Today’spoem

The 5th of November was

sunny and bright As we prepared for a party

on Bonfire Night. Fireworks stored safely, out

of harm’s way, And big jacket spuds on a

foil-covered tray. Corn on the cobs and

chestnuts for roasting, And squishy marshmallows

just perfect for toasting. Frothy hot chocolate and

bottles of beer To fill all the guests with

good food and good cheer. The wood had been

gathered and piled up high And there on the top sat a

grumpy old guy. His clothes stuffed with paper, his head filled with straw His face looked as sad as the

rags that he wore. For as he looked down with

a heart full of woe At the scenes of excitement

unfolding below

REMEMBER, REMEMBER?

He knew without doubt that

he’d soon be a goner; A man made of paper can’t

do a runner. But what happened next

will astound you! I swear I heard Guy Fawkes utter a

heartrending prayer. ‘Dear God, is it right that

they should celebrate Such a treacherous deed

every year on this date? ‘I know I committed a

villainous act, ‘And I cannot deny this

historical fact. ‘I did wrong, but I paid with

my life back then ‘So why do they kill me

again and again?’ ‘They all give a cheer as the

flames leap higher ‘And I perish once more on

my funeral pyre. ‘Surely all vengeful

demands have been met? ‘Oh, when will they learn to

forgive and forget!’ Just then, from the moors

and hills over yonder, Came the ominous sound of

approaching thunder. The gathering clouds turned

the sky granite grey A terrible storm was now

heading our way. The heavens burst open, the

rain flooded down And we all ran indoors for

fear we might drown. We peered through the windows, annoyed and upset Guy Fawkes, and our bonfire, were all soaking wet. ‘Serves you right!’ shouted Guy, ‘your plans are all spoiled, ‘Just as my own murderous

plot was foiled. ‘Perhaps now you’ll have some respect for the dead And celebrate something

less gruesome instead.’ Yvonne Williams, Northallerton, N. Yorks.