LeavingFirstTime©2023TonyFallon1122

 LeavingFirstTime©2023TonyFallon1122

I grew up in rural Ireland far from the United States

In a village of small farmers but no big estates

I finished my education early without remorse

And took the first available position in the work force

Even some old positions were becoming redundant

The new opportunities were not too abundant

The positions going were not paying a big amount

Promises do not put money in a savings account

After putting a few shilling in I was almost broke

I did not drink or gamble then but I used to smoke

I cycled around Dublin to save on bus fare

If it was not raining or cold I cycled everywhere

Every morning at work I parked my bike in a rack

And it was always waiting there for me when I got back

Winter nights I sold donations to a soccer pool

That helped many students in Saint Joseph's blind boys school

Summers evenings I played soccer or football until dark

In one of the many playing fields in Phoenix Park

I kept myself physically in tip top condition

Hoping to work one day in building demolition

I realized this life wasn't meant for prosperity

How long in life could I retain my dexterity

Despite some happy days I often felt sad and glum

It was no wonder people turned to beer gin and rum

Prospects weren't many to anyone who was half blind

Yet I was sad for the family and friends I left behind

I left before I was ready but I have no regret

I cried all the way over here on the Aer Lingus jet

Planning my new life in new York I neglected the heat

And after ten days in summer I had two swollen feet

I got special insoles and was told to wear no leather

And it got much better when we got colder weather

This vicious cycle continued into varicose veins

And I had to have an operation to ease the pains

I often dreamed of home but the money was better

My mother kept me in touch with her newsy letter

The years slipped by so quickly my childhood I miss most

I have two grandkids and three sons of whom I often boast

America has changed so much everyone is one sided

No thoughts of insight or empathy we are so divided

In my writing I took to task the hypocrite and phony

I cannot stand the faker I cannot stand baloney

Starting my journey in Ireland I could not predict the end

I hope the ordinary man I never did offend

TheOldHome©2023TonyFallon 1123

 TheOldHome©2023TonyFallon 1123

As summer days turn to winter thoughts often roam

And memories return to us of our childhood home

Many emigrants return there for Christmas week

For two months that is nothing else of which they speak

Since they left the homeland many years may have passed

But childhood memories just seem to last and last

It must be the same for a New Yorker in Montreal

As it is for a man who came from Donegal

The urge to be in familiar places can't be quelled

To roam again the homely places where they once dwelled

Driving round in hired cars there's little time for chats

But at night in the local bars you'll meet the expats

To see again the neighbor here from a distant part

To talk of days in the bog with the donkey and cart

Or talk of mighty games and great goals that were scored

Or the trusty Morris Minor a Volkswagen or Ford

The stories of youth now grow wilder and longer

And the brogue almost forgotten grows much stronger

As neighbors repeat their stories no one is a liar

And the visitor is often asked when he'll retire

There is good hearted ribbing and the laughter rings

And there is more joy there than in the home of kings

©

Good hearted people Nov32016

 I don't believe I posted this when I wrote it

Good hearted people Nov32016

Good hearted people are not hard to find

People who are loyal and loving and kind.

They may not be the kind to stand out in a crowd

They may not be flashily  dressed or overly loud.

They may not be wealthy and loaded with assets

They may never take you to Paris on fancy jets

With classical looks or body the are not endowed

But in that chest beats a heart true and proud

They are never late so there’s no excuse

So there’s no need for tou to sing the blues

When you are with them there is no sightseeing 

You are the world’s most important being

His friends say at work he is competent

He is never afraid to give a compliment.

He doesn't exactly knock you off your feet

But he said without you, he feels incomplete

There is many a woman married for gold

And wound up miserable before she was old

And the man who tonight buys the finest wine

May turn into tomorrow’s Frankenstein.