me with hope in darkness

You come to me when I am weak

You talk to me though I may not listen

You encourage me when I am down

I know by your voice

It guides me to safety

It’s my only hope

You are my trusted companion

I want to know you more each day

Finally, ready to be guided

Missed a many step

Now I realise your name

God thank you for your patience

Your gift of wise counsel

I need you forever more

My trusty friend and saviour

I am a broken solider crying

And I was just a young man

Sent to the war…….

I was told all the lies

What was I fighting for?

It took away my twenties

It took away my life

All my hopes and dreams

Died on the battlefield

What could have been?

Who really knows?

Family and friends, that goodbye

Was the last one I told

And as the plane came crashing down

All my hopes and dreams were lost

Thinking that I would never

Find my way home

But now here I am

Away from the battlefield

I am on the path

That only cares

I am walking home right now

I don’t know where I am going

But I just know this road

Is finally mine

I am a dreamer, I am a lover

I am a carer, I am a giver

I am the protector of the lovers

That is one thing that I know

Dream again

No more wars, no more lies

Guide me home today

I am ready to go home

I sit and dwell

And you are there

You reach with open arms

Your love is everlasting

Why God do you love me?

Your suffering so great

Your willingness to forgive

To light my day

I know you better now

Working for you each day

Troubles now leaving me

As we seek glory

My family has arrived

Just as you promised

Your messages more clear

The cobwebs eroding

The timing of righteousness

It’s clear we are in Noah’s days

Your gentle reminders

The clarity they bring

For who else knows

That you wish to rise again

To show us all the way

The paradise that awaits

Frustrated by the pain

I find no healthy escape

To what do I do?

But sit and mourn

I lie awake longing

For my peace to be renewed

To untangle the past threads

And provide me with freedom

I wish I knew the way

I long for peace

Have been twisted by warfare

Only relearning the truth

I need to be wise

And act with righteousness

Lead by solid example

And find a way home

The myriad of detours

Have left an unpleasant taste

Wishing there was a straight line

Help me Lord, ease my path

I rely on you patience

I seek your praise

I praise your presence

I value your sacrifice

Please rescue me now

You are my only hope

I value your guidance

Whisper to me my path

I feel no fear

You give me joy

I resonate with your love

Your desires are mine

Take me to the holy place

Where I truly belong

Wake me from my slumber

Walk me safely home

I feel your presence

Always being supportive

I do not know my path

But I trust you

There is a place in Ireland that I call home

There’s a place in Ireland that is my home

It has wandering green pastures and rolling hills

It’s a place like no other – but I call it home

It has a spirit of the country

My Irish home, my Irish home

Covered in the blood of my ancestors

It’s my final home

It keeps calling me back

Every message draws me near

Time to be patient, still and clear

I hear God calling me

Ireland to be my home

Cork calls me closer

And the Aran Islands too

Merrion, a place in Dublin

All I know is God’s calling

An Ireland home coming

He’s handed me a bible

I read it each day

That green, cloud filled country

Am I part of the revival?

I am listening again

He calls me back

Eire is in my heart

Holy spirit guide me home

Lord I ached for your love

Your warm and nurturing spirit

My dearly beloved father

I call out in pain

I am moving towards you

You know me like no other

I am battle weary

You rejoice at my path

Lord hold me closely

My enemies are everywhere

You know my strength

And show me my weaknesses

God help me each day

Draw me closer to your love

I am calling out bravely

To guide my ways

You are close I know

We believers want you back

Talk to me, teach me

Your student is ready

I seek the freedom

The waves upon my shoulders

The fresh beach air

Lying on weathered grains of sand

I explore the oceans beauty

It’s sanctuary my space

I walk not into the darkness

As I find light in this venture

May the weary soon realise

That they may look back and judge

Lost in the wilderness

Drifting from truth and purity

May the masses be turned

For the torment is near

This isn’t just for followers

All can be one day saved

May joy and majestic days

Lead you back onto the path

For it’s so direct

That you can’t miss it

A measure of your worth

Is like that of a child

Innocent and loving eyes

Are the rekindling of your walk

May love be in your grasp

As it once was held close

Let your drive for wealth

Be measured and ceased

For I have been foretold

That what is imminent

Can’t be controlled

For he wishes you well

His love will be poured out

Yet he lets you choose

Seek first the kingdom

And your soul will be renewed

For just like your neighbour

Your soul tender and bruised

The souls of the lost

He wants to bring anew

May love be your path

Love thy neighbour too

Your soul is precious darling

Take your time, he loves you

To where do I go to search

For the holy grail

Do I seek foreign soils

Or look closer to home

I drift upon a sea of consciousness

A weathered raft of dreams

Each idea cascading my memory

It is closer than near

While I may sit and ponder

As others grapple and wrestle

My peace and sanctuary awaken

Raindrops the simple remedy

Burdens are released appropriately

I unbridle my confessions

Looking into the trees

I seek solace another day

And to what do you seek?

Has fame and fortune

Arisen your broken soul?

Or do you still search?

For the kingdom is within

It is not afar

If only they were taught

Peace would be renewed

The temptation to lead ourselves

The pitfall of the majority

Just stop for one moment

And the glory is all yours

Is it peace to which you seek?

Or an empty sense of glory?

Remember to search within

For hidden are the treasures

The kingdom is within

Take upon this moment

Just simply smile and breathe

You have finally arrived

Be open, Ask Questions, Forever Learning

Hold your knowledge and wisdom for those who seek guidance

Be patient, trust your body and enjoy nature

Time & pain have gifted you your vocation

Seek only the answers that are within side you – they are your teacher, your guide

Sleep softly, move softly, love softly

Be soft, move softly, Be Powerful

Own your space and create your life one day at a time

Moment by moment, step by step

Be Present, Be Grounded, Be Me

Her gentleness and warmth

Is clear to see

Caring touch, kind eyes

What more could there be?

She enters the room

Her purpose is clear

Feet firmly on ground

The presence so dear

What may she dream

Is for her to choose

Follow your true way

There's nothing to lose

If tomorrow is today

What would you do?

Let go the regrets

Be the real you

I hope you know

Your power, your love

To never be taken

Inner strength and above

The trips and losses

Never again to sacrifice

More proud than ever

This one precious life

Open up those wings

Goodbye the daily grind

It's time to soar

With the wind behind

Oh beautiful woman, just know

Precious wisdom you hold

Go share that gift

One leap, be bold

Her heart will blossom

Her soul will renew

Her eyes will shine

Her life is re-born

Her wisdom is truth

Her voice is clear

Her body a temple

Her smile so pure

Her breath is love

Her hands so warm

Her lips are sweet

Her hair so strong

Her legs are powerful

Her feet well earthed

Her spirit is delicate

Her shoulders her wings

Her light is golden

Her peace is tender

Her future is safe

Her joy is here

It’s time to burn

Burn down those stories

Just clear the air

Write away your sorrows

Cry down those tears

Let love guide you

Take away the fear

One step, this direction

Your moment awaits you

Come into your own

The long winding road

Farm animals roaming happily

The creek is alive

Sanctuary and beauty awaits

Embracing the fresh air

The internet doesn't exist

Bare feet on ground

Stepping into the unknown

I see the dragonflies

They bring me peace

Dashing across the stone

Buzzing with such grace

Waterfalls settle my soul

Swimming in crystal waters

Bathing in the sun

Illuminates my open heart

Walking confidently across rock

Feeling the flowing stream

A lush rainforest canopy

Clear, bright blue sky

People with bright smiles

Warm and friendly conversation

Jumping from high cliffs

A paradise within reach

Follow your heart

Enable your dreams

Mend the mind

Let it be seen

Encounter the darkness

Swallow the shadow

Feel it through

Awaken the light

Take the step

Feel the freedom

The new you

The awakened soul

Lose your mobile, find your way;

Drop your computer, read today;

Close your tablet, go for a run;

Smash your TV, play in the sun.

Turn off your kindle, not worth a look;

Burn your DVDs, read a book;

Throw out your IPOD, find real noise;

Remove the distraction, be with the boys.

This burdensome technology

Good, but never great.

Yes, you will need it,

But never more than a mate.

Flowing river drifting west

Birds chirping trees alive

Ants scampering grass dry

Gentle winds floating buoy

Skyline shows tall cranes

Noisy cars man-made hill

Parks with names

Even the canoe ramp

Jetskier flies no respect

Citycat collecting its cattle

River banks being reclaimed

More cars city workers

Concrete jungle, safety first

Aeroplane jumbo over-head

Jet-skier returns, no lesson

Sailboats shake, anchors holding

Two black and white

Magpie in the gumtree

Sailing eastwards ocean yacht

Patiently moving river mouth

Beer cans, black stereo

Park bench, choker chain

Union Jack, Pink Champagne

Ball bouncing, actually friendly

Feel the powerful breeze

Energy of the wind

Blue clear fresh sky

Green grass, green leaves

It’s time to end the war

All the deaths, so many lives

Why did it ever start?

No one knows really, why?

Every new life brings fresh light

They only see all the beauty

Oceans and forests, waves and trees

Magical flying birds, happy swimming dolphins

Their favourite old teddy bear

Their sweet cat and loving dog

Days by the lake or ocean

Always in the present, always today

Where they can dream of tomorrow

It may be music or sport

No limitations and no false beliefs

Fun and laughter is the game

It may just seem too late

To rekindle those lost dreams

Though remind yourself again today

With new sun, there’s new light

Follow your passions till your death

Enjoy each day, enjoy your life

Open up your heart, bring peace

That is why! That is why?

God help me find a way

A way back to your kingdom

To feel your love shining

Your heart beating with mine

Soften my voice gently

Heal my soul each day

Give me another chance

You are my only hope

God I cheer for you

I surrender to your wishes

Guide me on this journey

Show me my path

I am feeling lonely

I miss your quiet voice

Your gentle, willing support

I miss you dearly Lord

I know that you are near

And while we haven’t met,

Each day that passes,

I know I won’t forget.

For each crash of lightning,

Each wave to the shore,

Things are slowly changing,

As we step ashore.

As you have fallen,

I have felt your pain.

You have been down,

But now you rise again.

Listen gently, listen closely,

Engrained in your soul,

Let’s both soften our hearts,

Let the wonder become whole.

Hurling stones, throwing darts,

Shattered promises, shattered hearts.

Fallen pieces, mistakes made.

Lies hurt, trust betrayed.

We were burnt,

We were destroyed.

But from lessons learnt,

We escaped the void.

Nothing else matters dear

For your tears need to fall

Your words fully heard

Your angst and hurt validated

Nothing else matters dear

For you to realise your importance

Your truth to be accepted

Your stories to be aired

Nothing else matters dear

For your body to move freely

Your smile to shine clearly

Your heart to wander without fear

Nothing else matters dear

For you to choose your direction

Your destiny and calling

Your road to open up

Nothing else matters dear

For you to have a clear mind

Your dreams fully realised

Your sleep to be peaceful

Nothing else matters dear

Nothing else matters dear

You to sing, dance and love

Nothing else matters dear

He wore the 17 with pride

Donned the green and red

He outsmarted the opposition

His toughness certainly evident

He prized some wins too

An Under 12 victory

And Premiers in U13

He was tough and resilient

He pioneered the blue and white

Shining brightly for Nudgee

He never gave an inch

He wore the colours proudly

A year in Cairns to party

Or was he actually studying

He and Nick scored the reward

U18 All Australians

Leigh heard about him

This tenacious Emu

On the books in 2001

Brisbane Lions was his home

He brought energy and life

To a team moving fast

Vossy, Crackers to name a few

Were his army on the field

In 2003 his just reward

For many unknown sacrifices

Number 19, a medallion

The ruckman prevailed truly

A brilliant career

A top notch ruckman

Just reward they say

A champion to this day

Feeling the rhythm and sway

The yacht leaves the harbour

Merging with hefty swells

Entering the freedom of ocean

That sail captures strong winds

As uncertainty beckons the crew

The sunset lightens the day

A new port awaits

Surrendering to the blue sea

Leaving behind past stories

Fresh air rejuvenates the lungs

Cleansing and purifying the crew

Whales swim alongside at ease

Dolphins cruising with joy

Colourful fish and sharks

And manta rays too

Tropical islands line the horizon

Palm trees and clear blue atolls

Archipelagos delighting white sands

As darkness inspires the anchor

Thunder strikes during the night

The swaying of the boat

Awakens the tiresome crew

Gentleness enters and sleep returns

I am nothing but an empty man

Searching for my way home

Guided by truth and destiny

Foreign lies have led me astray

Walking towards the truth

To whom do I seek

Where have I become lost

I knew the way all along

Jesus is my guide

He is my saviour

He is all I need

He is my blessing

Oh Shannon I saw you

Your banks broken with pain

Your sorrows spilled

The economic collapse

Limerick you look so weary

A troubled city

Living beyond its measures

Struggling for relevance

Oh Limerick why this way

Your bookstores full of life

Your university resurrecting

So troubled though underneath

To whom do you aspire

If only you could see your beauty

Your simplicity and antiquity

Your blessings so unique

Slow down your steps

Feel the cobblestone

Settle into your former self

And be patient with the rest

Fallen Leaves, lessons learnt

Anger brews, another chance

Take me under, let me die

Shed my skin, then I will rise

Refresh my wisdom, enlighten my day

I am more curious than ever, I say

My friends told me but I didn't hear

Now I listen, their voice is clear

Shattered dreams, they were false

Ready to live my day, my truth, my fault

Not ready to bargain, I'll stand my ground

Never to sacrifice, my heart, my life

Candid and honest, I will reclaim

My greatest wish, my greatest dream

I start again today, me and I

My road is mine, I am ready to shine!

The girl in red

Her heart lit the sun

Her smile swayed the wind

Her tears filled the ocean

Until we met again

I’ve seen that smile

From way back when

That story started

When we danced again

Her white skin glowing

That’s life beating

He’s broken her soul

Yet she lives again

Across the many seas

We’ve crossed all paths

You might not realise

But we meet again

As the full moon set

And lit up the night

She fell asleep softly

To sweet dreams again

While I may be confused

And not always right

What I can guarantee you

Her smile lights your night

Her heart was cracked

At the same time opened

The darkness was frustrating

And loss so deep

The days became weeks

And the months, years

While all away along

Her heart beat so sweet

She recalibrated her rhythm

And skipped joyfully today

While the sun shines

Her dance flows eternally

The woman in red

The sun lights her heart

The wind sways her smile

The ocean fills her tears

As we meet again

Behind the guise, there lies pain

Smile and laugh, let kindness be

Gentle and tender, let our hearts beat

Your path is home, but where is home?

Falling, falling – where to now?

Step by step, let the mountain rise

Sunrise and sunsets over the peak

Closer and closer to home we go

Broken and scratched, we polish our being

May our decisions be pure, our body flow free

Encounter the darkness, shine the light

Life is here – let it be

Breath by breath is reason to live

Family and friends by our side

Energy and waves, light the sky

The inner journey – our way home

Unique in every way

A caring, gentle soul

Blessed with inner beauty

Her kindness always radiating

Voice of an angel

Her words, those songs

The sounds of joy

Filling rooms with admirers

Blessed with artistic flare

With paints and brush

Her gift is remarkable

With everything she draws

Compassion in her heart

Giving in ihr nature

Her amazing therapeutic touch

Ready for the world

Her deep brown eyes

Depth to her being

A beautiful, friendly smile

The laughter forever bounds

By horseback she relaxes

The countryside her home

With oceans of mind

Seal is never alone

World at her feet

The path is clear

The journey has begun

Always follow your guide

If I could hold space

Would you feel your force?

If I could be firm

Would you feel the love?

If I could set you free

Would you feel in control?

If I could hold your hand

Would you let go to travel?

If I could hug you gently

Would you feel confident to fight?

If I could show you love

Would you believe in it again?

If I can show my hand

Would you lend me yours?

If I can be strong

Would you hold me tight?

If I could dream with you

Would you be open to share?

If I could be vulnerable

Would you help me there?

If I could just be me

Would you show me you?

If we could just be love

What is there to do?

