90 Days To Freedom!

If you ask me, finding inspiration for blog posts these days is quite a challenging thing to accomplish.  Each of my 'totally original' ideas usually end up resembling a period from my history book and I've prepared for so many orals at this stage the examiner knows more information about my family than my friends do! I also feel it's best to steer away from poetry at the moment; the world really doesn't need another depressed poet complaining about life. There's no denying; the Leaving Cert destroys people in ways they would never have ever imagined possible.

But... Everyone already knows that, so there's honestly no point complaining about it at this stage. Only a few weeks left now fellow 6th years. Count down the days. It's motivational (and terrifying)
Just keep reminding yourself of the many many many people who have all survived this horrific year.
Remind yourself that all those little breakdowns will be worth it in the end (not too many though...)

So, instead of writing another long boring paragraph about the horrors we all know to be true, I've compiled a list of motivational quotes.

Chin up and Power on.... 90 days to freedom

"To be a champ, you have to believe in yourself when nobody else will" Sugar Ray Robinson

"The struggle you're in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow"

"You have to get up every morning and tell yourself I can do this"

"Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try"

"If you can dream it. You can do it" Walt Disney

"Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do" Benjamin Spock

"Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle"

Let It Be

The festive season is almost upon us and it's only a matter of days before the celebrations can truly begin. The night air is decorated by twinkling fairy lights, that soften the frosty footpath, while children count their sleeps until Santa shimmies down their chimney. Amid all this 'festive cheer' I've decided  to try something a little different... Below, I've created a poem from a collection of song lyrics.

Let It Be

I want you to lead me, take me somewhere... 

Don't want to live in a dream one more day.

So if I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?

Somewhere weakness is our strength and I'll die searching for it,

You may say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one.

I will follow you, will you follow me?

All the days and nights that we know will be

I will stay with you, will you stay with me?

Smile like you mean it cause you've got a smile that could

Light up this whole town.

Every little thing is gonna be alright 

You're my world my heart my soul.

Lights will guide you home and ignite your bones,

So look at the stars, see how they shine for you

It's like a million little stars spelling out your name,

And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

You're dangerous cause you're honest,

 you're dangerous cause

You don't know what you want.

But we learned more from a three minute record 

Than we ever learned in school.

We are all human, and it's time to prove it.

Keep on dreaming even if it breaks your heart I know that 

You brought out the best in me, a part of me I'd never seen,

You took my soul and wiped it clean, our love was made for movie screens.

So I walk this street on the boulevard of broken dreams

And I'm never changing who I am

All you need is love, love. Love is all you need...

Enchanted

Blue eyes glistening - dancing amid the fairy lights.
Captivated. Dazzled. Enchanted.
Musical notes escape, a high register performed
As rhythms rocket and create a storm within the mind.

The first drops of winter arrive
A sight of joyful greeting,
With a wondrous imagination slide,
Tiny footprints travel a path of frosty discovery.

TIME stands frozen between good and evil,
With bare hands exchange what little remains to be given.
Shattered memories are reconciled with a simple glance
To a past of shamed decisions swiftly erased.

Old familiar voices sing a sweet melody
Of forgotten nostalgic flashbacks
Tumbling
Twirling
Tears...

But Smiles through the hurricanes
To see another white Christmas
Once more





  

No Way, We Won't Pay - The Fight for Irish Water

"It took us 100 years, but we finally got our b***s back!!"

A statement which was roared across O'Connell Street from The GPO yesterday, as tens of thousands protested against the water charges across the entire country. Attending the protest with my dad, I was overwhelmed by the passion and determination displayed by the people around me. Surrounded by people of all ages; from newborns in prams to elderly couples struggling to hold up their banners, there was definitely no shortage of water as we slogged through the pouring rain.

Arriving at 1 o'clock, my dad and I joined the protest at Pearse Street, with a group that had come from
Ringsend. We were disappointed to see the group had a small number of about 100, however as we traveled towards College Green and up Georges Street towards the Dáil the march had expanded. I watched as people ran out shops, down the steps of their apartments, or simply stepped off the footpath onto the road to join the protest. A sense of pride washed over me as I witnessed the Irish people finally joining together to fight against the corruption in the Government. Studying the history of our country, it deeply angers me to watch the people sit back and do nothing as the government makes decisions for a nation. Not only that, but there are a very small percentage of young people involved in the politics of this country. Turning 18 in the 21st century means anything but the right to vote. There are people at the age of 25 who haven't even registered to vote. Their excuses usually center around "They (the political parties) are all the same anyway!" They claim not to care, but there is no doubt, once they are forced to pay the endless taxes and bills posted through their door, it will suddenly become a serious issue. Wouldn't it be better to fight from the very beginning, to voice your opinion and make a difference?

Growing up in a republican ghetto in Newry, Co.Down, one of my dad's first memories was of a mass Civil Rights Demonstration in 1969. A hundred thousand people came from all over Ireland to march. Local people opened their doors to feed them, as a nation joined together to fight for their rights, 'One man. One vote.'  As a man who grew up during the Troubles, it deeply frustrates him to witness the nation sit back and allow the Government to dictate every decision inflicted on the country.

As we walked, I listened to the various chants "Power to the People," "From the river to the sea, Irish water will be free," "Look up high and see the water falling from the sky," I was curious to discover the various reasons people had for marching. In general the responses were the same - the Irish people have had enough, the Government take and take and take but we've nothing left to give! The household charge, the property tax and the income tax were all supposed to include taxes on water, yet now they want us to pay for it again. When will it end?

As we walked we met a woman who had worked in the civil service for over thirty years. She turned to me and asked me why I was participating in the protest. It took me a few moments to reply (I hadn't quite prepared an answer, even though I was expecting everyone else to reply to my question) I joined the march yesterday as a young person who wants to get involved in the decisions regarding the future of my country. I disagree with the notion that turning 18 in this country is simply a right to drink! It's so much more than that and the youth are ignoring this major fact. Some people may argue that we are too young to make life changing decisions, but you tell me... What is the right age? If we don't start to make decisions from an early age we never will.

Attending that protest yesterday has truly opened my eyes to the serious hardships that reek this nation at the moment. The Right2Water campaign are working with determination to spread the message across the country. A petition is available on the website. If you can't attend the planned march on 10 December, signing the petition is a step in the right direction.

Water is a human right and a public good, not a commodity...

Speechless

Childlike -  it seems, to embrace and ensnare

One who wanders above reality.

Caught by a fictitious connection,

Blind to the rampant rage released.

Day and night is written across a shallow heart.

A void left unspoken as the other repents

For the misinterpretation, 

Confusion,

Unanswered questions, 

Unfinished sentences,

And the words remain unsaid. 

Each teardrop a memory begging to release,

A weakness mocked and scorned, 

A strength spiraled to hatred,

A fear of change uncontrolled by

Time... 

Why refuse those who love you?

CAST away with no sensitivity!

Numb to the exposed 

Torment erupting behind

A shadowed

Expression.

The world at your fingertips but arrested by conscience,

No inner belief or superior confidence.

Yet a wonder. Through all this time.

Little knowledge of then, here and now.

But the mind still bubbles reaching for the impossible.

An innocent youth, who has not yet learned the art of giving up.

And never will

  

   

A Lyrical Life...

Have you ever been shocked by how much a certain song can remind you of a close friend or family member? I can recall numerous occasions when I've fallen captive to the melodious lyrics that flow through a song. I'm suddenly convinced the artist has written this song for me, and I listen to it on repeat, struck  by the idea that there is somebody else who feels the same way as I do. Although, there's something personal about those particular songs, and I almost find it difficult to share my findings with others for fear they may reveal a new meaning to the song.

The strangest part about all this 'lyric reminiscing', is the fact that you simply can't control the songs you like. I mean, I personally have no deep love for Eminem, but his song Headlights is truly beautiful (and it's not often that I've described rap as 'beautiful') I have come across various incredible songs by artists I wouldn't usually listen to. Never rule out a song until you've listened to it yourself.

The subject of 'proper music' has often popped up in conversation between my friends. What defines a 'real song'? Personally I believe all songs are real, but it's the impact they have on different people that changes the deeper meaning behind them. My friends had a tediously long debate a few days ago about the definition of a 'boy band'. The dictionary definition clearly states:

1. 
   A boy band is a pop group composed of attractive young men, whose music and image are designed to appeal primarily to a young teenage audience.
2. 
   

However, the '5SOS Lovers' simply wouldn't accept it. The situation got a bit heated when 5 Seconds of Summer were compared to One Direction, who, according to them, are NOT a boy band because they play instruments. Let's just say the debate had to be quelled when their shouts silenced the lunch hall. So, an agreement was never reached. Are '5 Seconds of Summer' a boy band?

At the end of it all, who really cares!! Nobody should be criticised for their choice of music. 

So, I'll never understand what drew me to these particular songs. But below are a list of songs that hold special meaning in my life. Some of you, who know me well, will have no problem understanding the significane of these songs. And to the rest, I hope you listen to these songs yourself and find a deeper meaning to the lyrics...

