Why I called this 'in bard wire'

I have been writing on and off all my life, and most recently writing limericks for a celtic rock band over the past year. I have written other things and have just started to post them here...
While I wouldn't exactly call a bunch of musicians 'heroes' - the band I write about and for are pretty damn talented...


Bard: a poet, especially one who writes impassioned, lyrical, or epic verse. Bards were originally Celtic composers of eulogy and satire; the word came to mean more generally a tribal poet-singer gifted in composing and reciting verses on heroes and their deeds.

So, I hope you enjoy what I've written here, and please leave a comment or two.

Jean

Explanation...

I know I haven't been posting on here - for anybody who reads this, if anybody.
(Anybody out there?)
Anyhow, I wanted to say that any of the stories that I work on or write are a continual 'work in progress', and it might take me awhile to finish or even add to.
Please let me know that you're there, and if you enjoy these or not....
Thanks for stopping by....

Toasts I have written

These are traditional style Irish toasts that I have penned - best enjoyed with a Guinness!
Enjoy!

6/20:
May you never be lonely or lack for nothing to do
May the storms be at your back and rainbows in front of you
May happiness always fill your soul
And nourishment overfill your bowl
May the need for coins never shall you ask
And in the warm glow of friendship shall you always bask
May with all your ancestors you walk side by side
And from fear of you enemies may you never hide
These wishes I bestow on you, my friend
And may your love for living never end.


2/18:
May the road you travel always be in the sun
May you never know a stranger and be friends with everyone
May you always find peace and contentment
And have no room for wars and resentments
May you always have riches of the soul
May you never be left out in the cold
For long life and happiness for you til the end
I raise my glass to you, my friends
Slainte!

Dreaming

While I am asleep, at times I do find
I tear down the borders at the edge of my mind

Time means nothing nor does space
I go to meet others and with them touch base

I remember talking to those that I know
I sit and I wait for the conversations to flow

People do greet me, I as do them
And thoughts do flow from our souls they do stem

The ones that I haven't spoke to for awhile
We will sit and talk, even share some smiles

I remember feeling you my friend
And warm greetings your way I did send

You came and we talked, our souls did reach
Just conversations that, in life, seem difficult to breach

When I converse like this, the air does clear
And I listen to those I hold dear

For when I'm awake, I dimiss too much
Then it is time for the souls to touch

We talked for what seemed like ages
Even venting some of our pent up rages

You talked about the pain you have in your hands
With the work that you have, that won't do, no ifs, buts or ands

I offered to take the pain away
To take it from you for a couple of days

You didn't want to
You told me 'my pain's not for you'

I assured you that it was the least you could ask
And please let me do this - this very small task

The subject was changed, not brought up again
And we continued talking for hours on end

Suddenly, it was morning - time to awake
I woke up with memories of the offer I did make

The feelings are fresh, the conversation still in my brain
I arose from the bed, outside there was rain

I smiled when to the shower I went
For my wrists were sore, they screamed when I bent

I had not felt this pain in years
I'm glad I could help in this small way, and take your tears

For in our dreams problems can be solved
The confessions we make, our conscience will be absolved

And in doing this favor, I feel exonerated
For in this life, trouble I've created

I've caused you uncalled for pain
I don't know why - it's something I can't explain

But in the dream state
Our souls can relate

And go through the ages
Lifes various stages

For only the soul knows where we've been
And if we'll ever be there again

I'm thankful for the dream speak that we can do
It's open to all, not just a select few

For the soul speaks through our sleep
And keeps the connections running deep

For in our mortal lives we can lose
Track of the souls of which we are used

I'm glad I can do this I wish all could
Open their minds and float free - as we should

heelsteps

Footsteps, heels going down the street
Purposeful steps, striding with meaning
Clack, clack the rhythm is quick
I turn to look toward the sound

Just a woman walking as if angry
Nice shoes and pants
Good shirt, I'm sure
But covered up with a crappy jacket

Her eyes are set with determination
Her briefcase slung over her shoulder
She looks distracted, as she puffs on her smoke
Clack clack her feet never stop

I waited till she stops at the street corner
Waiting for the light to change so she can cross
I asked her real nicely could she spare a quarter
She just glared at me, puffed and told me to go to hell

Then as the light changed in her favor
She crossed the street away from me
Heels clacking quickly to the other side
I just laughed and called to her to have a nice day

And for that I recieved a finger
Same to you lady I hope your day goes better
I hope your other half treats you
With better respect than you treat others today

All I hear as she walks away
Is the footsteps
Her heels going down the street
Clack clack clack clack...

