The devil’s Guitar©2019TonyFallon0731

The devil’s Guitar©2019TonyFallon0731

The driverless coach goes onward

The horses cannot see the cliff

There is great danger yonder

The outcome the devil’s riff

The last leg of the journey

The mystery destination

May end far too early

And be of short duration

Onward no driver for the brake

The passenger is slumbering

Will he never more awake

What words is he mumbling?

Too long has he been dreaming?

There’s no moon or star

More than a heart will be bleeding

At the sound of the devil’s guitar

Don’t let me go©2019TonyFallon0729

Don’t let me go©2019TonyFallon0729

The differences between us is so widely distinct

It is almost unnatural that we should even be linked
we could have passed each other on dark seas
and wound up two lonely people on far distant quays

Don't let me go

My love for you is so endless and I cannot stop it

The key I’ve thrown away it’s no longer in my pocket
The lonely future without you I’ve made no provision
Your loss would be as deadly as a heart incision
Don't let me go

The love for you in my heart is so embedded

The doubt that sometimes enters my brain I dread it
I know my love for you is a pure burning desire
I don’t think the Gods could extinguish this bonfire

Don't let me go

My love for you is in my brain and in my soul

You are so amazing I have no more self control
I want to be with you each moment you are awake
For you are the true paradox I never would forsake

Don't let me go

To make you happy forever is my eternal rationale

That I’ve done I’m doing and I pledge I always shall
No truer words than those today have I ever spoken
For I’ve never made a promise to you I’ve ever broken..

Don't let me go

                                                                         

Realization©2019TonyFallon0726

Realization©2019TonyFallon0726

At the kitchen table I have no appetite
I’m weary for I’ve had a sleepless night
During sleep I had this troubling dream
Where I was running but ran out of steam
There was a rainbow and a pot of gold
I could not run fast enough for I am too old
I gave it my best effort so there’s no disgrace
I have to realize you can’t win every race.

Joseph Stone © Tony Fallon 112217

Joseph Stone © Tony Fallon 112217

Joseph Stone …lived all alone
Never bothered nobody
Whittled goods out of woods
And they were not shoddy

Loved race horses ….and race courses
In Ohio and Kentucky
Wanted to be a jockey…. was too stocky
He felt so unlucky

Fought for Sam…. in Vietnam
And he almost drowned
Bullet hole hospital in Seoul
Left his mind unsound

Went off an zero ….came home a hero
Head of the big parade
But no work…. not even as a clerk
Joseph felt betrayed

No more to pawn …..he became withdrawn
Happy with his Mountain Dew
Sitting on a log….. talking to his dog
Drinking, drinking déjà vu

Alone he sang….. in mountain twang
Of women he’d have married
Dreaming scheming ….often screaming
From shrapnel that he carried

Victims of war….. are often poor
No chance to build a nest egg
A monthly check ….for a human wreck
Alone with his wooden leg

Left all alone…. in his twilight zone
A veteran treated rotten
A lonely grave ….for a man so brave
Joseph must not be forgotten

#1 Ode to Jane©2019Tony Fallon0723

#1 Ode to Jane©2019Tony Fallon0723

Oh how long in the wind have I twisted
When I didn't even know you existed
It is like my life is split up in two
Before and after I met up with you
I am so enjoying this second half
I cherish the many moments you laugh
Forever it's only you I will spoil
At my silly antics I hope you'll smile
In my dreams you are enshrouded in mist
As if I am just on your waiting list
You realize some love seeds have been sowed
And I'm telling the world in this short ode
I can't imagine how much I would wail
If our brief romance should suddenly fail
Then my past seems so trivial and trite
Will you one day consider me your Knight?

The moon behind the cloud©2019TonyFallon0721

The moon behind the cloud©2019TonyFallon0721

I hate driving on winter roads when they are snowy or freezing

The thoughts of what could happen to me are very displeasing

You can’t live in a glass houses so you may wind up stranded

In a winter blizzard where great care in driving is demanded

I was on the mountain roadway it had not yet been plowed

The moon that shone once so brightly was now behind a cloud

I was dreaming about you as I made a slow unsteady pace

If I should wind up in a ditch I would see your lovely face

For in my car is your picture right behind the mirror

I also have you in my heart so you are always nearer

If I had my way I’d have a portrait but that is not allowed

I have to curse the darkness with the moon behind the cloud

Ten miles out of town I must have hit some icy coating

When I returned to this earth I thought I was floating, floating

My shoulder and ribs were aching and I was missing teeth

The car was upside down for the roof was now underneath

I heard sirens wailing and very soon there was a crowd

I knew the moon was in the sky but it was hidden by the cloud

When you go off a mountain road there are no guarantees

I would have been in the river if it hadn’t been for all the trees

I told them your location and a fire truck brought you there

And I heard you constantly leading all the volunteers in prayer

The chopper was full of medicals you were the only civilian allowed

As if by magic the moon peeped its head from behind the cloud

The bicycle Accident©2019TonyFallon0720

The bicycle Accident©2019TonyFallon0720

As I was cycling home one night

I fell and hurt my shin

I must have been an awful sight

I had a bad gash in my chin

The County Council was to blame

They had put down fresh gravel

The bicycle had a bent frame

And I had no more means of travel

The bar was across my neck

I could easily have been strangled

It only took a sec

I needed to get untangled

One pedal was out in space

The other in the middle

In a very sore place

I was hoping that I could piddle

  

