Advent 2015

Now that Advent's over I can have a rest
And I really wondered which ode you liked the best
So please tell me your favourite
And also tell me why
And if it's not the one I like I promise I won't cry!
Thank you all for following it must have been a pain
But when it gets to Lent next year we'll do it all again

Waiting

Waiting, waiting, waiting
I wait a little more.
Watching, watching, watching
Until my eyes are sore.
List'ning, list'ning, list'ning
I'm list'ning to my core.
Praying, praying, praying
I feel my spirit soar.
Waiting, waiting, waiting
Till Jesus comes once more!

Fairy Lights

The fairy lights are twinkling on every Christmas tree.

Presents wrapped and placed around the base.

Enough food has been purchased, as far as I can see

For everyone to stuff into their face!

The waiting’s almost over. Speculation’s rife!

Will we get every little thing we need?

Will the family Christmas be spent with little strife?

Or will we all be overcome by greed?

Let us all remember in our squabbles and our fights

Just how very fortunate we are.

While we can sit enjoying our twinkling fairy lights

Others have not any food or power!

The child within the manger was sent for everyone

Not just those well endowed and rich.

Just let us remember for some other mother’s son

Life is really nothing but a bitch!

Thank our God for giving us all the things we’ve got

And pray for those who have to live on less.

And also that our leaders will not finally lose the plot

And lead our world into a bigger mess!

Present Wrapping

I'm sitting wrapping presents for folk I'll never see
Hoping that their Christmas will have a touch of glee!
I'm trusting God in picking the presents I should wrap!
A puzzle book or turbo car or even baseball cap?
I can have no inkling what present is required
I know that God is helping so the pick will be inspired!
I am just so thankful with my family around
Packing presents by me with a happy buzzing sound
I pray that those less fortunate may have their share of joy
As we celebrate the birth of Mary's boy

Truth

I love singing carols. To me they still inspire

With the well known music that sets my soul on fire.

They bring to mind the magic that I felt as a child

When I first heard of Jesus the baby meek and mild.

Familiar words and music I heard when in my youth

Before with more experience I learned they were the truth!

Ok, the truth is covered with layers of hype and myth

And, if questioned under oath, I’d have to “Plead the Fifth”!

But underneath the stories the truth comes shining through

God was present here on earth to comfort me and you!

He came here as a baby and grew to be a man

And had his joys and sorrows just as we all can.

He died and rose at Easter to save us from our sin

And went ahead to paradise inviting us all in.

That then is the baby that came at Christmas tide

And that my Saviour loves me still fills me with pride.

To Quit or Not to Quit

With talk of referenda and quitting in the air

It really is enough to make a man despair!

I am a European, I have been all my life

I saw it as the only way to put an end to strife.

Petty national interests no longer lead to war

That to me is really what the EEC is for!

I’m proud that I am British. I’m an Ulsterman.

I will serve my country whatever way I can.

But if you think that leaving the European bloc

Is really in our interest, then you’re in for a shock!

We are very fortunate that we still have the pound

We are insulated when Euro shocks go round.

We now trade with Europe as a quid pro quo

That situation changes if we decide to go!

Just think of import tariffs if they were playing rough.

Outside the single market things would be quite tough!

If it comes to trade war the bigger market wins

And if you are outside it your trouble then begins.

Ok! It is not perfect. We have to compromise

But if leaving is your answer please open up your eyes!

There’ll always be an England and England shall be free!

Just how poor an England do you want to see?

The Real Christmas

We celebrate at Christmas the birth of out dear Lord

Along with Christians everywhere, all with one accord

We’ve sanitised the image and made it very cute

So, to imagine Mary’s pain, you have to be astute.

Remember that your Saviour was born in poverty,

Though in our Christmas pictures that is hard to see!

We sing of “born in squalor” but do we really see

All the blood and excrement, and filth, just running free?

I know that throughout Christmas there is a glowing feel

But spare a thought for others as you eat your Christmas meal

Many, many people have not enough to eat

Let alone to stuff themselves with a Christmas treat!

Pray with me this Christmas that things will be more fair

And at last that there might be peace round everywhere!

Sleep!

I am an insomniac. My sleeping curve is steep.

That is why I crawl around looking like a creep.

