Your lovely poems…
We’ve had a staggering response to our Joy Of Poetry feature in the February issue, with hundreds of you sending in your fantastic poems. It’s been such a treat to read them and, as promised, we’ve published some of our favourites for you to enjoy
Our talented readers get creative!
Peace
All you have is now No whys, where or how Just think of today
That is what they say At times it seems a struggle Your head, is in a muddle To live life in the present To maintain our contentment
But, just look around Inside is where it’s found Within yourself at this time For in this moment all is fine
Time is passing like sand through your hand
And no one knows where you will land Jayne Kallend, Strood, Kent
March Winds
Chilly, wailing March winds blow, causing chaos as they go Topsy-turvy over the plane Orbiting houses and back again. Dustbins taken for a ride Scattering rubbish from inside Newspaper, litter, taking flight
Round and round, then out of sight.
Lifting chimney pots, tiles, slate Whipping up to relocate dropping debris in a pile, mixing up haphazard style. Whistling through the keyhole; under the door Furious, wailing hear it roar Whooshing past, sweeping fast 31 days, the March winds last. Maria Taylor, Bradwell, Derbyshire
Online For A Breakdown
I’m online for a breakdown but won’t surrender yet. Perseverance is the watchword while on the internet.
I’ve logged on, dialled continually and been connected to
Some strange ‘remote computer’ working out of Timbuktu!
‘Your banking session has timed out.’ Can’t take this any more!
Is it me or is it you? We’ve both been here before. Now you’re asking: ‘Do I want to exit?’ Yes I do!
And I can guarantee this is goodbye from me to you! Kathryn Herbert, Preston, Lancashire
What Shall It Be
What shall it be
While we’re watching TV? A gin and tonic with ice Would be rather nice. P’raps a silky smooth red Or a crisp white instead? Maybe cider or beer Would bring us some cheer In this lockdown duress With its boredom and stress?
But liver needs a weekly rest To keep it working at its best. Some time to help it to recover –
Try two days next to one another! Ghislaine Longton, Highcliffe, Dorset
Don’t worry if your poem’s not here, we’ll feature more on our Over To You page over the next months, so look out for yours
Your Gift
He tastes the sweetness, not the salt
Drinks tea without a nagging doubt Sleeps free from tubes and warning bleep Now no need for counting sheep
True delight when swallows fly
Or Red Admirals flutter by Strength to plan and think ahead
Even got to clear the shed
All these things are thanks to you The most precious gift we’ve ever had Once more a husband, brother Dad. Sylvia Garrick, Wallsend, Tyne and Wear (I wrote this following my husband’s successful kidney transplant and dedicated it to the wonderful donor and his family.)
Reflections On Tenerife
The silver sea beckons to me, A shimmering carpet Sparkling with a thousand sequins Stretching out to the distant dusky island; A magical scene.
The sky is too blue to be true, As heat fills the air The day is without care, And I am serene.
Tall elegant palm trees Reach up so high, Swaying in a gentle breeze, Silhouetted against the evening sky. Clouds aflame with the setting sun
And night steals the day. Chrissie Saunders, Ryde, Isle of Wight
(This conjures up memories of last year’s winter-sun holiday.)
Amelia-jane
I’m so excited There’s so much anticipation A new addition to our family
A new addition to our nation But how will I deal with the responsibility?
I sit and ponder, I question my ability. Then I remember that all I have to do
Is to hold and cuddle and cherish you
Hurry up, little granddaughter! Jane Freakes, Hemingbrough, North Yorkshire (The Amelia-jane who inspired the poem is due in mid May.)
Happy Knickers
Do not underestimate the power of these drawers! When you have them on your bum, all things can be yours! Confidence is woven into every little thread. Wearing them will guard you from all the things you dread. Happy knickers make you smile and fill your heart with glee,
When you wear them, you’ll recall they came with love from me! Julia Powell, Exmouth, Devon
(I wrote this for my daughter, who was at a low ebb, and sent it with a pair of knickers covered in happy emojis!)
Round My Kitchen Table
So many words spoken, confidences told, hopes and dreams expressed… round my kitchen table. Triumphs celebrated, problems discussed, birthdays, anniversaries and Christmases enjoyed.
All human life is there, dissected over cups of tea, mugs of coffee, steaming hot chocolate and lots of biscuits! So many wonderful meals eaten, savouring every mouthful So many friends entertained with laughter, companionship, shared experiences and joy
How many secrets could that sturdy table tell us, if only it could talk! Geraldine Benson, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire