Poetry Group
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Pies
Matilda told such dreadful lies But she did confess she loved her pies. And you remember Desperate Dan? His cow pies made him twice the man. We leave out Santa’s favourite dish – Mince pies – so he will grant our wish. At every local football match The pies go swiftly down the hatch. I shouldn’t like a blackbird pie They should be flutt’ring in the sky! And Banner Cross ate pies of meat To help make Christian Aid complete. So ……… We love a pie O me, O my. And when we die, Pie in the sky?
Jackie November 2020
Not had a trip here for a couple of years! Over the Scottish border for a few days in Beautiful Beadnell. Remembering wonderful family times here. The sunshine is here in the North East. Hiking a beautiful Coastal Walk – it was over 10 miles! Understanding that this would be a quiet trip with more restrictions. Missing seeing our dear friends – as the Geordies are back in Lockdown. Blessed to be in Bamburgh Enjoying some fish from the Smokehouse in Craster Running quite a speedy 5k on the Coastal Road Loving every moment and wishing we could stay longer Ambling along in Amble – with a Spurelli’s ice cream Not enough time to visit the Farne Islands this trip. Dad will be looking down on us enjoying the places of his childhood.
Chris Rowe
To Dad on his 90th Birthday
Ageing Dad in chair With the grizzled hair. Do memories of the years – Laughter, joy and tears – Bring pleasure to your heart, Gladden its every part? Dad, your children know What to you they owe. Love, care in many things. The chance to spread their wings. Sheer hardworking pluck, Your answer to ill-luck. A father to admire with energy afire. With ever-active mind, Yet sensitive and kind. You’ve set your heart in gold. Cast in love’s deep mould. So, ageing Dad in chair Enjoy your memories there.
Aileen Hopkinson December 1984
The following poem is dedicated to our esteemed friend, Bob Mellers, who has given his permission for it to be printed
Oh For A Good Night’s Sleep
Now there’s pocket-sprung or continuous coil, even open-coil and memory foam. Complicated to most people but for some it’s their family’s history, passed down from home to home. Imagine having to sleep on a mattress filled with horsehair as they did long, long ago. Now we’ve many choices like coil-springs, synthetic fibres. Damask-sprung to lie on, head to toe. For a peaceful slumber let me lay, On luxurious softness. Not a mattress filled with straw and hay!
In the olden days they had metal beds, with springs squeaky and rusty. And a mattress that was filled with RAGS, all mouldy and dusty. Oh to have a good night’s sleep at the end of the day And sink into a soft, satin-cushioned sprung mattress, close my eyes to the world and drift away.
Well I’ve been to BENSON’S*, they reckon they’re the best, And DREAMS*, they say that THEIR beds will give you a blissful rest. I’ve laid on a “SLEEPEEZEE” a “SILENT NIGHT” and a “SEALY”. It’s hard to choose one, and they’re not cheap! No! Really!! But whichever I choose, whether single, double or king-size. At the end of the day, when I close my eyes Do I care about these so-called pockets and springs? I just want to sleeeeeep and have wonderful dreams.
Lorna October 2020 When My Sheffield Boomed
We’ve got Benjamin Huntsman to thank for inventing the crucible process of steel. Imagine what it was like before. We can’t. It doesn’t seem real. But that was in 1742, old Sheffield town, all farms and fields. Our fast-flowing rivers provide what was needed to drive the water wheels. As far back as 1297 the history books mention a Robert “The Cutler” paying his taxes. SEE! We were already by then grinding our blades, knives and axes. Our land gave us iron ore, millstone grit, coal and clay. Life must have been quite simple then. Back in the day. But they DID slog at their labour and tarried at their skill Working all God’s hours, the dust making them ill. Even Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century in his “Reeve’s Tale” saying our dreary and dirty old town Acknowledges that Sheffield for its metalwork was renowned.
In 1743 along came Thomas Boulsover and he invented silver plate. Our town, not yet a city was now becoming great. But at what cost? Vulcan was our god and through our name we found fame. WHEN SHEFFIELD BOOMED.
