Of Friends and Porter

Tony Grannell

Went down the hatch, the dusky brew,
as smooth as milk an' mighty too.
An emptied glass, one more, begad,
I nary 'fore such pleasures had.

'Twas great the bar, the counter, stood
with friends an' stout, there's nowt as good.
’Twas Easy-goin’ way back then
mid scholars, fools an' workin’ men.

The brew be stirrin' thoughts of yore,
of heartbreak, joy  an' tales galore.
An’ we would laugh, so, too, a tear
an' raise a glass in merry cheer.

Recallin' them, who passed away;
who wedded who, who led astray.
Of babbies born, how much they weighed,
of births an' deaths, how life is played.

Complainin' 'bout our ails an' aches,
the little things, the time it takes.
When we were lads an' fiddle fit
to greyin' hair an' losin' it.

Philosophised twixt grind an' grace
when argued 'bout the human race.
Though stout an' sense do not mix well;
which uttered forth? 'Twas hard to tell.

Remiss of me, to mention not,
the wild affrays mid spit an’ snot.
The truth be told, though harm was done,
no blood was spilt or evil spun.
 
As is with life to let off steam,
sure, even saints lose self-esteem.
Such fits of pique, cast not the blame,
gave them their space where tempers wane.

 

To quotin’ we, them bards an' poets,
the songs, we'd sing of ancient notes.
'Bout rebels, heroes, saints an' prayer,
when bombs an' hymns wrung out the air.

Of women wooed, how we would boast,
an' sure enough, another toast.
An' spake, we did, of love an' home,
forgot them not who lived alone.

An' ofttimes, too, in silence be,
betook to some auld memory.
'Twas nice the quiet, we understood,
'twas somethin’ that was in our blood.

An' all the while we supped away
whilst bade adieu another day.
’Twas who we were, ’twas fair an’ square;
with friends a taken, takin' care.

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Comments +

Comments4

  • Tristan Robert Lange

    Wow! This is what I call a Pint o' Poetry, my friend! Damn, this went down like a smooth, sweet porter: frothy, full-bodied, and it was as nostalgic as a worn pub stool by the fire. It captures the Irish storytelling tradition in rhythm, dialect, and camaraderie. Wonderful, wonderful poem. A must fave for me, Tony! Well done, my friend. Cheers! ☘️🌹👏🎩

    • Tony Grannell

      A Pint o' Poetry - brilliant! Yes, I have always loved storytellers, seanchaithe as they are called in Ireland. I am thrilled to bits that you found this poem wonderful and for that I do thank you ever so much.

      My kind regards to you,

      Tony.

      • Tristan Robert Lange

        You are most welcome, my friend!

      • sorenbarrett

        Tony poem by poem you are convincing me not that you are a great poet but consistently great and that is hard to do. Even the greats have some offerings that are not that inspirational but yours have a consistency to them that is amazing. Loved this poem it put me right there and I have been there before. I think what sets your poems apart is the cadence and meter of your poems, not to diminish the rhyme and imagery that are outstanding. Congratulations on a wonderful poem. So glad you are here.

        • Tony Grannell

          That my poem, put you right there, makes it all worth one's while. It is as if we were having a few pints together, talking about poetry and sharing an auld song or two - hahaha! Your response is wonderful and held dear, truly.

          All the very best to you,

          Tony.

        • Doggerel Dave

          I cannot add to Tristan's and Soren's comments above, so - Bottoms up! (I feel half stewed already on the strength of your write!)

          • Tony Grannell

            And a mighty slainte to you, Dave. The bar is always open when you drop by.

            All the best,
            Tony.

          • Poetic Licence

            A beautiful write that flows so smoothly, pleasure to read

            • Tony Grannell

              As always, you are so very kind. Thank ever so much.

              My kind regards to you,

              Tony.

              • Poetic Licence

                You are very welcome



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