My Shard of Glass: Daithi’S Inspirations and Poems

By David L. Dougherty

We all possess snapshots in time in our hearts and mindsimages and memories that draw us back to our childhoods. In this collection of poetry and short stories, author David L. Dougherty combines whimsical make-believe with some truths about childhood experiences both tragic and lighthearted.

Dougherty recalls looking through the shard of glass from the kitchen door of his boyhood home. He shares a boys love for adventure and a mature mans appreciation of natures beauty. He also explores the heartfelt connection that he made while walking the sod of Ireland, the land of his ancestors, and standing at the ODougherty castle bridge in Buncrana, Ireland.

Combining whimsy and nostalgia, My Shard of Glass offers an exploration in verse of nature, childhood, and times gone by.

Wish

Two young boys, sitting on the bank, watching the big rigs run. One said, I wish we were old enough for that kind of fun. The driver saw the boys waving, and with a grin, said to his partner, I wish we were on that bank again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Oct 29, 2014
• ISBN: 9781491746752

David L. Dougherty

David L. Dougherty was born in 1942 and raised in Mozart, a small community in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. His passion for photography and writing and his love for Ireland served as the foundation for this collection of poetry and short stories.

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Copyright © 2014 DAVID L. DOUGHERTY.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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ISBN: 978-1-4917-4676-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4917-4675-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014917803

iUniverse rev. date: 10/23/2014

CONTENTS

Acknowledgement

Introduction

Sycamore

Survival

Life Goes On

Hummingbird

One Morning

A New Season

Beauty of Color

Snow

Winter Night

Friend

April

Spring

Honey Bee

My Garden

A Rainy Day

Fire Fly

Miracles

Call Me Sycamore

My Rua

Forever in My Heart

Anyway

My Valentine

Our Love

Fire

Where I Want to Be

The Connection

Emerald Green

Eyes

Early Thirties

Violets and Sassafras

Smile

The Young Ones

Didn’t Listen

Home

Family Past

Those We Hold Dear

Whispers

Paths

Second Chance

Memories

Escape

Young Boys

The Farm

Billy

Grade School

Empty Porch

Class of 1960

Pre-School

Wheeling, W.V.

Sam

Dougherty

Time

A Mozart Boy

Remember When

Hard Times

Jack

Decisions

6-16-03

His Time

God Decides

Hope

We See with the Same Eyes

Him

Peace

Thoughts

Truth

Heaven

God Is…

The Right Kick

Always a Way

Destiny

Souls Passed

A Letter from Emily

Emily Writes Again

A Poem from Emily

Christmas

Christmas Eve

Silly Santa

Sounds of Spring

Help

Ten Beers

Home Brew

Branson

Spider

No Water

Outpost

The Burgh

Change

U.S. Family

American Vote

Politician

Lax Leadership

Without Question

In Charge

Moment in Time

Feelin’ the Music

Wish

Anger

Slow Down

Dream Catcher

Be Careful What You Wish For

My Swift Chariot

Erin Go Bragh

Donegal

Leaving Ireland 1800

Home from War

Walking Together

( Daithi [dah-hee] is the Irish name for David )

Acknowledgement

A thoughtful expression of gratitude and endearment to family, friends, and acquaintances whose paths have crossed mine in moments through time.

My daughter Diana for her assistance in typing, much encouragement and guidance for publishing.

My youngest daughter Jaclyn for her expertise in proofreading and editing.

Mackenzie Casto for her contribution with the graphics.

To

My wife Loretta,

Children: Diana, Dave and Jaclyn

and

Grandchildren: David, Katie, Sophia, Alex and Liam

Introduction

I don’t know the rules for writing

I just say what’s on my mind.

A few rhyming words now and then

trying to keep them kind.

I have talked with a tree, a turtle

and pondered the Firefly’s nightly glow.

Trying to express a feeling

and make the words flow.

Sycamore

The leaves are sparkling in the cool breeze; I think I’ll rest under the big trees.

I feel the soft grass as I lean my head against

the trunk of the one that said,

My name is Sycamore enjoy my shade; it’s getting late; the sun will soon fade.

If you want, you can stay until the night comes down.

It’s gonna be a clear one; stars all around.

My roots are firm. I’ve been here for years.

I’ve seen happy faces and some with tears.

I breathe your bad air and give you good; I give you warmth when you burn my wood.

Sycamore, what you say is true. I have known for a long time what you do.

My ancestors and I have enjoyed your shade; for the memories you gave there’s nothing I’d trade.

I see for a long time you’ve stood strong and tall. We greatly enjoy your colors, especially in the fall,

so I hope to see you changing for a few more seasons.

I cannot begin to think of all the reasons.

You keep on branching out and growing taller

even though it makes me feel a wee bit smaller.

Survival

Huge full moon, cold clear night, I watched the great owl swoop down in silent flight.

The field mouse scurrying totally unaware; the owl left only a bit of hair.

Not to say this is mean and cruel; we all know Mother Nature made the rule.

I prayed for the mouse’s soul when the owl was done, but the owl is the bigger one.

I wish there could be