Poetry by

Helen Kiely O'Regan

All my poems are registered copyright ©️ and published both in my books and on my fb poetry page..... POETRY AND SONG LYRICS BY HELEN KIELY O'REGAN 

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The following poems are included in my book, IT ALL HAPPENED IN THE CITY BY THE LEE.  available on Kindle & amazon.com or amazon.co.uk

THIS WORN BODY

My body is breaking down

My joints all worn and stiff

Too much mileage on my clock

My ship’s come into dock

 

It’s had its maiden voyage

And too much travel in between

No amount of oil can fix the creak

This worn body has run its course

 

I come home on my own 

Got no family to talk to 

They've all gone back home 

To Heaven with with the Lord 

 

I feel lost and alone 

There's little joy in this life 

I paste a smile on my face 

And pretend all is fine 

 

But deep in my heart 

I'm breaking in two 

Half of me is gone 

It's in Heaven with the Lord 

 

The part of me that's left 

Is fractured and torn 

It's been dragged through the shredder

It's all battered and worn 

 

My memory is slipping 

I forgot things I should ask

Others don't realize 

It's not done to be bad 

 

My intentions are good 

But they can slip through the net 

But all I can do 

Is to keep trying my best

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

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MY PRAYER OF HOPE 

 

I wish I could have my family for Christmas

Ask God to send all my loved ones down 

But going to Heaven is a one way ticket 

Round trip does not exist

 

So please God call me up there instead 

Forgive me all my faults and failings

Please let me be surrounded with your love 

And back in the arms of my loved ones again

 

I miss my sweet dear husband Michael 

He was the last great gift I got 

And miss my wonderful mum and dad 

And my sister in crime, Marie Gerene 

 

There's too many more who have gone before 

I'd be here forever to name them all 

My birth mum Annette who gave me life

Cos without you and her, I would not exist 

 

My grandparents, and aunts and uncles 

My cousins and too many friends 

My unborn child and his daddy Joe 

Are all in your Heavenly home 

 

Meanwhile I'm down here on earth 

Trying to fulfill what you need me to do 

But please help me Lord and guide my path 

And open my eyes to see the truth 

 

Dear Lord above, I'm feeling old now 

And my bones are painful and stiff

I'm scared of where I will end up on earth 

Please take me to your Heavenly home 

 

Thank you God for my life and love 

And all the friends and family that I hold dear 

Please love and guide each one to you 

And bless them all with eternal joy

 

Helen  Kiely O'Regan©

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LET’S HAVE A FROST FREE CHRISTMAS

 

Hey friends at the party last week 

I know I sang Dreaming of a white Christmas

But then the ground turned frozen and white

And I felt I must be to blame

 

So jokingly I owned up and said sorry 

It was only a dream not meant to come true 

In reality I'm praying for a green Christmas

The kind that is frost and snow free 

 

So much ice and frost makes life fairly tough

Especially for limbs growing old and stiff

So we apologize to Irving and Bing for their song

It's beautiful but we need it to be green 💚

 

So let's pray to God to banish the ice 

Let traction be normal again 

So we can walk and drive without fear

In a frost free land once again

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan©️

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I DREAMT LAST NIGHT I WON THE LOTTO 

 

I dreamt last night I won the lotto

Oh what a wonderful dream 

I ran around to collect my friends 

Then we all headed up to Dublin town 

 

"Who to make the check out to?" they asked 

"To me and all my pals", I said

We all chatted happily about what we'd do 

Where we'd go and what we'd buy 

 

Still in my dream we came back home

Some bought houses and others cars. 

I just kept for me what I needed 

It was more joy to give the rest 

 

A lot of it went to charity 

I wanted to help all I could 

To see that no one ever suffered 

So we'd house and feed even more

 

My friends would never want again 

No more bills left unpaid 

Last night's dream seemed so real 

Who knows what in life's plan 

 

I dreamt last night I won the lotto 

Oh what an amazing dream 

But dreams can come true as we know

So let's stay in and hope to win 

 

Helen Kiely-O'Regan©️

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DON'T PLAGIARIZE MY POEMS

 

Don't plagiarize my poems

They don't belong to you 

Those thoughts grew in my mind 

And came out at my fingertips 

 

Same goes for all my lyrics 

My stories and my novel 

Try and write your own thoughts down

Don't come and borrow mine 

 

I'm not a ventriloquist

Putting my words into your mouth 

You need to work your brain 

And learn to know your own 

 

If you don't know how to write 

Then find another talent 

We don't need no copycats 

Pretending and playing games 

 

Each of us are individuals

We've all got our ups and downs 

But when I write my poems

They solely belong to me 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan©️

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THANK YOU TO MY HUSBAND

 

Thank you for your love 

The memories and hugs 

Thank you for all you did

But most of all for loving me 

 

I'll treasure your love 

Into eternity 

And all you sacrificed 

To give your love for me

 

You made me your wife 

That was my greatest prize 

Choosing you as my husband

Was a fairytale come true 

 

God called you back home

But said it wasn't my time yet 

I can't wait for the day to come 

To get to Heaven and back with you again 

 

My Michael, my love my life 

I will always be your wife 

I'll honor you forever 

We'll be together for eternity 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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I WANT TO GO BACK TO NEW YORK BEFORE I DIE 

 

I want to go back to New York City

To revisit the streets I once lived and walked 

To relive my memories old and true 

And meet some friends that I've never forgotten 

 

New York City was once my home

Where I lived through happy and sad 

I'll never forget the city I called home 

And long to see it once again 

 

To walk down Broadway and see the lights 

And stroll through Times Square and see old sights 

Take a trip to Queens where I started off 

In Flushing where I first lived alone 

 

I'd travel down to Brooklyn next 

To see once more the place I worked 

Then next head up to the well known Bronx 

And walk the streets where I lived awhile

 

Not forgetting Staten island 

Where I loved to take it's ferry 

Manhattan was my longest time 

Different streets I moved around 

 

With my husband then we started off

9th Avenue midtown for a while

Life got rough then on and off 

Being homeless and struggling through it all

 

I can't wait to see New York again 

And hope to go before I die

It made me what I am today 

A beautiful city full of dreams 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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I WISH THAT WE COULD FIX THE WORLD 

 

I wish that we could fix the world 

From north to south and east to west 

End poverty and homelessness everywhere 

Let everyone have a good quality of life 

 

Everyone should be able to have a life 

Without having to leave their family and home 

Why not build up each country the same 

Have no division between poor and rich 

 

Let everyone have just what they need 

And have a life full of memories and fun 

Have no more sickness or painful limbs 

Let's try to share a daily smile

 

Stop the hate because someone is different 

Whether gender, color, creed or caste

Inside we all bleed the same

And have the same body chemistry 

 

Imagine how life could really be 

If there was no poverty ,homelessness or ills

No more murders, attacks or rapes

Just total harmony all o'er 

 

There's nothing wrong to dream like this 

Dreams can often come true 

It just takes one person to start it off

Let's end world greed and share it all

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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IN THIS JOURNEY OF MY LIFE

 

In this journey of my life 

From my birth to my age now 

Many people have come and gone 

Some left big impact as they led a big role 

 

Others stepped in and out 

As they passed a certain length of time 

Each touched my heart in different ways 

And most I'll never forget on my journey home

 

Life started with my birth mum Annette 

As she gave me the precious gift of life

I will never forget what she sacrificed

As what I owe her could never be repaid 

 

Then came my adoptive mum and dad

Who nurtured me from four months old 

They molded me into what I am today

Another gift impossible to pay back 

 

Other family took up their precious roles 

From grandparents to aunts and uncles

A few close cousins made it complete 

Marie Gerene, my cousin sister, my best friend 

 

Later in my twenties, my first husband Joe 

My Mexican who tried his best for me 

With ups and downs in New York City 

Still we parted as the best of friends 

 

Other friends joined this adventurous trail I'm on 

Some got close and others stayed a little bit back 

Husband 2 took his place in Arizona 

My Navajo family always in my heart 

 

Then came my best friend, my husband Michael 

My true love, my soul mate forever 

A proud Corkman who sacrificed to love me 

My love for him will be eternal

 

And all the close friends I have today 

Are very precious in my life 

Then my wonderful Cork sis came on board 

Along with all my beautiful nieces 

 

Finding some of my birth family 

Was like the circle coming together 

I'm so blessed and happy to have found them

It's like I have the best of both worlds 

 

I've been on this journey for 56 years 

How long is left, only God knows

But life is precious and words are magic 

Saying the right ones is so important. 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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THE RHYTHM OF TIME

 

Time ticking away 

Never to be heard of again 

Tick tock tick tock

Shrills in the silence of the room 

 

With no other sound to be heard 

Only the constant ticking of the clock 

My body seems to step in line

With each tick tock that taps on time

 

The radio is silent 

The tv not yet turned on 

Can't seem to lose the rhythm 

Of the constant ticking of the clock  

 

It continues ticking 

It's timeless in his shrill 

Like the sands of time depend on it 

The ticking never fails

 

Only when it's life is done

Will the ticking finally stop 

From human heart to ticking clock 

It's the rhythm of a life 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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THE WIND HOWLS 

 

Inside I lie in silence 

Trying to sleep 

As tiredness takes over my body 

Outside the wind is savagely howling

Trying to penetrate through

The concrete and the glass in my room

 

Each time I try to sleep 

The wind roars loudly

Like telling me to stay alert 

My heavy eyes keep closing

My trembling body trying to lie still 

Waiting to drift into slumberland 

 

The wind is relentless

It howls and bangs non stop 

It's competing with my body

Will it be sleep or stay awake 

Only time this night will tell 

If the wind continues to roar or be still

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

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IN YOUR LA DI DA WORLD 

 

You live in a dream world 

Where nothing ever goes wrong

No hard truths have ever hit you 

So everyday life is la di da 

 

When others profess their worries 

You dismiss it all as wasted energy 

Instead of showing some sympathy

You tell them to forget it all and just live 

 

You don't understand people's fears

Whether for their own lives or their kids 

You show more sympathy to the stranger 

And tell your own to soldier on 

 

Why can't you realise someone's worries 

And know that it's so real for them 

They can't help how they feel, they're so very scared 

Yet you continue to tell them to let it all go

 

It's frustrating to tell you what you won't understand

Or what you just don't want to hear 

You're on a totally different planet from us 

And you're just so detached from us all 

 

Reality is at the center of our lives

Where as you reside in the middle of cloud nine 

You need a dose of every day life 

And see how it affects the rest of us 

 

But we all know you will never change 

You'll continue to live in your la di da world 

Maybe it's happy for you to be there 

But just know that our life is in the real world 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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THIS MORTAL COIL 

 

I want to shake off this weary mortal coil

Prepare my soul for its Heavenly greet 

Life's getting me down and I'm feeling so tired 

Too much pain and ache in my joints and limbs 

 

This mortal coil that I carry around 

I've shouldered for fifty six years 

Things that I took too much for granted 

Are slipping slowly out of my reach 

 

No close family near to need me around 

But I'll shoulder on doing what the Lord needs

I feel that the veil seems to be wearing thinner 

What's across the divide, only God knows 

 

I pray for forgiveness for the stains on my soul 

My God, my creator, I hope he'll want me 

And carry me back home to Heaven above 

But only when he decides that the timing is right 

 

I'm missing too many close family I love 

My husband, my baby, my sister and parents 

Too many others have gone on with them 

Here's hoping we'll all be together again 

 

My birth mum who watched me take my very first breath 

Has gone up to Heaven to the good Lord above

Too many family are waiting up there for me too 

Adopted and birth, inlaws and friends 

 

So only when God calls me back home with him

Then I can shake off this weary mortal coil 

Leaving all aches, illness and pains 

And only know happiness at home with the Lord 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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REMEMBER ME AT MY BEST 

We may never meet again 

As circumstances prevent 

But if I should leave this earth 

Remember me at my best 

 

I live my life now most days 

From the chair to the bed and back 

Trying to tend some other things 

As long as I have breath and limb 

 

But if I should leave this earth 

When God says my time is done

Don't think of my struggles and strife 

Just remember me at my best 

 

Age and stiffness gets us all 

As the body starts to wear 

But don't think of me like that 

But remember me at my best 

 

Remember the fun and laughter we shared 

And all the energy I had

Don't think of me slowing down 

But remember me at my best 

 

My husband, Michael by my side 

Our little dog Tex in the midst of things 

These are what you'll think of 

When you'll remember me at my best 

 

Only God knows when the curtain falls 

He'll decide when my time is up 

Don't think of me grumpy and down 

But remember me at my best

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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TOGETHER FOR SUPPORT

 

We need to build each other up 

And never tear each other down 

Be that stepping stone that's needed 

To give others a helping hand 

 

Together we can build the world 

But divided we all stand to lose 

So let's cheer for old and new friends 

And we'll all be happy as one 

 

The world can be scary at times 

We need friends to help us along 

Lend a hand or a follow of support 

Together we can rule the world

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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SO THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK 

 

The world can be a better place 

With a kind word or just a smile 

Pain and fear can shut one down 

So think before you speak 

 

Blaming someone for things of the past

And making them relive it again 

Maybe you can't know how your words cut deep 

So think before you speak 

 

Can you see how someone is hurting 

And the jagged edge that's in their heart 

It's hard to change when they've tried and tried 

So think before you speak 

 

Your way is not always right 

And theirs not always wrong 

Just be there with that kind word or smile 

And think before you speak

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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ETERNAL LOVE 

 

Love you my darling Michael 

And miss you more than life 

Love and miss you mum and dad 

Marie Gerene and our little Tex

 

Each morning when I wake up 

And last thing before I go to bed

These are the words I say out loud 

To my beloved family up in Heaven 

 

And all throughout the day I speak 

Telling them what they mean to me 

I believe in Heaven and eternal life 

And know I'll be with them all again 

 

God gave me the best gifts in life 

My precious husband whom I'll always love

And wonderful parents who nurtured me always 

My sweet sister, Marie Gerene

 