I am feeling tired enough to drop down in a heap

I never have a slumber that is really deep

Till the alarm clock is ready to go bleep!

I have tried all remedies including counting sheep.

I toss and turn about so much the bedding I can’t keep.

Rational thoughts are going, from my brain they seep

If I were a car I’d be a broken down old jeep

If I were a whistle I couldn’t give a peep.

If I were a salmon I couldn’t even leap.

I am feeling tired enough to just sit down and weep.

I don’t want Christmas presents. All I want is sleep!

Façade

I may not be the person that you think you see

For I have layers of armour, all protecting me!

I like the world to always see a happy, smiling face

But really this can be a mask that’s hard to keep in place!

I may appear quite confident and full of savoir-faire.

You won’t know I’m trembling and wishing I’m not there!

I like to seem encouraging and helpful to a fault

But I would take this angel with a pinch of salt!

I am really selfish and conceited, full of pride

But these are the attributes I really wish to hide!

Of course I could just say these things so you will disagree

And praise me for my modesty. A bonus point or three!

All of us are actors strutting round our stage

Giving a performance that we hope just might engage

The people that we wish to count among our dearest friends

Or people who may help us achieve our longed for ends!

Of course the ones who know us well can see us deep inside.

They know all the subterfuge and the tricks we’ve tried!

Our Heavenly Father knows us. He sees right to the core.

And, for all our failings, He could not love us more!

Wednesday

I get up each Wednesday at just gone six o’clock,

Though getting up this early is a culture shock!

I meet a bunch of people for a coffee and a chat.

As well as telling stories, we talk of this and that.

Then it gets to seven and we begin to pray.

It is the most brilliant way to start a day!

We thank the Lord for everything, be it big or small

And pray for all the troubles we manage to recall.

It is a time of peace and calm devoid of busyness

We know that if there’s problems, Jesus will sort the mess.

Some of us will say a lot, others will hold their peace

But the presence of the Lord is there to put us at our ease.

We only pray for half an hour, a time that passes fast

But it fills us with an energy, which we know will last.

I thank God for Wednesdays and the folk with whom I meet

It is a source of pleasure, a wondrous weekly treat!

Angels We’re Not!

I saw a little angel in church the other day

Slyly push her sister and then just run away.

She may think her infamy has been quite unseen

If Mummy were not watching it just might have been!

We may think we’re clever and will not be found out

But our Heavenly Father knows what we’re about!

None of us are perfect and our actions are all known

So we should be thankful that God’s mercy will be shown.

Jesus came for all of us. To save us from our sin.

And rescue us for ever from the trouble we are in!

Endeavour

Though you may not be the best
You can be the best you can
In God's eyes you beat all the rest
For you're an honest man!
It isn't that you finish first
That proves how good you are
You battled through fatigue and thirst
That shows you are a star!
God's not really looking to
The people who excel
But those who simply muddle through
Will suit him just as well.
Providing that you're trying
You will always win.
On you God is relying
And He'll forgive your sin!

Salvation Army Band

It's with fond nostalgia, I'm sure you'll understand 
That I can remember the Salvation Army Band
With their shiny instruments and uniforms so neat
They'd come and play their carols at the corner of our street!
The girls with rattling boxes went from door to door
While people gathered in the road to hear a little more.
They played the simple Christmas songs that everybody knew
And we would sing our hearts out until the songs were through.
Then they'd march along the road to another junction
And play those rousing tunes again. It was their basic function.
We children followed in their wake A joyous, happy crowd.
Never giving too much thought to if it was allowed!
Eventually we'd be aware that it was getting late
And maybe missing dinner would be an awful fate!
I still can feel excitement when I hear a good brass band
It is with fond nostalgia as I'm sure you'll understand!

Santa Claus

I can still remember the thrill of Christmas Eve

For Santa Claus was coming, providing I believe!

I went to bed as good as gold but tried to stay awake

Just so I could see him give his beard a shake.

Of course I never managed it no matter how I tried

Though I could imagine him with Rudolph at his side!

I’d wake up very early and feel around with care.

Was that a sack of presents on the bedspread there?

Now I knew that Santa’d been, excitement was intense

I wonder what he’s brought me? I couldn’t take suspense!

I had to put light on and see what I had got

No chance of disappointment I seemed to have a lot.

I could hear from other rooms my siblings’ squeals of joy

Every time they came across another brand new toy.

We had to get together to share as children do

To show off to each other the things that we had, new!

Then there would be lots of noise and shrieks off pure delight

Though of course it really was the middle of the night.

We had indulgent parents, at least on Christmas morn

They’d join in our high spirits on the morning Christ was born.

Eventually we’d all get dressed, eat breakfast and prepare

Then we’d head off to our church for celebrations there.

We took a favourite toy with us to show off to our friends

And give our thanks to Jesus, as Santa Claus intends.

We’d peep at the Nativity to see inside the stall

At the little baby there, the Saviour of us all.

Home for lots of dinner and playing with our things

And joining in the carols that everybody sings.

It was a magic time of year and, when we went to bed

Tired but very happy, then prayers of thanks were said!

Rejection

I have been rejected many, many times.

Is this why I’m reluctant to publish any rhymes?

I have offered publishers the right to sell my books

But these very tempting fish have wriggled off my hooks!

Truth to tell, it’s difficult to try, and try, and try

When every terse rejection makes you want to cry!

I feel I’ve lots to offer in working with our youth.

I’ve enjoyed it when I’ve done it and that’s the honest truth.

But twice I have been tossed away like so much garden waste

Truth to tell, in several ways, it’s left a bitter taste.

I just have the comfort that the kids who liked my style

Still treat me with affection and a most engaging smile!

I was asked to join the music group because I love to sing

Not for my lovely harmony but the volume that I bring!

I caroused very happily for years, and years, and years.

And gave my time quite cheerfully. I hadn’t any fears.

Then one day, out of the blue, I was told to take a hike

I was just not good enough to sing behind a mike!

Now I can find good reasons why I have been rejected

I have got many, many faults, which may have been detected!

I am still contented to do the things I may

To always be of service in some other way.

God is always with me in all the things I do

With a chuckle He reminds me - He was rejected too!

 

Carol Singing

I love singing carols at this festive time of year

Though only old familiar ones are music to my ear.

Perhaps it is nostalgia for when I was a child,

With scenes of love and wonder; of Mary meek and mild.

The snow was always falling on those fabled winter nights

When we were singing carols with candles as our lights.

The coloured lights were glowing on the family Christmas tree

And I was snuggled warm as toast on my mother’s knee.

The words in ancient language with use of “thee” and “thou”

Never causing problems then, as they seem to now!

The language added mystery and awe to every song

And we understood the meaning, as we sang along.

We heard the Christmas story from my mother or my gran

Always told with reverence as only loved ones can.

So I find I’m transported to a world of innocence

Far removed from life today with all its violence!

So I love singing carols at this festive time of year

They fill my heart with wonder, with joy and with good cheer!

Secularisation

Society is more secular, or so the surveys tell.

The evidence is clear to us as churches die as well.

Decline in Christianity is clear for all to see

The only symbol left to us is a Christmas tree!

But that within our culture is an excuse to spend

And people finish up in debt, on that you can depend!

Our kids are growing wilder, there’s riots on the streets

And at football matches they’re ripping up the seats.

Christians seem to get incensed every other day

About no school assemblies or the type of Christmas play!

Instead of all this moaning about the change in schools

Maybe they should learn at last to play within the rules?

Instead of blaming others for the nation’s moral wrongs

Just get up off your backsides instead of singing songs!

Responsibility is ours to bring our kids up right

And were we not commissioned to spread our Saviour’s light?

Don’t blame the politicians or the teachers for our ills

But spread the word to others of how knowing Jesus thrills!

Decline in our society reflects on all the same

Try looking in the mirror, for we’re the ones to blame!

Bible Bashing

I truly love the bible it feeds my thoughts and prayer
But to use it to condemn someone, seems to me, unfair,
When some religious bigot quotes to prove that they are right
It really does not seem to me an edifying sight!
For churches to ban people for what they deem a sin,
Like homosexuality or drinking too much gin,
Does not fit in with Jesus and what he came to do.
Can we not remember the suffering he went through?
Ministers who think they should condemn a single soul
Do not know the bible or have not read the whole!
Churches banning sinners would have very empty pews
And little understanding of our glorious good news!
It was for all sinners Christ's victory was bought
And to win us all for God was what our Saviour sought.
I really love the bible but I'm not meant to judge
And from that position I will never budge!

