Today’spoem

HOME FIRES

Those warm, cosy fires of long ago, That lovely flickering, warming glow. The dancing flames of orange and red, To toast your toes ’fore heading to bed. Crumpets pierced by a three-pronged fork, Gently browned after a bracing walk. The gentle snoozing in your ‘comfort zone’, Relaxing with family — or on your own. The coalman brought his weekly load To other snug houses down the road. The kitchen range glowed, a warming meal, A constant heat for you to feel. But every morning, for your pains, The ash and dust which then remains, The logs and coal that fed the glow Gone up in smoke, as well you know! The hearth is swept and new fire laid, That daily task, new logs displayed, Another winter evening slides to dark, Newspaper, sticks, then that vital spark Which welcomed home from frost and cold The family, back into their favourite fold. J. Hyde, Chellaston, Derby.

LIMERICK

The weekends ahead will be drear, With Strictly now gone it seems queer, We’ll miss Debbie’s splits And Joe’s daring lifts, Roll on the new series next year! Sheila Chisnall, Brixham, Devon.