My birth mum who gave me life 

Without her I wouldn't be here 

I treasure loving family and friends 

Love you all always eternal 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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RESPECT AND LET LIVE 

 

What I believe in is up to me 

And who I worship is totally free 

Like I respect what you choose for you 

So why can't we just respect and let live 

 

Yet you seem concerned for all my choices 

You say I'm treading the wrong path 

I don't follow the path you're on 

But yet I don't try to pull you off 

 

I believe that we all have the right 

To walk the road that we choose to be on 

I love my God in my very own way 

And you have the right to love your way 

 

But you come on and tell me I'm wrong

And won't respect how I choose to reply 

I never told you that your way was wrong

But I know it's just not right for me 

 

So why does it bother you what I do 

You don't even know me but think you do 

Can't we respect each other's beliefs 

And live with love and tranquility

 

The world has so much hate and war 

Without more people choosing to fight

All I want is to live my life 

Respecting others and being respected too 

 

Life is too short to pick a fight 

Either love and respect or just leave alone 

I'll love my Lord and I'll never change 

So please don't even try, you'll waste your time 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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LIFE IS A JOURNEY 

 

My body is feeling old 

Hair has long since turned snow white 

Only the bottle gives a color 

And leaves a reddish glistening glow

 

My bones and joints are very stiff 

Muscles are feeling weak 

Scared to wander very far 

Have to use an artificial crutch 

 

Skin is drying out like sand

Hard to replenish what it needs 

Youthful softness long since gone 

Need to apply cosmetic creme

 

Teeth have broken and been replaced 

By porcelain doing similar jobs

But even they can tire and wear 

More replacements to break the bank 

 

Family have gone home one by one 

God has called them to Heaven above 

Not many left of Earth's chain link 

The beads will connect in God's own home 

 

Life is a journey from birth to death 

We're really only passing through

It seems so long yet it's gone so fast 

Just one blink can see real change 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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TO INFINITY AND BEYOND 

 

Step by step and day by day 

Our goal begins to grow 

In the past, giving up seemed close 

But now, to infinity and beyond 

 

Let's gather round and shout out loud

Don't be afraid to say hello 

Roll call begins, listen for your name 

No one gets left behind 

 

So we continue on and give support 

Offer a helping hand 

There's no limit to what we can gain 

To infinity and beyond

 

Every single one counts, each adds up 

Let's grow and nurture together 

Never give up no matter what happens

To infinity and beyond

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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RECLUSE 

 

I'm becoming a recluse 

Scared to go out 

Yet afraid of the loneliness 

From being stuck in on my own 

 

But the pain in my body 

Has me feeling terrified 

I panic at the thought 

That I'll collapse to the ground 

 

Not having family around 

Makes life seem so hard 

I miss the support 

And safety of my loved ones 

 

Not sure what to do 

Each day comes with "should I?"

Then panic sets in as I think

Is it safe to go out

 

Terrified at the thought 

That something might go wrong 

So my life is consumed 

With thoughts of feeling gloom 

 

I try my best each day

But still feel so scared 

It seems to be getting worse 

I just can't see the light 

 

I feel I need a miracle 

To get me out of this rut 

I know I can't give up

Have a bucket list to complete 

 

I thank God for family and friends 

But many are far away 

Most days there is only 

The TV to hear a voice 

 

Life has to get better

It can't get much worse 

Have to think of the positives

Throw the negatives in the trash 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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SO PLEASE RESPECT THE WORD NO

 

I’ve always tried to be polite

Because that’s just the way that I am

I try my best to show respect 

But sometimes my patience is tried

 

So when you ask me out and I say no

You don’t seem to understand

Yes I’m a widow but I’ll always be his wife

Please just respect the word no

 

I don’t wish to fall out with you

But you’re making me feel uneasy

You keep hinting and asking again

Please just respect I said no

 

My dear husband has gone to God

But he’s waiting up there for me

I’m just waiting for God to call me

And I’ll be with Michael for eternity

 

So for now as I wait for that call from God

Then I’ll run to my dear Michael’s arms

I will always honor my love for him

So please respect the word no

 

I have no interest in anyone else

It’s nothing personal, just me

I will always love my sweet Michael

So please respect the word no

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

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LET ME LEAVE MY LEGACY 

 

I wish I was the sun that got to shine on you 

Or the wind that blew upon your gentle face 

And I wish that I could hold your hand one more time

But I know I'll hold it forever in Heaven 

 

God called you to Heaven leaving me all alone 

It's so hard to travel this road without you 

The pain gets too much, the wound cuts too deep 

So take me home and let me be with you 

 

So if I don't get through this and come out unscathed 

I'll become the breeze that blows upon the earth 

I'll be the smile in the warmth of the sun 

Remember me and let me leave my legacy 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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TO MY BABY 

 

What if I never lost you 

If my body didn't shed the life it was carrying 

Who would you have grown up to be 

What would you have become 

 

I am so sorry that you couldn't stay 

I was broken when you had to leave 

I would have done anything to have kept you 

But God said you were too precious for earth 

 

I would have loved to have been your mum

To give you the best life that I could 

But even though you couldn't stay 

I will always know I'm your mum

 

I know God needed you home up in Heaven 

My body carried you for a while 

But my heart will carry you always 

My love for my baby is true 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

LET'S UNITE 

 

Why do we have to fight 

We should all stand together 

For united we stand 

And divided we fall 

 

Turning on each other 

Won't help our cause 

Two sides with different views 

But need to think hard

 

What is the best thing 

And the future for the kids 

They are what matters 

And the ultimate goal 

 

Marching in protest 

It needs to be done 

To fight for our freedom 

And the life that we need

 

But we can do it all with love 

So that no one gets hurt 

Let's all stand together

Make the world a better place 

 

There is so much division 

Between wealth and poverty 

Some have too much and others have none

Let's do what we can to help

 

If harmony was restored 

And peace reigned in the world 

See no one left behind 

And no one left without 

 

Start helping the homeless

Let everyone have a home

Where they will feel safe

And not fear for their lives 

 

I know how it feels

To sleep on the streets 

For a while in New York

That was our life 

 

No one needs to be hungry 

Or sick without aid 

Why can't we be equal 

Let's love and have no fear 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

MISSING MY SISTER

 

Seventeen years have passed today

Since you took your last breath 

My precious beautiful sister 

I miss you all the time 

 

I wonder how we'd be

If you hadn't left this world 

Would we be growing old together 

My childhood bestie by my side 

 

You didn't get a chance 

To see all life had to offer 

You missed your kids getting up 

And your grandkids to hold

 

All throughout our childhood 

You were always my best friend

Getting in trouble together 

With spray painting the convent's entrance gate

 

We'd run around the town

Like the two little terrors we often were 

Creating havoc and having fun

Driving granny very mad

 

I always got the blame 

As I was the older one

But Marie Gerene keep me a place

Up on Heaven's golden shore

 

All our family have departed too 

I'm sure you're spending time with them

But I miss my sidekick sister 

Until we meet for eternal life 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

THE CIRCLE OF LIFE 

 

There one minute and gone the next 

That's just how life can be 

You never know when the curtain will fall 

So treasure each moment you can

 

Each day as you grow older 

Is another day closer to the end 

Live your very best life if you can 

Don't waste a second looking back

 

Life is a constant forward 

Yesterday will never happen again 

You never catch up with tomorrow

Just live for the present today

 

The circle of life is a merry go round

People getting on and stepping off

Strangers are friends you haven't met 

Family is changing face too 

 

Starting off as a baby in diapers

Then you're a school kid with books 

Next you have kids of your own 

You skip through the generations so fast 

 

The clock is constantly going forward 

The calendar never goes back 

Some things can only happen once

So don't put off till tomorrow, just do 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

PANIC ATTACK 

 

I take panic attacks 

That no one understands 

It's impossible to explain 

As there just are no words 

 

Anxiety constantly creeps up 

Back pain is a huge cause 

It's getting out of control 

I've no where to turn 

 

I'm trying my best 

But still keep pulling back 

Fear and panic 

Interfere with my life 

 

Things I once took for granted 

I can no longer do 

I've exhausted possibilities

Feel no one understands

 

People often say

You could do this why not do that

They just can't comprehend

The panic in my chest

 

I honestly can't help 

How I've got to this stage 

All I ask is for support

And understanding of my plight 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

THE PERILS OF AGING 

 

My body is seizing up 

The pain is hard to bear 

Just one wrong move is all it takes 

To knock me to the ground 

 

I try my best to push myself 

But fear can knock me back 

Support and aid is hard to find 

We're living in a scary time 

 

Little by little 

My life is ebbing away 

Don't know about remaining quantity 

But quality is so scarce 

 

I'm thankful for my faith in God 

And to be able to write each day 

I treasure friends and family 

Even though many are far away 

 

Life seems to be getting harder 

As the body is getting older 

Just wish there was a magic wand 

To give me back my youthful limbs

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

LOOK FOR THE SILVER LINING 

 

Some days are better than others 

But some days can be worse 

I always try to look for the sliver lining 

But it's often hidden neath a cloud of grey 

 

When the rain comes crashing down 

And it seems like it will never stop 

I love to see the rainbow

It's God's promise that the sun will come 

 

But I'm worried that the rain won't stop 

And the rainbow will stay away 

The skies will stay grey and dark 

The sun has gone astray 

 

I tell myself to not give up 

Pray for blue skies once again 

To bask in the warm shining sun

And feel warmth and no more pain

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

IT'S HOW I FEEL 

 

If I feel old

That's just how I feel 

My mind can tell myself I'm young 

But my body would disagree 

 

You say you're young 

Well, that's great for you 

You do as you please

But don't put it on me 

 

We are all individuals

Everyone is unique 

What is right for one 

Is often wrong for another

 

You can't compare people 

Even with similar situations

And you can't be in anyone's shoes

No matter how hard you try 

 

So please live and let live 

Don't try to analyze

You only know you 

And I know me

 

So change the subject 

We will never agree

Me getting mad

Gets us nowhere 

 

So look at yourself 

And not at another 

Check your own life 

I'm well aware of mine 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

WHAT IS GOING ON IN OUR WORLD 

 

What is going on in our world 

So many murders, rapes, wars and famine 

The earth is very sick now

There's so much hatred now and very little love

 

Some police are beating people and killing them too 

Why they do that, we can't comprehend

They're meant to protect us and keep us all safe 

But some of them decide to scare us instead 

 

Even mother nature is getting so mad 

She's shaking up earth in her deadly revenge 

With earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes too 

Floods and volcanoes and fires that destroy 

 

But sometimes the hatred comes from fear 

A fear of the unknown or a fear of loss 

It's a feeling that often can't be helped 

Respect works both ways, let's all be kind

 

But some people are out just to attack 

They've different opinions and can't be swayed 

Anger is launched until it boils right over 

Often the outcome is horrible and deadly 

 

There's only so much we humans can take 

Life is being changed forever it seems 

Where will it end, I dread to think 

I hope God will forgive us and let us come home 

 

The government of Ireland is so out of touch 

They toss sticking plasters and sit back and watch 

They either want the Nobel or to be canonized

They can't see the damage and hurt they have caused 

 

Some people are homeless and struggling to eat 

Those who have homes can't barely have heat

While the rich just don't know what it's like to be poor 

They sit in their grandeur like caviar and champagne

 

It's so so hard to get a doctor appointment

Your teeth could fall out before a dentist appeared 

Hospitals are overflowing, they're struggling to cope 

People on trollies, half dying on the floor 

 

How can the world be healed again 

Or is it too late, has destruction gone too far 

Sticking plasters don't work, it needs life support now 

Just let's stop the hated and get along instead 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️ 

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

SO GO MIND YA BUSINESS 

 

If you can't support 

At least just don't hinder 

Unwelcome words aren't wanted 

So go mind ya business 

 

You think you know it all

You have an answer for everything 

But you can't fit in my shoes 

So go mind ya business

 

You've always been an expert

At least you think you are 

But experience counts more 

So go mind ya business

 

You might have read up loads of books 

But I've lived the book of life 

You can't imagine how things are

So go mind ya business

 

Everytime we start to fight 

You blame my bad temper 

But you step on my nerves 

So go mind ya business

 

Stop pretending you know it all

And stick to what you lived

You can't journey in my past

So go mind ya business 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

GOOD INTENTIONS 

 

i just don't have the right words 

And I'm scared to say the wrong 

Sometimes there's nothing that can be said

Only pray that things improve

 

I know I have a big gob 

And my words aren't always nice 

But my heart always wants to show the love 

Instead of my mouth showing wrong

 

My mum always told me to

Put brain in motion before moving mouth 

But my brain slows down and mouth speeds up 

And there I go again 

 

Some friends have tried to joke

That I'd start a fight in an empty room 

I guess it's true with the awful names 

That I call myself when I act dumb 

 

Each night when I go to bed 

And each morning when I wake up 

My intentions are good before I move 

Before I revert to old ways 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

 

DIFFERENT FOOTSTEPS 

 

Don't try to get in someone else's shoes 

No matter how you think you'll fit 

Like fingerprints, they're all unique

Even if things may look the same 

 

No two experiences are the same 

Even if they're on the same road 

Everyone travels differently

Even identical twins 

 

So remember no matter how hard you try 

That shoe is not for you 

The measurements are totally different 

And the mold a different shape 

 

You could travel all around the world 

And walk down my favorite street

But your step would still be different 

And your silhouette can not compare 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

SILENCE

 

Some days, there’s just dead silence

No human voice is heard

I talk to the ghosts and teddy bears

To stop myself going mad

 

If I stop to listen to the silence

I can almost hear it reply

The ghostly shuffle and heavy breath

Ring out in the midnight air

 

They say that silence is deafening

That’s so true, I agree

Sometimes it’s louder than everyday noise

It’s impossible to get any peace

 

I need to get rid of the silence

Switch on the radio or TV

Talk on the phone or face to face

And treasure some human contact

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

EXPERIENCED FEELINGS 

 

You say I'm very opinionated 

That I always have to be right 

I'm only speaking from my own experience

And all the things that I've lived through

 

I've been through and seen some awful things 

That will never leave my mind 

No I can't forget them no matter how I try 

Some things are imprinted deep on my soul 

 

I can get angry when pushed too much 

And the pain in my body is hard to bear 

I try my best to struggle through it all 

But then I panic and things go wrong 

 

In the past what I've gone through

From personal rape to seeing people killed 

Homelessness, class A and cross country hitch hiking 

Arrests, getting ill and being attacked 

 

I lost my baby which broke my heart 

This pain has never left my heart 

It has shaped me into who I am now 

And that I can never ever change 

 

I miss my husband so so much 

And all my family who have gone before 

My body no longer feels like my own 

Pills mightn't help but can't do without. 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

MY DONEGAL STORY 

 

I grew up in Donegal 

Along the wild Atlantic way 

Reared in beautiful Bundoran 

A seaside and a tourist town 

 

My mum came from Ballyshannon

Ireland's very oldest town 

The home of William Allingham

A great poet who did us proud 

 

My late dad, Gerry Kiely 

Who was a brother of the writer Ben 

Dad made postcards of Donegal and they 

Sold in shops all over towns 

 

Dad was a wholesaler who was loved 

By shops all over county Donegal 

He was known as fair and kind 

Treated everyone like they were a king

 

From north to south of Donegal 

Dad traveled all over this land

Mum and I would often go 

And help him serve his customers there

 

Granny and Granda ran a shop 

On Ballyshannon's College St 

My cousin Gerene and I attended

The local Mercy Convent school 

 

My dad's own dad was born up north 

In the beautiful Moville town 

He grew up then in Carrigart 

A man who loved his Donegal 

 

I remember one time in Nashville

A lady almost lost her head 

When she heard I was from Donegal 

The home of her favorite singer Daniel. 

 

Even though I was adopted from Cork 

Of North Co Kerry parentage 

I still have Donegal in me 

The county where I lay my head

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

I WISH THAT I COULD HEAL THE WORLD 

 

I wish that I could heal the world 

And make everybody equal 

That no country would suffer so 

And people could all stay home 

 

To never have to leave your home

Except to go on vacation 

And that families could stay together 

In the home they've always known 

 

Where racism and prejudice were never heard 

And where there was only respect 

And everyone would have a home 

And all they'd ever need 

 

Where no illness ever happened

And no one would be disabled

Where everyone would go around 

With a smile upon their face 

 

Where color and creed were never mentioned

Like we were color blind 

Where no one was ever poor 

Nor ridiculously rich 

 

I wish that I could heal the world 

Where we could all be happy 

And where no one would ever be afraid

That they could all be safe 

 

I wish that I could heal the world 

Where there was no hatred or crime

Murders and rapes would not exist 

And no need to lock our doors 

 

Can we not all try settle down 

And go fix our own little patch 

Start healing the world with a bit of love 

And pray to God it carries on 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

A TRUE FRIEND 

 

A true friend will always stick around 

No matter what you do or say 

Through thousands more silly antics 

You look and they're still there 

 

When your hair turns white and your teeth fall out 

And your muscles lose a lot of their strength 

A true friend will have your back 

And not desert and run for the hills 

 

When you take a panic attack they'll come 

To try to settle and calm you down 

They'll never give up no matter what's wrong 

You know you can turn to them 

 

If you drink too much or you starve 

If you pop too many of your pills 

They'll sit and listen and try to help 

Cos that's what a true friend will do 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

WISHFUL THINKING 

 

I wish I could cut out the bad bits 

And replace them with brand new

 Get rid of worn and weakened parts

Like starting things anew 

 

To get back the energy

That I was so full of 

And be fighting fit each day

To greet the day head on 

 

To never feel the pain again 

Nor struggle hard to move

To feel safe and strong once more 

Bring my body back to it's youth

 

The things I took for granted 

Are slowly slipping away 

One by one they disappear 

There'll be nothing left real soon

 

Need to make the most of life

Not sure what time is left 

Each moment is so precious 

Before the hand of time will stop 

 

So much left to do I know

I need to get all done 

No one else can do these things 

Just me, myself and I

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

LIFE SEEMED NORMAL BACK THEN

I look at a photo or a picture 

That was taken some time ago 

A comedy comes on TV going back forty years

And I think of life back then 

 

Somewhere out in that horizon

You were living your life 

My parents and sister were living theirs too 

Life seemed normal back then 

 

Had different fears but huge ambition 

It was a different time

Things were more simple, life was more basic 

But life seemed normal back then 

 

I was full of energy, my hair stayed dark 

And my teeth were all my own 

My joints weren't sore, I had no pain 

Life seemed normal back then 

 

I could read anytime, no matter what

I didn't need to find my glasses 

I'd leap across the sofa to watch TV

Life seemed normal back then 

 

I would lift heavy bookcases full of books 

I thought I was the Bionic Woman 

Was always showing off, was proud of my strength

Life seemed normal back then 

 

I'd love to go back to that earlier time 

Even if just for a day 

I'd make the most of those hours I'd get 

Life seemed normal back then

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

TO MY SISTER 

 

I wish that I had my sister 

Right here and at my side 

I feel so lost and lonely 

Don't know if I'll survive 

 

The pain is overwhelming me 

I try to numb it down 

But I'm scared that it will kill me 

And that's not how I want to leave 

 

I don't know what to do 

I feel so very scared 

I need you to support me 

But I understand you can't 

 

Please know I'm really trying 

But it's all getting too much 

God knows what will happen 

If things carry on this way 

 

I love and miss my sister 

But she's so far away 

I try to be there for her 

But I'm so messed up right inside 

 

So sister know I love you so 

I'm always here you know 

The pain inside is killing me 

But I love you and your kids 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

EQUALITY 

 

Why can't we all just be the same

Regardless of the color of our skin 

Why can't we respect each other's beliefs 

And not try to someone that they're wrong 

 

People are attacked for just being different 

Whether race, creed, gender or orientation

Whether young or old, we're all the one 

God made us all to be equal 

 

No one should feel scared to live their life 

Nor fear that they can't afford to live 

Everyone should have a home and a loving family 

These are basic needs we all should have 

 

There should be no division between rich and poor 

What's the point of having things you'll never need 

The world is rich enough so that everyone could have a share

End poverty and homelessness today 

 

Get rid of crazy salaries that never should have started 

Countries should be run by ordinary human beings 

Instead of being governed by people so detached 

From what it's like to live an ordinary life 

 

A world where there will never be any crime 

Where no one will feel angry and want to fight or kill 

This can only happen when we all can be the same 

And share where nobody will ever want again 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

 

MEMORIES OF NAVAJO NATION

 

I love my Navajo family

You all mean the world to me 

You will forever be in my heart 

Family and friends we'll always be 

 

That time I spent on Navajo Nation 

Flagstaff and Gallup too 

Those days I'll remember so special 

The fun and good times we shared 

 

You didn't know what to think

When the crazy Irish girl rocked up 

But you welcomed me in and became my kin

Nizhoni, Ayoo'aniinishni always

 

Remember me singing and playing guitar 

With some native Irish songs 

I taught you to say, Ta me in ngra leat

And I was at the end of my tether🤣

 

From Lukachukai to Coyote Canyon

I loved every bit of the adventure

The culture and the scenery were nizhoni, 

And so were all the amazing Dine 

 

The adventures we had and the things we did 

In the beautiful Navajo Nation 

We formed an unbreakable bond, that no one can break 

So love you from me here in Ireland. 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

KNOW THE FACTS 

 

What makes you think you're right 

And everyone else is wrong 

You think you know the facts

But the truth is, you don't 

 

So how about you keep 

Your opinion to yourself

Wait until you get experience

To understand the truth 

 

You've lived in a tiny bubble

And rarely ventured out 

You need a dose of reality

To comprehend the cause 

 

So read up on it all

Speak to those who've lived it 

None of it is nonsense 

There's a reason behind it all 

 

Maybe one day you'll get it 

And I hope it's not too late

But for now sit back and listen 

Or continue but just scroll on

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

 

MY TWO MOMS, BIRTH & ADOPTED

 

What is a mother 

For me there are two 

The lady who gave me life 

And the lady who nurtured me 

 

First there was Annette

Who gave birth to me 

Then there was Maureen

Who adopted me and brought me up

 

Only someone who is adopted 

Can possibly understand

What it's like to have two moms 

And what they both mean to me 

 

They never got to meet

Maybe now in Heaven they have

I love and thank them both 

For the lady I am today 

 

So I feel so blessed to know 

That I'm part of both of them 

And to my adopted dad, Gerald 

Who spoiled me all he could 

 

So thank you Annette and Maureen

For what you both did for me 

I know it wasn't easy

For all you sacrificed

 

Love you both 💕💕💕

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

LETTERS HOME TO MOM

 

Reading through a bunch of old letters 

That I wrote home to my mother 

When I was living in New York

And mom back home in the Emerald Isle 

 

So many memories in those letters 

A lot of feelings I had suppressed 

More memories that were forgotten

Now reopening up old wounds

 

The good old days when I was young 

Full of adventure exploring the city 

Making new friends and working new jobs 

So much excitement for this Irish girl 

 

Romance and travel, parties and fun 

So much happened during those years 

Addiction and crime, struggles and strife 

I lived and survived through it all

 

I cringe when I read what I wrote to my mom 

God only knows what she was thinking 

I held nothing back, all the ups and downs 

Were written there in black and white 

 

All the times when I said "it's true love"

I shudder when I think of some

But my heart leaps a little when I think of the good

And finally the man whom I married 

 

 We went from pillar to post throughout those years 

There were some scary times

Hitchhiking, sleeping rough, fighting for our lives 

But it made me the gal I am today 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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IN MEMORY OF JOE

 

Your life was never easy 

But you gave everything you could 

That last slice of bread, you'd give away 

Even if it meant you starved 

 

You seemed to have a sixth sense 

And you often guessed the weather 

You did the best that you knew how 

And stood and fought for the underdog 

 

You tried to protect me always 

And wanted me to be safe 

You hustled each day no matter what 

You made sure that I was fed 

 

When we ended up sleeping rough 

On the streets of New York City 

You taught me to survive different attacks 

And rarely left my side 

 

When we hitchhiked across the US 

You rescued us many times 

Life was tough and times were hard 

But I'll always treasure those years 

 

When our marriage sadly broke up 

It broke both our hearts in two 

But we never stopped caring for each other 

And you'd tell me you still loved me 

 

Towards the end, we lost touch 

When we were so far away 

I had remarried but you were happy 

Knowing I would be loved again 

 

In 2012, in New York City you died 

And lay unclaimed in a cold city morgue 

By the time I found out, it was too late 

As you had been taken away 

 

The city did the best they could 

As no one had stepped up 

Your body was taken from the city morgue 

And brought to your place of rest

 

Sadly you lie without a stone 

No rose will be placed upon your grave 

Along with others also unclaimed 

In a cold mass grave for the unknowns 

 

We finally found your name and number 

And created an epitaph in your memory 

ON Hart Island you lie forever 

But your soul we know has gone to Heaven 

 

In Memory of Joe Palomera and all those who are buried on Hart Island, NEW YORK CITY 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©

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I'M A PRODUCT OF MY PAST 

 

In the past I trusted too easily 

And I got so badly burned 

Time and time again it happened

As I continued to trust 

 

But now from the embers and ashes 

I struggle to see all the good

Some people accuse me of hatred 

Without knowing all I've been through 

 

They have lived in a cocoon

And never felt the pain I felt 

They can't imagine the fear

That was caused by unimaginable things 

 

I always tried to be kind 

Went out of my way to help 

But it was often thrown back in my face 

By ingratitude and horrible deeds

 

So please before you judge me 

Just try to understand

In reality your words are as guilty 

As what you are accusing me of 

 

So please get it through your head 

You can never live in my past 

Try to have a little understanding

Just see where I'm coming from 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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STOP THIS DIVISION 

 

This is to the government

Of our little country isle 

Please stop this wide division 

In everything you touch 

 

You seem to have delight 

In people at each other's throats 

Then you try to pretend 

That your shocked by all the outbursts 

 

Yet you're the ones who are the guilty 

Of causing this huge divide 

You pin people against each other 

And sit back and watch them fight 

 

Deep down you just don't care 

As long as your pockets are carefully lined 

You think people are just beneath you 

You only speak up to serve your cause 

 

So start treating everyone equal 

And stop causing huge division 

Because when all comes crashing down 

It'll be too late to make amends

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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LIVING WITH PAIN 

 

This constant pain sure drags me down 

Panic sets in worrying what's next 

My back feels so weak and hurts so much 

One wrong move can leave me unable to walk 

 

It's hard to explain how I feel to y'all 

The pills that I pop hoping for some relief 

I want my life back to be able to move 

Without doing myself a mischief unable to move 

 

It's fourteen months now that I'm struggling like this

Some days not too bad but never without pain 

I feel so alone and really terrified 

Please understand how I feel, cos I'd like some support 

 

I find it hard really to ask for much help 

I'm normally the one who steps up to help

But now I am struggling and everything hurts 

Panic attacks have become my new norm 

 

Things that I love and have loved in the past 

Make me step back cos I feel so afraid 

I don't want to spoil anyone else's fun 

But this pain is breaking me to the point of no return 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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RAGGEDY HAT 

 

There is a man we call Raggedy hat 

You'll always know him anywhere 

He wears a hat that's so well frayed 

It's a wonder it hasn't ripped to shreds 

 

He drives a car that clunks and clanks 

He's always looking under the hood 

There's more rust than actual paint 

Yet it still gets him from A to B 

 

Then one day we saw him coming 

And at first we thought it wasn't him

Even though the car was there,

The hat was missing from his head

 

We thought it must have finally ripped 

And wondered if we'd have to change his name 

But to our delight a few days later 

He reappeared with his raggedy hat 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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BACK IN MY DAD’S TIME 

 

My dad lived in simpler times 

Born 1907 and lived for eighty years

He lived through the Easter Rising and two World Wars

And loved God and family more than anything

 

He was so independent all his life

Looked after his family and then his wife

His daughter Helen was daddy’s little girl 

She could do no wrong but he tried to keep her right

 