The chain was wrapped below the knee

A little above my left ankle

I could not get free

I was still alive to God I was so thankful

I prayed someone would arrive

I was loosing breath

I had this need to survive

I was facing lonely death

I saw you approach a very welcome sight

I could tell you were walking up the slope

There were not many out that night

I had been down too long you were my only hope

You had been drinking you were wobbly

You had much booze taken

You though there was a robbery

You were laughing if I am not mistaken

There are times in life that we must review.

Like taking out a bike

In the morning after two

You could wind up in the dike.

New Love© 2019TonyFallon0716

New Love© 2019TonyFallon0716 

John was just a small farmer who fished with rod and fly 
He'd be always at the river when Bridie would ride by 
She'd always wave to him and bid him the time of day
And cycle off to meet her lover over by the bay 

Then one evening the tire went flat with a little blast 
Just before the spot she would wave just as she went past 
He said he'd walk her to his home and make the flat wheel right
And have her on her journey long before it was dark night 

On that walk he talked about many thrilling days of yore
Digging for gold and diamonds far from Ireland's shore 
He talked about Alaska and winter in the Klondike 
He was so interesting she near forgot about the bike 

He said I was 14 when the midwife slapped your backside 
Your father had a daughter as his heart near burst in pride 
I fell in love when you were six and since I've never dated
That must be fourteen years that's how long I have waited 

As she rode off on the repaired bike she felt a sudden chill
And when she got to the bay there was not a sign of Bill 
For days she talked to local fishermen with big boats and nets 
Who wouldn't even talk to her without a bribe of cigarettes 

Finally she told John about the change in her situation
He offered her cups of tea loads of advice and consolation 
He said he had enough money saved to buy a house by the sea
And he'd marry her in the morning if she would only agree 

Well the next few weeks she often joined him when he was fishing
And on the way home they would be holding hands and kissing 
He still has his little house and no other one was bought 
Now they spend summers on the ocean in their little Yacht

Caitlin Theresa Ward(C)2019TonyFallon0713

Caitlin Theresa Ward(C)2019TonyFallon0713

I met Caitlin Theresa Ward from Staten Island
At least one of her parents comes from Ireland
I've been told her father comes from the land of O'Donnell
Also know as Donegal years ago Tir Connell
Her mother's father came from County Clare
Her mother's mother from Dunglow a Donegal affair
She's great at Irish dancing especially jigs and reels
Her toes rarely touch the ground neither do her heels
With those long legs flying don't get in her paths 
As she take over the back room in McGrath's
Tonight at McGraths Caitlin will again be a feature
Must be the star pupil of Donny Golden her teacher
She has an engaging personality and an Irish smile
Five minutes in her company she will you begile
I'd warn her parents daily of her to have great care
This is the kind of girl who should marry a millionaire.