You’ve heard of Henry Bessemer in 1855? He patented his Bessemer process and we really did come alive. Making steel more available to build a new world. For skyscrapers, girders, bridges and railroads. The Industrial Revolution. AND SHEFFIELD BOOMED.
Furnaces spewing out an inferno. Poor men. Day and night, they suffer again and again. Our forefathers sweating with the heat from the ovens. Forges and kilns needed to be fed like their children. The tedious toil. The eternal slog. As the tongues of fire glowed through the filthy thick smog. And the dark and dismal houses. The narrow back to back streets. When the sky rained soot and only the furnaces gave heat. THIS WAS WHEN SHEFFIELD BOOMED.
Wildfire in the steel works. Sparks could send you blind. This was Lucifer’s hell, Sheffield was a fire-box, men must have lost their mind. THEY fed the molten steel in and out of the crucibles like lava day and night. The factories never sleeping and the town always alight. The crashing, the endless banging. The never-ending thud. No wonder my poor dad had bad hearing in the end. Joining the thousands of men marching down dingy streets in their hobnailed boots, hunched against wind, snow and rain. Knowing there was nowhere else to go, this was their life, their pain. I SHIVER WHEN I THINK WHAT HIS LIFE WAS BACK THEN. WHEN SHEFFIELD BOOMED.
I remember him coming home with this haversack and billy can. I know he worked hard but he never let on. And I remember too he smelled of oil and kicking his black steel-capped boots off under the table. They never saw polish. They never had to. But I know he lost a finger through it getting septic from some steel. I was far too young to ask him if it hurt or “How does it feel?” Like “How long was he off work for, did it affect us back then?” “How did they manage for money, was there social security?” That’s what I should have asked way back when. We always had good holidays, good Christmases, good memories too. So thank you Walter Marshall, I wish I’d spent more time with you. WHEN SHEFFIELD BOOMED.
Lorna Masks and more Masks.
Maria is making masks like mad - She's got a factory going. It started up in lock down And now she can't stop sewing.
We have to wear a mask in church - And shops – and other places. Some wear them under their nose and chins But we wear them on our faces.
Most of us had the standard ones Bought on the internet. But Maria came with a smart classy one - The best that we'd seen yet.
“I'll make you one” she said - “no probs - What colour would you like?” Before we knew it she'd got a list She'll be up making them all night.
So she's taken on a helper - A nice chap – his name is Owen. He gets her elastic, and things on eBay To enable her to keep going.
The money raised is building up For our church charity. We all would gladly have paid her But she won't take a pen-nee!
What will she do when she’s finished? She'll get out her yoga mat. And as for Owen, we know what he'll do - He'll retreat back up to his flat!
So a big THANK YOU Maria For making some for me. You're artistic, and kind and clever And we'll wear them for all to see.
Janet Southgate October 2020. Vision
Where there is no vision, the people perish. Old Solomon got it right, If indeed he was the one who wrote it. You can see what he meant; If we look no further than our nose end That’s all we’ll see. If we keep our eyes on the ground We’ll see only mud or concrete. Perhaps now, more than ever, In these Covid times, We need to turn our eyes upward, Not looking behind to what used to be, Or even just ahead, fearful for next week, Or a cancelled Christmas. We need women and men of vision, To see a new world, A new way of living And take us with them, Into the future. Where there is no vision, the people perish.
Jackie 1 October 2020 (National Poetry Day 2020 – theme was Vision)
Back to Work Well I feel like the new girl, on her first day. New rules, PPE, walking only one way. Walking in ‘bubbles’ with very young children. Smiling faces, and shouting, “Walk, don’t run.”
Six months at home doing jigsaws and reading. Lockdown was strange, isolating and shielding. This virus is here now, part of our lives. Wearing masks, 2 meters apart, but we still thrive.
So lovely to see the kids’ smiling faces. Chatter, holidays, tying children’s laces. Out in the playground, running about. Joyous to hear the children shout.
All in all, not too bad, this first day. Life goes on, but in a different way.
Hazel 4/9/2020
Where on Earth …… ? Where on earth have I put me purse? Yesterday I lost me bag; In the olden days, when I had me wits, But technology now has got me fuddled. The phone should always be kept by the stairs. Me specs have legs, more than I can claim, I’ve tried tying knots but tissues won’t take it. I’ll just sit still and not move a muscle.