Sitting on the shower floor

Tears rushing down my face

Feeling lonely and lost

Wanting for a better life

Held my words in

For just so long

Found a path finally

From my heart to hand

All these childhood expressions

Gradually coming to the surface

Emotions of joy and sadness

Finally comfortable for them to flow

Still sometimes hesitant to release

The feelings with my mouth

Will she truly care enough

For me to feel safe to share

He could bat

He could bowl

With his foot

He could kick

The ball a mile

He was proud

He was honest

You’ve never met

Someone like him

He took me on a boat

When I was five

I had fun

I was so alive

On the trip

In Isle of Pines

Born in 1946

Hitting centuries at 70

Proud to have you as my father

But even more proud that

You’ve been a father to many

And a Hero to me

In the nets

He would stand

Ball by ball

I would hit

A tip or helping hand

Any holiday that he could

I’d be by his side

The Gabba camps

They were grand

Even better, the night’s sleep

Under Sir Leslie Wilson Stand

My coach, my dad

I had it all

That time in ’95 in Amberley

I lost my favourite chain

What a week

Born in 1946

Hitting centuries at 70

Proud to have you as my father

But even more proud that

You’ve been a father to many

And a Hero to me

Nothing was more fun

Those Super Rules weekends

Watching you play

Running the boundary on both sides

Watching Warnie at the Gabba

A day off we both deserved

Sitting in the old Cricketers Club

Best Friday we could have

The bats and balls

Was just our fun

We didn’t need fancy gifts

Just some shoes and sun

Born in 1946

Hitting centuries at 70

Proud to have you as my father

But even more proud that

You’ve been a father to many

And a Hero to me

One afternoon we shopped together

And picked out a new Kookaburra

Not a bad bat, but best was yet to come

My first English Willow, a GN to score some runs

That day at athletics

When the Ekka was more important

Or the day in ‘95

When we won the footy cup

Saturday’s and Sunday’s

Cricket and football

Always by my side

Sandgate and Sandgate/Redcliffe

North East, Met East and Nudgee

Born in 1946

Hitting centuries at 70

Proud to have you as my father

But even more proud that

You’ve been a father to many

And a Hero to me

You aren’t just my father

You have been a father

To so many boys

From Kingy, to Knoxy and Lynchy,

To Charmo, Lynny and Burns

Wherever you go

Your touch succeeds

With your name lit up in lights

You remain the same

An oval at Sandgate/Redcliffe

Member of Team of Century

Born in 1946

Hitting centuries at 70

Proud to have you as my father

But even more proud that

You’ve been a father to many

And a Hero to me

It aint easy telling you this

Never knew how to tell you how I feel

How I looked up to you

They way you inspired me

You made me feel safe and at ease

Always there to play and to be

You provided so much, helped me learn

Held my hand when I was scared

Modesty and humility were your traits

Quiet achiever, genuine and sincere

My teacher, coach and mentor

A friend today and in another life

But I want you to know and hear me clear

That you've been a father to many and a hero to me

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She loves the Aran Islands

And the waves at Lahinch too

She adores Ennis Town

The Shannon is her backyard

Out upon Miltown Bay

Down by Spanish Point

She walks by Kilkee

And up to Lisdoonvarna

When the waves roll in

She craves the beach

When Doolin starts singing

O'Connors has her heart

Down at Killaloe

Sailing on Lough Derg

Ballina in the distance

Ogonnelloe up the road

She travels the Burren

The girl from County Clare

Her hearts lie here

In the country of Eire

Drove down the M18

Was greeted with a smile

A firm, solid handshake

And welcomed in like family

George was a delight

Michelina with her grace

Sebastian said g'day

His breakfast was superb

Artists, painters, sculptors

Lecturers and lawyers

A fine collection of experts

In Limerick at Ballynacourty

The gardens are superb

Shannon River in the distance

Cows relaxing in the fields

Limerick down the road

Expert in antiques

Designer of knitwears

A formidable duo

Lovers all the way

The limestone rocks of Donegal Bay

The chill of fresh air on an early morning

Walking peacefully with sand beneath feet

Horses saddled with riders two abreast

The sun rises to the East once again

Pearls of wisdom enlighten the mind

Dark thoughts simmer and wash away

The aroma of coffee fills the air

Visitors enjoy a stroll and rest

Peaceful encounters are a many

Waves of pure ecstasy

The white foamy swells

Cliffs drop into the ocean

Living by the land of a broken sea

Cascading sounds to melt your heart

Swirling winds of chaos

Heavy rain puttering the windows

Greens and blues of the sea

They take no mercy this hour

Clouds grisly and moaning

The noise of a far off curlew

Chattering in a simple way

Birds of prey up high

The spring air inviting

Today is just another day

The browns and green merge

Telegraph poles line the valley

Ranges nudge the horizon

The Atlantic beats along Tullagh Strand

Donegal Town emerges beneath

Its square filled with visitors

Market Town and McCafferty's

A homage to yesteryear

