National Poetry Month – Neil Naughton

April is National Poetry Month—a time to reflect on the power of words that move, inspire, and connect us. This year, we pause to honor the late Neil Naughton, whose words continue to echo in our hearts and community.

Neil wasn’t just a poet. He was a listener, an observer, and a storyteller who captured quiet truths in carefully chosen words. Whether he was writing about resilience, grief, or joy, Neil had a gift for expressing the emotions many of us couldn’t find words for. Though he is no longer with us, his poetry continues to speak. Today, we share two of his pieces—reminders of who he was and the light he left behind.

A Sort of “Still Life” in Writing

I look upon the little crick
And at a building made of brick
Inside of me there starts a flow
I note the trees, their limbs are low

 

It brings a ripeness to my psyche
As autumn comes upon me like
A special moment in a play
And I thank God for this Tuesday

 

I view another leafy bough
I have for aught to do right now
I’m not loathe of the passing time
It favors my love to make rhyme

 

I’ve found in me an appetite
To survey what comes into sight
And a sight if it I recall
To mark it down giving my all

 

Eventually I’ll take my pen
To render nature once again
And should I do, as tried I will;
A painting in words, actually, “a still”

Building Up to Goodbye

I walk on the boards, up against the stiff wind
On the final day of my four-night vacation
I’m good with the sound of the waves coming in
Since I’m leaving at mid-day my time I shall ration

 

The board walk below me is wet due to rain
And since it poured last night, the sun is a surprise
A lingering heartache does in me remain
For I know that quite soon I’ll be making my goodbyes

 

I’ve yet to have breakfast but I’m alright with that,
And I might take some time to just study the tide
The sun sears despite my sunglasses and hat
And the pier I go out on before there comes my ride

 

I glance to the east the empty beach to see
Two seagulls come close as if in sympathy

About Triple C Housing, Inc.

Triple C Housing, Inc. (Triple C) is a 501c3 non-profit community housing development organization (CHDO) focused on expanding affordable housing opportunities complimented by supportive services to individuals, families and veterans impacted by a disability, who are experiencing homelessness or long term hospitalization. Our objectives are to empower individuals and families to improve their quality of life, promote self-sufficiency, and engage in meaningful, gainful relationships, careers, educational advancement opportunities and wellness activities while contributing to their neighborhoods and communities.

Media Contact
Leslie Stivale
President / CEO
Triple C Housing, Inc.
(732) 658-6636 ext. 211
lstivale@triplechousing.org