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John A'hern Poem
Lighthouse keeper vacancy announced
Envelope delivered; the Son read contents aloud
Smiles turned into laughter, then into a shout
Parents and Son hugged before he set off
Applicants sitting quietly, when Into the room strides a man
Age etched on his face, a cheery smile, sparkle in his eyes
Sat himself down in front of group, his smile comforted
Questions asked and answered, nothing is written down.
The elderly man, watched and listened to all the interaction
Hour after hour, the ticking of the clock seemed louder
He touched our hero on the shoulder
The job young man is yours
Despite all others challenging for the position
Shouts of joy and clapping followed
The day arrived, directions had been given
Arrived at a place never seen before
Our hero was met with giant Waves racing toward the rocks of a lonely cove
A shake of hands as he met with the lighthouse keeper
Somehow seemed rather sprightly as they walked toward the lighthouse
Was this the same older man seen before?
No time to waste, up the steps they climbed
the lighthouse keeper ran never missing a step
They reached the top, our hero gasped at the scene
fifty metres off the ground, sat this whitewashed pinnacle
One eye that rotated during the darkness of night
This lighthouse would soon be his to maintain.
Months of training followed, words were said that made him shudder
the time has come for me to to let go of the reins quietly said
A shake of the hand, he watched as the old man disappeared from sight
Days turned into weeks and months tending to the light that shined so bright.
Standing at the perimeter of the one-eyed monster,
Safety rails in place, sometimes holding tightly
This evening a storm had gathered
Thunder and lightning as never seen or heard before
Voices are hearkened, that is absurd, cries of distress carried by the wind.
Down the steps faster than ever before, out into the night, all on his own
Fighting the wind and the lashing rain he looked out over the angry sea before him
He listened for the voices he had heard earlier
The white foam of the waves, revealing nothing
Did he imagine, he used his trusty flashlight to scour the sea
He imagined himsealf as a human lighthouse surveying the scene
No sign of wreckage, the voices now not heard
Silence other than waves crasing on the rocks
Standing and watching, hour after hour
He returned to the shelter of the lighthouse
He started his daily checks within the pinnacle of his new home
Daylight at last brought the sunshine, he walked the perimeter
His eyes met with a sad sight, bodies on the rocks, how can this be?
Down the steps, this time in a dream sequence
Standing and looking at lives taken
Local lifeboat crew arrived and comforted a broken man
That evening arrived, every time he closed his eyes, demons appeared.
Holding the safety rails tighter than normal this evening
Dangerous voices inside him were calling
Throw yourself off, repeated constantly, his grasp relaxed; he had let go
The silence that followed seemed to look down at the scene
Coastguard visit found our hero, tears and words echoed from those in attendance
An old man stepped forth from the shadows asked for ownership of the scene
All nodded in agreement time for duties to take place
The funeral was a quiet place, Mam and Dad standing unsure of feelings
Agreement on fitting end, cremation and ashes in a bonded friendship secret place
The lighthouse now manned by someone new
On stormy evenings, as they hold the rail
A figure would appear as bright as day
A voice carried by the wind, never ever let go.
Copyright © John A'Hern | Year Posted 2022
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John A'hern Poem
A beach or beaches, so many to explore,
Ocean or sea or bay are viewed, some never seen before
Familiar rocks, lighthouses erected to save lives
Seagulls activity, their sounds and out of control flight.
The sea seems to call like sirens from sea adventure tales
Stories of Mermaids, Neptune and Davey Jones locker
The loneliness of sailors as they sail the seven seas
Memories Abound as sea shanties are sang.
Waves breaking as they roll to the shore
Slowed down until they are no more
Soft sand or pebbles dependent of time gone by
Sand to walk on, it squelches between toes.
Pebbles that hurt feet, protect the coastline
Sounds of pebbles moving, as the tide washes over them
Angry waves soothed as they reach the shore
Tides relentless movement for evermore
Fear of watching the sea in the darkness of night
What lays beneath the sea surface?