He worked all his life and ran his own business

Worked long hours and drove a lot of miles

Everyone loved him as he was the best 

He treated everyone equal and was always ready to help

 

It's hard to imagine how my dad was able

To run a successful business just using his head

No laptop, computer or mobile phone

Depending on directions as there was no sat nav

 

They were different times back then

And hard for us now to comprehend

Most of us struggle to live without technology

And wonder how people like my dad survived 

 

My dad was a wonderful man and I was so blessed

To have had him as my dad as he was the best

I'll treasure my memories as the daughter that he chose

I know he and mum are together now in Heaven

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

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BROKEN SOUL

 

I am a broken soul 

Been through so much pain 

It has left a permanent scar 

That I can not erase 

 

People don't understand me 

They think I'm always wrong 

They try to change my thinking 

Like they have all the control 

 

But life left a big stamp on me 

It's embedded too deep to erode 

The dangers of the past keep showing 

Things I can never forget 

 

I am programmed too much from the past

From all the trials that happened

I'd have to be totally rewired anew 

In order to change me like you 

 

What I do or what I say 

Is often done without thinking 

It comes from a spark still smoldering 

That takes very little to ignite 

 

I try my best to be thoughtful 

And do all with good intent 

But the past keeps haunting me 

I think I'm too far gone to change 

 

So much hurt and anger are inside me

From horrible things that I experienced

I can never explain how the pain

Makes me lash out in defense 

 

I'm so scared of the past 

And fear it will enter again in my present 

I can only try to heal me 

And try living life anew 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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ODE TO MY UNBORN CHILD 

 

It broke my heart when I lost you

I never got to be your mom 

All the plans I dreamed in my muddled head 

And picturing all your precious milestones 

 

If you had have lived, you'd be thirty now

And maybe I'd even be a nanna

I try to imagine your beautiful face 

And the softness of your tender skin 

 

Oh child of mine, I miss you so 

Even though we never got to meet 

I've never forgotten you all through the years 

And have shed so many tears 

 

When I see a girl of around your age 

The age that you would be now 

I imagine the life that you might have lived

And wish you'd not have been taken from me 

 

I will never know why you didn't know life

And often wonder what I did wrong 

The pain is constant down through the years 

And my love is an undying one

 

Deep in my heart, I know you're in Heaven

And that you are waiting for me 

Dear Geri my baby, my sweet precious child 

Love you my baby, love mom

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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THIS IS MY REALITY

 

Someone suggested that I write happy, happy happy 

And not be all doom and gloom 

Well sorry for my thoughts and broken health 

It's not easy trying to be carefree 

 

Too much has happened in my past 

And those thoughts will never leave me 

Positivity is hard through all these dark thoughts

It's just very hard to feel free 

 

I hold lots of anger from the attacks of the past

I think it's my mind protecting me 

When trust has been broken too many times 

It seems impossible to fix it again 

 

I live in the real world 

With my feet firmly planted on the ground

I took my head out of the clouds a long time ago 

When someone forced me to live reality 

 

I know not everyone will agree with me

And won’t have a clue just how I feel

They think I can change, to basically erase

All the hurt I’ve felt throughout the years

 

If only it was that easy

We could all just flick a switch just like that

But then it wouldn’t be reality 

Intead, it would become a fantasy

 

So let’s agree to disagree

Cos life has treated us all so different

I’ve tried to erase, but just can’t rewind

So I’ll just stay in my reality

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

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SMOLDERING EMBERS

 

I know I have a big gob 

That my brain can not keep up with

So getting mad at me

Won’t solve anything you see

 

You think you can control me

But I’m telling you, you can’t

You are not the master

And I’m certainly not your puppet

 

So run along now

And do good somewhere else

Stop thinking you are always right

And everyone else is wrong

 

Yes, my big gob has landed me in trouble

More trouble that you will ever know

But that is me, and you aren’t me

So watch your own affairs

 

You may have good intentions

But they can grate on nerves

In reality, they can do more damage

Than the good you thought you’d do

 

So if you can’t handle the heat

Maybe time to leave the kitchen

There’s only room for one of us

And you don’t want me to shut you down

 

So why don’t you just give up

Get out while you know you can

Let the smoldering embers extinguish

Before the wrong spark makes them ignite

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

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TWO SISTERS

 

Two sisters in different places 

Both carrying a child they kept a secret 

They had no choice, they were different times 

They tried their best for all concerned 

 

But the heartache was very raw

They lived the rest of their lives carrying the pain 

They'd always wonder what had happened 

To both the children who were taken away

 

The sisters were young, they weren't given a choice 

Forced by society to give for adoption 

No one knew what they had gone through 

Or who else knew each other's secret 

 

Two beautiful sisters who carried their pain 

Went on to live lives the best they could 

They never got to bring those children 

And make them part of their family 

 

But the children grew not knowing the truth 

Only many years later, they tried to piece

The fragments together of lives and past 

They'll never let them be forgotten 

 

So thank you to the beautiful sisters 

For all you sacrificed to save your secret

No one knows the hardships you endured 

In a society that didn't seem very humane 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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TO OUR WONDERFUL GROUP

 

This is to our wonderful group 

I love coming here each week 

Everyone here is a pleasure to be with 

We are like a family 

 

I want to thank you all for being so kind 

And making me feel like I belong 

As Marian said, we all get along 

And enjoy each other's company, and the tea and cake 

 

We're all happy to share in the fun

And take part in the activities every week 

Sometimes we sit and watch and that's okay 

Everyone is content to do what they can

 

I don't want to name names and leave someone out 

But each one of you is special and that's a gift 

We've so much to look forward to each Tuesday morn

Long may it continue for us one and all 

 

We come from all over, and we gel so well 

Everyone brings their gift, their talent and chat 

We start with a cuppa, and cake and a laugh 

So thank you all for being the best. 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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WE ARE JUST TOO DIFFERENT

 

We are just too different 

I guess it's only human 

We're all programed in our own way 

It's impossible to change 

 

If we were all the same 

I guess life would be no fun

It'd be like a carbon copy 

Or basically looking in the mirror 

 

But for us, our thinking is totally different 

We are like night and day 

From one extreme to another 

Your way seems unrealistic

 

I can't change my thoughts and feelings 

And no one should ask me to

Lack of trust comes from lots of hurt 

I have to protect myself now 

 

So let's respect just how we feel

And not make each other hurt 

Your good deeds can often cut deep

And reopen that permanent scar 

 

I've tried to close old wounds

But no matter how, they just won't close 

The thread's too frayed, it can't be replaced

So just try to understand

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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A PRAYER TO MY LORD

 

Dear God I come to you 

Like a little child feeling lost 

I know I don't deserve your help 

But I know you love me so much 

 

You made us all in your image 

And allowed us to have free will 

I let the hurt of the years overwhelm me 

And now I struggle to be good 

 

All I want in my life is to love you Lord 

And do things that are pleasing to you 

You gave me my husband, my family and friends 

And I want to show you my thanks 

 

I try so hard to do right but I fail 

Too many dark thoughts keep flooding my mind 

Please help me Lord, and guide me to you 

And bring me to Heaven when I die 

 

So thank you Lord for my life 

I pray for your protection always 

Please bless my family and friends and have mercy 

Please forgive us when the curtain comes down 

 

Life is so short but it's precious 

We go through so much through it all

The ups and the downs, the happy and sad 

As long as we get home to you 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

Being adopted is hard to explain

To someone who it hasn't affected 

Each story is different but sometimes similar

And leaves a lasting imprint 

 

For those whom adoption affects 

Can be a birth parent, an adoptee or adoptive parents

Or another member of the birth family 

Some never knew that the child existed 

 

Growing up as an adoptee is often mixed 

You feel you belong but part of you is missing too 

Some others try to exclude you saying 

You're adopted and not really kin

 

My adoptive parents were wonderful 

They were my mum and dad

My cousin Gerene was my best friend 

I truly belonged to them

 

But looking in the mirror at times 

And wondering whose features I had

Seeing my friends with their mothers eyes

Or tall or strong like their dads. 

 

Even though I loved my mum and dad so much 

And knew how much they loved me

It never stopped me wondering what had happened

To the mother who gave birth to me

 

Back in those days society was different 

We'll never really know what went on

Sadly for me, my birth mum had died 

By the time I finally knew her name 

 

As an adoptee, I often feel 

Like I'm on the outside looking in 

I was a secret from my birth family and it's hard for them 

To process my existence now 

 

I want to belong to both of my families

My blood and those I grew up with 

I'm trying to fit in and it's not always easy

Cos life can be so short 

 

For those of us who are adopted 

We are all the very same

Whether three days, three months or three years 

Why not treat us all the same

 

The redress is creating another division

It's telling us we're not the same

But they need to know we are the same 

And united we all stand together 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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ONE MORE TIME

 

I'd love to have you back with me

To feel your arms around my body 

To hold you tight and taste your kiss

And lie beside you one more time

 

To hear your voice speaking loving words

And gaze into your eyes of brown

I'm part of you and you of me

Together we belong as one

 

I miss the warmth of your embrace 

I love you still and I always will 

My heart belongs to u forever more

I want to hold you one more time 

 

But I know your pain on earth was hard 

You fought so hard but dementia won 

God called you home, your work was done

You're in Heaven now, all pain is gone 

 

I'd love to see you one more time 

But I know I'll see you at Heaven's gate

Please save me a place right by your side

We'll be together for eternity 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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A PLEA TO MY PAIN

 

You came one day uninvited 

You arrived with such force and you stayed 

Now I can't get you to leave 

You're that unwanted guest no one needs 

 

I never invited you once 

Still you decided to come anyhow 

Now you've taken control of my body 

And changed the thoughts in my mind

 

I'm popping pills to get rid of you 

But you always seem to win in the fight 

Everything I do just hurts so much 

So why won't you leave me alone 

 

It's fourteen months now that you're here

Even my doctor can't get you to leave 

I feel that I'm losing this battle

Not sure what the outcome will be

 

Day and night all I feel is you pain 

You have taken over all of my moves 

From sitting to standing to lying 

You just won't let me alone 

 

What will it take to have you gone 

And give me back some of my life 

You've taken my spark, made me angry at life 

And cause me to lash out at others 

 

I'm not getting any younger, you see

So there is still some life that I need 

Have things to do, a bucket list to fill 

So please let me do it pain free 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️ 

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IT ALL STARTED AT THE LEE

 

It all started at the Lee

The day that I was born

The Sacred Heart Hospital, Bessboro

Is where my life began

 

But life was different back then

And society had different rules

My birth mum was unmarried

And they took me away from her

 

Some shamed unmarried mothers

Telling them what they did was wrong

But the only ones wrong were those who shamed

And snatched away their kids

 

How could someone treat another

So badly, it’s just not right

I wish that I could go back in time

And take away their pain

 

I think of my birth mum now all the time

And wish that I got to meet her

But sadly she died many years before

Life just doesn’t seem fair

 

My birth mum came from Co Kerry 

And gave birth to me in Cork

I was adopted four months later

And grew up in Donegal

 

Now at fifty six years later,

I’m a part of all that I am

Cork, Kerry and Donegal

Will stay in my heart always

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

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DON'T TAKE LIFE FOR GRANTED

 

Be careful when you take life for granted 

Things can just suddenly change 

One minute you're running around 

Then suddenly you fall to the ground 

 

Things that were part of the norm

In the routine of everyday life

They can disappear overnight

And life will never be the same

 

Going power walking or having a run

Feeling fit with energy to burn

Mobility can suddenly slow down

Stiffness and pain can take over

 

So make the most of life while you can

Enjoy things you love and have fun

Don’t put off till tomorrow because

It might be too late if you do

 

Even something simple like sitting

In a coffee shop with a couple of friends

Can simply become impossible

As pain hits the body like shocks

 

So take that holiday or go visit friends

Don’t wait til you say you have time

You don’t know what later might bring

So do it as soon as you can

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

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HELLO TO THE FLOWERS OF SPRING

 

I think back to the past 

Those years gone by 

And the excitement in my mum's face 

When she saw the first snowdrop of spring 

 

She called us to come and see

And said now it's really spring 

That little white flower was everything 

Growing in the garden of my childhood home

 

A little further into spring 

Our garden became enclosed in a sea of yellow 

The beautiful daffodils opened their buds 

As they greeted the garden and passers by 

 

Everyone loved to see the golden flowers 

Our home was known as the garden with all the daffodils

I'd pick a bunch and place them in a vase

That would brighten up the living room 

 

Our garden cheered up the darkest day

With all the beautiful flowers of spring

From the honey scented snowdrop

To the beautiful golden daffodil

 

My mum has long gone on to Heaven

And I think of her always

I will always remember the joy in her face

To see the beautiful flowers of spring

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

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LET IT GO 

 

Changing the words of a poem

Or a story that you didn't write 

It's like you're trying to go back 

And change what the author said 

 

Why can't you leave them alone 

Those are someone else's thoughts 

If you don't like them, don't read them 

But don't dictate to others who do 

 

This whole world has gone mighty crazy 

It has become a dictatorship 

We were all called names in the past

But we shook them off instead 

 

Why can't we all just respect 

And try to live and let live

If you don't like something, it's okay 

But let it go and just move on 

 

So if someone decides to change 

My lyrics when I've gone up to Heaven 

I can promise to haunt them until 

They change them back to my words 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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TO BABY GERI 

 

You began to grow inside me 

But for some reason you couldn't stay 

God had other plans for you 

And he needed you back home 

 

When the doctor said you're pregnant

I wanted to tell the world 

I was finally going to live my dream 

And get to be your mom 

 

That short time I knew I was carrying you 

I wanted to keep you safe 

I missed those earlier months

Not knowing you were inside 

 

That Monday morning in the hospital

When they did the sonogram 

It broke my heart to hear the words 

She's in your fallopian tube 

 

The tube had burst and you had died 

And part of me died inside 

I couldn't understand what happened 

And why you didn't get to live 

 

I begged the doctors to save you 

But all I remember them saying 

Sign this to allow us to try to save your life 

So that you won't die too 

 

They said there was no chance

As you had already died

And now my life was fading

And Joe didn't want to lose me too 

 

I awoke to find Joe and the priest

Each holding on to me so tight 

They said they thought I was going to die 

But they fought for me to live 

 

That was over thirty years ago

And I have never once forgotten

I know my child is waiting with God

Up in Heaven's eternal home

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARIE GERENE

 

Happy birthday Marie Gerene

Another one up in Heaven 

Your friends and I all miss you so 

Your memories we'll keep alive 

 

You always were a character

And always loved a dare 

You were the first to try alot of things 

And pushed me to take part 

 

You nicked the cigarettes 

From Granny's little shop

And you sold them all for 5 pence each

Like a real entrepreneur

 

You showed me how to smoke a fag 

And made sure I did it right 

We'd have to hide them from the adults 

And spray ourselves with scent 

 

We'd often go around at night 

Annoying neighbors by banging doors 

We'd run and hide and watch for them

Come out and say 'who's there?'