Grief

My heart is filled with sorrow and I don't know what to say.
They told me that a friend of ours has sadly passed away.
I knew that she was very ill, there was no easy cure
But still we felt she had to live.We were so very sure.
True, we know she's done with pain. She's in a better place.
The sorrow and the pain is ours and that is no disgrace.
Those that she has left behind can only mourn and grieve
But God will give His comfort to those who can believe.
Of course for all her family it's much more hard to bear 
And all the rest of us can do is show we also care
We know our Saviour died that we might have eternal life
And take us to a better place away from pain and strife.
For those of us who loved her and feel our grief and pain
Our comfort is in knowing that we'll meet up once again!
Our Saviour will be with us as we walk this lonely path
And there will be rejoicing when we reach the aftermath.

Alone

When you're out at a party but you're feeling all alone.
When the conversation goes above your head.
When your only contribution seems to be to want to moan
And you wish that you were safely tucked in bed.
Take a break from your misery, get on your inner phone
And say a prayer of thankfulness instead!
Admit that you are lucky in the things that you've been shown
And the fact that you can eat your daily bread.
There are many in this world who do not reap what they have sown
And have to live in suffering and dread!
You will shortly find that your misery has flown
And with joyfulness and praise you'll look ahead!

Contentment

There was an old man from Belfast
Who thought that his best days were past 
Then he looked at his wife
Thinking this is the life
And realised that good things will last!

Fighting as Friends

The hardest thing in marriage is when you have a row

You want to give in gracefully but you don’t know how!

You weren’t the one that started it. You knew you were right!

You had every reason to argue, scream and fight.

Well ok, there was something that, maybe, you got wrong

But should you just admit it so you’ll get along?

There are faults on both sides, so why should you submit?

Should you just give in with grace and readily admit?

Can you see the funny side of adults in a rage?

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could turn another page?

Never go to sleep while fighting it is said.

In which case if we carry on we’ll never get to bed!

Isn’t that the one you love looking quite upset?

Go on just admit it – it’s the best chance that you’ll get!

I am sorry darling, I hate when we fall out

I shouldn’t have upset you of that there is no doubt.

Let us kiss and cuddle. You are my only love

And because you love me I thank my God above.

Dilemma

Life and death decisions are never too much fun

When MPs just can’t be sure which answer is the one!

Is this why they get annoyed and call each other names?

Forgetting that no one can win in people killing games!

Thank God in my dilemmas, when I don’t know the way,

All I really have to do is sit alone and pray.

Of course I have to listen to the answers that I get

Even though some answers will make me quite upset!

Lord, I lift the world to you with all its war and strife

For I know you have concern for every single life. 

Shining

Jesus bids us shine with a pure clear light

What! With a face like mine? I’m sure I look a sight!

Like a little candle burning in the night

Certainly I flicker, so that just might be right!

In this world of darkness we must shine

But it’s pretty scary, will You see that I am fine?

You in your small corner and I in mine

With your help, my Master, I’ll try to hold the line!

Patience

I do not like waiting. I can get quite up tight!

To see me being patient would be wondrous sight.

I may seem quite calm to you but if you read my mind

To say I was a bunch of nerves would not be too unkind!

I guess I am contented in many, many ways

My life is full of happiness in almost all my days.

There are not many things I want. Indeed, I like my fate

But woe betide the person who tries to make me late!

I’m well know in my family for standing at the door

With somebody’s coat in hand, foot tapping on the floor!

I have a lightening temper though I cool off pretty fast

And when I’m eating chocolates they never seem to last!

To have to wait for anything is murder to my soul

If you ask me to wait awhile I may just lose control.

But when we talk of Advent, a time of eager waiting,

The moment of our Saviour’s birth that we’ll be celebrating,

I love to sing those Christmas songs so full of love and joy

Remembering the wondrous birth of Mary’s baby boy.

But if we think about it the whole world should be humming

In wild anticipation of our Saviour’s second coming!

I don’t often think of that because I don’t know when

And thus I would just end up losing patience once again!

