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Best Poems Written by John A'hern

Below are the all-time best John A'hern poems as chosen by PoetrySoup members

Details | John A'hern Poem

Lighthouse Keeper

Lighthouse keeper vacancy announced
Envelope delivered; contents read aloud
A smile turned into laughter, then into a shout
Parents and Son hugged before he set off.

Applicants sitting quietly, Into the room strides a man 
Age etched on his face, a cheery smile, sparkle in his eyes
Sat himself down in front of group
Questions asked and answered, nothing is written down. 

The elderly man, watched and listened
Hour after hour, ticking of the clock seemed louder
He touched our hero on the shoulder 
The job young man is yours
The day arrived, followed directions.

Arrived at a place never seen before
Waves raced toward the rocks of a lonely cove
Met with the lighthouse keeper
Somehow seemed rather sprightly 
Was this the same older man seen before? 

No time to waste, up the steps they climbed 
Reached the top, gasped at the scene
50 metres off the ground, sat this whitewashed pinnacle 
One eye that rotated, his at night to maintain. 

Months of training, time to let go the reins 
A shake of the hand, the old man disappeared
Days turned into weeks and months 
Tending to the light that shined so bright. 

Standing at the perimeter of the one-eyed monster, 
Safety rails in place, sometimes holding tightly 
Voices are hearkened, that is absurd 
Cries of distress, carried by the wind. 

Down the steps faster than ever before 
Out into the night, all on his own
The white foam of the waves, revealing nothing 
Did he imagine, his Flashlight scouring the sea 

Human lighthouse surveying the scene 
No sign of wreckage, voices no more 
Standing and watching, hour after hour 
Daylight brought the sunshine, eyes met with a sad sight 
Bodies on the rocks, how can this be?
 
Down the steps, this time in a dream sequence 
Stood and looked at life taken
Local lifeboat crew comforted a broken man 
Evening arrived, closed his eyes, demons appeared. 

Holding the safety rails tighter than normal this evening
Dangerous voices inside him were calling 
Throw yourself off, repeated constantly
His grasp relaxed; he had let go. 

Coastguard visit found our hero 
An old man stepped forth from the shadows 
Asked for cremation and ownership of ashes 
Ashes were scattered in places he knew. 

The lighthouse now manned by someone new
On stormy evenings, as they hold the rail 
A figure would appear as bright as day
A voice carried by the wind, never ever let go.

Details | John A'hern Poem

Wonders of Nature

A beach or beaches, so many to explore,
Ocean or sea or bay are viewed, some never seen before
Familiar rocks, lighthouses erected to save lives
Seagulls activity, their sounds and out of control flight.

The sea seems to call like sirens from sea adventure tales
Stories of Mermaids, Neptune and Davey Jones locker 
The loneliness of sailors as they sail the seven seas
Memories Abound as sea shanties are sang.

Waves breaking as they roll to the shore
Slowed down until they are no more
Soft sand or pebbles dependent of time gone by
Sand to walk on, it squelches between toes.

Pebbles that hurt feet, protect the coastline
Sounds of pebbles moving, as the tide washes over them
Angry waves soothed as they reach the shore
Tides relentless movement for evermore

Fear of watching the sea in the darkness of night
What lays beneath the sea surface?
Another world, all fish species fighting for their lives
Fishermen, why not fisherwomen described?

When do they decide, their catch enough will fill?
Regulations looked after by whom
Fishing boats with massive nets drag the ocean floor
No creature is safe from these marauders.

Restaurant fish meals, eyes looking sad
Better to choose cutlets, no feelings of where from
Feelings whirl as you leave this wondrous haven
Striding through life with new found admiration.

