Bob Shakeshaft - Not Elysium

Bob shakeshaft is a regular reader on the Dublin open – mic scene since 2004. He has just recently appeared in the latest issue of the New Ulster Anu, the 40th. Issue. In this Anthology the following Poems appear: Auld tripe, Ashen Sun, Toddles, A thin white line and After Philomena. Also awarded 2nd.place in the New York Literary Magazine, in the category of Life/Death. Recently received 3 commendations from the Jonathan Swift Writers Awards.

Not Elysium

A withering dark night could not shatter mountains toppling forever onto non-existent shores lapping waves gouged black depth gneiss barely visible amid maelstrom terror vibrant turgid tumescent tearing tumulus ear-splitting thunder streak-lighting-sky threating ominously shrunken life skulking searching rescue and release of non-existing pacifistic purge adding horror to ever-ending tormentor’s intent

Na Beanna Beola [Twelve Pins]

Early morning shake-up and cold-stream wake-up breakfast of hot porridge dollop of jam thick-wool socks inside ankle boots ready for the first-day trek up to Lissoughter only 401m late evening back at camp boots heavy stomachs aching legs urging sleeping-bag comfort 2ndclimb to Bengower 664m chatting between breaths of yesterday’s breath-taking beauty grey-green cliffs covered in purplish foliage tinted gorse yellow splendid tawny vibrancy true wonder inciting harmonious unspoilt despite my heavy prints down suppressing moment soon released on the upspring downward trek to base-camp relief-removing boots comfort arrives Bencollag 3rdmorning rise of 516m our eyes search each step getting closer nearing the goal decided at last-nights camp-fire sing-song tambourine-led banjo playing reverie as

we braked our boots in decline of climb our eyes caught in wonderous fascinations nature pulling us into Garruan 598m day four lies ahead among sultry shadowed sun-light tarried by cotton-wool mountain clouds obscuring vaguely teasing our panoramic expectancy above a rest-drink break with sandwich jam heavy laden pure heaven among blissful splendiferous high-light Bengllisky 516m on day five we venture more hardily as we stride-stronger-confident looking down from our mountain eyrie we spied a broad lake sheaved on both sides rugged peaks alarmingly beautiful breathtakingly surreal and yet quite real in peace

Benbrack at 582m on day six we ventured in lively spirits now we had a sense of real achievement and a touch of pride mingled in conversation descending to basecamp rest with the promise of a hearty feed followed by chat and later napping in our sleep-sacks dreaming upon Benbreen our next challenge upwards through rugged-green sheer rocky with a slight peek of growth half-hidden yet just as delightful to the wandering eye pulling on our curious senses of sheer wonderment as day seven ends at base-camp-safety awaiting the onset of Diamond Hill quartz crystal glitz shows isolated viewing of the twelve pins in panoramic views to horizons edge along the many approaching path-way climb-walks ever splendiferous joy on day eight reluctantly hesitant in our descent to energy recovering rest till Benlettery urging breakfast eagerness to stretch forth and climb 577m as we passed a hostel where many travellers take rest from their seeking the mysteries surrounding and

blanketing all in cotton-wool peaks day nine a pure delight morning in reverse-rest -trekking upon the tenth day to Bencorr standing tall at711m sky-reaching in a neck-stretching exercise bringing unchallenged views caught in iris-eye East-West beckoning to us to approach stealthily respectfully as we plan a descent to foodshelter-comfort-harmony springs to surprise day eleven is upon us now we are as far as we were close to end our beginning to Derry Clare 677m where bees up borne upon scented breath humming forth in drowsy satis brimming by wild flowers bloom at our feet we in awe of nectar gathering so close we can almost taste-smellsticky-sweetness salivating our tongues trekking to edibles awakening to scale Ben-Bawn 739m also known locally as Mont-blanc-Connemara culminating our whole expedition among natures amazing wonderment we deep-breathe mountainfresh exhalation knowing tonight will bring peace in fire-side hilarities ending too

Jingling-match

what compromises woman merely garlands man with mystery beauty is such a fleeting moment remorse a poison of life… a broken heart an ache hopeful-mending

Corona

So far, we have not eaten the forbidden eve and I gathering in close knit weave

being aware of cough-sound-sneeze splash day or night in our own still vale

our Eden-home each day vivid with feeling dread- nights- pallor wont tally

dark sleep once covered our ceiling our paradise learned from eves warm wisdom

still quickens my pulse throbs

fleshed like me and eve feelings-quiver-clash avoiding the virus