The IPhone

Like a silly wotsit I knocked my coffee cup

It spilled upon my Iphone before I mopped it up.

Then, would you believe it, the blessed screen went black

I tried hard to revive it but I couldn’t get it back!

I rushed back home and put it in a plastic bag with rice

Thinking it would dry it out, which should be quite nice.

I left it in the hot press for hours and hours on end

Though I’m feeling lonely without my mobile friend!

I took it out and tried it but again it would not work

So I tried to charge it up like a useless berk!

I charged it and I charged it but still no sign of life

I even tried to shake it loose in my inner strife.

So I abandoned hope for it and threw the phone away

I’d claim on the insurance and maybe they would pay?

I went to church that evening and thought about my loss

Reflecting on my clumsiness I was getting cross.

Then a thought occurred to me. God would understand

If I prayed for mended phones instead of something grand!

I got up this morning to ring and make my claim

Thinking that my rotten phone would still be just the same!

Of course I pressed the on/off switch to check that it was dead

Imagine my astonishment when it turned on instead!

It said it needed charging so I plugged it in once more

And now it started working as it did in days of yore!

I know that it is trivial but it gave my mind release

So don’t just pray for massive things like cancer and world peace.

We have a God who listens and knows just what we need

Though to be sure he will not try to pander to our greed!

Waiting

When I look around me at the world in such a mess:

Religions used for spreading hate when they were meant to bless!

Athletes using substances to help them steal a prize

And MPs, on the gravy train, while propagating lies!

Everywhere I look I see depression, gloom and fear

Even at this festive and special time of year!

The world is filled with envy, pernicious greed and strife

But still I trust Your promise that gives eternal life.

How long we have been waiting for the saviour of our world!

Not to lead an army with banners all unfurled

But to fill the world with peace and unremitting joy

And heal us with the kind of love that can never cloy.

We wait with an impatience that grows throughout the years

While we live our lives out in this transient vale of tears.

And yet in time of Advent we remember Your great gift,

The birth of our sweet Jesus, which gives our souls a lift.

We can all remember the wait that led to joy

At the birth of our own children, each little girl or boy.

Though we still must travel many a weary mile,

It is in this season that the waiting seems worthwhile!

Being Nice

I sometimes really wonder why I sit outside and freeze
While children take my biscuits , sometimes saying please!
I can still be pleasant to people passing by
Though if they merely scowl at me I have to wonder why.
I sit outside Dream Factory like a little Irish gnome
Though in the rain I'm wishing that I was safe at home.
I give out teas to parents as they bring their Kids to play
Wondering if there's purpose in being here today?
Then there comes a moment when I know why I am there.
A chance to show another that there is someone to care.
For all the cold and boredom, the rain and snow and ice,
God put me in position so I could practice to be nice!
I may not be too good at it but still at least I try
And maybe I'll accomplish it one morning, by and by!

Poetry

I always loved to play with words

I really don’t know why.

My mother quoted poetry,

Which raised my spirits high!

Perhaps that was the reason

For music filled my soul.

I was a pretty sickly child

And poems made me whole.

Of course my writing was so bad

That it could not be read

And so throughout my early life

The words stayed in my head!

I could get my pleasure

From playing lots of sport

All the time ignoring

Each rotten school report!

Then when I got married

I expressed myself in verse

The poetry was not too good,

The handwriting was worse!

Then there came a breakthrough,

Computers came on line.

Now I didn’t have to write

So everything was fine!

Now I could express myself

And other folk could see

The music of those dancing words,

Which are a part of me.

The rhythm and the scansion

The structure and the rhyme

Fill my soul with rapture

And make me feel sublime.

How then should I use this gift

Given from God on high?

Listen to His promptings

And He’ll tell me by and by.

When the muse is with me

I have a need to write

Be it for amusement

Or to get involved and fight.

All I know is I must write

About the things I feel.

Of greedy politicians?

Or those who need a meal?

Of things that fill my heart with joy?

Or make me want to scream?

When life is full of agony

Or floating like a dream.

There are no limits to the scope

Of what I want to say.

God has given countless words

And I just have to play!

Bath Time

Looking at the splendour of Roman life in Bath
And then the sumptuous grandeur of the Georgian aftermath
One can only wonder at how little life has changed 
The lower classes victimised and the rich somehow deranged!
No thought was ever given to the poor or those in need
The motives of the upper crust based on human greed!
The order of the world they thought was firmly set by God
And if they were to change it that would be quite odd.
The actions and the words of Christ they praised but did not follow
Is it any wonder that their faith was pretty hollow?
The voice of the established church spoke out against reform
For they were rich and upper class so ruling was the norm!
It's a subtle irony that just the other day
It was the House of Lords that let the poor and weak hold sway!
Osborne eat your heart out our Saviour's will is done
Perhaps the time of fairness has finally begun!

Thankful

I may be old and stupid and forget most people's names
And have lost a bit of speed when playing active games
But I have got my memories of things that I have done
Of centuries and hat tricks and trophies I have won.
I have enough to live on and my health is pretty good
And though I mix my words up I can still be understood!
I have a wife who loves me and children I adore
And without being greedy, how could I ask for more?
I've had my disappointments and things that I regret
But taken with the good things why would I be upset?
I am truly thankful for all God's done for me
And all of natures beauty that is provided free!

Autumn

I simply gasp in wonder at the beauty that I see

The stunning range of colours as I glance from tree to tree

The greens of those most hardy, the yellows on the turn

And finally the orange and reds that almost seem to burn

All this has been provided as a sight to feast my eyes

And, though it happens every year, still comes as a surprise.

For this is nature’s miracle, put there for my delight.

To make me feel enchanted as it comes within my sight.

I can only thank my God for all that he has done.

For all those Autumn colours that dazzle in the sun.

Though in the Autumn of my life I have no cause to doubt

I may not be a beauty but God knows what He’s about.

May He make me mellow and fill me with His love

So I’ll reflect the glory of my Father up above! 

Prayer

Oh Lord it’s such a comfort just to know You care,

That You know my misery, when I cry out in despair.

In my heart I know You hear and answer my request

But sometimes in Your wisdom the answer “No” is best.

Help me understand Lord that I don’t know it all

That You know what’s best for me and You’ve the final call.

Help me trust your wisdom and subjugate my will

So that I accept your call and always trust you still.

Sometimes I get ratty when I don’t get my own way

My toys are thrown out of the pram and I refuse to play!

Help me Lord, in praying, to give You time to speak.

To put the words into my mind - the answers that I seek.

Prayer’s a two way process to listen and to talk

And listening is important as I take this earthly walk.

You know my every question before I start to ask

And it is Your advice to me that helps me with my task.

So leave my mind uncluttered with selfish prayer requests

And help my soul to listen and respond to Your behests.

It’s not easy Lord, to trust You and trust Your master plan.

Forgive me for my weakness, but I am just a man! 

Help me Lord to understand when life just seems unfair

That You’re always in control and to know You care.

Sceptics

I have a friend who tells me that faith in God is bunk

And organised religion is just a load of junk.

This coming from a fellow who does everything he can

To share another’s burden and help his fellow man!

Of course in conversation I try to do my bit

And yes I have more subtlety than to spout out holy writ!

He has some major issues with evangelic troops

And religions that require one to jump through massive hoops!

Mind you I agree with him. Some evangelists just sink

In a holy muddle where they’re not allowed to think!

They’ll quote you, from the bible, a verse to bring you light.

They think their understanding is the only one that’s right!

Then there’s our religions, with their certainties and creeds

A stumbling block for people no matter what their needs.

We see now imperfectly as through a murky pane

And only when we meet our Lord will everything be plain.

My Saviour died for everyone however much they’re sceptic

He’s the cure for all their ills, the perfect antiseptic.

The bible still inspires me and leads my prayer and thought

To listen to my maker and then do what I ought.

Some day my friend may ask me what life is all about

And I’ll be there to tell him, for I have no doubt.

You may not have noticed

You may not have noticed, but I like to play with words

Though I'm not as brainy as lots of other nerds!

I have a large vocabulary and use it when I can

To provide a little humour and enrich my fellow man.

You may not have noticed, but I struggle lots with names

Even for those people with whom I play my games

I confuse my good friend Micky with my other mate called Ken

And even call him other names, like Iain, now and then!

