Francis Duggan Poems

Before we think of changing the World 'tis ourselves we must change
To say something like that may seem a bit strange
To old mistrusts and half truths 'tis not hard to cling
Compassion for others it is such a great thing.
...

Don't you try to do my thinking for me
Don't tell me me what I should eat or should drink
Since I do respect your opinions
And I never tell you what to think.
...

We fear and we worship our God in the sky
And we insult our great Goddess who lives nearby
Yet without her we would not have life to enjoy
And the beauty of Nature we choose to destroy
...

In a Nation of many well off people they call it hidden poverty
The poor souls of the back streets that the wealthy never see
They live in condemned houses that are clearly in decay
And out of sight is out of mind or so 'twould seem that way.
...

Her smile it betrays her for her rotting teeth
That lovely old lady that I often meet
Out walking in the park or on the main street
Too careless of her looks to know of conceit.
...

Do not waste your prayers on such as I save your own soul from hell
And leave me in peace will you please to pen this doggerel
To some I am a pagan and to some an infidel
Yet by passing judgement on me to Satan their souls they sell.
...

When last I heard the dunnock sing along the ditch of the bohreen
The snowdrops and the bluebells in clusters to be seen
And the hawthorn trees looked lovely in their white flowers of the May
But that was many years ago and many miles away.
...

In her dark and earthy bosom forever I will lay
For I'll return to Nature I know I will one day
Like everyone before me that will be my destiny
For I'm one more mere mortal there's a use by date on me
...

Despite her seven decades of years she is still the Town's
best poet
And of her writing talents the critics have taken note
The younger poets look up to her and them she does inspire
...

The leaves are now brown on the deciduous trees
And there is a coolness in the afternoon breeze
It rained for a couple of hours overnight
And everywhere looks so fresh in the Autumn sunlight
...