•Kodaline - Way Back When 

•OneRepublic - Something I Need 

•The La's - There She Goes

•Dixie Chicks - Wide Open Spaces 

•Gilbert O'Sullivan - Get Down

•The Script - Never Seen Anything (Quite Like You)

•Taylor Swift - Mean 

•Bastille - Laura Palmer

•Kings of Leon - Radioactive 

•The Black Keys - Gold on the Ceiling

•Tom Odell - Grow Old With Me

•Imagine Dragons - Tiptoe

•The Beach Boys - Surfin USA

•Daft Punk - Robert Rock 

•Paolo Nutini - 10/10

•White Lies - To Loose My Life 

Fire and Ash

It had always been a comfort to me knowing that as long as I was near the sea, I was never far from home. Gently closing my eyes, I listened softly to the steady rhythm of the waves. A wave smoothly broke as it graced my feet, crackling over each tiny pebble, sizzling as each tiny salt droplet kissed the shoreline and that one unique wave travelled back towards the vast ocean. Carefully timing the break of each roll, it was no surprise when the water once again came rushing over my feet, allowing me to sink further into the sand. I was lost in my own imagination for the first time in several months. Concentrating on my shallow breathing, I began to mimic the breath of the ocean. The sound of seagulls suddenly crashed through the serenity, destroying the sound of silence. Although a strong hatred remained embedded within me for these horrific birds, their sharp shriek surprisingly made me giggle, as I reminisced summers spent chasing them down the beach. The warmth of the breeze graced my ankles, billowed my skirt upwards and I quickly held it down before any attention was drawn towards my legs. Although the beach was sparse, the high cliffs were a constant threat. It was hard to imagine how a country plagued by such hardships, could have this one sheltered paradise. Pulling my hood back over my head I grabbed my backpack and ran towards the safety of the cliff face. The salt had eaten into the deep gashes along my calves and feet, feeling the sting I began to hop about in pain.  This was the first form of treatment I had received, and it couldn't have come sooner. The damage had been done and there was no doubt I'd be left with severe scars.

          

 Leaving the beach and traipsing along a dusty path, I wearily made my way back towards the dense forest. There was simply no time to feel sorry for myself, there was no time to weep or mourn for the losses. If I allowed my feelings to crash through the barrier I had built, I know I simply wouldn't survive. That was a definite fact. I had spent months building a barrier against my emotions until I was now at the point of feeling numb. The pain in my legs had subsided, making it easier to trudge through the low hanging branches and thick thorn bushes. I had only managed to grab a very limited amount of supplies as I escaped, and fortunately a map had been caught up within a notebook. I had quickly established my whereabouts before entering out into the piercing African sun. I had little knowledge as to where I had been kept, so that one piece of paper aided my escape greatly. Without which I would be completely blind on my trek towards freedom.

          

  Each step pulled me further away from that dark hole of burning hell. Stabs of regret pierced my weak heart as I was drawn back to the frail faces of the young girls. Their expressions completely blank, too drugged to feel any sort of emotion. I understood I couldn't save any of them, but I still felt remorse leaving them behind to face death. Alone in the world without any form of sanity, their brain fried by deep internal bleeding. Shivers rocketed across my back as I was sent back to their sharp deathly clutch, the steel bars attached to my wrists, the frozen metal slab burning my body. I didn't realise I had blacked-out until I awoke shivering in a pool of my own sweat, my hands gripped around my own throat, lying on the damp forest floor. Detangling myself from my own tight grip I lay on the ground, staring up at the canopy of trees. Allowing my heart beat to drop, I established my location on the map. Walking on foot to the boarder would take an extensive amount of time, but I couldn't risk hitching along the open road. I couldn't allow myself to free my emotions again, risking myself to discovery.

            

Nightfall was dropping as I reached the edges of the forest, the perfect time to travel across open space. The sun burned the horizon, and I stood contently watching the heat waves rise above the ground; a moment of absolute bliss. This vast area once housed an entire village but had been wiped out not so long ago. I traced the path of the main road along the row of foundations, gracing my hand across the fallen walls. Before I had managed to reach the end of the road, I heard a slight rustle on the dusty ground. Stock still, I didn't dare to take a breath. My heart pounded in my ears, sending shock waves around my fragile frame. Maybe it was just my imagination, after all I was certainly already insane from months spent cooped up in a dark hole. Allowing myself to edge forward a few steps, my ears burned as they strained to recognise any unusual movement. There it was again, only louder and closer this time. Spinning sharply around I came face to face with a young girl. We both froze, neither one of us moving like an animal in front of their predator. Without any warning she reached her hand towards my face and I slapped it away instinctively. Regretting it straight away, I reached into my pocket and produced a token of my apology: an orange. Handing it to her I could feel her gratitude as she slowly curled her bony fingers around the fruit. I had little to share, but this simple act of kindness made me feel human again. Sitting on the dusty ground we silently peeled the orange, savouring each droplet of juice not allowing any to escape our parched mouths. That moment of solitude would be one I'd never forget.