You may not have noticed, but I'm getting on a bit

Though I have undiminished faculties and wit!

My memory for detail is mostly pretty good

And, if I do forget your name, I'm not being rude!

You may not have noticed, but when you speak to me

I can go off at a tangent about something that I see.

It's not that you have bored me or my interest has been lost

It's just my mind is busy and my rudeness is the cost!

You may not have noticed, but God made me as I am

And I've been trying to improve since I left my pram!

Please bear with all my thoughtlessness and all the things I do

For, despite my inattention, I really value you!

Clarkie

When I came to Manor Fields I wanted to play cricket

And came upon young Clarkie rolling out the wicket.

He looked up when he saw me and came to have a chat

He invited me to join the club. So I did, and that was that!

The first game that I played for them I was surprised but keen

For playing too was Clarkie, the greatest keeper that I’ve seen!

Those of you who knew me when I was in my prime

Know that getting used to me takes a little time!

I grant that I was never quick (though faster than today!)

But varied pace and line and length to make the batsman play.

I was going past the edge, having lots of fun

But blow me down for Clarkie is taking every one!

I’ve played with him at Bletchley for almost thirty years

And only running singles causes any fears!

Tony is the heart and soul of good old Bletchley Town

And you know for certain he’ll never let you down.

He’s been on the committee since Adam was a lad

Maybe even longer than Kevin or his dad!

Even though he’s Eighty I’m quite prepared to say

If anybody needs him he’s quite prepared to play.

Tony always tries to help anyone in trouble

All they have to do is ask and he’s there at the double.

He visited the prison for years and years on end

There for any prisoner who might really need a friend.

It was no great surprise to me when Tony was converted

Though when he shared his feelings I was disconcerted!

He said that knowing Jesus was really so much fun

That it was even better than to score a cricket ton!

It has been my privilege my honour and my pride

To play at Bletchley Cricket Club with Tony at my side! 

Ok, so now he’s eighty and he’s got replacement knees

But you can bet that he won’t be sitting at his ease.

If Polly isn’t careful you know what he will do,

Down at Manor Fields he’ll play a game with me and you!

A Reason to Hope

With all of the atrocities we see on the TV,

Tourists killed for nothing lying by the sea,

We are filled with horror and feel it very odd

That such gross obscenity is allowed by God.

It seems that hordes of Moslems are baying for our blood

Trying hard to swamp the world with a crimson flood!

Yet we know that Islam is a faith of peace and love

And such mindless hatred must grieve our God above.

But there amidst the mayhem a cause for hope appears.

The sight of countless Moslems welling up with tears.

They must have been fearful for their children and their wives

Yet see them standing in a line protecting Christian lives.

These have been the Muslems whose bravery is great

Not the vile fanatics and those who feed their hate.

Lord, be with those people who always stand for peace

And let our Moslem brothers be always at their ease.

Ruby Wedding Ode

For forty years my Susie has pulled me from the mire

Yet when she first encountered me, I filled her heart with ire!

My cheeky sense of humour fell on stony ground

And made her really happy when I was not around!

“An obnoxious little Irishman” is what she told her friends

And there was really nothing I could do to make amends

I tried to make her like me but it was to no avail

Apparently she felt that I was quite beyond the pale!

Then one day she weakened and I took her for a drink

And the fact that she enjoyed it gave her cause to think!

“Maybe he’s not quite as bad as I first believed”.

And at the Christmas party she liked what she received!

Finally she let me drive her home, one day

And “the rest is history”, as the romantic novels say!

Since then she’s been my conscience, my armour and my pride

A woman I’ve been proud to call my lover and my bride!

We’ve been together forty years and I hope there’ll be

Many years before us, which we’ll face with glee.

Martha Shrimpton

I’ve known this famous actress for almost all her life

And attended every play I can, with my loving wife.

I’ve seen her doing plays in church and at Dream Factory

And saw her first performance when she was almost three!

There’s something in her acting that’s vibrant, full of joy

With undiluted passion that’s never, ever coy!

To say she is dynamic is to understate the case

Full of poise and elegance but with a cheeky face!

All the plays she’s written have been full of wit and charm

A mix of fun and pathos, laughter and alarm!

She is a fine musician and a singer of repute

And, if you give her half a chance, she’ll even play the lute!