 

There were several local people

That we gave nicknames too 

They weren't amused and complained to Gran

And said spank your two grandkids 

 

You moved to London and I joined you there

We created more adventures 

But it wasn't for me, so I went west 

And settled in New York 

 

Marie Gerene you were my best friend 

My cousin but like a sister 

We should have grown old together

I miss and love you always 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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NOT KNOWING WHAT TO SAY

 

I never know what to say 

Everything I say is wrong 

Just can't seem to help myself 

All I have to do is open my mouth 

 

I start out with good intentions 

But move mouth before brain gets in motion 

It's hard to know what to say 

Then be afraid of getting it wrong 

 

I try to think if that was me 

What would I like to hear 

But we're all different with different minds 

It's not always universal 

 

So those wrong words may have come from a good heart 

But they got lost along the way 

The intentions started out with love 

But hit hurdles and crashed and flopped 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©

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MISSING FAMILY

 

Watching long lost family tonight

I cried tears of joy for them

Seeing them all reunite

With their families missing since birth

 

Daughters got to embrace mothers

And mothers got to hug sons

All reunited in happiness

Their families now complete

 

But I can’t help being sad for me

As I’ll never get to meet my birth mum

Because over thirty years ago

The good Lord called her home

 

I’ll never get to say thank you

For all she sacrificed

I’ll never get to give her a hug

Or feel her loving embrace

 

I would have loved to have heard her voice

I try to imagine it in my mind

How she would have laughed or spoken

In her native Kerry accent

 

Growing up I had a loving family

And a wonderful mum and dad

But a huge part of me was missing

As I never knew my blood

 

Seeing my family all together

They all were flesh and blood

Even though they loved me and I loved them

I couldn’t see my own face

 

I always wondered who I looked like

And whose eyes I had

I would make up stories in my head

And hoped my dreams would come true

 

I’m so glad to have found some cousins

And to know I share their blood

I am thankful to my birth mum’s children

For being so good about me

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

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PAIN

 

Can't get any relief from this pain 

No matter what I do

Day and night, it’s just non stop

Can barely even sleep anymore

 

Feel shattered all the time

Just want to lie down and sleep

But as soon as I lie, the jerking starts

My legs just won’t stay still

 

It started off with my back killing me

And now has taken over my body

I get involuntary spasms in my back and my arms

And my legs don’t belong to me

 

I’ve tried everything going 

From holistic to popping pills

But nothing gives me a moment of rest

Where or how will it all end

 

The doctors are baffled

They don’t know what is wrong

I feel my body is giving up on me

It’s just getting too much to bear

 

I dread getting up

And I dread going to bed

There is just no relief

From this non stop unbearable pain

 

The fear of putting my back out

It taking over my life

Things I enjoyed

Have now become things that I fear

 

I don’t want to live like this

But I don’t know what to do

Please be patient with me

But I know it’s so hard to understand

 

I know I need a miracle

I pray to God for one

Please let me fulfil my bucket list

Before God calls me home

 

To even have just one day

A day that is pain free

It would be a blessing

And a day that I will treasure

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

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MY ROOTS

 

Someone asked me once

Where from in Ireland I come 

My reply was I'd have to think 

As I am quite a mixture 

 

First, I was born in Cork City 

In Bessboro Mother and Baby home

My birth mum came from Kerry

And so I have Kerry blood

 

Then I was baptized in Killarney

In the Cathedrals Holy Font

Then I was brought back to Cork 

And adopted at four months old

 

I grew up in Bundoran

In South Co Donegal

Primary school in Bundoran

But Ballyshannon from sixth class 

 

My dad came from Omagh 

In the County of Tyrone

He was the brother of Benedict Kiely

And the uncle of singer, Brian Coll

 

My mum grew up in Ballyshannon

And her parents from Fermanagh

Mum taught in Cornahilta 

Across the border in Belleek 

 

Later on I lived in Killybegs

To do a hotel reception course

Then I worked in Lisdoonvarna

In the beautiful County Clare

 

I came back to Donegal 

And worked and had fun for another while

Then I moved to London

With my cousin Marie Gerene 

 

Later on, I moved to Dublin

Where I lived for another year

I became a nursery nurse

Where I got to work with kids 

 

Next it was time to live more life

And off I went yet once again 

Ten years spent in New York City

Before I came back to Donegal

 

Then I moved back to Cork City 

To the city of my birth

Spent seven years there with my husband 

Before we both moved once again

 

Finally settled in County Leitrim

But who knows what the future holds

But when God decides to call me

I will rest forever in Donegal 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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LOCKED

 

I feel locked in a world of my own

Trapped by my ongoing pain 

Nowhere to turn as everything hurts

And fear is now thrown in the mix

 

Looking for the exit but there is no sign

Everything seems dark with no air

I have to keep going, not going to give up 

As I have my bucket list here

 

But sometimes it all gets too much 

And loneliness overwhelms me too

Just wish I could get rid of this pain in my body 

And get back to living my life 

 

The pain feels like a big elephant 

That's crushing and holding me down 

There has to be a way to get rid of it 

Before it consumes me to death 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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I FELL TODAY 

 

I fell today when my back went into a spasm 

Down I went along the side of my car 

As I lay on the road, not one person stopped 

Wheels drove by just inches from my head 

 

Have we come to this, people are scared to help 

I never felt such fear, my life flashed before my eyes 

The pain is so bad, I pray that it will subside 

Spasms stiffen the body, making it hard to move 

 

I came home and cried, feeling very alone 

A few friends rang and texted to see how I am doing 

I found it so hard to hold back the falling tears 

Missing my Michael as he would make it all feel better

 

He was my rock, through all life's struggles and strife 

And I was his wife, to make sure he was always happy 

Even with his dementia, he was so strong for me

We loved each other and that love will never die 

 

Right now I've a pain in my heart and all o'er my body 

My back is so sore, it's just very hard to move 

Don't know what to do, as everything goes on hold 

I pray for a miracle, to God in Heaven above 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE 

 

Live your best life for as long as you can 

For no one knows what tomorrow brings 

Savor the joys of family and friends 

Never say later, do it asap

 

Forget about yesterday, it's gone forever 

Live for the present, for it's gone in a flash 

Sickness and injury can mar the best of plans

So make the most of now, before it's too late

 

People put things off, and say I'll do later 

Excuses take over and then it's too late 

No use in crying when the moment is gone

So make the most of now, before it's too late 

 

Life is so precious and family and friends 

Treasure them all while you still got the chance 

Don't wait for tomorrow to do things that matter 

Just make the most of now, before it's too late

 

Think what's important and who's in your life 

Give them that hug, don't leave it too late

Forget about yesterday, tomorrow or whenever

Just make the most of now, before it's too late 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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IMAGINE A WORLD IN HARMONY 

 

Why can't we respect each other

But it requires a two way street 

Boundaries, beliefs and culture

Should be guarded and respected by all 

 

There's too much hatred in the world 

People fighting against each other

Wars, famine and homelessness

Should never exist anywhere

 

Why do some people take over

Or think they have a right to kill 

I wish all guns and knives would disappear 

And that no one would ever feel afraid 

 

We all have a right to exist

Without feeling fear or hate

Imagine the world filled with peace 

And people enjoying life instead

 

Imagine if no one knew poverty 

And everyone had their own home

Imagine never feeling hungry or cold 

Just having everything that you need

 

Where no one would have far too much 

Stuff and money that they will never need 

Imagine a world of equality 

And everywhere on earth would be safe

 

Where humans and animals co-exist.

And everyone living in harmony 

Imagine no abuse or torture anymore 

Just love and the feeling of freedom 

 

Where people would only know love 

From the womb to the tomb and beyond 

Imagine a smile on everyone's face

Just the way God intended it to be

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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PLEASE SAVE THE ANIMALS

 

Please save all the animals

Let them be happy and loved 

Protect them and keep them safe

From newborn to the very old

 

Give that little doggy a cuddle 

Yes, that little puppy is so very cute

When he gets old, help him in his need 

Reward him for loyalty and love

 

That little stray cat that comes up to you 

Is also deserving of love 

Even the rodents are our pets

No matter how they may look 

 

Let the elephants live 

Their ivory belongs to them

No more poaching, they're not a trophy

Their life matters too

 

Bloodsports make no sense

Get wind up toys instead

That beautiful fox or hare

They just want to live in peace

 

God made the animals as he did us humans 

We all have a beating heart 

Live and let live so we'll all get along

The animals can be all our friends

 

So before you launch an attack on me 

No, I'm not vegan or a tree hugger 

Yes, I'm vegetarian cos I love all animals 

They've got their families too 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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HARD TO FEEL OPTIMISTIC 

 

It's hard to feel optimistic 

When the days are getting harder 

Too many months fighting my health 

But pain gets the upper hand 

 

I have promised to keep up the fight 

As so many things still to do 

I'm not ready yet to leave this world 

Still have dreams to fulfill 

 

Want to spend time with loyal friends 

Who don't mind putting up with me 

And want to meet up with lovely cousins 

That I'm only getting to know 

 

Still have more writing to do 

And my novel to complete 

Other projects need to be done 

There's no time to waste

 

Every moment is so precious 

We never know when the clock will stop 

Just want to have quality of life 

And wish that this pain will stop 

 

My heart feels so broken down

Missing my husband and my family 

This awful pain is stealing my life 

It makes me feel so alone 

 

So it's so hard to feel optimistic

When each day brings uncertainty

I can only pray to God above 

Please let me have some time pain free

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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I WILL ALWAYS BE HER MOM

 

I always wanted to be a mom 

But sadly it wasn't meant to be 

An ectopic pregnancy stole my baby 

And I never got to see her grow

 

I always wanted loads of kids 

In fact I was set on fifteen of them

It broke my heart when it didn't happen

I felt like I'd lost so much 

 

Even though my baby sadly died

I will always be her mom 

I know she's waiting up yonder with God 

And she's watching over me

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

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NEVER LET YOU GO

 

My whole life changed

The day God called you home

Even though I was happy for you to be pain free

I was sad for me as I was missing you 

 

I will miss you all the days of my earthly life 

I will miss you until we meet at Heaven's gate 

Then I'll run into your arms and hold you tight

I'll never let you go my darling husband 

 

The day you left this earth, my heart broke

I think it stopped beating as all I felt was ache 

You were my world, my love and a reason to get up 

I feel lost without you with no will left to go on 

 

I've tried to live the life I know you'd want me to 

But it's hard to breathe sometimes missing you so much 

But I have to finish the dreams that we both planned

Then I'll wait for God to bring me home to you

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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FINDING MY BEAUTIFUL COUSINS

 

I grew up with a wonderful mum and dad

Who did their best for me 

They adopted me at four months old

But treated me as their own 

 

For them I was their daughter

And they loved me with all their hearts 

I was blessed too with other close family 

Who meant the world to me 

 

But even though they are my family 

Part of me was always missing 

The jigsaw was not complete 

As I didn't know my blood

 

I had so many dreams and images

Wondering who they were

Not knowing if I'd ever find them

Or even if they'd want me

 

Years later, and thanks to DNA

I found some beautiful cousins

Can't wait to meet them one day 

For that long awaited hug 

 

I'm slowly building relationships

And I treasure them now in my life 

Knowing they are my blood

They mean the world to me

 

Sadly my birth mum had died 

Before we got to meet

But I think she's smiling down 

Knowing we are in touch 

 

There is so much to catch up on

So many years have gone

I can't wait to know my cousins

It will be a dream come true 

 

Finding my cousins was a huge joy 

An absolute dream come true

The past is gone but the future's bright

Lots of love to my beautiful cousins 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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FROZEN WITH FEAR 

 

It's after 2am, a knock comes to my door 

Sitting inside my room, I'm frozen stiff with fear

Ready to hit my panic alarm, hoping I won't be robbed

Terrified to move, not knowing who's out there

 

I texted a friend nearby to let her know what's up 

She's probably still asleep, like most of my friends would be 

I'm still frozen to, the armchair in the room 

Oh God, please protect me, keep me safe from harm 

 

I sneaked into the hall, checking the door was locked

Trying to peer outside but it's way too dark to see

The radio is playing at the bottom of the stairs 

Hoping it will scare off a potential sinister plan 

 

I'm back in the living room, listening for any sound

Terrified of what may happen, still frozen stiff with fear 

Too many places getting robbed, up where we live right here 

Even though I take precautions to keep me safe and sound 

 

My mobile in my hand, writing another poem 

One eye watching tv, the other looking down 

I know it's past my bed, but the pain has kept me up 

Now tonite has added worry, where will it finally end 

 

Twenty minutes later, no further sound is heard 

I wonder have they left or are they lying in wait 

My nerves are gone I fear, not much more I'm able to take 

Oh Lord, please keep me safe and save me from all harm 

 

Suddenly another knock, more like a tapping sound

I feel like putting on a scary voice to shout

But nothing will come out, even my vocal chords seem gone

Here I'll sit and wait until the morning shows it's face

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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SO MANY LIVES MIGHT BE SAVED

 

I wish they'd stop making guns 

And that the existing ones would magically disappear 

For if there were no guns left 

So many lives might be saved

 

I wish there were no pointy sharp ends

On all the knives that are made

That if no one could be stabbed again 

So many lives might be saved 

 

I wish there were no devices to kill 

And that ordinary objects could not be used 

I wish that the world was weapon free

So many lives might be saved 

 

I wish people had no intent to kill 

That murder would not exist 

I just wish we could all live in peace

So many lives might be saved

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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BILLS

 

We live to pay bills

They take over our lives 

Where do they end?