Details | John A'hern Poem

The Grandfather clock

The grandfather clock
A grandfather clock sat in pride of place in my childhood home
I would sit at its base and watch the magical movements of the pendulum
I would talk to the clock as if were a close friend
As I grew older our friendship continued
One evening I tossed and turned in bed, sleep eluded tonight
laying there wondering where my dreams will take me tonight
The grandfather clock tic tocks louder tonight
I toss and turn once more is this a dream.
The sound continues, I decide to visit my old friend
Bedclothes tossed aside, stand at the side of my bed
Eyes accustomed to the darkness, the sound continues
I leave my bedroom and stand on a darkened landing
The tick tock invites me to visit
Down the stairs and sit before the grandfather clock
The face looks down at me, I imagine a smile as it recognizes me
It speaks as it has many time before, hello young man
Silence from myself as I struggle to comprehend
Say it as it is I will understand speaks the clock
The clock understands my silent words
It seems to nod and smile I understand
I sit for hours as the clock marks time
My life, my worries my love all pour out
I wake from my dream and realise where I am
Curled in a ball at the feet of the clock
I hear the sounds as the clock chimes the hour 
I stand and bow at the wise one before me
A chuckle I hear as I walk back up the stairs
My bedroom, my kingdom, fell into bed and slept for hours
Is there a message in this maybe a poem.
Yes, there is, the thoughts are yours.

Details | John A'hern Poem

Body Letting Me Down

Body letting me down of late
Knees, back, hips crying for relief
Holding onto a park bench for support
Voices approached, a group of young folk
Once I was as you are today, my thoughts
I stood before them, standing proud
Smiles all around, no sound, no movement
My body creaked, looking for support
A hand reached out; do I reach out?
A hand touched my shoulder, my pain subsided
Tears rolled down my cheek at this interaction
The group stood in silence, waiting for what
Would you care to join us on our walk?
My name was asked, I replied with pride
Eyes met eyes, I have met you before, feelings
We strolled the coastline, silence prevailed
A hand reached and held my hand
No pain worries as we strolled on
A voice broke the silence
This is the end of the path, spoken quietly
Sit awhile and think things through
Another bench, providing comfort and views
Deep breaths taken, is this all true?
Turned to thank the group of young folk
No one there, I shook my head in disbelief
I stood to walk away, pain once there was now gone
I now realised I was laying on the ground
My eyes looked into eyes seen before
A hand reached out offering help
A grip so strong helped me to my feet
Then I realised I was standing on my own
I walked away shaking my head
Pain no more, a happening performed.

Details | John A'hern Poem

The End of An Evening

The end of an evening, all quiet and relaxed
Dozing, opening eyes at sounds from where
The house seems alive, no movement just sounds
Close my eyes once more, sounds still invade

Tossing and turning, I need to sleep
Restless sleep awaits, sounds still invade
A thud awakens me from my troubled sleep
Laying there listening to almost silence

Am I alone or does someone or something invade my space?
Sleep calls out my name, drop into darkness of dreams
A babble of voices not making sense
Who are you? I do not know anyone

Movement in my bedroom, I awake
I sit upright. staring into nights darkness
Is this a nightmare or dreams of those long gone?
I decide to get up from my bed and wander the house

Eyes become accustomed to darkness see past shadows that form
I feel the need to speak to ask who is there
My voice echoes off the silence that exists
I shudder as shapes begin to form

I stand my ground and ask an innocent question
Who are you where are you from?
The babble of voices hurts my ears
I collapse into my favourite armchair

Eyes start to close so tired, sleep calls
Silence descends like a mist in the mornings light
Nightmares or dreams leave, stage right
Morning’s light awakens me from my troubled sleep

The scene that awaits has me doubting my dreams
A party was held without my permission
Untidy items lay in disarray
A voice as clear as day, we visited but you would not play.

Details | John A'hern Poem

Longing

It’s that time of year when longing occurs
A Country, far away, waits to welcome us
A challenging journey awaits patiently
Back in time as time lords partake

The clocks of the World tick away the hours
Arrive quietly, fall into days of travel fatigue
Time to now venture out into our childhood World
Walk streets so narrow, memories deceive

People acknowledge each other
A wave, a smile, a shout of hello
Not known to each other, just welcome all
Familiar faces, we struggle for names

Some look our way, turn, and look again
smile to yourself, know you as well
The pubs, places of friends and gossip
Time for a rest, and a pint of best bitter

Stand at the bar with thoughts for company
A group of locals enter the bar
The sounds of voices echo afar
Study faces in the mirror, reflection behind the bar

Know them all from time gone by
A female voice asks a question
Turn to look at the question asker
Eyes are the first to betray a smile

She uses your name, it sounds like poetry
Please join us and share your adventures?
join the group of young men and women
They all stand as if welcoming royalty

Laughter and handshakes, kisses on the cheek
Comments of not changed in manner or looks
sitting down amongst friends of old
The question asker, with eyes that look through to your soul
Eyes study eyes, known once before

Hers did not blink as laughter unfolded
Quietly asked, why did you go away?
Explanation given, all politely listened
Exhaustion from questions as the hours ticked by

Eventually all said their good byes
Quietness descended once again
Just you and inner thoughts, sitting quietly
A female voice, may I sit for a while?

