Hi, my name is Colm.
I’m an outlier in this world of well-read, educated poets. I’ve always loved writing and reading, in my early teens an incident with a teacher (ironically) ended my education. Up to that point, I loved school. I wasn’t a nerd, but I was doing so well.
I left school soon after and started an apprenticeship in my father’s headstone business. 47 years later, I’m working in the only job I’ve ever done. 36 years ago I got married, and yes, you guessed it… we’re still together. We’ve only moved house once, and only about 2 miles separate them… you’re not surprised.
We have two children, one boy, one girl; as we used to say in Ireland… a boy and a child. That misogyny has become misandry in recent years. The boot is on the other stilettoed foot.
Anywho, they’re adults, I’m old, collecting ailments I compare with my equally old friends on a Wednesday night, over a few pints.
I ‘enjoy’ things that get me out of my comfort zone. Will accept any challenge, except eating any food I think I won’t like… which is most food. I’m terrified of public speaking, but ended up in Toastmasters for ten years, even set up my own club. Take a cold shower every day, because it’s not easy. Refuse novocaine, because I should, because pain in small packets builds resistance. Don’t get me wrong, I’m nothing special, I’m an average Joe, trying to reach beyond my ‘station’ in life. But I always step up, give it a go.
Look at me here, brushing shoulders with real poets!
That teacher restricted my choices in life by removing the possibility of a ‘proper’ education. It’s a long story, but he inadvertently redirected me to the best life I could have asked for. And, in the process, I eventually ended up meeting (educated) by some of the wonderful poets here… if you’re reading this consider yourself to be truly lucky to have found this place.
Hiya Colm. I’m enjoying these comprehensive bios! Wow.
A bit of it I already know, through reading your poetry, most of it I did not. I’m sorry that the horrid teacher “ruined” your chances at a complete education at that time, but yes as it shut certain doors and opened others, it fanned a natural talent for writing (that we now get to enjoy!)
Laughing away at both of us claiming to be the least educated on this site. Pretty sure you’re better read.
I’m impressed with people who dash toward their problems instead of away. Cold showers? Toastmasters?! No dental anesthetic?? It better make you stronger, yeesh! 
I might have to try it, I could use a bit more backbone.
See ya on the boards!
They’re all quite revealing bios, but don’t they set a nice tone, that we’re real, honest people… not ‘me, me, me people’ 
Hey Colm
Pleased to meet you at last after all this time
Colm,
Great to re-meet you. You’ll have to fill me on the Toastmasters. Still dread speaking to groups. As far as the food thing, I’m with you; The pain thing you can keep. I’m allergic.
Hi Colm, thanks for sharing. It’s refreshing to hear that what I’m assuming was a big childhood shake-down turned out to be a catalyst to what has become a beautiful life.
Now…
Facing problems is one thing… refusing novacaine – that’s madness! I’m heading to the dentist next week. I’ll take a cold shower before they shoot me up!
All kidding aside, I’m excited to connect through TTB and look forward to finding inspiration on your branch!
Hello Colm. All these years later, and, I’m just getting to learn more about you. Why did I think you were a former man of the cloth? 
~Deb
Deb— I am sure you now see the marvelous benefit to fully fleshed out bios
Deb, in a previous life my nom de plume was Rev. Drab 