Before they end us

 

We used to dread

The envelopes with windows 

They generally told us 

Another bill had arrived 

 

Now alot is online 

And some by direct debit 

There is no escaping 

These ongoing bills 

 

I guess we'll continue 

As long as we breathe 

Bills coming fast

And asking to be paid 

 

So money comes in 

Then it fast disappears

It's all about bills 

For everything we do 

 

Our loved ones pay bills 

Just so we can be born 

Then they'll pay more 

To send us to God 

 

Imagine a world 

Where no one had bills 

But then there'd be no fun

As it too costs cash

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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THE IRISH GOVERNMENT 

 

What's going on here in Ireland 

The government keep failing us all 

They live in their bubble, detached from the world 

Yet they pretend that they care about the poor 

 

They let prices go up, then find someone to blame

They never take responsibility

They throw crumbs to the people, telling them to be grateful 

And pat themselves on the back for a good job 

 

They increase their own salaries, tell the people there's no cash 

They don't care about housing and health 

They waffle on and on, without making sense

They're only interested in lining their own pockets 

 

They want to get rid of our cars on the road 

They tell us we need to go electric 

What they won't tell us is how much more it will cost 

To keep a leccy car on the road 

 

They want to control how the people can heat

Their homes as they have done for centuries 

They think we are puppets they can control with their strings 

But they don't realize the power of the Irish 

 

We've all had enough, we can't take anymore 

So they government can go and get knotted 

If we give them an inch, they'll take more than a mile 

Next they'll charge for the air that we breathe 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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DOING OUR BEST

 

I need to hold my head up high 

Not let so many things break me down

Careless words maybe misconstrued

And cause unnecessary upset 

 

People are often on edge 

Living in this challenging world 

So many demands all around

No one knows where to turn 

 

We can only do our best

And push through the pain of life 

Have a reason to get up each day 

And one day leave a legacy 

 

Offer others a helping hand

Do what you can is all you can do

Don't let someone knock you down or break you 

And try your best to be kind

 

Words are more powerful than people realize

Once they're out, they can not go back

Before you crush that paper, remember this

It will never be without blemish again 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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PHYSICAL CHANGES

 

This pain is taking over my life 

It's breaking me down bit by bit 

Muscles getting weak, barely holding me up 

It takes all of my strength to stand up 

 

The future seems blurry and dark

Can't see any light at the end

Things I once loved to do seem far out of reach

I panic now because of my pain 

 

Don't know what to do, feel alone with my pain

And terrified my back will lock up 

I wish I could feel safe and strong once again 

But I just feel alone and so scared 

 

I want to be able to go out as I used to 

Do things that I once took for granted 

But the weakness in my back is taking over my life 

Don't know where it's all going to end 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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PLEASE COME DOWN AND TAKE ME HOME 

 

I wish you could come back

Then everything would be okay

Without you, life is just too hard

I'm constantly in despair

 

The day God called you home

You took my heart with you 

My spirit died too that day

I don't want to go on alone 

 

My body feels like a broken shell

With aches and pains all over 

But loneliness is soul destroying

Please come down and take me home

 

You're my love, my life, my joy 

Our bodies intertwined

Our souls are molded together 

We'll be together for eternity

 

I feel very low and depressed 

I just want to be with you 

Life is just too hard to face 

Please come down and take me home 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️2021

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THE MEMORIES IN MY HEART

 

Those were the good days 

When we walked from Timoleague to Courtmacsherry

The energy we had and the fun times we shared

Are now stored in the memories in my heart

 

I wouldn't change a thing

Or a precious moment i spent with you 

I'd still fall in love with you 

And spend all my days loving you

 

The days out that we had 

Killarney, Clonakilty and Skibbereen to name only a few

Walking hand in hand

Just loving each other forever 

 

All the many lengthy trips to London

Exploring that great city that we both loved 

You loved the theater and I the parks

They're now stored in the memories in my heart 

 

My heart and mind are full of memories 

Of all the happy and loving times we shared 

I was so blessed to be your wife 

And I will always be 

 

I know you're now in Heaven 

And when God looks down and calls my name 

I'll climb the stairs to paradise 

And run to your arms to nevermore part

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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STOLEN NAMES

 

They were made to feel ashamed

But they had done no wrong 

Banished from society 

Where they were stripped of their names

 

Treated like they were slaves 

Worked hard into the ground 

Never shown compassion

Battered, bruised and torn

 

If they even dared to get sick

They were worked until the death

Not allowed to have a voice 

They were silenced for their 'crime'

 

And when the day arrived 

For the new life to appear

It was snatched away so fast 

Many didn't even get to hold 

 

The babies who survived

Were quickly taken away 

Heartbroken mothers left 

Looking at their empty arms

 

Society banished them 

And took away their name 

Then stole away their babies 

Leaving a trail of tears 

 

Many gave birth in secret 

The stories rarely told

Punished for a crime they didn't commit 

And left without a name

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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IN DREAMS OF MY BIRTH MUM 

 

Annette, I wish we had have got to meet 

But sadly it wasn't meant to be 

I can only dream of what might have been 

If we had have got that chance

 

I would have loved to have heard you speak 

And feeling your loving gentle embrace 

To hug the lady who gave me life 

Would have meant the world to me 

 

So many things I wanted to tell you 

So many things I would have loved to have heard you say 

I can only picture them now in dreams 

And pray that I'll see you one day in Heaven 

 

My adopted parents were wonderful 

They loved me like I was their own 

I know they'd want to thank you for your sacrifice 

And to let you know what you meant to them 

 

I see others on long Lost family 

As they meet their mum's or long lost kids 

I just wish we could turn back the clock 

And that we could have got that gentle hug

 

I treasure the photos your daughter sent to me 

And I hope she knows how she has warmed my heart 

I am so thankful to have found her and the few cousins 

They all mean the world to me 

 

I can imagine you looking down from Heaven 

I'm sure your smiling to see us all unite 

But sadly you're missing from this treasured group 

But you'll always be forever in our hearts 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

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STAND UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN

 

By all means stand up for your beliefs

We all have a right to do that 

If actions or words are causing offense 

And you genuinely think you can help

 

But in standing up for your beliefs 

Just make sure you don't cause harm 

Crossing a line invalidates the good 

That you originally had planned to get across 

 

Find the right platform for your venture

And check all the pros and cons

When you push too much, you can lose respect 

And that only damages the cause 

 

Speak out, get your point across

But do it in a tactful way

Dont cross the line, just show respect

And hopefully things will turn out right

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

MY FAMILY IN HEAVEN

 

Once I had a family 

And I was surrounded by love 

But one by one they had to leave 

And walk through Heaven's door 

 

My family were the best

I loved them and they loved me

I never imagined losing them

Cos they were a part of me

 

My mum and dad were wonderful 

They gave me the best in life

My sister Gerene was my best friend

Sharing adventures each day

 

Extended family were there too

My grandparents, and aunts and uncles

Cousins were part of the gang

We were a big family clan

 

Later, my first husband Joe

Became a major part of my life

Along with the baby we lost

We’d always be her parents

 

Then my darling husband Michael

Who sacrificed so much for me

Our love is truly eternal

It broke my heart when he died

 

So many have entered my life

Then one by one they are called

To return back home to God

And leaving me all alone

 

The pain without them cuts deep

I can’t explain how it feels

I pray for when God calls me too

That I’ll be with them all again

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

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BARRIERS OF LIFE 

 

I know we'll never meet again on earth 

As too many barriers in life 

I just wish that things were different

As it's breaking my heart in two 

 

Not seeing my family is hard 

As there are very few left 

My body is breaking down

And it's taking my heart and soon my life 

 

I'm trying my best to survive 

Doing the best that I can 

But without family and close friends 

It puts a huge strain on me 

 

No one can walk in my shoes 

And I cannot walk in theirs 

So many things I'd like to do 

But they're getting further out of reach 

 

All we can do is look back 

And treasure the wonderful times 

I wouldn't change them for gold 

They mean everything to me 

 

Life is so very precious 

And I hope Heaven will be my reward 

Just wish that we could meet once again 

Before my journey will end 

 

For once I have shook off this coil

My book of life will be closed 

There's no second chances or what ifs 

Because we're just passing through here on earth 

 

So many things I'd like to do

So many people to meet 

But all I can do is my best 

There's only one chance in this life 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

THE BEATING HEART 

 

The pressure went up 

The rhythm increased 

Like a volcano 

Ready to erupt 

 

It starts to tighten 

Like it's being pushed 

Where will it end 

Will it survive 

 

This new sensation 

Never felt in the past 

Head fit to burst 

It's going to explode 

 

No easing up is felt 

The beat is getting faster

Like a high speed train 

That's going to derail 

 

Seems like a tornado

That's out of control 

Taking all in it's path 

Won't last long like this

 

Trying to relax

And breath in some air

Praying that my heart 

Won't give up on me 

 

Each moment is precious 

Need to enjoy while I can 

Not letting the grim reaper 

Take me this time

 

Who knows what the future 

Holds in store for us all 

It could end right this minute 

So treasure your time 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

THE EXTREMES OF MY LIFE 

 

I've known a lot of love in my life 

But I've known a lot of sadness too 

But the love will outweigh the sadness 

And I'm blessed to have known such love 

 

I've known many good times too 

Yet I've known a lot of hard times 

But the good times brought precious memories 

And the bad ones will be pushed away 

 

I've known many hands of love Including my husband, sister and my parents 

But I've known ones of violence too

They have left an invisible mark on me 

 

I've known security in my life 

And I also went through the worst of times 

Like being homeless on the streets of New York 

When things got out of control

 

I saw a lot of addiction and strange things 

And I saw people lose their lives in horrible ways 

All these leave a permanent scar in my mind

That nothing on earth can erase 

 

I know all I can do is try hard 

To only let the good memories through 

They are the treasures and tokens of the love 

That I've been blessed to have known in my life 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

LEAD ME ON THE ROAD TO HEAVEN

 

When I die, I want to go to Heaven 

But I'm scared I might not know the way 

For the road is narrow and hard to tread

It is so easy to go wrong 

 

I trust in Jesus to guide me on the way 

But I keep falling off and I need his helping hand

Too many wrong turns have caused me to stumble and fall

So God please steer me on the road back home to you 

 

The devil's road is wide with glamor and well posted signs

It's so easy to go down and so hard to turn around 

But I won't give up, I want to go to the Lord my God

My creator and the one who truly loves us all

 

God wants the best for us, he even gave free will

But it hurts him so when we head the wrong way 

Yet he is mercy and love and will always welcome us back 

We are his children and his love for us is eternal 

 

My life has been filled with adventure of both good and bad 

But I'm ready now to tread that narrow Stony path 

To be with God, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit 

He gave us life and he wants us home with him

 

So I pray to earn the tokens for God's home

To try my best and do what's pleasing to him 

And to be rejoined with my loved ones once again

My darling husband, my parents and all the clan

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

INCLUSION 

 

I just want to belong 

To feel like part of a family again 

To know that my life matters still 

To have a reason to live each day

 

To be part of a community too 

Where friends are the family we choose

To feel included in daily life 

And not shut away in the doom and gloom

 

To be worth more than the silence 

And the ticking of a distant clock 

To feel useful and worth the breath I breathe

And not waste a precious moment

 

What good is a life slept away 

Or hidden behind an invisible shield

Each second that passes is gone forever 

So do what you can while you still can

 

Time can stop for no man

It constantly marches on

But when it ends, it can't restart 

As the heart no longer beats

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

DISCARDED MEMORIES

 

You just discarded memories

And placed in the trash

But they weren’t your memories 

So you didn’t care

 

Things that had meaning

To the person whom they belonged to

They weren’t given a chance

To regain what should be theirs

 

Instead you called a dumpster

And threw it all away

Irreplaceable treasures

Forever gone away

 

Those memories were made

Long before you saw this earth

I hope you never feel the hurt

That you caused another heart

 

So next time if you ever

Decide to dispose of someone’s things

Maybe stop and give a thought

And ask if that is right

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

YOU CAN'T TAKE AWAY MY MEMORIES

 

You constantly bring up the negative

The memories I’ve suppressed

Not letting me just remember

The happy times I’ve had

 

I only want to remember 

My loved ones at their best

But all you do is talk

About the sad times instead

 

Why can’t you just stay schtum

If you’ve nothing nice to say

And then you wonder why I get mad

When your negativity comes out

 

From now on I just want the positive

Memories of them all

And not to be reminded

Of the negatives times instead

 

There’s way more good than sad times

But there you always go

Coming up with all the negative

And breaking my spirit down

 

But I won’t let you anymore

Speak negativity about the past

So if you can’t speak well of it

Go mind ya business now

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

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WANTING TO BELONG

 

She wants to fit in

But doesn’t feel she belongs

Standing on two circles

Not able to get in

 

Observing outside

Feeling excluded

It’s nobody’s fault

It’s just the cards that life dealt

 

Ping Ponging between

The two different teams

No membership for her

The tickets are gone

 

Her loyalties are divided

But none of them will get hurt

Her heart feels worn

Trying to belong

 

If life had been different

She might have been kept

With full membership and love

And belonging to one

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

DON'T LIVE WITH REGRETS 

 

Tomorrow is uncertain 

The clock can stop anytime 

Each second that passes

Is gone forever 

 

Don't live with regrets 

And what ifs or should haves 

Each minute is precious 

The clock never goes back 

 

Spend time with your loved ones 

Meet those in your heart 

We're going further from the cradle 

And going towards the next life 

 

Who knows what might happen

So don't put things off 

Grab the chance while you can 

Don't live with regrets 

 