Another world, all fish species fighting for their lives
Fishermen, why not fisherwomen described?
When do they decide, their catch enough will fill?
Regulations looked after by whom
Fishing boats with massive nets drag the ocean floor
No creature is safe from these marauders.
Restaurant fish meals, eyes looking sad
Better to choose cutlets, no feelings of where from
Feelings whirl as you leave this wondrous haven
Striding through life with new found admiration.
Copyright © John A'Hern | Year Posted 2022
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John A'hern Poem
The grandfather clock
A grandfather clock sat in pride of place in my childhood home
I would sit at its base and watch the magical movements of the pendulum
I would talk to the clock as if were a close friend
As I grew older our friendship continued
One evening I tossed and turned in bed, sleep eluded tonight
laying there wondering where my dreams will take me tonight
The grandfather clock tic tocks louder tonight
I toss and turn once more is this a dream.
The sound continues, I decide to visit my old friend
Bedclothes tossed aside, stand at the side of my bed
Eyes accustomed to the darkness, the sound continues
I leave my bedroom and stand on a darkened landing
The tick tock invites me to visit
Down the stairs and sit before the grandfather clock
The face looks down at me, I imagine a smile as it recognizes me
It speaks as it has many time before, hello young man
Silence from myself as I struggle to comprehend
Say it as it is I will understand speaks the clock
The clock understands my silent words
It seems to nod and smile I understand
I sit for hours as the clock marks time
My life, my worries my love all pour out
I wake from my dream and realise where I am
Curled in a ball at the feet of the clock
I hear the sounds as the clock chimes the hour
I stand and bow at the wise one before me
A chuckle I hear as I walk back up the stairs
My bedroom, my kingdom, fell into bed and slept for hours
Is there a message in this maybe a poem.
Yes, there is, the thoughts are yours.
Copyright © John A'Hern | Year Posted 2025
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John A'hern Poem
Body letting me down of late
Knees, back, hips crying for relief
Holding onto a park bench for support
Voices approached, a group of young folk
Once I was as you are today, my thoughts
I stood before them, standing proud
Smiles all around, no sound, no movement
My body creaked, looking for support
A hand reached out; do I reach out?
A hand touched my shoulder, my pain subsided
Tears rolled down my cheek at this interaction
The group stood in silence, waiting for what
Would you care to join us on our walk?
My name was asked, I replied with pride
Eyes met eyes, I have met you before, feelings
We strolled the coastline, silence prevailed
A hand reached and held my hand
No pain worries as we strolled on
A voice broke the silence
This is the end of the path, spoken quietly
Sit awhile and think things through
Another bench, providing comfort and views
Deep breaths taken, is this all true?
Turned to thank the group of young folk
No one there, I shook my head in disbelief
I stood to walk away, pain once there was now gone
I now realised I was laying on the ground
My eyes looked into eyes seen before
A hand reached out offering help
A grip so strong helped me to my feet
Then I realised I was standing on my own
I walked away shaking my head
Pain no more, a happening performed.
Copyright © John A'Hern | Year Posted 2022
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John A'hern Poem
The end of an evening, all quiet and relaxed
Dozing, opening eyes at sounds from where
The house seems alive, no movement just sounds
Close my eyes once more, sounds still invade
Tossing and turning, I need to sleep
Restless sleep awaits, sounds still invade
A thud awakens me from my troubled sleep
Laying there listening to almost silence
Am I alone or does someone or something invade my space?
Sleep calls out my name, drop into darkness of dreams
A babble of voices not making sense
Who are you? I call out loudly
Movement in my bedroom, I awake
I sit upright. staring into nights darkness
Is this a nightmare or dreams of those long gone?
I decide to get up from my bed and wander the house
Eyes become accustomed to darkness, shadows appear
I feel the need to speak to ask who is there
My voice echoes off the silence that exists
I shudder as shapes begin to form
I stand my ground and ask an innocent question
Who are you where are you from?
