John F. McCullagh Poems

I'm not considered "normal" by policemen on the force.
They apprehended me in public having an*l intercourse.
From early on I've always been attracted to a certain sort of man.
I've tried to be with women but that's not just who I am.
...

It started as a bit of grit stuck in an Oyster's craw.
In time, through suffering, bit by bit it became the Pearl you saw.
Translucent pink, a perfect orb, no polishing required,
You alone possess this gem which many have desired.
...

Imagine yourself a red ceramic Poppy,
placed with care into the English soil.
One hundred years ago you were a soldier,
a frightened teen in a chaotic world.
...

Every morning on his way to work,
He saw her on the downtown train;
cute, lithe brunette with a perfect smile.
He didn't know her number or name.
...

Nothing lasts forever without ceasing.
For every laugh, somewhere a tear drops down.
When you lose someone your steps feel so uncertain.
No longer do you trust the solid ground.
...

I am patient in my work. I take pride in what I do.
I have no room to make mistakes that would, forever, be on view.
I crouch before the stone with the dew still on the grass.
I record the names and dates which are their only epitaphs.
...

Living a long lifetime without love,
I had forgotten what confidence was-
But confidence was reclaimed
by her warm summer rain.
...

Were you climbing up the stairs when you heard the last alarm?
Whispering a desperate prayer to somehow keep you safe from harm?
When the towers were collapsing and that debt all owe came due,
Were you proud of your life choices as they passed in quick review?
...

I’ve seen him play a dozen times,
watched him strike that familiar chord.
He’s never lost the joy of youth
as he starts, again, his song.
...

to the tune of 'MY Way'


And now, my weigh-ins near;
...