I kid you not – I’m getting worse! Trailed upstairs again – what a drag. Each thing in the house was kept in its ……. place. Me eyes are dim! and me brain is muddled. But the mobile job could be any old wheres. And biros run everywhere, just the same. Whatever I touch I’m sure to break it. And maybe life will be less of a tussle.
Jackie 4th September 2020
Somewhere
There’s a place for us Somewhere a place for us But it’s cold in the open air So we can’t meet there
There’s a time for us Someday a time for us Time together with time to share Time for verse Time for prayer Someday Somewhere We’ll find a new way of meeting Where there’s some air and some heating Somewhere
There’s a place for us A time and place for us Is it Zoom where we’ll meet on screen? Is it church where we’ll have to clean? Somehow Someday Somewhere
Alison 30 September 2020 (channelling Stephen Sondheim) This is Me
Lord, this is me. Not always liking what I am, or the image that I see. Lord, You have said That in Your image I am made, But that's a hard act to live up to, and I am afraid that there are many times in life when I fall very short Of living life the way You did, or doing things I ought
Lord, this is me. Not always with a smiling face, or feeling full of glee. Lord, You know very well that sometimes life is hell, and at other times it's grand. But there are many things in life we'll never understand.
Lord, this is me. Not always being kind and good as You would have me be. Lord, You listen to my problems When I want to pray. Help me to have the time for others, Not to walk away.
Lord, this is me. Different I wish I was, but cannot seem to be. Lord, You have said You will make all things new. So I pray that when You say “All things” You mean “All people” too.
Daphne Askew No Time
I woke up late one morning And rushed into the day. With all the jobs I had to do, I didn’t have time to pray.
Hurrying children up to school Who dragged their feet on the way, And the day was getting hotter, still, I just didn’t have time to pray.
Walking dogs into the park, There wouldn’t be time to play, I was in such a hurry, That I couldn’t have time to pray.
The hours were getting busier, I had cakes to make that day, And in my haste I burnt one, Now there would never be time to pray.
I dashed through the housework, Missing out lunch on the way, Waging war on dust and dirt, I just couldn’t stop to pray.
By the evening I was tired, And exhausted I laid on my bed, It was then that I remembered What is was that God had said.
“When your life is getting harder, And you need help with any task, Just take a few minutes to speak to me, You only have to ask.”
I woke up the next morning, Thinking about the new day, I put my hands together, And took a few moments to pray!
Kate
THE GHOST CHURCH
I quietly opened the doors to the church and thought, “There's no-one there.” It was strange, they did not see me. Or if they did, they didn't care. There was an air about my church; I'd never experienced before. I was frightened, I can tell you, but something led me through the door.
Over in the choir stalls there's jolly Mary-Jayne. Laughing with Ann Roberts who I thought I'd never see again. Roger's deep in conversation with Bob Chambers and Margaret Lawford, And near the vestry, Duncan's looking for his drum-kit in a cupboard. Leonora's noticed him having trouble with it And in her own sweet way asks. "Are you alright?" And helps a little bit.
Harold Ullyatt's sitting over there, he seems in a little trance. I bet he's thinking of his wife and how they use to dance. Oooo, look who’s standing with lovely Helen and hubby Trevor. They’re reminiscing with Betty Watson, same surname, but not related, I’m sure
It’s Margaret Elliott. "Hey Margaret! Look it's me!" She's collecting hymn books with Madge Forrest, then they'll make the tea. The Women’s Network is busy organising June Emerson's famous strawberry tea. Gwen Metcalf says she'll bake some scones, she's such a busy bee.
Jean Shelley's chatting to Ann Chambers and Beattie Gladwin too. All happy with their jobs for June's garden, there's always tons to do. Shirley Coates and husband Bryan are setting out their stall With leaflets for leukaemia research to give to one and all. THEIR DEDICATION IS NEVER ENDING.
Jean Jackson's sharing memories with dapper Sidney. What a man! And with them it's Bill Franklin. I can only just remember him. Busy on the platform Betsy Ginn is getting ready for Her sermon on Sunday, I wonder what she's got in store ….. for us.
