“ENVIRONMENT”

Wouldn’t it be great if we had zero pollution
No death penalty and no execution
Imagine the forests like a God’s great plan
With animals galore, untouched by man

The blue of the sky, no smoke stack grey
With waters so pure and fishes at play
The shores and the beaches with whitest of sands
And away from the Oceans, primitive lands

The chirping of birds with songs to the wind
Could be heard near and far, round every bend
Well, that’s how it was, day one, long ago
Before man and his genius, set the world aglow

Look how far we have come, since primitive days
Life today is so easy, in so many ways
We’re civilized now and communicate well
So we can tell each other how to go to hell

We’ve been to the moon and depth of the sea
Cloned some sheep, next humans, you’ll see
All for what? To extend mans life?
So he can live longer and suffer more strife

So now man is working to find a solution
To save the world from all this pollution
We need more energy to run our inventions
Created by us with the greatest intentions

We have the know how, Build Nuclear Stations
But then, Politicians listen to Greenpeace Vibrations
Where does this leave us, press onward? Or back?
I think we must stay on this forward track

Let’s work together, never say never
Realizing mans life, was not Meant Forever

Michael Christopher Daly

April 2001

“DON’T GIVE UP”

I could hear the wind as it blew all day

Then the rains pelted down, to have their say

They lashed at the windows, on into the night

With an angry attack, to display their might

I would be quite content, if I could go to sleep

But with this kind of weather, the waters run deep

Alert I must stay and prepare for the worst

Stocked with canned food, and I’ll not thirst

But fear is all around me, isolated as I am

My body gives me trouble, can’t remember worth a damn

What I don’t need now, is my heart beating fast

With my breath getting short and I begin to gasp

I need another pill, where can they be

“If you’re listening God”, “Come on, rescue me”

Then a thunderous blast, exploded overhead

As the roof filled with water, caved in on my head

The phones gone dead, the lights are out

I bang pots together, and begin to shout

But who can hear me, I’m so far away

Maybe Gods gone to sleep, after a heavy day

I’m quite sure now, my time is near over

Since the day before yesterday, I haven’t seen Rover

Oh, what I’d give now to have him by my side

It would be nice enough if we could go side by side

Suddenly, I’m falling, and I’m flat on the floor

No blasts of thunder, and the lightning’s no more

I look to the ceiling and it’s all in place

I get to the bathroom, to look at my face

T’is a young one I see, staring back with a beam

And I’m in shock and happy, as it was only dream

Michael Christopher Daly

May of 2001

A Soldiers Thoughts

As I lie in this trench so far, far ,away
One hand on my bible, my feet in wet clay
Be with me tonight, your comfort I’ll borrow
Cause I’m not sure of my future or even tomorrow

Yet, I know in my heart that I’m needed here
My help, my involvement, calms their fear
For I know they’re my brothers, though their language is strange
But without our help nothing will change

Sometimes I wonder, if there is a supreme being
' Cause all of this hate, he just isn’t seeing
Then again I remember, he gave us free will
And a mind to go with it, not to lay still

What we do with these is our great problem
Yet, we have the tools that can help us solve them
Prayers from us all will be heard up above
Then the hate we created, might turn to love

Michael Christopher Daly 2005

'SPECIAL LOVE TO MY WIFE NORA. "The verse that’s on this special card was written, not by me I thought if I just added one how better it would be So read their verse, I wish you that but also from the start I've loved you every minute dear from the bottom of my heart. Happy Birthday

"ASSASSINATION"

On a Dallas street ,on a November day
As the multitudes gathered, in a happy way
To honor in unison, Our Nations Chief
How could anyone know of the coming grief

"It's not true God", the people wept
Has this nation sunk, to such a dept
As the cavalcade slowly along
'Mid the waves and cheers of a joyous throng

Our President, smiling and nodding his head
Suddenly fell, to the car floor, dead
Shot by persons that only God can forgive
As this Nation cannot, as long as it lives

A man of peace has been snatched away
So get on your knee's and to God, please pray
That our Presidents deeds be carried on
From the top on down, through father and son

Oh God in heaven, save a place on your right
And let his halo shine brighter than bright
He is no longer here, yet our prayers will not cease
OH "God above grant him everlasting peace"

Michael Christopher Daly
Nov:1963

THE ATTIC

The Attic

Above the landing where the ceiling was high

was a cut in the roof, I Never saw as a boy

With the attic above, but nary a stair

it was hidden from view with meticulous care

A ladder was needed to examine that place

what could be up there in that unknown space

So, the brother's and I, got together one night

when our parents went visiting and were out of sight

With the borrowed ladder ,from a friend down the lane

we entered the attic, in the house with our name

The flashlight through shadows pierced with it's light

landing on items that would scare one at night

While holding our breath, we were held in awe

just gaping, bewildered at all that we saw
Then, over there, what scared us the most

were things galore that would frighten a ghost

Metal pieces all around, that one could assemble

with wooden shaped handles, we began to tremble

It was here then, that the guns were put together

during the troubled times that has lasted forever

With little sound, we climbed back down

and looked at each other, all with a frown

We all agreed that we would never tell

what we saw in the attic, or we would go to hell.

Michael Christopher Daly

Author's Comments:

"yes, hand guns were assembled in our attic during the 1920's...to fight British rule in Ireland"

Thank You Soldier

You, are in Battle Dress and far away from home
You, are in constant danger while I can write this poem
You, the enlisted soldier, made up your mind to serve
You, are my sister and brother , daughter and son with nerve

You, have no time for yourself and little things mean so much
You, have dreams of homeland and loved ones you yearn to touch
You, look forward to returning and make up the time you have lost
You, have the memory of friends, whose lives were part of the cost

We, are still free in America and wish everyone else to be too
We, lift our voices in unison, as we kneel and pray for you
We, sit at home by the fireside, looking forward to Christmas Day
We send our love and best wishes, that you will come back to stay

We cannot fight by your side, but we want you to understand
We will Never forget you, Soldier, and I speak for all in this land

"GOD BLESS"

Michael Christopher Daly
Nov: 2005

"TOO LATE"

We withdrew our troops from Korea
Viet Nam and all of the Middle East too
The political doves got their way
Environmentalists, saw sky's of blue

We had changed the draft laws to a voluntary basis
and instructed our people to love all races
We dispersed with weapons, those dangerous things
They were dumped at sea in the early spring

We turned to ourselves and forgot the outside
Sent ambassadors home, where they should abide
It was great for a year,total freedom reigned
and Americas name not once was stained

There were no hawks, no murderous men
No need for moratoriums just one happy den
Then that little country, lost it's name
To that other country of notorious fame

They cried for help , to this great nation
But our policy, No Involvement in a Foreign Situation
Then another little country and another and another
Fell within the grasp of their great big brother

Now, they're coming for us and theres little we can do
We have no weapons and the Army's gone too
We've asked for volunteers, but they're all afraid
Even if they weren't, they wouldn't make the grade

We've thought only of ourselves, forgotten our allies
Crawled into a shell, on our great fat bellies
It's Too Late now and there's no compromise
If it's freedom we want, We Must Pay The Price

Michael Christopher Daly
Nov. 1970

"The Hot Corner"

“Oh, those winter nights in Limerick City

with summer passed, Oh what a pity

Yes the winds whistled as the gales moved in
too cold to move slowly, or think of sin”

Turn up the collar with cap over the head
And squint the eyes to see what's ahead
With no money to spend, still places to go
where the boys would gather be it rain or snow

I recall one now, and my feelings grow warmer
As I remember the place, called "The Hot Corner"
Some people say, there was no such place
"Get away with you now. and quicken your pace

But there was such a spot and I'll tell you some more
Because these are the forgotten, that make up the lore
Out the Dublin Road on the right hand side
stood Good Shepherd Convent, way back inside

There the nuns had their home, rosaries and pearls
they also had room for some troubled girls
The back of the Convent touched Pennywell road
where the nuns took in laundry to maintain their abode

At the end of that road, "The Long Can" ran right
There at that corner we had many a good night
No politics, no religion, that was the trend
Everything else was discussed without end

We stood at that corner, where the manhole held tight
as the heat and the steam found its way out at night
One man made his bed there, laid out quite level
"I wonder where you are now,? "Old Dan, the Devil"

Sometimes I wonder how better off we'd be
to remember the little things that filled us with glee
As winter moves in, the body grows warmer
With thoughts of old Limerick
and the Long Cans "Hot Corner"

Michael Christopher Daly

The Shadow 1

I saw a shadow on my bedroom wall

No doubt it belonged to you

That silhouette brought memories back

To a time when our love was new

Then I closed my eyes for a second

To wipe away a tear

As the past came back so lovingly

I wanted to hold it so near

The sharpness of this shadow

With the details and its size

Made me want to hold you tightly

And gaze into those blue eyes

I raised my hand and pointed

Wanting to touch your beautiful face

Remembering all the love we shared

With every moment and every embrace

My hand stopped short of the silhouette

As I felt a falling tear

Then the shadow on my bedroom wall

Just began to disappear.

Michael Christopher Daly

August 23, 2007

"The Old Ones"

What do the old ones know
In this world of ours
Their time has gone past
Let them smell the flowers

To old to understand
The problems that we face
So quick they seem to give
ready answers to our race

They really don't understand
and it seems they never did
As they look at us and say
"I did it all kid"

What have they really done
lets look back aways
To see the destruction caused
during their days

2nd World War, Korea, Viet Nam
We've had our share
Did they settle anything?
Have we gotten anywhere?

Social Security, they have it
and half fare on the bus
It's a stark reality
that it won't be there for us

Of course they were less educated
But that's their fault, not mine
They could have been more intelligent
but they didn't spend the time

So I sit here writing this
and a thought comes, Oh so small
When I realize, if it were'nt for them
Sure I, Would'nt Be Here Atall

Michael Christopher Daly
01/28/1997

PROGRESS ?

So, if we do away with the nuclear plants
And buy the story on Global warming
It appears to me that they are saying
We’ll be alive, tomorrow morning

The energy needed to run this planet
Grows larger year by year
The side effect’s from the pollution
Is exaggerated, as our greatest fear?

Environmentalist’s, like Greenpeace activists
Raise hell to get their passions across
It appears to them, to be the only way
To save the world from a total loss

Our world stays alive on energy
It has helped us live an easier life
There is no turning back on progress
As we continue to lessen our strife

Let’s stay away from Electric run cars
With everyone plugging in and out
Just like the problem of our mobile phones
We could have, a world brown out

But yes; we need to do our best
To reduce our amount of pollution
But let’s not do away with progress
Let’s work harder to develop a solution

Michael Christopher Daly

Nov. 15, 2007

"Nellie"

She had the ability to do both jobs
with her own vigor and flair
There was never a complaint filed
Because she did them with care

She never requested time off
Just a little break now and then
Her ability to lead was strong
On a scale. she rated a ten

Ten years she handled both jobs
Seven days a week she done it
On Sunday morning you'd see her
Dressed up and wearing a bonnet

On week days she was a Horse
pulling a laden cart everywhere
On Sunday she became a Pony
Guiding the trap to the fair.

Michael Christopher Daly
Jan. 29, 2007

"Memories"

I share your dreams of yesterdays though times were hard enough Thinking back , bring memories of friends and youth and stuff Who could ever think of Growing old there was no time for that So much to do, so much to see shove aging in your hat But time does not belong to us which is not so bad at all "Cause if we age with dignity we can surely ,stand up tall Yes, I share your dreams of yesterdays I am there with you in time And I love the memories that they bring, because there yours and mine

Michael Christopher Daly Dec. 2006.

"Off The Ice Maggie"

When Limerick winters were in full bloom
and you had no place to go
You'd look out the streaky old window
hoping to see much snow

Back then, the snow was awfully wet
You're breath spoke in the air
Better get away from the window
and sit by the fire on a chair

When the snow let up a bit
you donned your hobnail boots
Then to the top of the New Road you went
To join up with the neighborhood youths

Each carried a pail of water
Their token to develop our scheme
When poured down the hill of the New Road
It froze all the way to our dream

We had no problems with traffic
There were hardly any cars, you see
So we ran and jumped on the ice trail
with each of us filled with glee

The cost was a pail of water
and our clothes were somewhat baggie
And we screamed while skating down
"OFF THE ICE MAGGIE"

We jostled to get in position
To see who could stay to the end
As we spent another day of winter
The best way we could, with a friend

Michael Christopher Daly
Nov. 6, 2006

"NAM"

As I write all alone
it is quiet out here
There are stars in the sky
But I'm filled with fear

Who the enemy is
it is hard to tell
'Cause they all look alike
in this living hell

How can I sleep
on a rock for a bed
With a rain soaked poncho
to cover my head

With boots caked with mud
and socks to match
And death all around
so easy to catch

There's no room for smiles
or jokes out here
You must be mentally alert
know all sounds by ear

Any moment you relax
both body and brain
Your lifespan is limited
like drops of rain

I've been lucky so far
I still have my health
And I'm positive now
it's better than wealth

So I'll stay on my knees
and to God I pray
I'll get home to my family
Safe...some day

Michael Christopher Daly
1970

Love

Love is not comparable It's out there on it's own It changes from dependency As we become more grown Love is more than physical It's a mental state as well Combine the two and you will have The magic of a spell Love will come to everyone It does not discrimate It happens kind of suddenly With no set time or date Love will raise you to new heights With the magic of its spell And just as quickly let you see The other side of hell Michael Christoher Daly (mid 1980's)

Good bye Nellie Last night I sat by Nellie’s fire And watched the embers glow My thoughts were scattered here and there With things I ought to know I watched her trail across the room To reach the bedroom door Her shoes behind–her hair so neat Her clothes along the floor I tiptoed in to take a look She looked so naked there Her eyes a sparkle, lips so moist And a ribbon in her hair She did not speak– she hardly moved Where she laid her head to rest I kissed her cheek then her neck And the nipple on each breast She slowly moved and pulled me down And we became one together The night just faded out itself And loving would go on forever But fate is blind as on this night And there came no warning As things would change a night of bliss Into a dreadful morning A flash of light, A gunshot sound As we curled up for cover And Nellie passed without a word Shot by her female lover. “Goodbye Nellie” Michael Christopher Daly. 05/25/2005

"My Car And I"

The year was 1954, Limerick was the place Life was good and vibrant and we enjoyed it without haste Billy Quaid had a car for sale, it blew away my mind It wasn't just any old car, it was just that one of a kind A 1942MG Roadster Convertable, spoked wheels and runnming boards A car that was made for me alone, that I certainly , could not afford So I borrowed the money where I worked, McKenna's Furniture Store On Patricks Street, next to Cruises Hotel, alas they're not there anymore That car became a part of me, and I a part of it It wasn't made to seat a group, as only two could sit None the less we had great times, as in Cork after a Rugby War The rest of the team went went down by bus,Nutty O"dea and Myself in my car The bus was due to leave at eight, but four got left behind The weather got colder as it got dark and the roadway was hard to find All had to get home that night to be at work next morn But when they saw the little MG, faces showed signs of forlorn The fog came in as we started off, Nutty and I watching the road Two of our buddies perched behind and two lying on the running boards I drove home to Limerick that night, slowly as the fog became worse Calling out to the running boards often, only to hear an answer with a curse The four had faces of blue, when they stood beside the car Thankful we all got back, as we entered a late night bar Just one of many stories, with friends and my Roadster MG Wherever that car was spotted, they knew where to find me Michael Christopher Daly Jan 5, 2007

"Loving You"

The sun is low in the heavens above The sky is close to all blue I sit here alone, looking out to sea My mind filled with thoughts of you I let the sand pour through my fingers Just like your hair used to do When you an I sat together On those days of long, long, ago But you and I are still together If anything my love has grown As I look in your eyes so puzzled They appear to be in the unknown Alzheimer's, the name they gave it Came like a thief in the night Bit by bit stole your memory Now we fight it with all of our might I can tell when your memory is working You look at me with a childs guile I know the remembrance is there As we look at each other and smile I thank God for the strength he gives me To fight the problems we share I will tell you each day that I love you And for you, I will always be there Michael Christopher Daly