Authentic...

Within our own abodes we will usually feel safe and secure
Doors and windows can be opened or locked as desired
We tend to trust circles of family, friends, and neighbours
There are certain familiarities we understand and allow
Online worlds and communities may seem like friendships
There are recognisable faces which greet each connection
Over the years these links become regular parts of daily life
Friends of friends seek us out trying to get to know us as well
Protocols can be easily set aside once we feel comfortable
There is a serious need to be alert to pretensions and falsities
External images can hide multitudes of craftily devised frauds
Lonely hearts looking for new love can be easily hoodwinked
Catfishing is the use of charm to entice and entrap a victim
Capturing secrets and details by which extortion can follow   
It is as distasteful as phishing whereby one’s identity is stolen
Perpetrators gain access to personal and financial information
Whilst it is so easy to reach far beyond our home environment
There is a need for extreme vigilance within this online world
Being alert to the authenticity of interactions and friendships...

Eileen T O’Neill 08/02/2024 

February's Arrival..

Today is a day that I have been longing to see
January’s longer darker days almost passed
Dreariness smothered winter’s enthusiasm
Energy laid low and snuffed out creativity
February’s arrival affords lots of fresh hope
This first day is the feast day of Saint Brigid
The celebrated mother patroness of Ireland
Patron of poets, scholars, midwives, and sailors
Revered by both Pagan and Christian cultures
Brigid’s day indicates that springtime is nearby
Daylight begins to stretch into the length of day
Calendar countdown dates move much closer
Anticipated holidays are on the nearer horizon
A first family birthday of the year to celebrate
There is a new purpose to life’s daily meaning
Displays of daffodils and tulips already in view..
 
Eileen T O’Neill 01/02/2024