It's a parade service and Gillian Speed makes sure the Girl Guide flag is on display. While Joan Rowe moves out for Thelma. No wheel-chair now. Don't get in her way! (whisper) They don't see me there. I close the door. I'm not wanted ……. Yet.
Lorna August 2020
Jesus and Zacchaeus
Zacchaeus was an important man. He oversaw the collection of tax. He tried to see who Jesus was but all he saw was backs.
He was such a little man that he couldn’t see through the crowd. So when he saw a sycamore tree he made his voice very loud.
“Move out of my way, please. Let me through. I’m going to climb that tree! I need to see the Teacher so please make way for me!
When Jesus walked up to that tree He looked up and told Zac to come down. “Hurry, Zacchaeus, I must stay at your house in the far side of Jericho town.”
Zacchaeus then jumped down to the ground and welcomed the Lord with a grin. But the people started grumbling, “Why’s He staying with a man who sins?”
Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “I’ll give half my goods to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I’ll pay him back for sure.”
Jesus said, “This man descends from Abraham And he’s just gained salvation. I’ve come to seek and save the lost of each and every nation. Alison August 2020 Thoughts about what I miss most. Kate Woodcock What Lockdown Means to Me
Church not open for the foreseeable. Outdoor exercise and fresh air. Random acts of kindness. Opportunity to learn new skills. No visitors during lockdown. Anxious thoughts every day. Video calls via Zoom in my living-room. Infection rate. Is it up or down today? Rainbows and yellow hearts in windows. Unprecedented times. Seeing friends waving across the street.
Protect the NHS and the Shielded. Anti-bac gel, mask and gloves. New normal. Daily Coronavirus Briefings. Enjoying Class challenges, quizzes and tales. Matt, Boris, Chris and Patrick. Is it okay to ……. ? Caring calls, candles, and camomile tea.
Alison June 2020
Reflections of the last few weeks I want a lockdown! We remember hearing on the News Everyday updates and everyone’s views We tried to grasp what this would mean All our lives would change due to Covid-19
The Leadership Team said we’d meet soon But not face to face – on something called Zoom! What the heck is that? We all asked Tim. It’s a bit like Facetime – while we’ve got to stay in.
Well obviously Rachel knew just what to do And Tim had some lessons so he knew it too. Those first few times it was a real pain. But we got used to it when we tried again.
‘’What on earth is a Virtual’’ asked Mr T. Well there won’t be a patient to actually see. You ring the lady while she’s at home - And she describes her problems on the phone!
Three ladies have arrived, who were having a call. And some with appointments haven’t come at all! Have you gelled your hands, have you come very far? Is your partner waiting in the car?
So with the changes in clinic and no operations We knew we’d be going to different stations We were all really worried about going somewhere strange There’d be such a lot to rearrange.
I’d like a lockdown of my own I’d dearly love to stay at home I don’t really want to know what’s in store I just want to be with my mother-in-law.
But then we couldn’t see her and my world fell apart Not visiting her just broke my heart I would do my best at work instead That way nothing would mess with my head
Now at last we knew – no buts, no maybes Just like that we were helping the babies! We were together – which had been one of our fears. Though I hadn’t worked nights for 20 years!
But May brought more sadness – where will it all end It’s now claimed the life of our very good friend We lined the streets to say our goodbye It all feels too much now – I can’t tell a lie.
It’s best not to use the bus to come in, According to the 5 o’clock bulletin. You should drive or walk or have a bike ride. But you can park for nothing now – and right outside!
When trying to perform an intricate task You get all hot and bothered under your mask. You find you’re not drinking or going for a wee. As it means ‘’donning and doffing’’ your PPE.
I run and I walk and have coffee on zoom And follow worship material in the afternoon On my days off I don’t mind staying at home At least it’s a ‘’mini lockdown’’ all of my own.
And all in all I feel so blessed I’ve not got ill and my friends are the best When all this is over and we’re back together I will treasure you all forever and ever. Chris Rowe
Lockdown: Goodness gracious what can this mean, Everything must stop, because of Covid 19, This dreadful virus, is making humans sick The NHS must find oxygen & PPE double quick, Thousands are dying, so many are grieving, Families, friends & neighbours are weeping.
