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Michael Collins

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Michael Collins 1890 - 1922

England's track record on how they tried to hang on their dwindling empire is abysmal, atrocities and massacres were carried out

with impunity, cover ups were commonplace and enquiries held behind doors were a complete waste of time with perpetrators found not guilty of any wrongdoings.

Concentation camps, looting, rape, torture, destruction of property and murders of unarmed men, women and children.

(I thought I was reading about the Nazis researching this one.)

Below is a list of massacre's involving soldiers of the British army.

South Africa (Boers) 1902

Tibet (Shenko massacre) 1904

Ireland (North St massacre) 1916

India (Gujranwala massacre) 1919

India (Amritsar massacre) 1919

Ireland (Croke park massacre) 1920

China (Shaji massacre) 1925

Greece(Athens massacre) 1944

Kenya (Mau Mau massacre) 1950

Ireland (Ballymurphy massacre) 1971

Ireland (Bloody Sunday ) 1972

Some wounds never heal, I know many countries do not welcome English people because of England's brutal past.

It has often been said that empires come and go And from the beginning of time that has been so Empires ruled with terror and an iron fist Taking brutal action against those, who tried to resist. On the sixteenth of October in the year eighteen ninety Michael Collins was born near the town of Clonakilty He went on to become leader of the Irish Republican army And whose leadership and guidance, helped set Ireland free. In his youth he travelled to London, to try and find work And for nine years he worked, at the post office as a clerk He took an interest in, the Irish political scene And he later moved back to Ireland in nineteen sixteen. It was in nineteen sixteen on a cold wet Easter monday That the struggle for Irelands freedom was getting underway Many Irish nationalists decided, that they wanted to be Self governing and from Britain's empire, be free. Heavily outnumbered and outgunned the uprising failed The British crushed the rebellion and they had prevailed The ringleaders were all arrested and sentenced to death As a grave warning to others, but it wasn't over yet. Low ranking rebels were interned but were eventually freed But executions by the British had planted a growing seed Armed rebel units started forming all over Ireland Determined they all were, to make a final stand. Collins took part in the first uprising, and he had survived Became head of the rebel army and a thorn in Britains side He waged a successful guerilla war against the British army In big cities and towns and out in the country. The British relied on informers and had a network of spies And often foiled rebel attempts, taking them by surprise But Collins got wise to it and and kept one step ahead He infuriated the British authorities who wanted him dead. The British then brought over spies to carry out assassinations And on their death list were prominent republicans Nicknamed the' Cairo gang' because they'd often meet At the popular Cafe Cairo in Dublins Grafton Street. They were state sponsored killers working for the crown Their sole objective was, to take prominent rebels down Collins made sure they never got the chance to assassinate Because those assassins themselves were about to meet their fate. A republican spy in Dublin Castle let the rebels know Where the spies lived so that they'd know where to go Collins organised hit squads to shoot them all dead On a cold wet winters morning, many were still in bed. The British were infuriated and they wanted revenge And vowed that their spies deaths, they would avenge Innocent civilians were targeted, and at Croke Park were shot dead Ten men, three children and a young girl due to be wed. More bloodshed then followed with both sides paying the cost As the death toll grew higher with many lives lost In nineteen twenty one, peace was about to impend And a truce was agreed that brought fighting to an end. Collins and a delegation went to London, to sign a treaty But it wasnt what he wanted, but was forced to agree The British kept six counties out of thirty two It didn't please many republicans, and a civil war did ensue. In August of that same year Collins, was travelling to Cork City Saying anti treaty rebels wouldn't shoot him in his home county His convoy was ambushed and he took a shot to the head The war of independence hero, now lay on the ground dead. Written on 21st November 2020.

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Shane Thacker

Date: 6/1/2023 4:44:00 PM

This is like a documentary in poem form. Amazing! Wonderful writing, Tom. Even without the incredible writing, I became an instant fan after seeing you as a Peaky Blinder. Kudos, sir.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/1/2023 11:11:00 PM

Thank you very much Shane, I'm happy that you enjoyed it. I love history and like to combine it with poetry. Peaky Blinders was a popular show over here, they were inspired by real characters who lived in Birmingham (my home town) just after the first world war. You didn't want to get on the wrong side of them lol. Enjoy your weekend. Tom

Robert Pettit

Date: 3/7/2021 7:33:00 AM

An absolutely superb write chock-full of historical information. I'm glad I read this one.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 3/7/2021 10:21:00 AM

Thank you very much Robert, I love writing historical verses, enjoy researching and getting the facts accurate because I know someone will be an expert on the subject. Tom

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 2/28/2021 6:11:00 AM

You brought the history to life. I am impressed how much thought you put into this piece. Also congrats on your POTD honour, it is well deserved.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/28/2021 6:22:00 AM

Thank you Richard, he brought Ireland out of the dark days and ended British rule in Ireland who tried to cling onto their dwindling empire bringing in assassins paid by the British crown. They carried out many atrocities but support for the war of independence was gathering speed. Tom

Rob Levasseur

Date: 12/22/2020 12:50:00 PM

None is innocent in times of war. This was EPIC in both its content and its linguistics. I enjoyed it very much.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/22/2020 1:07:00 PM

Thank you very much Rob, its always the innocent bystanders that get caught in the crossfire of any conflict, and reprisals and revenge attacks carried out on both sides, there are never any winners. Tom

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 12/13/2020 4:45:00 PM

Congrats on POTD and opening my eyes Tom!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/14/2020 12:09:00 AM

Thank you very much Caren, you should Google Irelands war of independence, the British forces were worse than animals and burnt down houses and carried out many atrocities. Collins found out they were bringing in assassins and beat them to it, not just in Ireland though, see in the notes about other atrocities they commited. Tom

Michael Tor

Date: 12/4/2020 5:18:00 PM

A Patriot for his Country Tom. True courage and a true David and Goliath story. Thanks for sharing and a congratulations on POTD.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/4/2020 5:38:00 PM

Thank you very much Michael, he's certainly a hero of Irelands war of independence. Hope you well. Tom

Krish Radhakrishna

Date: 12/3/2020 7:07:00 AM

A great story of a freedom fighter!! never knew about him till I read this! very educational! well done! Congrats on POTD!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/3/2020 9:38:00 AM

Thank you Krish, the dwindling British empire was dying and they tried everything to hang on to the few strands that were left using brute force, not just Ireland but Kenya, India and South Africa. They met their match with Collins, he kept one step ahead and they tried to assassinate him bringing in lowlifes to do it, but he found out and beat them to it fighting fire with fire. Tom

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 12/2/2020 10:53:00 AM

Your poem is informative and so well written Tom. He was a celebrated hero of Ireland. Congratulations on your deserving honor of POTD. My younger brothers name is Michael Collins. Blessings xxoo

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/2/2020 1:15:00 PM

Thank you very much Connie, it was a shame he didnt live to see his vision come true, he was indeed a true hero of Ireland. I hope you are well. Tom

Emilia James

Date: 12/1/2020 10:00:00 AM

Well I have learnt something from your write Tom, I knew British wasn't liked much but had no idea of their brutality. Wish I had paid more attention to my history lessons. Brilliant write again Tom and congratulations on your well deserved POTD honour (still think you should write books lol) Emilia : )

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/1/2020 12:14:00 PM

Thank you Emilia, some of the things they done in other countries were really bad. They were as bad as the Nazis, I couldn't believe what I was reading. Of course it all gets swept under the carpet, Australia is in the firing line for committing atrocities, killing farmers then putting guns by the bodies. Its a sad world we live in. Tom

Gordon Mcconnell

Date: 11/30/2020 6:11:00 PM

Great write Tom, showing lovely rhyme and flow throughout. History is such an important subject to learn from, I think there was a movie about Collins many years ago. Blessings always,Gordon

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/30/2020 8:24:00 PM

Thank you very much Gordon, yes I remember seeing that film, liam Neeson was in it as Collins, hope you're well. Tom

Lindsay Laurie

Date: 11/27/2020 9:25:00 PM

G’day Tom … history certainly has had its share of bloodshed. A very interesting write on empire control - thanks Tom - Lindsay

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/28/2020 3:17:00 AM

Thank you very much Lindsay, even today it goes on especially in the middle east. Tom

Sandra Adams

Date: 11/27/2020 7:55:00 PM

Love your history writes... you tell a good story in poetic form... great choice for a potd... congratulations! hugs

