I have just published a book of poetry about Kilbirnie an Glengarnock, you can otder it as an Ebook or a paperback. Here is the link to the UK Amazon edition, the book is available in all Amazon stores worldwide
Garnethill Synagogue Glasgow
Major General Sir. Charles Mathew and #Kilbirnie War Memorial
An article written in the 1990s while in Dublin for the Pioneer Magazine.
What Does Wexford and a small town in the
Southwest of Scotland have in Common?
General Sir Charles Massey Mathew, a celebrated War Hero from the First World War. Sir Charles was born in Wexford, Ireland in 1866, educated privately at Portsmouth Grammar School, started his career in the Durham Light Infantry, in 1884.
Continue reading “Major General Sir. Charles Mathew and #Kilbirnie War Memorial”
A Poem for Paisley
The Threads of Paisley
If all the threads that Paisley made were found again one day
I’d hang them in the sky with Love to take away the grey
Upon the gold I’d write a tale of stories from our past
About the folk we´ve lost in time that’s moved away so fast.
Upon the red I’d see the war and all the men who died
I’d write the names of all their wives whose tears we left behind
Upon the Abbey darkened threads of blackened thoughts and times
A bygone age of killing folk for witchcraft and false crimes.
Threads of blue I’d give to schools, to teach them peace and Love
By leaving parts of history, while rainbows hang above
Upon the green, the Irish woe, migration, war and fear
While London pushes migrants out with hatred causing tears.
Upon the white I’d ask the kids to write their stories clear
To fill the sky with hopes and dreams of music for our ears
Upon this richest tapestry I’d paint a heart and crown
To show the world the triumphs of dear Paisley, my sweet town.
West Kilbride Scarecrow Festival
North Ayrshire Directory 1934/35
An interesting look at Kilbirnie, complete with family names
Glasgow Pride 2018 photos inc. Nicola Sturgeon
To Our Friends in Canada
Brightly burns the glow of friends
constant, true and pure
No one can claim he has no kin
where Love always endures
A lamp that´s lit by Kin´s red flame
of blood spilt on the earth
for need of Love, a better life
on your land boats did berth
The boys who glowed within the light
were taken in your arms
for in the darkness their was hope
of new lives safe from harm
So to friends on distant shores
for many and the few
and a toast to those we cannot name
lost in the sea of blue
Lilac Poem
Lilac
Last night I dreamt of Lilac trees,
Upon the Garnock Stream,
amid the thorns and briars thick
a purple colour beamed
I thought about the folk who came
and chanced upon this sight
perhaps ancestors, long since gone
left it burning bright
Perhaps a bird did carry it
from far and distant lands
or from a child´s hands it fell
and grew to proudly stand
Or from the Castle seeds did blow
across the glade and vine
to where the lovers meet in quiet
with bodies deep entwined