The Doctors, Nurses, porters & cleaners, Supermarkets, drivers, posties, teachers, The folks making scrubs, visors & masks, So many are helping, they were not asked, The teachers working hard to put lessons on-line, The Keyworkers children, go to school on time.
The roads are empty of traffic right now, The birdsong is beautiful & how......... The deer & the goats are running round town, It’s really quite strange, we try not to ‘get down’ But ‘isolate’ we must, to keep the infection rate low, FaceTime, WhatsApp & now Zoom, do you know?
This new way of life is not easy my friends, But if we all ‘pull together’, we can see an end, Lockdown is easing, people getting about, The numbers are slowing, let’s give a shout, To our wonderful ‘keyworkers’ & volunteering, Thank you, you are amazing, let’s lift our voices & sing!
Thanks Hazel xx
Thoughts on the lock down
I'm sitting here and looking out with my morning cup of tea, and thinking of all the places where I would like to be.
But most of all, the people that I would love to see. I miss you all, but I know you're there - You may even miss me!!
I don't know how long this will last, but I fear it could go on for longer than we'd like it to - so we just need to keep strong.
We're all in this together, so we need to find a way of keeping close whilst staying apart, and carrying on, come what may.
Some will have to go to work and face the risks each day. Many help others to stay safe - So for them all we pray.
What WILL we look like when we meet after all these months locked down? Lots of us will have long hair - some grey – a few still brown!
So until that day when we all meet up, whenever that may be, God bless you all, keep safe and well, With lots of love…..from 'me'.
Janet. Lock-down Experience of 10 June 2020
Here I am again with my morning cup of tea. Catching up with the latest news on BBC TV. I'm also thinking 'which job first?', as I make my morning plan, When suddenly the screen goes blank – sound, but no picture – damn! (am I allowed to say that?) I switch it off, then on again, as I've been told to do. No joy, so I unplug it all, and fetch another brew. I try again, but nothing – only sound, so that's no good, So on the phone to my 'SKY' man – he's always understood.
But this time it's impossible, and after half an hour Of kneeling on the floor, (poor knees) the SKY man says “Well now We'll have to get a technician out, I'll see what I can do. Earliest is Friday, before one, well certainly by two.
“Now this is what will happen in line with Covid safety plan - He'll wear a mask, gloves, visor too, and shoe coverings” - good man! And I will have to wear a mask, and social distance too. Well that won't be a problem – I'll probably hide in the loo.
So it's all arranged, I'll leave it there and carry on with my day. Tea time now, and preparing my meal in the kitchen, not far away. Time for the 'briefing' – must hear that – no picture, but sound is okay So I turn up the volume, at least I can still hear what they've got to say.
Part way through, I come into the room and 'Hey Presto'! the picture is here All by itself – with no help from me, and I let out a great big cheer! I jump up and down with joy (well, nearly!), it almost sent me up the wall. I must be on the phone in the morning to cancel the SKY man's call Greetings from The Fens Just sending love across from the Fens to all the lovely people at Banner Cross in these difficult times. Have missed visits to Janet when I have really looked forward to seeing you, hopefully it won't be too long before we can do this again. Love to you all. Keep safe. God bless, Daphne & Andrew Askew
Daf's Poem
Our Janet's suddenly started saying everything in rhyme, I'm just a little worried, although it's not a crime. It's not a problem really – she could do a whole lot worse, But every time I speak to her, her reply comes back – in verse!
With all this social distancing, and rules they've put in place She cannot play the organ, and she's treading in my space. So all you friends at Banner Cross, I'm appealing now to you - Keep ringing her, and whatsapp her – keep the emails coming through.
That way she'll be so busy, there won't be a moment free, And once again, with a bit of luck I'll be the Queen of Poetry. On a note more serious now, we're regularly in touch. My Lock-down Visit to Chiropodist
Things are starting to open up Albeit in a different way. My Chiropodist was in business again And a visit to him I should pay.
I knew I should go before too long, Although I was rather unsure. I've been strict with my self distancing, And cross with those who ignore.