Love, laugh and be happy 

Leave anger behind 

Don't waste a breath on negative 

Don't have any regrets 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

TO MY DEAR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

 

To family and friends

Who have been or are there for me 

Please know I love and appreciate you 

You mean the world to me

 

Even family and friends

That I have yet to meet 

Because you're there in other ways

Means so much to me 

 

It keeps me going

Knowing that you are all there

Standing by me

Ready to lend an ear

 

Life can be so tough

With lots of struggles and strife

I often feel like giving up

But thank God for family and friends

 

So a big thank you from me

From the bottom of my heart

I treasure your love and care

That has basically saved my life

 

Love you all, my dear family and friends 

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

BROKEN WORDS 

 

She's always wrong 

She's never right 

Being distracted 

Messes her mind 

 

Words come out 

Not properly thought 

Mistakes are made 

Causing hurt 

 

Stupid girl

Missed words again 

Distracted mind 

From physical pain 

 

Lack of sleep 

Exhausts the soul 

Broken thoughts 

Cause more than pain 

 

Forgotten words 

Or said wrong time 

When finally said 

Are said too late 

 

She apologizes 

Time and time again 

She feels a fool 

But tries her best 

 

What can she do

To make amends 

But it's hard to try 

With this physical pain 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

MEMORIES OF MY LOVE

 

How can I go on 

When you have left this world 

It's too hard to understand

My heart breaks each day 

A little more each time 

Wishing you hadn't gone away 

 

I often want to quit 

And go where you have gone 

But I know it's not my time 

So I have to soldier on 

With happy memories of you 

And make the most of life 

 

I treasure our happy times 

And all the love we shared 

You are my only love 

I miss you all the time 

Can't wait to reunite 

On Heaven's golden shore 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

THE WRONGS OF THE PAST

 

She shared herself with too many 

Allowed her body to be desecrated 

Feeling used, battered and broken 

Not knowing how to feel safe again 

 

She didn’t go into it willingly

It started off without consent

Then to cope she used substances

And all inhibitions went up in smoke

 

Each time someone would attack

Half the time she was unaware

Waking up when the deed was done

Wondering who the stranger was

 

Looking back it makes her cringe

And she wishes it never happened

If there only was a way

To undo all the wrongs of the past

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

FIGHTING TO SURVIVE

 

Have you ever said no

But they wouldn’t stop

Pleaded for mercy

Just to be blamed for it all

The fear that you feel

The terror in your heart

Not knowing the end

Or if you’d survive at all

 

When you’re held down

And beaten to a pulp

Your body invaded 

In the very worst way

You’re told you’re a nobody

Not even worth a breath

That’s the excuse they use

For launching the attack

 

Whether minutes of hours

Every second is hell

Fighting for your life

But wanting it to end

It’ll never be the same 

Whether you live or you die

Cos part of you is gone

It was stolen away

 

Even many years later

It’s there in your mind

It never goes away

It’s just here to stay

You can’t change the past

Only look to the future

Hoping it is better

Than the sins of the past

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

WHAT IS LIFE

 

What is birth

It is like planting a seed

And watching the tree grow

As it springs to life from the earth 

 

As time goes on

Branches are added

Like additions to family 

And the tree is strong

 

Later in it's life 

The branches can weaken 

They need love and care

To nurture as they age 

 

Towards the end of its life 

The branches fall off 

But as they decay

New buds start to show

 

That's the circle of life 

From birth until death 

So live while you can

Make the most of your life

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

DO IT RIGHT 

 

What gives you the right to steal

To take what isn't yours

Just leave it back and walk away

Before things go too far

 

If you haven't earned it or bought it

Then you've no right to take 

Have some respect for it's rightful owner

They worked hard to call it theirs 

 

If you really want to obtain something 

Then make sure that it's right 

You'll either work hard or you might inherit 

Then that way you've done it right 

 

How would you feel if someone came along 

And stole what is rightfully yours 

I'm sure you wouldn't like it one bit

So then don't do it to someone else

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

EACH CROSS IS TOTALLY UNIQUE

 

Everyone carries their own cross

That is unique just to them

You cannot compare or even try 

As each cross strengthens or destroys their life

 

To say well they can do this or that

Might seem okay to you 

But for them, their world has changed 

As they've lost so much else

 

What they've lost can mean living or just existing 

But you can't see it through their eyes 

You can see their positives and that's great

But their cross has changed how they live 

 

It's impossible to live in someone's head 

Or feel their emotions, think their thoughts 

You can't tell them to run up town 

When they're are struggling to crawl 

 

Even if two situations look the same 

They are still so very different 

The mold is broken after each person is created 

So each cross is totally unique

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

DREAMS OF HEAVEN

 

I hope Heaven is as you described it mum

Where loved ones stand together 

With no one missing, everyone is there 

And we rejoice together forever 

 

Where heartbreak and sadness are no more

And only happiness shines through

No more worrying or painful loss

We’re together forever more

 

No more missing our dear loved ones

Everyone is accounted for

Reuniting with long lost family

And those we never got to meet

 

With the angels singing all around us

We’re floating on clouds of white

To finally see God who made us all

Here’s praying that he calls us home

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

DIVISION

 

Stop the division

And try to respect one another

Each has a right to fear

And also a right to rage

 

Where will it all end

Attacking each other like this

It’s impossible to all agree

But just don't turn to hate

 

Anger and confusion is rife

But its all getting out of control

The leaders have caused this division

And they don't seem to care

 

They sit up there in a bubble

Totally detached from it all

When they finally attempt to speak

Just waffling words come out

 

How long more have we got to wait

Before peace reigns o’er this land

Turn back the clock by forty years

Life in the good old times

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

REMEMBER ME

 

I forget what I’m supposed to remember

And remember what I want to forget

My brain gets muddled at times

The wiring all needs to be fixed

 

It’s no fun growing older

With pain in your bones and aches in your joints

Dark hair has long since lost its color

Growing white with some wisps of gray

 

I need glasses to find what’s right there

I need tethering to hold things together

The doctors have done all the tests

By now think I’m just a lost cause

 

Oh where will it end when it does

This life has been a bumpy fun ride

From the cradle till now it’s been a blast

But the banana peel is waiting for me

 

But when I finally take that last step

Remember me for the fun times we shared

All the crazy stunts I pulled in the past

And all who survived meeting me

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

GROWING OLD 

 

Grow old gracefully

My mama used to say

I'd rather age disgracefully

Was always my reply 

 

Let your hair go natural 

She'd constantly ask of me 

It's part of aging gracefully 

But I didn't want to hear 

 

Putting on my makeup

She'd start up with the pleas

You'll only burn your eyes

With all that black stuff there

 

Your body is a temple

You should leave it as it is 

Why interfere with nature

Just embrace what lies ahead 

 

I wonder what she'd think 

If she came back today 

To see my tattooed body

She'd probably have a fit 

 

She wouldn't like to see them 

They weren't very ladylike 

She said they were for sailors

And prisoners in jail 

 

I'm sorry mum to say

I rebelled too much with life 

I've done things you wouldn't dream of

I've broken many rules 

 

But life was often tough

And I struggled much to cope 

But now my hair is peppered 

And my makeup barely used

 

My tattoos will always stay

And I'm lucky I like them

But the rest of me is aging

I'll see you at the end.

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

ALL LOVE IS BEAUTIFUL 

 

Love who you want to love 

For all love is beautiful

No one else can have a say 

In who we choose to love 

 

There's no such thing as forbidden love 

For all love is beautiful

Enjoy your love with precious times

Making happy memories 

 

Don't listen to negativity 

As it comes from ignorance or jealousy 

Embrace your love and cherish it dear

For all love is beautiful

 

There are so many kinds of love 

And all love is beautiful

There's no right or wrong, just grab that chance 

To show your love for that special one 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

 🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

THEY'LL REAP WHAT THEY SOW

 

Stop causing division

Turning us against one another 

Treating your own like trash 

Not caring if they live or they die

 

Y'all sit up there in your mansion

Deciding the fate for us all

Laughing as you lavish in your banquet

Throwing a few crumbs back to us 

 

You don't know of the struggles in life

As it never affects any of you 

But be careful how you treat Ireland's people

Cos one day, you'll reap what you sow 

 

How did we end up like this

With a government who doesn't give a toss 

They're so detached from our planet 

But one day, they'll reap what they sow

 

People are dying on the streets 

They're starving and freezing in their homes

The cost of living is extortionate 

But the leaders will reap what they sow

 

They don't want to listen to the people 

They try to silence their fears 

The leaders instead resort to names

But one day they'll reap what they sow

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

THUNDERSTORM

 

The thunder roared

And the lightning flashed

Transforming the evening sky 

With rays like forks

It hit the ground 

Like spears being thrown down 

 

More rumbles came

Growing louder in seconds 

Sounding like an angry bear 

With bolts of light

In the blackened sky 

Looking like the world might end 

 

The minutes pass 

And still they come 

We wonder will it ever end 

Electrical shocks

Tingle the limbs 

When touched at the wrong time

 

Sitting in silence 

The thunder fades

And the roar gets further away 

The blackness goes

From that evening sky 

Taking the lightning with it

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

FOREVER YOUR MOM

 

Why did I never get to birth you 

To hold you in my arms

To nurture you and watch you grow

And watch all your precious milestones

 

To help you take your first steps

In the first little shoes you'd wear

I dreamed of your first smile and laugh 

I know they'd melt my heart 

 

I wanted so much to be your mom 

From the moment I knew you were there 

But my body just broke and God called you 

And you grew up in Heaven instead 

 

I imagined the day you'd start school 

And how proud I'd be of you 

Each stage of life and your first romance

And see who you'd become

 

I'm still your mom and always will be 

And I know you watch o'er me 

Your daddy joined you many years ago 

And I know he's proud of you 

 

When God calls me, up to Heaven above 

I know I'll see you there 

Please always know that I love my child 

You're forever in my heart

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

SHAME ON THE LEADERS 

 

Shame on the leaders 

For discarding their own 

Trying to look big 

To the powers that be 

 

Thinking of themselves 

And lining their pockets 

Telling no truths

With each word that they speak 

 

The 1916 heroes

Would be turning in their graves 

To see what these fools

Have done to their land

 

They have just no respect 

For the citizens of Eireann 

They want to replace them

With comrades of their own 

 

These leaders aren't fit 

To even run a bath 

And certainly not our country 

That the heroes died to save 

 

So we need to get them out 

And leave them without pay 

Show them some reality 

And what it's like to live

 

They're detached from our world 

They're heads are in the clouds 

They speak like their robots 

Believing what they say 

 

So three amigos get out

You've done so much harm 

Shame on your negligence 

You'll live to rue the day

 

You're shunning the elderly 

And crushing the youth

Leaving no future 

For the true sons of Eireann 

 

What you are doing 

Will never be undone

You'll go down in history 

As destroyers of our land 

 

So how can you call 

Yourselves leaders of Eireann 

You couldn't lick the boots

Of the heroes of sixteen 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY MUM

Happy birthday to my lovely mum

A hundred years old today 

The last ten years you've spent in Heaven 

I'm missing you more each day 

 

In 1923, Granny birthed you 

Life was different back then 

Three years later your sister arrived 

And later a baby brother 

 

You grew up with two loving parents 

You couldn't have asked for more 

You went through life really loving school 

And ended up a teacher 

 

Many years later you married my dad 

And settled in to married life 

You couldn't wait to be a mum 

But two babies didn't survive 

 

You never gave up and forged ahead 

Determined to make a plan 

You and dad headed down to Cork 

And landed back home with me 

 

Even though I was adopted

You were mum and I your child 

The adoption card you never brought up 

You treated me as your very own 

 

I wasn't an easy child to raise 

I broke your heart with my adventures 

I headed to New York at 22 

And caused you to worry about my life 

 

No matter what I ever did 

And all the trouble I landed in 

You bailed me out so many times 

And always stood by me 

 

So happy birthday to a special mum 

And thank you for everything 

It's true you never miss your mother's love 

Until she's gone through Heaven's door 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

 

THERE'S WORSE THAN A LITTLE HIGH

 

It's only a bit of weed

Don't see any harm in it 

So why arrest and hassle 

Try get some real crims instead 

 

All that fuss for grass

When murders and rapes are rampant 

Back off and do your job 

And leave the joints alone 

 

To even get busted for residue

Makes no real sense at all 

Even alcohol can do more harm

Especially when taken in excess

 

Smoking a bone can help 

Someone fight their chronic pain instead

Of popping mountains of pills 

That wreck their organs inside

 

Some do it just to relax 

They're rarely out to cause harm 

So go after the true villains instead 

There's no harm in a little weed

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

THE MYSTERY OF LIFE 

 

Where do we go when the circle is completed 

When that train has finally come to our final destination 

As we step on down, a new life steps right up 

When one journey finally ends, another one just begins

 

Who knows if all the stories we've been told are definitely true

Only time will tell as we venture into spirit 

No one ever came back to tell us what it's like 

Cos only the good Lord knows what's waiting at the end 

 

Is there a choir of Angels singing in the clouds 

And another Angel waiting to guide us to our Home 

Will we see our loved ones running to greet us in 

And will we rejoice forever in this eternal home 

 

But some people believe that death is the final call 

While others fear the burning fiery pit of doom

For me it's eternal life with those we truly love 

And going home to God, the creator of us all 

 

At the start he gave us life, and friends and family too 

He gave us all we have, said to do the best we can 

To love and respect each other to earn our Heavenly reward

And when the circle is complete, He'll finally call us home

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

SLIPPERY SLOPE 

 

She's heading down a slippery slope

The road to self destruct

The silver liquid, she pours down her throat

Hoping to ebb away the pain

 

With wistful, longing aspirations 

She dreams of bringing back the pain free comfort 

In solitude, the liquid flows 

Taking her into ecstasy

 

Where will it end, no one knows 

She's on the path to euphoria

The bottle becomes a lifeline crutch

Taking her away from reality

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

I AM THE WAY I AM 

 