Leaving?

"She what?" He looked at his phone in disbelief. No, she couldn't do this...
"Yeah, well...thanks for telling me. I owe ya." He shut his phone and looked for his car keys.
Running out the door, he looked at his watch. Damn, not much time. She just left for the airport and he was an half an hour away.
He thought for a minute, while starting the car.
Hmmm, she's forty five minutes away from the airport, if I remember correctly.
Stopping at a light, he reached over and opened the glove box, and smiled.
Yep, still there.
He reached in and picked out the object and slammed the door shut as the light changed.
By the time he reached the airport, he had smoked half his cigarettes, and changed the radio station at least twelve times.
After parking in the parking lot, he grabbed the glove box object from the seat and put it in his pocket.
When he got in the terminal, he stopped, as he spotted her going through the security gate.
Shit. Too late.
He ran up to the ticket window.
"Any seats left on the next plane to New York?" He grabbed his wallet out of his pocket and pulled out his credit card. He didn't want to do this, but it was the only way he could get back to the gates and talk to her.
The ticket agent looked suprised. "Next one, sir?"
"Yeah, the one leaving in a hour."
She checked her computer.
"You're just in luck. One reservation just opened up with a cancellation."
"I'll take it." He pushed his credit card over the counter.
She looked at him with raised eyebrows.
"You don't want to know about the seat, or price?"
"Nah. That's fine. I just gotta get there."
"One way?"
He thought for a minute. If he couldn't get her by the end of the flight...
"No, round trip. Coming back tomorrow."
"That'll be three hundred dollars. Any luggage?"
"No, not this time." He smiled.
She completed the transaction, and handed his card back.
"Here's your reciept, I'll need your signature on this copy."
He signed it and handed the paper and pen back to her.
She put his ticket together with his boarding pass, and handed that to him.
"There you go, sir. Gate 17A."
"Thanks." He grabbed the ticket and headed to the security gate, where he removed his shoes, jacket and emptied his pocket before proceeding.
After he cleared security, and reclaimed his things, he took off at a quick pace toward the gate.
Damn, forty five minutes left.
She wasn't at the gate.
Then he noticed a bar next to the gate.
She was sitting in a corner booth, reading a book with a beer in front of her.
He walked over to the bar, ordered himself one, then walked over to her booth, and slid in.
She didn't notice him until she went to take a drink of her beer.
Her eyes held suprise.
"Will? What are you doing here?"
He took a drink of beer,
"Hmm, I might asked her the same thing. Why are you here?"
She looked down, found her bookmark and closed the book around it.
Setting the book down, she looked over at him and took a drink.
"A little vacation, that's all. I'll be back."
"The hell you are. You're running away, ain't cha?"
She avoided his look.
"No. Just going away for a week, that's all."
He reached over and grabbed her arm.
"Look at me when you talk. You're not planning on coming back."
She tried to pull away.
"Now why would you say such a thing. Not like you've been a big part of my life recently."
"That was your choice. I've emailed and messaged you about a thousand times. And I know what you're doing, because a little bird called me up and told me." He took a long drink, and let go of her arm.
"He had no right to do that."
"I asked him to. You're not dissapearing like the character in your book. That's where I got the idea that you were just trying to let everyone know in advance, without actually saying anything."
She glared at him over her beer.
"Dammit, you don't own me. And it's not like you care anything about what I do. You basically at one time wanted me to get out of your life, if I remember. So, that's what I'm doing."
That did it. He rose out of his seat, reached over, pulled her out of hers, and held her tight.
She struggled against it.
"Let me go. You can't stop me. Last I figured, I was a full grown woman, able to make my own desicions."
He pulled her closer.
"Oh, you're a full grown woman, all right." He growled. Then he captured her face and forced his kiss onto her.
She pulled back.
He looked at her.
"Now tell me, did that seem like I don't care about you?" Damn, she was frustrating. He looked at her with raw emotion. "I do. That's why I drove down here, bought a ticket so I could talk with you and try to stop this foolishness that you are about to embark on."
She sank back down onto her seat.
He reached in a pulled the object from the glove box out of his pocket, and stood right in front of her.
"I've had this for awhile. I just wasn't sure about it until his call this afternoon. Then I realized that there was a possibility that I would never see you again." His voice started cracking. "I knew that I could never live without you right then and there."
He held out the small velvet box that had brought from the glove box, and opened it.
She just stared at the ring that sat inside.
"You don't have to say anything right now. You could even walk over to the gate and board the plane. This choice is yours. I just wanted you to know how I felt." He wiped his eyes.
She looked up at him.
"I don't know what to say. I don't know what to do. You did it. You've caught me completely off guard, Will."
She reached over and took the box and looked it over.
"Stay. You don't have to agree to anything right now. Just don't leave me." He went and sat back down on his seat, and drank down the rest of his beer.
"Will?"
He looked over at her. She was smiling through tears, and held up her hand.
"I love you. I just realized that. After you came here to stop me from leaving, and well, I'm not now."
He jumped up and gave out a woop, grabbed her and gave her a long kiss.
"Thank you." He whispered.

They stood there for the longest time, oblivious to the claps and cheers of the other bar patrons.

Work in progress...

She was nervous as the car pulled up to the shop.
"Shall I wait miss?"
The driver opened the door for her.
She thought for a minute.
"No. Just come back in about a half an hour. Thanks."
"Very well."
It was extravagant, she knew that, but she splurged a little on the first trip back to her home state in five years.
She waited until the driver pulled away and lit a cigarrette.
Five years. Seemed like two days ago.
Her husband had almost died from a nasty bout of pnuemonia, something that one of his customers had unwittingly given him. After he had recovered, they had decided to change their life, and needed something different. So, in essence, they ran away overseas, found a jobs with a great companies, and relocated.
Now, five years later, she stood in front of a violin shop. The place where one of her friends worked, when he wasn't with his band playing the fiddle.
I just hope he's in today - he should be. She had called last night and spoke with someone and asked about his schedule.
She took one last drag, and stomped the cigarrette on the ground, then kicked it over into the grass.
Well, I am here to purchase something. One of her coworkers back in York played the fiddle and wanted to try out the stores own chin rest.
She was apprehensive as she opened up the door and stepped in. Someone was busy helping a customer - she had a feeling it was her friend.
She walked over to the selection of bows and strings, and pretended to browse.
As she was being intriqued by the selection, she felt someone behind her.
"Yes, ma'am. May I help you? Or are you just looking?"
Him.
She jumped a bit and the interruption.
"Didn't mean to startle ya. Do you need help?"
She pulled down a green bow - the color of fiddle he played, and turned around.
"Um, yes, what can you tell me about this bow?" She looked up at his face.
He was looking at the bow she held.
"Excellent choice, ma'am. This bow is built of carbon fiber for long..." He stopped, having caught sight of her face. "No...no way.."
She smiled. "Are you okay?"
"Marie? I'm sorry, ma'am, but you look like a friend of mine that I haven't seen for ages." He studied her face.
"No - it can't be..."
She laughed.
"Hello, Steve. It has been awhile."
His eyes widened even more and he let out a laugh, reaching around her and grabbing her into a bear hug.
"God, I've missed ya. Where have you been?" He pulled back and looked at her again.
"Oh, around."
"Don't give me that. You actually ran off to England, didn't you?"
"Why would you say that?"
"Well, for one, you have a accent now. For two, nobody knew where you were, and those that did wouldn't tell me or any of the others. You haven't been on any forums for a long time."
"You've survived without me."
"I kept your accounts open, just in case."
"We needed to break away. It was getting too intense."
They had walked back to the counter. He walked behind and leaned over it, looking at her.
"Everybody misses you. Tremendously."
"And I do miss them. We just needed to get on with our lives and start fresh."
"Your brother in law wouldn't say anything to me when I inquired a couple of times."
"We made him promise not to."
"We're playing tonight at O'Bayons." An irish pub in a large shopping complex, mostly outdoors. So big it had hotels so you could stay and shop for a couple of days if you wish.
"I know. I'm staying at one of the hotels there."
"Still like whiskey?"
"Yes, and I do still drink, but we've taken it easy these past years, I just do it for enjoyment. I've not shot it down for awhile. What are you looking at?"
"You. You look better than I ever remember seeing you look."
She blushed.
"It's all the lushness over there. Makes things look nicer."
"Get your arse into the forums and let people know you're here. Please?"
Another worker came around the counter.
"Hey, Steve. Wow. Who's your friend?"
Steve shot him a look.
"An old one.. Damn, is it two already?"
"Pleased to meet you, old one." He extened his hand across the counter and shook her hand. "And yes, it's actually a little after two - I'm late, as usual."
"Great!" Steve looked over at Marie." How's about lunch?"
"No, I couldn't - I have someone waiting for me. Thanks, though. I will see you tonight." She walked towards the door.
"Forums!" He called after her. "You don't - I will."
She turned to look at him.
"Okay. I'll try. If I don't, just don't tell Jon I'm back." She waved and went out the door.

**********************************

Later, at the pub, she had walked over early, after spending a couple of hours shopping in the complex.
She called her husband before she left her room. He was busy this week, and couldn't get away, but shooed her off onto the plane.
She had just ordered her meal and was sitting back taking in the atmosphere, when she saw Steve walking in.
She watched as he came up to her table, and sat down.
"You didn't log in today."
"I was busy. You aren't the only reason I came back, you know."
The waiter came back and Steve ordered a pop.
"That's another thing. Why did you leave?"
"I told you - we needed to start a new life. We felt like it was the thing to do at the time, and we were right. It was just the thing we needed to do."
"You almost destroyed me, you know that."
"Another reason."
She sat and played with her glass, and avoided his look.
"So, how's Dawn?"
He looked over at her. "Not too good today. Otherwise, good. How's Alan?"
"Now that you don't have me anywhere around to mess things up." She looked up at him. "And Alan is very well, and sends his regards to all over here. He wishes he could've come, but he's really busy right now."
"I never said you messed things up."
"No, but it's implied. We saw the pictures of the wedding online, looked like a very nice event. She got you in a monkey suit - I almost didn't recognize you." She grinned.
"Yeah, well, ya know. You women and your fancy dress up events."
"Sorry to hear that she has cancer."
He looked over at her. God, he looks so sad.
"Sorry I mentioned it."
He waved it away. "No, no it's alright. It just was one of the bad days in chemo today. She stayed overnight at the hospital, her doctor was worried about her."
"And yet you're here."
"Just came from settling her in. She insisted that I keep my obligations."
"She's a good woman."
"And Alan's a very good patient man. I envy you sometimes."
She didn't even realize that someone else had just walked up to her table.
"No way - Marie? My god, dear - where have you been hiding yourself?" Jon, the leader of the band was holding out his arms for a hug.
She laughed and got up to receive his hug, then sat back down.
Jon looked over at Steve.
"You knew she was here and didn't say anything?"
Steve shifted in his seat and looked up at his friend and bandmate.
"Um, I didn't find out until this afternoon, and she suprised me even. Besides, I did mention it on forum - I know you're busy and don't get in there. Besides," he winked at Marie, "she told me not to tell you."
Jon pulled up a seat and sat with them.
"So, where's Alan? Is he here also?"
"No, he had to work this week, otherwise he would be here."
The waiter came back with her meal, and took Jons order.
"So, where have you been? I've - and I think we've all missed you."
"Oh, just having a fresh life. We went over to York for awhile, ended up getting jobs, and have been there ever since."
It was Steve's turn to look surprised.
"York? You mean you guys actually did run off to there?"
She laughed.
"Yes, it wasn't our full intention to stay, but I got an offer I couldn't refuse for a company that suits me and my interests. We live in a walk up a few blocks from my office, and really like it over there."
"Wow. You actually did what a lot of us dream of doing. That took guts."
The waiter came with Jons beer, and he took a sip as he looked at her with wonder.
"So, how come you're back here right now?" Steve flagged down the waiter and ordered a beer for himself.
Marie caught the waiter.
"These are on my tab." She pointed to Jon and Steve's drinks.
The waiter nodded and left.
"Thanks." Jon and Steve both said.
"Hey, no problem - living is cheap over here, comparatively. Besides, I make a comfortable living. I think I can afford a few drinks for some friends."
"So, what is it you do now?" Steve took the beer the waiter offered, and then turned to face Marie.
"Oh, I work behind the scenes at public relations in a major firm." She grinned.
"Okay, where?" Jon inquired.
"Yeah, where - you've got the biggest shit-eating grin on your face." Steve stared across the table at her.
She told them the name of one of the largest entertainment and communication companies.
"No way...I refuse to believe it." Steve sat back in his chair and took a healthy gulp of beer.
She reached into her purse and gave them a couple of her business cards.
"Holy shit." It was Jons turn to be shocked.
"How the hell did you get time off to come over here?"
She laughed at both of them and took a drink.
