Celebration

To commemorate National Poetry Day, which falls on September 28, we’ve chosen a selection of verses written by our readers.

Childhood Days

How quickly life can hurry by,

How fast the minutes multiply.

How soon the winter turns to spring, brings. How brief the warmth the summer Before we know it, boys are men,

Never to be boys again.

And girls are very soon full grown,

With little children of their own. days, But, oh, how sweet those childhood Remembered in so many ways,

When laughter quickly follows tears,

And months grow slowly into years. dreams, When hours were filled with hopeful

Of youth planning ambitious schemes, And there were many songs to sing,

Of all the joy that life could bring.

But now those yesterdays have gone,

And time does swiftly march along.

So as the moments slip away,

Be grateful for each single day.

Mrs M.G., Cheshire.

First Day

My wee one went to school today, The last one of my brood.

I left him in the classroom, And he promised to be good. I knew this day was coming, And I thought I was prepared To give up all the special little Moments that we shared.

The cuddles on the sofa, Watching kids’ TV,

The two of us in the kitchen, Making fairy cakes for tea.

I know he has to grow up,

And that’s the reason why

I’ll carry on as usual

Once I’ve had a little cry.

Mrs K.G., Johnstone.

Four-legged Friend Smudge is a dog with a turned-up nose, He makes people laugh wherever he goes. Old folks’ homes he likes the best, Raising smiles during their afternoon rest. He knows he is there to brighten their day, Rain or shine, come what may.

On he goes from chair to chair,

A tit-bit here and a big hug there.

To be petted and fussed is such fun, Then off he goes for his daily run.

Mrs V.G., Stockport.

Please Lord

Dear God our Father, help, we pray, Those little children far away. When we pray “give us our daily bread”, Please, Lord, share it with them instead.

I thought I’d share this lovely poem, written by my niece’s son, aged twelve. Mrs M.H., County Durham.

Food For Thought

An abundance of recipes, simple, traditional, Warm winter casseroles, dumpling and stew, Salmon with salad, meals just for two. Haggis for Burns Night, tatties and neep, Gallant St George and English roast beef. Welsh cakes, colcannon and Sussex pond pud, French and Italian, all look so good.

Food on a budget, celebration fare, Christmas and barbecues, all of it there. Vegan and gluten-free, slimming with ease, Parties and picnics, children to please. Here’s where we find them, week after week, “The People’s Friend” gives us all that we seek.

Mrs M.O., Horsham.