Maids of Castlebar©22019Tony Fallon0713 Irish Dance Titles

Maids of Castlebar©22019Tony Fallon0713 Irish Dance Titles

I started Within a mile of Dublin intent on Crossing the Shannon
I was tired After all the Fun the night before in Sandymount.
The wife said Shoe the Donkey or you’ll not get to Patrick Street
And watch out for The Stack of barley if you go in the Westmeath Hunt 
And could you bring a bag of spuds to Josie MCDermott’s mother
Before I got to the Bridge of Athlone I said goodbye  to the lads of Laois
Patsy Cambell was out rowing with the boys of the Lough
Much to Tim Maloney and Paddy Lynn’s Delight
The Dunmore Lassies were by far George Whites Favourites
With the Bucks of Oranmore on their way from Galway to Dublin 
Outside Athlone there was a Smell of the bog and the Flax was in bloom
the old grey goose was watching the young Geese in the bog
In Knockcroghery I stopped in O’Brien’s by the Oak tree
And admired the Blackberry Blossom and the Honeysuckle in bloom
In Roscommon I wanted to say Kiss Me Kate but she had returned to Camden Town
I saw the Fair Haired boy cycling as I approached Coleman’s Cross
And Miss Monaghan was Queen of the Fair in old Ballymoe
This year the Rose of Arranmore was also the Rose of Castlerea
The Castlebar Traveler was staying to get The Harvest Home
Grogans Favorites were the Maids of Castlebar and mine too
The eldest I’d like to bring to Belfast Town and give her a Gold Ring
while the Man of the House was out visiting The tap room.
The drunken Landlay was having A mug of Brown Ale
But I ordered The cup of tea  Jenny’s Chickens and Crabs in the Skillet
Sporting Paddy and the Andersons said I was Far from home
The Scholar was in the Bank of Ireland changing a Ten Penny Bit
And Roaring Mary heard The Skylark after taking a pinch of snuff
The Gander in the Praties got in through A hole in the Hedge
The Blacksmith threw The Silver Spear at the Pigeon on the Gate
The Maid behind the Bar and The Sligo Maid loved Brian O"lynn
There was a big fight and they wound up breaking all the Windows
Meanwhile Dennis Murphy was Slidind down The Mist covered Mountain
Young Tim Murphy with Lovely Nancy and the Merry Maiden 
Was like having the cat in the cupboard or the fox in the hen house
The vMorning Star did not brighten the day for the Mulvihills
With A Mouse in the Kitchen, A Hare in The Corn and A Frog in the Well
Mrs Galvin swears when The Frost is all Over she'll wear a White Petticoat
I just found out Lady Gregory was really Paddy Murphy’s wife
And that Bridgie McGrath was the Lady on the Island
Dennis Coonety was courting The Pipers Daughter Under The Bridge
Andy Grogan was playing Anne McDonalds Piano drinking his first Pint
The Longford Spinster was at Cooley’s and wanted The Priests Blessing 
I’m happy to meet and sad to part because I Cherish the ladies
After visiting Matt Molloy I came to The Last house in Connaught 
And saw Pretty Maggie Morrissey and the Sailor on the rocks
I’d have used the Ash plant if I wasn’t so lonely because my love is in America
So I’m off to Philadelphia in the morning or maybe The Morning After
I’ll see if the cat needs feeding give him a leg of the Duck and go to Staten Island

Tyrone Adieu 0710

Roscommon has “Roscommon Abu” now we have

Tyrone Adieu©2019Tony Fallon0710

There are fine young men from the glens in County Tyrone
No better men in Ireland than those who sat on their throne
But their All Ireland dreams in Roscommon will flame out and burn
There won’t be any signs of bonfires in Omagh when they return

Roscommon will be chasing every ball like dogs in hungry packs
The Daly’s Mullooley Murray and Hussey will repel most attacks
Tyrone will realize too late and it will add to their down fall
They are not getting any goals on the day too late they’ll punt the ball

The park will be in tip top shape this Saturday with no holes in the sod
And I’d be very surprised if the coach doesn’t pick the same Salthill squad
Tyrone will be so tied up in knots they will find it awfully hard to get goin’
And Roscommon will be fully in charge before the second half throw in

Cox and Devanney will have scored many points on that you can depend
Tyrone will feel like they are dead and buried defending the graveyard end
They’ll be very sorry they ever crossed the Shannon as they sadly depart
This will go down in history the day Roscommon broke poor old Mickey’s Harte

All future games Tyrone will want to play at home in other word no travelling
For many years they will reflect on this humiliating Hyde Park unraveling
Meanwhile watch out Cork and Dublin for Roscommon is on the march
And in September Sam Maguire will be in town beneath the old Jail Arch

Introverted Extrovert 0709

Introverted Extrovert©2019TonyFallon0709

People say I’m an ambivert working both sides of my brain

You see I’d love to travel but have never been on a plane

Intro and extro people are supposed to have super intellect

Yet beat them selves almost senseless when they introspect

I realize I’m an introvert every time I write a new poem

Because there’s no one with me and I am at home

I am totally engaged in the new product emerging

As scattered thoughts of mind start converging

I remember as a tot sitting alone in my little nook

Totally engaged in reading some advanced adult book

I’d be reading HC Anderson and someone would intrude

And I was not mature enough to insist on my solitude

I’d love to be more assertive when I read on stage

And do it from memory instead of reading from a page

Still I love being on stage soaking up the glory and glam

People then think I’m an extrovert but that’s not all I am

The effort to go out on stage alone is often massive

Because half of me is assertive and the other half is passive

I am full of panic as I often forced myself to assert

That I am full of confidence pretending to be extrovert

This poem has one more verse but I want to surprise someone

with it Thursday night at the Cairo Public Library Writers meeting

The extra verse will be added Friday.

Counting©2019TonyFallon0707

Counting©2019TonyFallon0707

It’s you I’m thinking of

And I can’t go back to sleep

I’ve tried eye exercises

I tried counting sheep

I blew into a paper bag

And what did that produce

A rather raging headache

Sleep it did not induce

It deprived my lungs of oxygen

Filled then with fumes

I could have wound up

In many emergency rooms

There’s a longing in my heart

But I guess it’ll have to keep

It’s 4.30 in the morning

And you’re probably asleep

Lost

Lost©2019tONYfALLON0705

I'm walking a little slower
There's no more spring in my step
My energy level is lower
I seem to have lost my pep

I'm lacking motivation
Or any great desire
I'm struggling with creation
I can not create satire

I can't create short stories
Long prose or short odes
Or any other categories
Lest my aching head explodes

I feel so isolated
So helpless and unsure
No way motivated
Your love is the only cure