But how was it going to work out? Two metres between him and me? My leg is not long enough to achieve that, And he needs to be able to see.
Well, Paula had been there before me, So reassured it would be okay I got on the phone to arrange it - I went last Wednesday.
He told me that he would be geared up In mask and gloves – visor too, And I had to wear a mask as well, And there was now no use of his loo!
I had to arrive as near on time As was possible to do. I parked up in the car, and waited In a space where I had a good view.
What happened next really amused me. The door shutter clattered away, And then just an arm, clad in white with a glove Appeared, and was pointing my way.
It was my turn now, and he ushered me in And pointed to hand sanitiser, While he settled down to do a good job With the help of his scalpel and visor.
My feet feel so good, I'm relieved now, We're all hunky dory and fine. I shan't be nervous to go again - I'll see him in six weeks time.
Janet. Reflection from Caroline:
Lockdown Hair My Nails, Hair and Teeth in Lockdown
I have managed to cut my nails but I haven’t touched my hair. I really don’t want to pull my own teeth so I long for the dentist’s chair.
I have cut a nail that was growing in but my hair is down my back. I really don’t want to pull my own teeth ‘cos I haven’t got the knack.
My feet and hands are clean and neat but my hair is going grey. I really don’t want to pull my own teeth but my dentist’s not called today.
My feet feel like I’m walking on air but my hair looks like a hedge. I really don’t want to pull my own teeth ‘cos that will set them all on edge.
My chiropodist invited me over but I will have to book a haircut. I really don’t want to pull my own teeth so I hope my dentist’s not shut.
Alison 29 June 2020
My Covid-19 Words Face mask and visor, sanitiser and gown. Is the infection rate back up or down? Stay at home and quarantine. No traffic noise is heard. These are a few of my Covid-19 words.
Hospitals, hospices, care homes, community. When will these places get virus immunity? Unprecedented, pandemic, furlough. When will we finally see the rainbow?
CMOs and CSAs and profs on my screen. When will they tell me they’ve found a vaccine? The guidance is flouted, so I am disturbed. These are a few of my Covid-19 words.
No new cases. Visit places where I long to go. I simply remember my favourite things and then I don’t feel so low.
Alison 26 June 2020
How Many Times? The dangers of over brushing. So now I'm worried about my teeth, I'm brushing my teeth 5 times a day I'd better stop eating chocolate, We have our evening meal Today I've only had savouries I dreamed I went to the dentist
In an English Totley Garden (now and during lockdown)
My garden is on show, see how the delphiniums grow, Lupins proud and tall, dianthus, spiky, cute and small. Roses in full bloom today, and cornflowers shouting hip, hip, hooray. Cupids lips, they're sweet and neat, potentilla too, growing yellow for me and you..
My campanula is also saying "Hello" today, He's faintly blue and what a display. I call them moon-pennies, I know they're not but a fantastic cluster I'm glad I've got. The passionflower climbing up the fence, adores the sun, what love it sends. Snow-in-summer they call it and that seems right, as if from no-where so hardy and bright.
Pinks, marigolds, geraniums all. Are happy to say to the birds, "Just call." The daffodils and tulips have all died down Crocuses,, muscari, narcissus, snow-drops and hyacinths too but I don't frown. Knowing they're just resting to show once more their beautiful glory next spring outside my door. Alliums too, a spectacular view I'm waiting for the agapanthus!
Red and pink geraniums, carnations and osteospermum, oh just look. The clematis clinging to any hook. Erysimum called "The Bride" was a glorious sight and japonica too is such a delight. Gentle kerria (jews mallow) with her fluffy yellow pom-poms Next to aquelegia and ferns with their curling fronds.
I'm waiting for the bold display of lots of gladioli to make my day There's still a lot to see; different colours of wallflowers so near to me. Sweetpeas do take their time, little pansies and snaps still a favourite of mine. Through my window the hibiscus is growing well, he'll show some attitude, it's beginning to tell. Next to the sedam there's petunias, a fuschia and a tall flamingo tree poses, And dahlias and more roses. In the top corner a honeysuckle creeps next to some raspberries the rudbeckia peeps.
