Eyes Closed Tight

I’ve walked the roads with eyes closed tight
On summers days and winters nights
Never a car nor a van saw I
Just me, the road and the cloudy sky

My knees were bare and my face was too 
Braced to meet what the weather threw
At my frail form as it made its way
From home to school and back each day

Three miles to school my legs would ply
Bag on my back tear in my eye
From biting wind and driving rain
And ill fitting shoes causing me much pain

In class at last I start to thaw
As the teacher with the chalk did draw
The questions on the board of black
She’d shout at us if we dared to slack

The bell has gone and it’s home time
I run out past the village sign
Turn right and up the old mill path
Which cuts my journey time in half

Past fields where corn and barley grew
Not yet turning their golden hue
But standing now quite strong and tall
Hiding the Corncrake, but not her call

For years my legs would carry me
From breakfast plate to Geography
From Latin to the river Bann
Then up the hill to home I ran

How lucky I was I realise now
To see the birds the sheep the cow
And share with them the air and rain
Such freedom will we ever see again
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Johnson Avatar
February 14, 2014 at 10:51 AM
The ears have it on that solemn road. For if you can't hear, with eyes shut, you might end up a dead toad. But walking backwards to save your face. I know too well, that winter race. But the rural pastures that you passed. Are truly memories that were meant to last. Thanks for bringing us along. Peace. :)
Lyle Avatar
February 14, 2014 at 2:25 PM
thank you Robert for your lovely reply. I am going to pop by just as soon as I have replied to my comments. Regards Andy Lyle
Parker Avatar
February 13, 2014 at 10:22 AM
Hello Robert I'm one of Peter's friends, read his poem which led me to you.I didn't find your walk home lonely, rather filled with life..and nature's comfort.Having to walk three miles myself through a city, I found your walk filled with pictured memories not the gray of sidewalks and buildings..I'll find you again...nice work
Lyle Avatar
February 13, 2014 at 10:32 AM
Thank you Frederic for your kind review.It was far from lonely I had the sheep that I fed with apples cows following me behind the hedges dogs at the houses I passed. Birds nests to check on, dragonfly larvae in the streams to catch and the added advantage of being able to walk in the middle of the road with my eyes closed
Northwood Avatar
February 13, 2014 at 1:31 AM
Hi Robert, I,m peters cousin, what a beautiful poem this is, I could almost feel your pain wearing those shoes and the feel of the cold on your face, it seems you had a lonely trip to school everyday. It must have been enjoyable in the summertime though. Look forward to reading more of your work.
Lyle Avatar
February 13, 2014 at 7:38 AM
Hi Susan thank you for looking at my poems. I am glad you liked it . It is just a snippet from my school days. 3 miles down hill to school then 3 miles up hill home again. Ireland has a beauty all of her own all year round. lucky to have had such freedom in my youth. Thank you once again for your kind comments Andy lyle
Northwood Avatar
February 13, 2014 at 1:30 AM
Hi Robert, I,m peters cousin, what a beautiful poem this is, I could almost feel your pain wearing those shoes and the feel of the cold on your face, it seems you had a lonely trip to school everyday. It must have been enjoyable in the summertime though. Look forward to reading more of your work.
A  Avatar
January 28, 2014 at 2:58 PM
A powerful, thought and poem Robert, , CONGRATULATIONS, for making the top, hottest, and the best NEW poets list on the Poetry Soup. . I'm happy for you. ~ LOVE ~ SKAT
Lyle Avatar
January 29, 2014 at 1:18 PM
Thank you for your comments. I did not even realise I was on there. I wish more of the people looking at my work would leave comments. I was saying to Peter Duggan that I might pull out but he said to stick with it. Thank you again for popping by regards Andy
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace