Francis Duggan Poems

For each of us there is a last December
For some quite near for others far away
When we must answer summons of Grim Reaper
So enjoy your life enjoy it whilst you may.
...

In the high woods of Belgrave South in the cool days of the Spring
The white eared honeyeater in his territory sing
White patch on ears, black throat, bluish head and mostly lightish green
A bird in woodland often heard but seldom ever seen.
...

Old Vasco from Croatia he swears that God is dead
And that by the theologians the masses are misled
And for his soul's salvation he won't ask you to pray
All religion is humbug who needs it anyway? .
...

'Twas mid summer 1958 the smell of hay crop rotting
And in cut up pasture hungry cow from grass to grass tuft trotting
And Irish farmer in financial woe his herd facing starvation
And all in all a tragic year for Europe's poorest Nation.
...

My mum is dying to meet you that's what young Sean did say
So do come to McKeleveys for dinner Christmas Day
An Irish Aussie party so come and meet the clan
And you know there will be welcome for you an Irishman.
...

He creeps out of his earthy den
And ambles down the lonely glen
His black nose cocked to the twilight air
Sniffing here and sniffing there.
...

Where are my friends my friends not here today
And I need them now where are they anyway?
I once had friends on every street in town
But now I've none and none know me since I'm down.
...

Wish I were born Basil I'd be a happy dog
I'd sit and watch the t.v. whilst Mick would drink his grog
I'd go for walks with Marlene and rest most of the day
But I am just a human and what hair I've left is gray.
...

The World might well be different if religion and patriotism
died
And if mistrust and greed died with them there would be peace World wide
But with these four still prevalent what hope for harmony
...

His two children bright and healthy, his young wife has beauty rare
And yet he seems unhappy on his face lines of care
To look at him you'd say that he owed a million pounds
The saddest looking person for miles and miles around.
...