Everyday dreams

at five to five every morning
my alarm screams
it howls
shakes the house
frightens the dawn
wakes the watchman
who waits impatiently
ringing the doorbell
with a screaming finger
in my dreams
the alarm is turned off
the door is opened
the key given
the gate unlocked
things are as they were
I sleep through it all wonderfully
till my mother’s gentle voice wakes me
I turn off the alarm
and begin my day
with the realisation
that I cannot have my father back.

Homecoming

When my father died

Oh just a month past

No fiery comets appeared

No owls or eagles screeched

The earth didn’t shudder or quake

Nor sleepers suddenly awake

The only sound came when I cried

On that quiet and peaceful night

As he went home at last

Home to God’s bright light.

Smile

It was commonplace

To be stopped

While crossing the road

To be asked

If I was your child

Because an old friend of yours

Saw a familiar smile in a strange face.

You will always be with me

For I carry your smile forever.

I am the flesh of your flesh

You live on in me,

So too in others, born of you, to you.