Letterkenny to the right

River Swirly twists and turns

The Quiet Moment whispers

Tea and scone at hand

Upwards to the tip of Malin Head

Buncrana embraces Lough Swilly

Green fields of rolling hills

Sand and rocks aplenty

Derry waves to St Johnston

Cricket in the north

As the bog of Dungloe

Darkens the mood west

Leitrim to the South

BenBulben echoes from afar

The Selkie over the border

Donegal and the Northern lights

His father in heaven declared

You shall write and worship me

His father of the land said

You shall obey my calling

He supposed he was wrong

And his father was right

The still, small voice

Was overcome by the louder one

Was he actually wallowing

Or was his heart condemned

The holy spirit whispered

But he turned a deaf ear

Rejected again, he felt noosed

Lost and wandering once again

From homeland to America

But it was Ireland calling

The tethered rope strangling

Voices calling out harm

All control completely lost

Harmful steps perhaps taken

Rekindled dreams were awakened

Surrendered to the Lord

Words of truth reigned

No longer a sombre heart

The glowing sun

On an Emerald Isle

A land of distinction

A place of heaven

Beneath the busyness of Dublin

A land of glory awaits

South to Kerry and Cork

North to Donegal

Serenaded by majestic mountains

Loughs breathing life

Ocean swells of hope

Life could be sweeter

Sligo sings with mystics

Galway aplenty with art

Kilkenny primed for hurling

Leitrim gifted with fishing

Journeying through the past

Kings and priests

Today, welcome the new

A land of opportunity

I am hurler in the winter

A footballer in the summer

Surfer at Lahinch

Just a lad from County Clare

Big city drew me in

A year or two in Dublin

Another down in Cork

Then Clare brought me home

Farmers son at heart

I pray by the Burren

Have my spirit lifted in Kilfenora

And nights at Gus Oconnors

Killaloe to the East

Sailing on Lough Derg

Watching the pros at Cusack

A pint down in Ennis

Spent some time abroad

In Sydney and London

Truth be told though

I am just a lad from Clare

The green and red

Does it runs through your veins?

Out along Lemke Rd

Home of the Sandgate Hawks

Smithy, The Wags' and Verdon

They fought to the end

Flying high and wrestling

Is it in your blood too?

Edgar and the back men

Tommy and the forwards

Stacky on the fly

Flintham with some flare

Born by the Alburys

Forbes tough as nails

Dickfos in the air

Collie hitting targets

Spencer was relentless

Reidy leading strong

Hebbard they called "Sir"

Lloydy was the man

Brennan leading games

Howes winning premierships

Farry defending goals

Turnbull looking silky

Kinneally fighting fit

Robinson in the middle

Heathcote on the wing

Omelaniuk with his right

Banfield on the run

Williamson scores again

Ted, Frank, Danny, Allen

Keep the players warm

Old Spice in the shed

Making players feel tall

It runs through your veins

The green and red

A Straddie Lager or an ale

From Point Lookout to Dunwich

A ferry guides my path

Some oysters and beer

Just another lazy Sunday

The grains of sand

Waves to the shore

The pleasant forest walks

Stunning outlooks a many

Sure to be back again

The craftsman, the chef

Idle eyes and sweet smells

Viewing across the pier

Sharks, dolphins and turtles

Paradise encapsulates the atmosphere

Mid track, Pale Ale

Myora Springs, Jumpinpin

Manta and a mid track

A unique collection

Sunsets on the top floor

Surfers, bathers and fishermen

With waves of refreshments

Bottles with notes washed ashore

A tale or maybe two

Sitting back at Straddie Brewing

The Guinness sours the soul of the weary Irishman

The whisky drains his spirit like a leech

Leaning on the edge of misery

His teeth clenched, his skin wretched

Born into division and strife

He learnt only one way

They say sticks and stones

But what of the wayward tongues

Division amongst the ranks

Catholics and Protestants

What would Jesus say?

Lay down the weapons boys

Forgiveness is the only path

Hearts have been laid bare

The trauma flowing down generations

Soldiers riddled with emotional wounds

Wives crushed by family losses

Children seeking their dads

When will the fighting end?

The common theme is division

May the light shine again

Jesus is directing the way

It's not too late to enter

The kingdom awaits the grieved mind

Choose wisely now and lay down your weapons

Put on your boots, a new army

Foot soldiers of heaven

No side needs to clash any more

We can be one on earth

Recruit your friends, your family

Jesus second coming is near

On the 29th of July

The sky was bright

The boys were pumped

It was Widty's day

On Dave Duncan oval

Tommy O was firing

Rogo tall and strong

Maple with quick hands

Chip looking silky

EJ leading forward

Rawlo tough as nails

Barra dominating the ruck

With Middy, Crowy and Carts

Wattsy classy on his right

Luke sharp on his left

Trent a leader of men

Loz fleet of foot

Riley electric on the wing

Connor with so much time

Lucas with firm hands

Ty kicking sharply

Josh sneaking forward

Jake super classy

Allan running straight lines

Fourteen were required

And today was the day

As Lemke Road celebrated

The ball hit the pack

And Maple saw the opportunity

A handball to his right

Widty kicks his 100th