Old Demons Wait

I was never self-diagnosed,but for years I self-medicated.My life until I met her,was tangled and complicated.Prison walls and darker nightsthe suicide I survived.I saw demons in the shadows,yet still I am alive.She carries childhood wounds,her own long wars to weather.In His good time, God watchedas we came together.Now in love we’ve found a peacethat keepsContinue reading “Old Demons Wait”

Steady Stay

The storm knew my name as a childcrashed early through my door.My small hands were no matchI knew the shadows voice before.Years passed, the waves smashedyet still I crossed each sea.Damaged like the winter oak,yet His roots grow deep inside of me.Always a peace in the aftermathonce suffering has had its way.I feel the HolyContinue reading “Steady Stay”

Toby Jug

Boots off by the Milton rug,She brings me lager in a Toby jug.Friday fish ‘n’ chips, stroll by the seaA half-time pie, a cup of teaCobbled lanes and Sunday bellsRoyal pomp and roast dinner smellsRain taps, pointing blameA good old pub relieving painStubborn oak and sceptred blood,Sarcastic wit beneath the floodGlory to God who gaveContinue reading “Toby Jug”

The wee Church in Overleigh Cemetery.

Standing high where the silent sleep,Among the graves the English earth keeps.Sword-cross of stone, a cenotaph stands,Guarding brave souls, the names of this land.Incense drifts on the solemn air,Byzantine chants weave the branches bare.Saint Barbra prays above the grounds,Where life has departed. yet Christ is found.Time meets eternity, the living pass.Faith growing strong in theContinue reading “The wee Church in Overleigh Cemetery.”

Shrove Tuesday

Pancakes and laughter tossed in the air.Mummy mixing more – flour everywhere.Children cheer – pancakes, dinner, dessert.Sugar rains down lemons squirt.A table laid, wine and beer.Family moments we hold so dear.As the syrup flows in ribbons of gold.Daddy recalls a story told.The feast before the fasting phase,Christ in the desert forty days.Flip the pan andContinue reading “Shrove Tuesday”

The man I was

Bent steel still warm, tight in my hand,Heart cold – anger blazed, its blurred where I stand.Demon on my chest, his blood drips from my fingers,worry whispers, but hatred still lingers.Out of hell, were not the same,ash in my breath, got the devil to blame.One not enough, so in fury I swung,blade rise and fellContinue reading “The man I was”

Saint Valentine

Before the cards, the wine, the flowers.A courages soul, love has powers.In Romes dark days the faith is banned.A Priest stood strong in loves own hand.In a secret vow of incense flare.Married as one he did dare.In prison he prayed, in death he proved.That Christ is love, love unremoved.So with every rose and poem weContinue reading “Saint Valentine”

In a Dark Room

In a dark room breaths breach the silence.The unseen gathers, the gnashing of violence.Orisons, just cries in the wilderness?Fear to gag the wounded soul. Villainous!I reach for a match and the incense burns.I invoke the Jesus prayer. Bravery churns.Incense rising, delivering my prayers to heaven.Peace returns, no best of seven.

The Suffering of the Saints

Midnight chanting – Tears drying in the dark.East face fasting – Seeing no morning – No man apart.Chains now prayer ropes – Not one ask why.Lord have mercy – No light in the sky.Not suffering more – Just suffering towards.With Psalms – Not swords.Aim is clear – Not peaceful.Screaming rage through tears pull.Still suffering towardsContinue reading “The Suffering of the Saints”

All Will Realise

This one you won, I’m to blame.If you think I’m conquered its you,that’s insane.Just a mere battle, admittedlyyou battled well.I succumbed, I tasted hell.Do not exult for long.For this sorry state I’m muchtoo strong.Resilient, fought for an age in time.This aint my first pen, this aintthe first line.Now in His name, contemplate yourretreat.I’m in Him.Continue reading “All Will Realise”