Verbena grows up to six feet high, he's still reaching to the sky. Pretty varigated ivy, common I know, just in the right place it seems to grow. Wood sorrel's nice, canterberry bells and London pride I can depend on my budlia at my side. And the poppies have been as big as dinner plates, magnificent deep red but then a statuesque fox-glove awaits. Crocosmia and irises, there's a lily too, even liitle daises spring into view. A bleeding heart, pretty and sad. Now make way for this painter's palette (houttuynia), colourful and glad! There's more. Weigella, spiraea, euphorbia to name a "few" Hebe, hosta and lavender spring into view. And look. Nigella with its feathery leaves, bobbing about in the gentle breeze. This is my garden, come and see, putting on a show for you and for me for free!
Lorna
Isolation
Oh the loneliness I can’t bear it any more. Another day of emptiness No-one knocking on the door. Again.
It’s just you and me I say to myself The mirror for company. And comb my hair and smile at me. Again.
Another glass of wine could ease the pain Decide whether red or white. A tall glass, a tumbler, a shot, why not Morning, afternoon or night. Again.
Another tv programme I’ve seen before, The same tea cup the same tea bag The same kettle, the same mag. Again.
Oh look there’s a bird In the sky, grey or blue. Does it matter. It’ll be there tomorrow And it will happen all over Again.
Lorna
Shopping in Lockdown _ Janet Along with others I shop online and include things that other people have asked for, among whom are Sylvia & Leslie Graves. So….recently they sent me a thankyou/birthday card in which Les had written:
'An appreciation based on STF 465 verse 2 - Strong deliverer, strong deliverer Please continue with your shop - And shield.
To be sung to 'Come Yonder'
I read the above to my sister Daf, and not too long after the phone was ringing – when I answered she immediately began to sing – and it went on...and on...and….this was her reply: (sung to 'Come Yonder' – obviously.)
Guide me, O thou great Redeemer Safely out to Tesco's store. This last week has passed so quickly And we need some food once more. Now start queuing, now start queuing Till they let me through the door. Till they let me through the door.
Guide me through the arrow system Following the proper way. Give me strength to steer the trolley, I've so much to get today - Tea and coffee, white and brown bread, Please be on the shelf I pray. Please be on the shelf I pray.
Help my thoughts and concentration As I shop for other's needs, Pasta, fruit, cake, jam and biscuits, Milk and butter, eggs and cheese. Different food for different people, Lord, I want so much to please. Lord, I want so much to please.
At the till to pack and pay now, Then off home, and in a while Take things round, drop in their gardens, At their window, see them smile, Wave a hand and mouth a “thankyou” Makes the whole task so worthwhile. Makes the whole task so worthwhile.
It has been a hard experience Being careful and correct. Social distance, no church service, Home deliveries, click and collect. May the day come very quickly Where to shop we can select. Where to shop we can select.
When I reach the gate of heaven May my fears blow with the breeze. Tell me there'll be no more Tesco, Aldi, Morrisons, Sainsburys. Songs of praises, songs of praises I will ever give to Thee. I will ever give to Thee.
I called on my mother today She's been dead some 30 years. I wanted some help to quell my tears. 'Cos I was feeling a bit miserable I'm allowed am I not? Mum give me your strength, some advice, you're good at that. Guide me through this padlocked door Like your generation who suffered the war. Did she smile, did she tell me what to do? Yes with God's help you'll make it and family too. It's akin to being in George Orwell's 101 room. (my own police thoughts) This stark loneliness, this coldness, this doom. And behind the mask am I smiling? And behind the mask am I sad? And behind the mask am I frowning? And behind the mask AM I MAD? Lorna
A New Virus
We’ve discovered a new virus and we hope it’s very rare. The main symptom’s persistent poetry that we’re desperate to share.
We cannot help but send to you our poems, lyrics, rhymes. We’ve never felt like this before. These are unprecedented times.
Stay safe from dreadful doggerel. Stay alert to vapid verse. We cannot stop it spreading and it’s getting even worse.
This virus is highly infectious and we can’t even wear a mask. So if you get the germ of a poem, just bin it, that’s all we ask.
Alison 1 July 2020 |
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