"Well, my boss noticed that I do go into your sites and browse at lunch now and then. He became curious about you and sent me over to scout. I lent him the CD's of yours that I have, and he enjoyed them. And he also noticed that I haven't taken as much holiday as I should, so he shooed me out the door and told me not to come back for three weeks. Despite protests, I might add. Plus, I get to go down and see the rest of my family, including that cute little adorable nephew of mine that I haven't seen since he was born."
Jon stood up and motioned to Steve, who also sat up.
"Hey, it's great to see you here - think some from your city will be up here to see you. Especially Matt, probably with Linda, but he's looking forward to seeing you. We got to set up now."
"Go ahead - I think that I can survive on my own."
Jon walked ahead and went out the door to go get equipment.
Steve turned and looked at her.
"Scout, heh?"
She winked and waved him on.
She sat and finished the rest of her dinner, then pulled out her recording equipement. She really didn't lie, her boss actually wanted to see them in action. She was granted use of one of the DVD recorders and about ten DVDs, what she didn't use on the band, she could use for personal reasons.
As she was bent down to find a battery pack, some hands came and blocked her vision.
"Guess who?" She sat up and tried to place the voice.
"Um, Mel Gibson?"
That got a hearty laugh. "No, try again."
She thought for a minute, then had an idea.
She reached around and found the legs of the prankster. Bare. She reached up further and touched the edge of a kilt, then started to reach underneath.
That got a reaction.
"Ohh, noo you don't, you rascal..." the hands left her eyes, and pulled her hands away. "Besides, the wifes here." She looked up into Matts face, which was wearing a big mischievous grin.
She stood up and gave him a big hug with a peck.
"Matt, ya old dog. How've you been."
He returned the greeting.
"My god - I didn't believe it. I had to email Steve to be sure. I'm glad I convinced Linda to come up tonight. Damn, but I've missed making trouble with you."
"All the more reason for me to leave. Any more trouble with you, and Linda would've hunted me down with a rifle."
Matt looked at her.
"Nah, she would've made it slow and painful."
"Ah. Glad I got out alive, then." She sat back down and started putting together and adjusting the DVD recorder.
"Where's your husband? Did you run off and leave him?" He looked around.
"No, he couldn't get away at this time, so he saw me off, and sends his greetings to all."
"Man, this is going to be a party tonight." Matt was watching her. "I think Gretchen, Darla and Don are coming up to see ya."
"I have missed you all. We just needed to get away."
"You didn't have to fall off the ends of the earth, though. It hurt all of us when you disappeared."
She set the recorder down and looked at him.
"Yeah, it was hard on me, also. But we had to do it. I can't explain - it's just something that we had to do."
"How long are ya around for?"
"Well, the boss told me not to come back for a couple of weeks, so I'm over here for at least another full week."
His eyes widened and looked at her.
"Over here? What's that - oh, my - you did leave the country."
She grinned, and picked up the recorder.
"Yep. Hey, Matt, I'm going to do a little intro, as it were, to the show. Could you talk about the band?"
She focused on him through the viewfinder.
"Huh? What's this for?"
She laughed. "Yes I am kinda working tonight - this is for my boss."
"I'm going to find out what you do now. But yeah, I'll talk up the band."
Just as he was finishing up, strong arms encased her torso and gave a squeeze.
That startled her and she swung around, grazing Don, the bassist on the chin with the recorder.
"Oh, my god, Don - I'm so sorry. You just scared me." She reached over to check the damage.
Don lifted his head, rubbing his chin. There was a small, red bump where the contact was made.
He was laughing.
"No, it's alright. I didn't expect that kind of reception." He looked at her. "Let's say, let's start again, shall we?"
He opened up his arms and she went into them, having put the recorder down first.
"My god, girl, it's good to see you again. I couldn't believe it when Steve called me and told me. What's it been, a couple of years now?"
She turned and picked the recorder back up.
"More like five."
"Five? Damn, that long? You know if you don't go and see Beth, she'll never forgive you. Staying for the whole show?"
"Yes. I have a room across the way, so I'll be here for awhile. And yes, I'll be going over to say hi to the rest of your group. First, I want to get some shots of people talking about you guys. So, why don't you go and finish setting up, and I'll see you later?"
"You know it. Til then." He waved as he walked off.
She had already spotted some of the people that she knew from her hometown, but she wanted to get some locals in also. Possibly some staff.