The babble of voices hurts my ears
I collapse into my favourite armchair
Eyes start to close so tired, sleep calls
Silence descends like a mist in the mornings light
Nightmares or dreams leave, stage right
Morning’s light awakens me from my troubled sleep
The scene that awaits has me doubting my dreams
A party was held without my permission
Untidy items lay in disarray
A voice as clear as day, we visited but you would not play.
Copyright © John A'Hern | Year Posted 2022
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John A'hern Poem
It’s that time of year when longing occurs
A Country, far away, waits to welcome a return
A challenging journey awaits patiently
Travel back in time as time lords partake
The clocks of the World tick away the hours
Arrive quietly, fall into days of travel fatigue
Time to now venture out into our childhood World
Walk streets so narrow, memories deceive
People acknowledge each other
A wave, a smile, a shout of hiya
Not known to each other, just a welcome call
Familiar faces, we struggle for names
Some look our way, turn, and look again
smile to yourself, I know you as well
The pubs, places of friends and gossip
Time for a rest, and a pint of best bitter
Stand at the bar with my thoughts for company
A group of locals enter the bar
The sounds of voices echo afar
Study faces in the mirrors reflection behind the bar
Know them all from time gone by
A female voice asks a question
Turn to look at the question asker
Eyes are the first to betray a smile
She uses your name, it sounds like poetry
Please join us and share your adventures?
join the group of young men and women
They all stand as if welcoming royalty
Laughter and handshakes, kisses on the cheek
Comments of not changed in manner or looks
sitting down amongst friends of old
The question asker, with eyes that look through to your soul
Eyes study eyes, known once before
Hers did not blink as laughter unfolded
Quietly asked, why did you go away?
Explanation given, all politely listened
Exhaustion from questions as the hours ticked by
Eventually all said their good byes
Quietness descended once again
Just myself and inner thoughts, sitting quietly
A female voice, may I sit for a while?
You both smile, lost for words
Her hand reaches across the table
Silent question as your hand reaches out
If only, the question as you chat over times gone by
Both stand and hug and say our farewells
She leaves without turning around
Memories burst in my head
Day one adventures completed happily.
Copyright © John A'Hern | Year Posted 2023
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John A'hern Poem
The morning stroll from room to room
Photos and paintings adorn the walls
Smile and stop, family groups, happy and sad
The camera captures good and bad
My laughter rings out, memories surface
Weddings and celebrations captured on film
Moments in time, thoughts drift elsewhere
Faces so lifelike include those no longer here
Say a greeting then move on
Study paintings, such amazing detailed scenery
The early morning stillness of an empty house
Climb the stairs, upstairs awaits its turn
Photos of older members of the family
All acknowledged with utmost respect
Sounds of breathing, realised it is your own
The stairs are a challenge, you should have known
The end of a pathway reached for today
Retraced steps, ready for daily frays
Stand at the front door as I have many times before
Listening to the house waking from its slumber
Creaks and groans, a breeze from who knows where
My laughter erupts, memories of loved ones
Stop, listen, enjoy sounds we usually do not hear
Life’s hustle and bustle awaits, onward and upward
Copyright © John A'Hern | Year Posted 2022
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John A'hern Poem
Shadows on walls, enjoyment of shapes
Rabbits, Dogs all made to enthrall
The feeling of late, drowned in sound
Time for a walk, shadow beckons
Lost the energy that once abounded
Standing enjoying birds and scenery
A giggle, from where? no one around
I looked down at the ground
My shadow standing next to me
Off I go, shadow followed
Need a rest, stopped and rested
My shadow moved onward
How can this be, I looked in amazement
my shadow turned, waving gestured
I looked around, no one to be seen
I returned the wave, sheepishly
My shadow strode on, turning occasionally
No one around, I shouted wait for me
My shadow stood still, waiting patiently
I ran to join my shadow, feeling foolish
We became one again, sigh of relief
Are we ready, a silent question?
Off we strode life is waiting.
Copyright © John A'Hern | Year Posted 2022
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John A'hern Poem
He studied and sought dreams to become a teacher
Sometime his days and plans are torn to pieces
Leaving place of learning without a backward glance
Onward to a School of not his choosing.
Area described as working class
Teenage boys waited for their Teacher
Introduced himself, laughter erupted
Stood and approached his challengers
Passing through rows of desks
No heads turned as he passed them
The back row his final calling
He was amongst his ongoing problems
Softly spoken, choosing his words wisely
All now quiet within this Schoolroom
A group of boys in their last term
Would they be interested in his teachings?
His subject today, foreign Countries
The mysteries of the giant blackboard came into play
He occasionally turned, seeing looks of dismay
All lost in their working-class area
They watched; magical names flowed across the blackboard
The look on pupils’ faces was priceless
Describe a country and its people
An audible groan had him smiling within
Pencil sharpener having a workout
Lead giving up, pencil issue
Walking back and forth between the rows
Scribbling on paper was taking place before him
Heaven knows what the content would show
Two hours up, sighs filled the room
A bell signalled the finish of this day
On your marks, set, they waited for the words
Another day tomorrow
Classroom emptied in a flash
Some papers without a name, caused raising of eyebrows
Others had at least tried
As he read the scribbling, he felt sadness within
The descriptions showing their World had them captured
So sad to read dreams never to be realised
Thinking of his own, before reading on
Several times he sighed out loudly
Living alone, his dreams not yet realised
A troubled sleep beckoned
Entering the classroom, the following day, unusually quiet
He sat at his island, faces, unsure of the day before them
Today, I will comment on your offerings from yesterday
He realised, that the enemy in the back row were listening
What were they planning, would they start laughing?
With a shrug of his shoulders, he started a word flow
Finished reading each paper aloud
They all sat as if waiting for punishment
He continued to speak
His quiet voice never rubbishing their comments
The dreams of his imaginary enemies were a joy to read
High expectations from both, silently he wished them well
That bell rang, the room emptied slowly
Today he left for home, a wry smile on his lips
Another day, keeping thirty teenage boys interested
The enemy camp was softening to his methods
A non-confrontational action was happening
The term rolled by, all left with twinkles in their eye
The young teacher sat there reminiscing
Holidays beckoned as well as career changes
Holidays came and went, career path changes did not happen
The teacher went to a sporting event
He studied the names on the programme
Familiar names leapt out at him
The names of two back row boys, living their dreams
Local pub after the game, standing at the bar in silence
A tap on his shoulder by strangers
He turned, looking into eyes he had seen once before
Hello Mr James, thank you for all your efforts
Your teaching methods soothed anger within
We followed dreams that seemed beyond us
So here we are, fine young men
The teacher reached to shake their hands
A shake of their heads, they then hugged him
The teachers’ soul was on high, he realised
He had reached his dreams plateau.
Copyright © John A'Hern | Year Posted 2021
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John A'hern Poem
Conversations, on a daily basis
Your own voice surrounded in oasis
Talk to yourself, a daily happening
Older age the reason offered
Standing still, minding one’s own business
Overheard conversations, questions, answers
Mobile phones shatter the sound waves
Eyes down not paying attention
Constant scrolling, thrill of the moment
Media news thrust upon us
Gather in groups, social distance
Chatter surrounds us, some absurd
Nodding, smiling, becoming a nerd
Hope that subjects do not ignite
Spirits are low, worrying galore
Watching, waiting, character testing
Older ones on the front line
Standing in front of them, carers that shine
Trust is tested, time after time
Walls erected around those in twilight
Faces in windows of those we know
The pain of missing you so hard to share
Hands pressed against glass
Blowing kisses hard and fast
Hands are waving, goodbyes are taken
Tomorrow waits for those not chosen.
Copyright © John A'Hern | Year Posted 2021
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