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/28/2020 3:16:00 AM

Thank you very much Sandra, hope you are well. Tom

Beryl Edmonds

Date: 11/27/2020 4:18:00 PM

Most informative and very well written Tom, you must have put hours of work into this, the research and poetry. A well deserved poem of the day... Belle

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/29/2020 6:58:00 AM

Thank you very much Belle, it did take me a while but I always strive to be accurate, dates, places etc. Tom

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 11/27/2020 1:02:00 PM

My belated congrats your POTD.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/27/2020 1:17:00 PM

Thank you very much Victor for your return visit and congrats, hope you have a lovely weekend . Tom

Alexis Y.

Date: 11/27/2020 7:44:00 AM

Hi Tom, I'm just coming back to say congrats on getting the poem of the day. Enjoy the rest of your day:-) Alexis

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/27/2020 10:14:00 AM

Thank you very much for your return visit Alexis, hope you had a great day with your family. Tom

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 11/27/2020 7:19:00 AM

This is a incredible write. Congrats on your POTD :) God bless you

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/27/2020 10:13:00 AM

Thank you very much Regina, im glad you liked it. Hope you had a great day yesterday. Tom

Silent One

Date: 11/27/2020 6:02:00 AM

Great choice for POTD Tom..

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/27/2020 6:06:00 AM

Thanks SO for your return visit, hope you are well. Temperatures dropping down here. Brrr. Enjoy the weekend. Tom

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 11/27/2020 2:09:00 AM

- Congratulations on your p.o.t.d., Tom :) - (I was not on soup yesterday) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/27/2020 2:34:00 AM

Thank you very much Anne, hope you're well. Tom

John Watt

Date: 11/27/2020 1:29:00 AM

Your love of history is so evident in this well-researched and carefully penned gem, Tom. Big congrats for your worthy POTD ~ John

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/27/2020 1:41:00 AM

Thank you very much John, I do love composing historical poems, they do take a while to compose as dates and other facts have to be spot on. Hope you had a wonderful thanksgiving with your family. Tom

Susan Ashley

Date: 11/26/2020 9:03:00 PM

Dear Tom, your poetic pen shines in your masterful storytelling. A brilliant historical account that's amazing in both content and rhymes. Congratulations for your wonderful recognition with POTD honors. A very worthy choice! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/27/2020 1:39:00 AM

Thank you very much Susan. Im pleased that you enjoyed it. Hope you had a lovely thanksgiving. Hope you're well. Tom

Brandy Nicole

Date: 11/26/2020 6:14:00 PM

History and Poetry collide. You have expressed these moments so vividly. Congratulations Tom, on Poem of the Day. I hope you are doing well. My best to you. ~ Brandy

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/27/2020 1:38:00 AM

Thank you very much Brandy Im glad you enjoyed it. Hope you had a great day yesterday. Tom

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 11/26/2020 4:59:00 PM

congrats on your POTD, Tom. Chock full of facts written with poetic style! I saw a movie long ago about the atrocities toward Ireland. Can't think of its name now, but wow, so many people have died fighting for just causes.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/27/2020 1:37:00 AM

Thank you very much Andrea, all the irish wanted was freedom and their country back, the British carried out many atrocities to hang on to one of their last bits of their dwindling empire. Those horrific facts are well documented in many books not just those written by Irish writers. Tom

Simon Hamill

Date: 11/26/2020 4:48:00 PM

Cracking poem, congratulations on POTD.and top of the morning to you. Simon.:)

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/27/2020 1:34:00 AM

Lol, thanks very much Simon. Glad you enjoyed it. Tom

L Milton Hankins

Date: 11/26/2020 3:15:00 PM

A very fine, well-written piece of work. Congratulations on POTD!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/26/2020 3:36:00 PM

Thank you very much Milton, I'm pleased that you enjoyed it. Tom

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 11/26/2020 11:24:00 AM

Congratulations on your POTD win. WOW!!! What a wonderful story/write. You missed your calling as a teacher but you sure made your calling as a writer. Enjoy your win and day.................

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/26/2020 12:21:00 PM

Thank you very much Paula, im happy you enjoyed it. Hope you're well. Tom