They say I have a big gob

And often a trashy tongue

The truth is I speak my mind

And nothing holds me back 

 

I can be the kindest gal

And come across a "sweet young thing" 

But rub me up the wrong way 

And my temper is unleashed 

 

I don't take crap from anyone

Cos I trusted too much in the past

Then people tried to fool me 

And I learned so hard and fast 

 

My life wasn't always easy 

And I had to fight for rights 

Cruel words made me defensive

People's actions made me stand up 

 

No more will I let them cross me

Or take me for a fool 

I admit I have a temper 

And my words can often cut

 

I've been too badly hurt 

By the actions caused by others

It's impossible for me to change

This is how I'm molded now 

 

So sorry for my big gob 

And my often trashy tongue 

But this is me from living life 

So sorry, I just can't change

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

THERE'S WORSE THAN A LITTLE HIGH

 

It's only a bit of weed

Don't see any harm in it 

So why arrest and hassle 

Try get some real crims instead 

 

All that fuss for grass

When murders and rapes are rampant 

Back off and do your job 

And leave the joints alone 

 

To even get busted for residue

Makes no real sense at all 

Even alcohol can do more harm

Especially when taken in excess

 

Smoking a bone can help 

Someone fight their chronic pain instead

Of popping mountains of pills 

That wreck their organs inside

 

Some do it just to relax 

They're rarely out to cause harm 

So go after the true villains instead 

There's no harm in a little weed

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

THE MYSTERY OF LIFE 

 

Where do we go when the circle is completed 

When that train has finally come to our final destination 

As we step on down, a new life steps right up 

When one journey finally ends, another one just begins

 

Who knows if all the stories we've been told are definitely true

Only time will tell as we venture into spirit 

No one ever came back to tell us what it's like 

Cos only the good Lord knows what's waiting at the end 

 

Is there a choir of Angels singing in the clouds 

And another Angel waiting to guide us to our Home 

Will we see our loved ones running to greet us in 

And will we rejoice forever in this eternal home 

 

But some people believe that death is the final call 

While others fear the burning fiery pit of doom

For me it's eternal life with those we truly love 

And going home to God, the creator of us all 

 

At the start he gave us life, and friends and family too 

He gave us all we have, said to do the best we can 

To love and respect each other to earn our Heavenly reward

And when the circle is complete, He'll finally call us home

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

SLIPPERY SLOPE 

 

She's heading down a slippery slope

The road to self destruct

The silver liquid, she pours down her throat

Hoping to ebb away the pain

 

With wistful, longing aspirations 

She dreams of bringing back the pain free comfort 

In solitude, the liquid flows 

Taking her into ecstasy

 

Where will it end, no one knows 

She's on the path to euphoria

The bottle becomes a lifeline crutch

Taking her away from reality

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

IN MEMORY OF DONAL

 

He was just an ordinary man

Who lived in life in peace 

Never harmed anyone or anything

Just loved his little dog 

 

But one day all that changed

When a stranger came along 

The little dog was taken by surprise

And startled, gave a little nip 

 

Poor Donal offered to help her out 

Said he would drive her to the doctor

But she declined his kind offer

And made her own way there

 

The next he knew she wanted Kim dead 

And got the backing of a court 

Who said the little dog was to be put down 

It shattered Donals heart 

 

That little dog was his best friend 

And always by his side 

The thought of losing her like that 

Became too much for him

 

But with wonderful ladies like Emma and others 

Kim's Army was founded fast 

We all gathered in the group 

And offered Donal our support 

 

Finally the courts said Kim could live 

By Donal following some rules 

He was happy to know that Kim

Would always be by his side 

 

But not long after poor Donal died

The heartache had taken its toll 

But we'll remember a wonderful man 

Who became an inspiration to us all 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

JUST LIVE YOUR LIFE 

 

I used to care what people thought 

And lived my life to stop their chat

But time was flying by much too fast 

And those nosey people just stayed the same 

 

So I stopped caring and did my thing 

Lived my life making up for time

Walked by those people with my head held high 

And told them all to have a nice day

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

FOR MY MUM, MAUREEN

 

Why shouldn't I remember my mum 

And create a page in her honor 

She was a lady who did her best 

She had to put up with a lot 

 

Even though I didn’t grow in her body

Hers were the hands that nurtured me

She always made sure that I was cared for

And she will always be my mum

 

When people commented on my adoption

She breezed on past their cruel words

She made sure I knew I was her daughter

And she never made me feel any less

 

Through life we had our ups and our downs

Just like any normal mum and child

I know that I broke her heart many times

But she never gave up on me

 

So thank you mum for all you did

And for always doing your best

I will always honor your memory

And I’m proud that you were my mum

 

I know that I’ll see you again one day

When I reach that Heavenly shore

Your love for God was eternal 

And I know that you’re waiting for me

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE RICH

 

We're fed up of reading about the rich 

And what they like to do every day 

From where they like to eat or go on vacation

But there's more going on in the world

 

The media like to create a fuss 

If a celebrity's heel falls off their shoe 

But when people are homeless or starving

It’s barely even mentioned at all

 

Politicians are another crowd in the limelight

Congratulating themselves and each other

And rewarding themselves for doing nothing

Getting paid ridiculous salaries and all

 

So each time that you see mainstream media

It's all about the rich and the famous

The world only revolves around them

And the poor are shoved out of sight

 

So cop yourselves on and grow up

God created us all to be equal

No wonder the world is so messed up

With inequality everywhere that you look

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

OUR LOVE IS HEAVENLY ETERNAL

 

Our love is Heavenly eternal 

It will never ever die 

You and I are bound forever 

Nothing ever can break it down 

 

We fell in love that very first day

And knew we’d always be together 

When the Good Lord called you home to Heaven

Half of my heart went there with you

 

Here on earth as the other half beats

It’s crying out to be whole again

To climb those stairs to Heaven

Where you’ll join it back together again

 

Then you and I will be eternal

Together in each other’s arms

Oh the joy when God calls me home

I’m your wife, forever, always

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

I’LL ALWAYS MISS MY SWEET MICHAEL

 

I'll always miss my sweet Michael 

But I know he's always with me 

Even though he’s gone to Heaven

He’s never truly left me

 

He’s always by my side

Watching safely o’er me

He’s my soulmate, my guiding star, my love

And he’s keeping me a place up in Heaven

 

He took half of my heart when God called him

And left half of his here instead

When my time finally comes

We’ll join the pieces back together again

 

My darling husband is my love

And he always will be my only man

I can’t wait to see him once again

When I arrive at Heaven’s golden gate

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

BEING ALONE IN SOLITUDE

 

Being alone in solitude 

Leaves room for too many thoughts 

 

Too much life still left to live

Too many dreams yet to fulfill 

 

Not ready to give up

Through this pain and this strife

 

Have to soldier on

And battle through it all

 

But the loneliness is tough

As the world closes in

 

Talking to myself

And sometimes to the birds

 

Feel like a hermit

Alone with my thoughts

 

Erase all the negatives

Let the positives shine through

 

Get rid of the solitude

And think happy thoughts

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

FINDING A MISSING LINK

 

Finding you was truly wonderful 

Like part of a missing link

To finally see my own true blood

Was something that I'd only dreamed

 

I grew up with loving parents

And my cousin Gerene was my best friend 

But being adopted was hard

When others made nasty remarks

 

Then finally finding a cousin

Who was so similar to me

We are almost clones of each other

From our birth to our walks throughout life

 

It's impossible to put into words

But it's truly good to have someone else

Who can finally understand

What no one else could comprehend 

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

NO MEANS NO

 

No means no

So I won't change my mind 

So back off now 

Enough is enough 

 

I'll keep saying no 

Til the cows come home

And when they come home

I'll still say no 

 

Only a fool 

Would keep pushing the boundaries 

Get into your head

I'll always say no

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

MISS KNOW IT ALL

 

You boil my blood

Miss know it all

Always an opinion

About everything 

 

You think you're an expert

The top of the game

Everyone else is wrong

And only you are right

 

You have no respect

For how someone feels

Very condescending

In the way you speak

 

My blood is bubbling

Ready to explode

Where it will end

The Lord only knows

 

So come down from your high horse

Miss know it all

Give others a chance

To know how they feel

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

ONLINE SHOPPING

 

Oh please save me from online shopping

That lure to click just draws me in

Buying stuff I may never wear

Just to know I made that click

 

Browsing through their alluring website 

Clothes, shoes, jewelry and bags 

Popping stuff in to the basket for later

And then when I look, it's way overflowing 

 

It's all too easy to sit back and click

Using a few numbers from a plastic card

No longer driving to the nearest town

And trying to see where we can park 

 

No more coffees and those lovely lunches

Just walk to the kitchen and click on the kettle 

No more browsing through department rails 

No more nodding at strangers and friends 

 

It's all done now from the comfort of our chair 

Just sit back and browse on the online page 

So easy to click without thinking at all

By the time you are finished, you're all maxed out 

 

So save me from all that online shopping 

Tell me to do something else instead 

My dad would say, you've only one pair of feet 

So why do you need so many shows

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

END THE WARS

 

I wish there were no wars 

That everyone could live in peace

No guns, no bombs, no fears

Just peace throughout the world

 

What is war anyhow?

Just people who want what’s not theirs

Why not be happy with what you’ve got

Stop wasting time fighting instead

 

Imagine if everyone had a home

That they would never have to leave

And that there’d be no cold, no damp, no mold

Just comfort all around the year

 

No one would starve anywhere

Everyone would have enough food

Good quality clothes to fit too

No one huddled feeling cold

 

This is to the world’s leaders

Fix your countries and end the wars

Let no one have to flee in fear of their lives

Just stay at home and live a good life

 

So stop the wars all over the world

It can be easy if you tried

War is a waste of life and time

It destroys so much

 

Helen Kiely O’Regan©

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

FOR MY FRIEND DEIRDRE

 

This is for my friend Deirdre

Thank you for being my friend

We met when I was at my lowest

My sweet husband had just gone to God

 

And even though I was happy for him

I couldn’t help feeling sad for me

Half of my heart was gone

And a huge hole was left in my life

 

You stepped up and showed me support

And gave me a reason to go on

You included me in groups you were in

And introduced me to other nice friends

 

You’d call to see how I was doing

And popped over for a cuppa and a chat

That really meant the world to me

And I thank God for your friendship each day

 

I will never forget your kindness

Thank you from the bottom of my heart

May God bless you in every thing you do

And protect you and your family

 

I wish all the best for you and Kit 

And each of your beautiful children

Remember you will always have your friends here

Another family just across the great pond

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

THE MOON

 

The moon seems truly magical 

Like a little door to Heaven

Sitting there in the midnight sky 

Shining the way for all

 

Whether big and round or crescent shaped

The moon is always there 

When clouds build up and over it 

It hides until they clear 

 

Standing, gazing at the moon 

Your thoughts can drift away 

Taking you to paradise

Right on to that Heavenly shore

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

FOR MY SWEET HUSBAND IN HEAVEN

 

You’re in the sun that warms my sky

And in the moon at night that brightens my way

You’re in the breeze that blows warm breath upon my face

And in the raindrops that cool my sweating brow 

 

You’re in the waters that flow the great river

And in the waves that tickle the shore

You’re in the oxygen that keeps me alive

And in the sands that blanket the beach

 

You’re in each breath that I take every day

And in each step that I walk all day long

Your spirit is around me all the time

Giving me a reason to go on

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

LIFE IS VERY PRECIOUS 

 

Life is very precious 

Just one brief moment and it's all o'er

So don't put off until tomorrow

Live in the moment for today 

 

Don’t say soon or hopefully one day

Cos that day may never come

Time marches on before we catch a breath

And it’s often too late by then

 

So do what you can as soon as you can

Cos you never know the day nor the hour

One moment we’re there and the next we are gone

So value the time while it's now

 

So spend a little time with people you love

And make time to meet those you’ve still yet to meet

Too many have said I wish I did it sooner

Cos now the chance is gone and regret is all that’s left

 

Remember that time is not ours to waste

Only God above knows when that clock finally stops

Make sure that your loved ones know that you love them

Don’t live with regrets cos you left it much too late

 

Helen Kiely-O’Regan©

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

ONLY PASSING THROUGH 

 

I am not long for this world

As I’m only passing through

Time is very short on here

From birth to imminent death 

 

From a little baby

Crying on her momma's knee

Suddenly walking around the room 

And talking, laughing too 

 

Then off to school she goes

Eager to play and learn you see 

Then graduation comes

Heading out into the world

 

She meets her future husband next 

And later a babe of her own 

Watching them go through their life 

So many precious moments pass

 

Growing old is inevitable 

Hair goes silver, then turns white 

Hearing aid, glasses and walking frame 

Helps keep her living life 

 

All too soon the cycle ends

Going back to where she came from 

New generations will follow on 

More cycles with each passing breath 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

WE'LL SAVE IRELAND FOR THE CHILDREN 

 

How can you do the things you're doing? 

Have you no compassion for children so young 

Brave men and women fought and died 

To free and leave us this green land we love 

 

But you are determined to erase their memory

You bulldoze the ground of their blood 

You'd like to rewrite the books of our history 

And make them out to be fiction and tales

 

You want those brave people forgotten like dust 

Make them to seem like they were just a myth 

But we will stand strong and keep their memory alive 

It’s the history of our loved ones, you'll never erase them

 

Try as you may, you'll never break our spirit 

We'll stand shoulder to shoulder to fight for our freedom 

The children coming after us deserve what we had 

A country to love and will love them right back 

 

So take your fantasy and ship yourselves out 

The Irish are strong and we'll stand young and old 

So take your pots of gold and get out of here

This is our land and we'll save it for the children 

 

Ireland stands proud, it's people are strong 

We grew from its soil, like generations before us 

So don't think we'll lie down and let ourselves be trampled 

This is our land, and we'll save it for the children 

 

The children of Ireland deserve to grow safe 

To learn our beautiful language, our culture and our ways 

So take your fancy cars, your pockets full of gold 

You've sold us right out, but we'll take it back for the children 

 

Helen Kiely O'Regan ©️