Poems by Nichola Doyle

Sounds of the ocean

With whispering waves in silver light

The ocean sings from dawn till night

The stars are scattered wide and deep

Above the sea that never sleeps

Each crashing wave against the shore

The seagulls bellow as they soar

The wind wails from day to night

The ocean Glistens in the moonlight

The seals lie resting in the cave

Feeding their pups in the shade

They whistle and moan all through the night

In the morning they bask in the sunlight

The ocean sings a special song

In nature we cherish and belong

One day at a time

I started drinking at the age of sweet sixteen,

You called my name you beckoned me.

It was an obsession from the very start,

You were my friend almost never apart.

I thought the bottle gave me strength,

The words to say, the temperament

It promised peace, It numbed my pain

I can see now it was a loser’s game.

It took my strength, it dimmed my light,

I held you close throughout the night.

The bottle gave me courage and cheer,

But left me with regret and fear.

In the morning when the sun would rise,

The guilt, the shame, the worry, no disguise.

You stole my days, my youth, my life.

All my close relationships were left in strife.

Almost 5 years without you, I’m delighted to say.

I have found the answer in the fellowship of AA.

One faithful step, one day at a time…

sometimes in the hour,

I am blessed to have found peace in my higher power.

I’ve found a sponsor, I think she holds the key.

By going through the steps, I’ll be set free.

I want to make amends to those who I hurt

All my family and friends must come first,

Some may forgive and some may not,

I’m so grateful for all that I’ve got.

All I need is courage for just one day,

Go to meetings, meditate and pray.

And in surrender it sets my spirit free,

At last my life belongs to me.

When heart and soul are both aligned,

You’ll find the gift of peace of mind.

Dad

You were my hero, my golden knight

You came into my life bringing joy and light

You made us laugh, and when we cried

you’d wipe away our tears when we sighed

We’d have great craic with some beer

We’d have a lovely barbecue with lots of cheer

We loved to have a sing-song with you playing your guitar

You knew all the tunes, you were a rock star

You would love to cook us up a big culinary feast

Enough to feed a hungry beast

I loved spending the summers down at the beach in silver strand

You always offered support and guidance and you would always understand

I enjoyed going fishing with you on Wicklow pier

I always felt close to you when you were near

You taught me how to drive my first car

Your patience, your laughter could be heard from afar

You had a demeanour friendly, caring and polite

Down to earth with a spark, a light so bright

You helped everyone you would meet

You always spent too much time on your feet

I wish you had rested more.

Nichola Doyleis a member of Inklings Writing Group, whose meetings are on Tuesdays at 11am and on Wednesdays at 7.30pm in the Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar. Lovers of writing welcome.