            

Getting ready to leave, I motioned for her to join me. Her face turned pale as I suggested this outrageous concept. No words had yet been exchanged between us so I had no knowledge of her nationality; I thought it was best to remain speechless. Carefully she began to inch towards me as I held my hand out to her. Before she had even taken two steps, a low rumble sent the ground into a deep quiver. I lashed around as three U.S fighter jets appeared on the horizon, travelling faster than sound. This was my only chance and I knew it, reaching into my bag I set off the only flare I had managed to escape with. Red light shot into the sky leaving a trail of smoke behind it. I began frantically waving my arms screaming. But what happened next I would never have anticipated. Screeching noises deafened me as millions of bullets raged fiercely towards us. I stood frozen, speechless, until the young girl scratched my arm. I grabbed her hand quickly and raced towards the woods, using the last bit of energy I possessed. Tripping over rocks, we dragged each other towards the trees. I could feel the power of the bullets rip past me, the heavy planes towered overhead and they watched two physically and mentally destroyed girls struggle for their life. Reaching the safety of the trees gave us little comfort. The attack continued, pellets bouncing off the trees. Suddenly, I stopped and yanked the young girl into the hollow of a tree. The planes raged overhead and continued their onslaught through the trees. Sweat poured down my forehead and flashes of horror streaked across my eyes. Flaying wildly I whimpered and cried as I attempted to rid the images from my mind. A soft hand touched my face and began to stroke my cheek. Slowly my vision returned and I could clearly see her now, panting in the darkness. A soft feeling of warmth spread slowly through my icy veins, as I felt love, an emotion I had long ago forgotten.

            

Extracting ourselves from the tree some time later, I assessed the damage. Neither of us had been injured thankfully. Figuring it was best to stay hidden for the night, I settled myself down on a soft patch of grass. This was the moment I had feared the most; the nightmares. However much I tried to fight sleep, it soon washed over me like the devil ready for feast. Falling into unconsciousness, I dreamt of fire and ash, absolute destruction. Pain streaked through my body as the girls I left behind flashed before my eyes. Then it came, the icy cold tight grip around my throat, tightening. The other hand lashed across my body, no sense of humanity in his piercing red eyes. Hours passed and I remained trapped within my own memories. My body heated up and suddenly flames danced on my eyelids. It wasn't until I could feel the heat lashing against my skin that I awoke.  Realising I was no longer trapped in a nightmare, the flames were real and they were licking against my skin. Feeling the heat on my skin I sat up quickly and stared into the roaring flames. Choking on the black smoke I hit the ground and gasped for air. The girl was absolutely nowhere to be seen, not that I could actually see much anyway. My eyes burned as I desperately tried to search for a gap in the fire. Never before had I witnessed such horror yet such beauty. The colours of the flames hypnotised me, and the heat radiating from them heated the scars embedded into my legs. I dragged myself along the thick forest floor as I spotted an opening in the trees. Thorns sank deep into my palms and I wrenched them out without a second thought. Pulling my hood over my head I tried to block out the oncoming smoke. My lungs screamed in pain and I knew they wouldn't hold up much longer. I whipped my head from side to side in hope of seeing the young girl. Yet she remained invisible, already lost to the flames or escaped alone. What had happened while I slept? How could I have missed the slaughter of these flames?

            

Reaching the gap, I pulled myself up. The flames were kissing my feet viciously, hungry for more attention. Collapsing through the trees I noticed the young girl lying face down on the ground her clothes completely torn off. I dragged myself towards her, tears cascading down my cheeks. Collapsing on top of her I carefully turned her over. Despite the furnace surrounding us, her skin was frozen in time. Her tiny frame slashed by the stroke of a knife. Her deep green eyes stared back at me as my tears washed the dirt from her face. I could feel the flames around me once again. Yet I didn't move. Instead I protectively covered her with my own body. Laying there I finally let out the pain. I screamed and yelled until my lungs could no longer handle the pressure. Shaking wildly I could feel the flames touching my skin, but I couldn't feel the pain. With my eyes shut, I tried to imagine the sea once more. The slow roll of the waves the sizzling of the pebbles over the rocks. I would reach the sea someday again, but for now I had to sleep. Before I had reached unconsciousness, a clammy hand gripped my waist and pulled me from the ground. My mind slowly slipped away before I had a chance to look at them. Drifting away from pain, and fire and ash.