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Agnes Clarke Poem
The Van-Boy got out to open the gate still in his head last night’s date
He did not notice the green signal light a train was coming though not in sight
This crossing was notorious and set at an angle getting some drivers in a tangle
But this was not on the van-boys mind when the driver he waved to come behind
The lorry driver thinking it was safe engaged first gear and let off the brake
Up the incline he had come no chance to go back now the journey begun
A careful driver all his life he knew that this dangerous crossing had taken a few
He looked down the line and to his dismay saw the Train coming quickly his way
Nothing to do now must hit the gas and take the consequences be it his last
The lorry sped over the lines so quick the bottles and crates rattling and the driver
sick
But luck would be upon his side and the lord above was to be his guide
With the memento of the weight no time to straighten through the gate
The lorries breaks were not enough to stop this speeding it was tough
The poor old fence post standing for years if it could cry it would be in tears
Out from the ground with a tearing sound the lorries front bumper tore it round
Well when the driver drew his breath and realized how close he came to death
What would have happened to his family if the worst had happened where would
they be
I hope that Van-boy will never forget his stupid mistake nearly caused an accident
But I am sure he can remember too the words the driver shouted as the air
turned Blue
Train Crossings are lethal so take your time and wait for the proper signal to
cross the line
Copyright © Agnes Clarke | Year Posted 2008
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Agnes Clarke Poem
When the sun shines in the sky and no clouds can be seen
A walk along the river bank is like a lovely dream
Down from the bridge the narrow stony path winds
Grassy banks on either side in which white butterflies glide
Insects bussing on the wing
Through the nettles without a sting
On down the path it widens out and we see the rivers natural beauty
With swans and ducklings here on show their parents on feeding duty
In and out the reeds they swim the little heads ducking through water dim
But then again out in the sun their tail feathers waving a good job done
This display is truly cute as round the weeds the little ducks scoot
All covered in that fluffy down not quite ready or dressed for town
A swan her nest built at the other side watches her chicks as they glide
They are so very young and small with little short necks which will grow tall
Ugly ducklings they may be now but watching the grownups we just say “wow”
The forms that nature her beauty does show the best designer could never know
The dappling water with diamonds bright shines in the sunshine with delight
Gliding over the stones made smooth through the years
It comes to the waterfall to cascade down like a million tears
Into a pool which is dark and deep then on it flows the river never sleeps
The white flowers of the hawthorn are joined their blooms to share
With beautiful wild pink roses entwined amongst them here and there
The grasses sway as their seed heads grow out to catch your legs
The tickle soft and gentle is asking pick me will you my seeds please spread
Then the smell of honeysuckle brings perfume to the nose
A wonderful display of nature on show as the river gently flows
Copyright © Agnes Clarke | Year Posted 2008
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Agnes Clarke Poem
Don’t go near the river a tree has fallen down
The flow is blocked and it caused a dam if you fall in you could drown
But to us children this an invitation was
A big happening in our lives we had to see the cause
Of course we would not climb down to the tree
From high upon the bank we would satisfy our curiosity
Down Milfort Avenue we all trouped
The excitement mounting with-in our group
The boys were there first of course
Down at the roots torn from the ground with such force
You girls they shouted stay away it was their find
Just go home play with your dolls and leave our tree behind
Well did you ever hear such rot
We will soon show that lot
Mother’s warning soon forgot down we went to the spot
Those roots from up high did not seem so tall
But now down beside them we were made to feel small
Like gaint arms they were all slimy and wet
But we girls would conquer this climb you bet
I never was brave and from the start
My legs were shaking and in my heart
I knew I should back down and risk being the fool
But pride would not let me so I tried to act cool
The others had climbed over and to the far side had gone
Knowing I was frightened they egged me on
Up I went onto that tree trunk
Looking down to the river below my heart sunk
What would I do if I fell in I had never learned to swim
Well it happened and into water I fell for my sins
Plunged to the bottom then up I floated gasping for air
Again the depths called the water my death would share
With bravery someone dived in to save me from my watery grave
Trailed to the bank and with the water pumped out my life was saved
A neighbor heard the commotion and running came
Then into her house to recover my legs some strength to gain
For the walk back home to face Mum my misbehavior to declare
I really was a sorry sight but I did not care
Jumper and tartan skirt soggy the red dye running down my thighs
Perhaps she would think it was blood I had better start to cry
Water filled the fur lined leather boots which slopped and weighed a ton
My dad had worked for hours to pay for them and look what had I done
So sorry I was for myself but punishment I had to accept
My friends there with me for support they stayed and yet
When Mum’s face through that front door appeared
They drifted away the blame they feared
In I was hauled and asked to explain
Why I had ignored her orders given so plain
Copyright © Agnes Clarke | Year Posted 2008
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Agnes Clarke Poem
When the sun shines bright and the sky is blue
That feeling of happiness so friendly cheers you
But away from the light blinds closed like the night
Someone is lying curled up crying with fright
The thoughts that are swirling in this persons mind
Are dark and unfriendly a terrible kind
Life has a down side that they comprehend
That feeling of unhappy loneliness will it never end
The door bell it rings let them go away
Don’t want the bother in bed I will stay
This life has no meaning they will not understand
I don’t want sympathy my life’s in my hands
Please God give me respite from these feelings so strong
Unhappiness it seems has stayed with me for so long
I dread the wakening from sleep each time
That feeling of desolation it will not leave my mind
The darkness gives me some comfort although it may be small
This cocoon of self pity it seems I revel in it all
That’s what those around me think when they recall
The tantrums and the crying they say it is for sympathy that’s all
But if they only knew the depths to which I sink
The thoughts that torture my mind when I start to think
This journey that I travel this hell I’m going through
Maybe I should end it all perhaps that’s what I’ll do
These feelings I will have to conquer because no-one knows but me
They do not understand within the family
They have had a lot of stress to live with because I’m ill
The treatment seems to be working and I take the tablets still
Talking through my feelings it seems so foolish but then
If I am to recover and make this nightmare end
I am the only one to help myself with my councilor so kind
We intend to bring my inner most thoughts to the surface of the mind
The stigma that is mental health most people don’t understand
What has happened is she mad her life before her so grand
But that darkness that is inside the mind it has a life that is so real
Those feelings lets hope those doubters will never have or feel
Copyright © Agnes Clarke | Year Posted 2008
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Agnes Clarke Poem
As a relic of those bygone days, it sits alone and neglected
With turrets high and shutters drawn its mystery story perfected
Bay windows that at one time shone now dirty where dust has caught
The front door still looks elegant but the paint has lost its gloss
Standing above rounded steps with railing and boot scraper rusted deep
Once opened by a servant in a white apron and lacy cap each guest to greet
The walls when built were red brick strong, a sight for all around
People wondered at those rich folks building in their little town
At times in carriage and horses wrapped up in furs, they passed
A sidelong glance to others was friendship enough to last
Behind the walls, high lived that strange family in recluse
Each day brought speculation from town gossip wild and loose
The years went by and the children left for education no doubt
The Lord and Lady of that house were never heard about
Steeped in mystery with a hidden secret that house at the edge of town
No amount of watching and hoping could pin their story down
Suddenly it happened, an empty house the residents have gone
The iron gates were locked and bolted no trespassers to go beyond
But the owners need not have worried because nobody was brave enough
To climb that wall and plunder in the garden wild and rough
From tiny roots, the ivy grew and climbed with earnest glee
The front was red brick one day and green the next you see
It seemed that climbing plant was indeed hiding a secret deep
Even the rooftop tiles it covered in an endless climbing creep
Free of growth the windows like eyes watching never dimmed
Staring blankly from out of a beard the owner had never trimmed
Copyright © Agnes Clarke | Year Posted 2018
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