You both smile, lost for words
Her hand reaches across the table
Silent question as your hand reaches out
If only, the question as you chat over times gone by

Both stand and hug and say their farewells
She leaves without turning around
Memories burst in my head
Day one adventures completed happily.

Details | John A'hern Poem

Shadow

Shadows on walls, enjoyment of shapes
Rabbits, Dogs all made to enthrall
The feeling of late, drowned in sound
Time for a walk, shadow beckons
Lost the energy that once abounded
Standing enjoying birds and scenery
A giggle, from where? no one around
I looked down at the ground
My shadow standing next to me
Off I go, shadow followed
Need a rest, stopped and rested
My shadow moved onward
How can this be, I looked in amazement 
my shadow turned, waving gestured
I looked around, no one to be seen
I returned the wave, sheepishly
My shadow strode on, turning occasionally
No one around, I shouted wait for me
My shadow stood still, waiting patiently
I ran to join my shadow, feeling foolish
We became one again, sigh of relief
Are we ready, a silent question?
Off we strode life is waiting.

Details | John A'hern Poem

A Teacher Dreams

He studied and sought dreams to become a teacher
Sometime his days and plans are torn to pieces
Leaving place of learning without a backward glance
Onward to a School of not his choosing.
Area described as working class
Teenage boys waited for their Teacher

Introduced himself, laughter erupted
Stood and approached his challengers
Passing through rows of desks
No heads turned as he passed them
The back row his final calling
He was amongst his ongoing problems

Softly spoken, choosing his words wisely
All now quiet within this Schoolroom
A group of boys in their last term
Would they be interested in his teachings?
His subject today, foreign Countries

The mysteries of the giant blackboard came into play
He occasionally turned, seeing looks of dismay
All lost in their working-class area
They watched; magical names flowed across the blackboard
The look on pupils’ faces was priceless

Describe a country and its people
An audible groan had him smiling within
Pencil sharpener having a workout
Lead giving up, pencil issue
Walking back and forth between the rows
Scribbling on paper was taking place before him

Heaven knows what the content would show
Two hours up, sighs filled the room
A bell signalled the finish of this day
On your marks, set, they waited for the words
Another day tomorrow

Classroom emptied in a flash
Some papers without a name, caused raising of eyebrows
Others had at least tried
As he read the scribbling, he felt sadness within
The descriptions showing their World had them captured

So sad to read dreams never to be realised
Thinking of his own, before reading on
Several times he sighed out loudly
Living alone, his dreams not yet realised
A troubled sleep beckoned

Entering the classroom, the following day, unusually quiet
He sat at his island, faces, unsure of the day before them
Today, I will comment on your offerings from yesterday
He realised, that the enemy in the back row were listening
What were they planning, would they start laughing?
With a shrug of his shoulders, he started a word flow

Finished reading each paper aloud
They all sat as if waiting for punishment
He continued to speak
His quiet voice never rubbishing their comments
The dreams of his imaginary enemies were a joy to read
High expectations from both, silently he wished them well

That bell rang, the room emptied slowly
Today he left for home, a wry smile on his lips
Another day, keeping thirty teenage boys interested
The enemy camp was softening to his methods
A non-confrontational action was happening

The term rolled by, all left with twinkles in their eye
The young teacher sat there reminiscing
Holidays beckoned as well as career changes
Holidays came and went, career path changes did not happen

The teacher went to a sporting event
He studied the names on the programme 
Familiar names leapt out at him
The names of two back row boys, living their dreams

Local pub after the game, standing at the bar in silence
A tap on his shoulder by strangers
He turned, looking into eyes he had seen once before
Hello Mr James, thank you for all your efforts
Your teaching methods soothed anger within
We followed dreams that seemed beyond us

So here we are, fine young men
The teacher reached to shake their hands
A shake of their heads, they then hugged him
The teachers’ soul was on high, he realised 
He had reached his dreams plateau.

Details | John A'hern Poem

The House Awakes

The morning stroll from room to room
Photos and paintings adorn the walls
Smile and stop, family groups, happy and sad
The camera captures good and bad

My laughter rings out, memories surface
Weddings and celebrations captured on film
Moments in time, thoughts drift elsewhere
Faces so lifelike include those no longer here

Say a greeting then move on
Study paintings, such amazing detailed scenery
The early morning stillness of an empty house
Climb the stairs, upstairs awaits its turn

Photos of older members of the family
All acknowledged with utmost respect
Sounds of breathing, realised it is your own
The stairs are a challenge, you should have known

The end of a pathway reached for today
Retraced steps, ready for daily frays
Stand at the front door as I have many times before
Listening to the house waking from its slumber

Creaks and groans, a breeze from who knows where
My laughter erupts, memories of loved ones
Stop, listen, enjoy sounds we usually do not hear
Life’s hustle and bustle awaits, onward and upward

Details | John A'hern Poem

Seaside Village

Life for a child at this seaside Village, wild and free
A band of misfits come together, boys and girls
They Gathered overlooking the village, a day of adventures waited
Through grassland over boulders, passing fisherman’s cottages
Clothing colours blazing as they ran
Girl’s dresses flowed as they ran to their adventures

Older ones watching out for younger
Across a road with ultra-caution 
Onward, the Promenade waited, Villagers on their daily walks
Children Running, always running, passing yachts 
People waving, People calling, all known to each other

The children holding plastic buckets
Searching among rocks, looking for Periwinkles,
Periwinkles quite tiny, delicious to eat
Periwinkles are snails of the sea

Oldest behaving as sheep dogs, keeping them together
Bare feet running across the rocks
Many inlets to explore, including caves 
Did smugglers haunt these caves in day’s gone bye?

The caves made voices echo, they shouted out with gusto
Coast guards hut, nestled on top of a coastal hill
Welcomed, with stories from days gone by
Looking through telescopes at the ocean
Laughter and voices of children at play

Summer appears, swimming added to their games
Clothing removed, swimming costumes underneath clothing
Into the ocean without fear, no lifeguard near
Swimming out and around the anchored yachts
Ocean water no fear for these self-taught aquanauts
Danger does not enter their kingdom of thinking

Reach the shore, aware of others still out there
They stand and look for trouble brewing
Adult minds with adult thinking
No need to say time for bed tonight
Their beds, safe and warm, ready for another day to dawn

School days came and went, children longing for the weekend
Growing up can be quite a shame, they no longer join in the games
Gang grows smaller as they grow older 
leaving village for pastures greener
All moved on, the silence quite disturbing
The wind now occupies the cliff tops

A young man and woman glance at each other, recognition happens
Friends watch on as they embrace, tears flowing
These two have bonded once again
Thoughts and memories turn to their village
Trying to contact friends from the past
Memories locked away, coming to the fore on this day 

They can only guess where the rest of the gang all went
Messages sent, hopefully making contact
Planned visit to their childhood village and breathe the air
They now live in cities resembling concrete jungles
Arriving at their village one fine summer’s day
Walk to the cliff top, out of breath by the time they arrived there

Hand in hand, looking out over their beloved village bay
This couple had added true love to their friendship
Holding hands, listening to the wind as it drifted around them
Both became aware of voices approaching

Both turned, who was visiting this place?
An approaching group came into sight
The group ran toward them, a gang rekindled
Friendship welcomed them once again

Worn out from greetings and emotion, the group joined hands
A line formed facing the ocean,tears flowed
All shouted out, we are never ever going to leave this place
It was the same as they had said as children

They stood and watched the Ocean, hour after hour
A pact was made on the cliff top that day, visit each year
This pact it remained until they became much older
The group dwindling until none remained

The cliff top remains, an overgrown area waiting for visitors 
The wind blows between the trees and undergrowth
Locals speak of hearing children’s voices on stormy windy days
Gossip of seeing two figures standing at the cliff edge, maybe.