She’s wowing all the critics and we’ll just have to see

How long it takes producers to get her on TV!

I think I’ve nearly said it all. There isn’t much to add.

Though she’s got a gorgeous sister and a super Mum and Dad !

Depression

Depression is a bitter state
Where all the world seems grey as slate.
Nothing seems to be quite fair
And there's no pleasure anywhere!

In depression everything seems wrong
You wait and troubles come along.
You cannot think of any pleasure
With bitterness beyond all measure!

Yet in your heart you know it's true 
Your God is in the trench with you.
If you can think of one good thing
What relief your Lord can bring.

It's hard but think of one kind word
That through your blackness you have heard.
Or someone you know who cares for you
Even when you're feeling blue.

Think of a song that lifts your soul
And sing it till your heart feels whole.
Music soothes the breast they say
It lifts my spirit anyway!

If I can laugh or crack a joke
I can lift depression's yoke.
And very soon I start to see 
Some blessing that's been given me.

I've so much to be thankful for
I forget the things that I abhor.
And so depression disappears
And hopefully it's gone for years.

It sounds so simple put like this,
And if it were, it would be bliss!
I know how hard it is to do
Whenever you are feeling blue!

But try to sing that song you know
And maybe all your pain will go.
Sing it out with all your heart
For of your cure it may be part!

The Mask

Would that I could be the face I like the world to see

A charming and a kindly soul, full of bonhomie.

I know I am a charlatan, a fraudster and a sham

I really wish I wasn’t, but still I know I am

Of course my wife can read me, like an open book

And when I am outrageous I get that famous “look”!

There may be faults I won’t admit, and nothing ever shows

But this I know for certain, there is one who knows!

Thank God that, though He knows my sins, and cannot condone,

Still I know He loves me and claims me for His own.

Farewell to Tom Paxton

I've seen Tom Paxton concerts for more than forty years,
His music either made me laugh or moved my heart to tears.
He ranted at hypocrisy, was furious at greed
But sang his greatest music for the poor and those in need.
He mocked the high and mighty and all that they stood for
And sang to make the nations no longer go to war.
He had every sympathy for the private in the field
Or those, who in adversity, would never ever yield.
He sang about his children and the lady by his side
Full of admiration, constant love and pride.
He gave me so much pleasure and songs that I could sing
To woo the lady that I loved much more than anything.
I sang his songs as lullabies when children would not sleep
And gave them wondrous memories that they will always keep.
His fifty years of touring may have come to an end
But that little man in denims will always be my friend
Farewell Mr Paxton you've been both good and kind
And that I'd forget you is "The last thing on my mind"!

Something Beautiful 

When I look around me, at all that God has made,

The wonders of the universe so brilliantly displayed.

The grandeur of the mountains, the power of the sea,

The beauty of the bluebells, under greenwood tree.

My heart is full of wonder at the trouble my God took,

For there is something beautiful, no matter where I look!

Dartmouth 2

Dartmouth with its waters so green and slow and strong
The waltzing ferry tugboats push the cars along.
The multi coloured houses in Kings Wear sparkle bright
And the White sails of dinghies catch the morning light
The steam train whistle blowing and the cry of gulls above
Fill the air with music in the estuary I love
What better way to spend a day cruising in a boat 
Or watching other people live their life afloat
The walk from Little Dartmouth or the climb to Gallant's Bower
The sunshine and the gentle breeze with the bluebells in flower
Cream teas at the castle or pasties on the quay 
The stately Naval College is a wondrous sight to see
Is it any wonder that I'm always coming back
For I can think of nothing that this beauty spot can lack

Talk at Oasis

Richard was asked to Oasis

Using his odes as a basis

He turned pale and grey

Didn’t know what to say

And wished that he’d gone into stasis!

The Old Man from Belfast

There was an old man from Belfast

Who could think what would rhyme pretty fast

He wrote poems galore

And then wrote some more

It’s a pity that they’ll never last

Old Rugby Lads Together

When old lads get together they talk of days of yore

Of the games they used to play and tries they used to score.

As they watch the young ones play the game they knew

In their imagination they remember playing too!

Their skills have got much better since they have retired!

In their fading memories their play was all inspired!

We talk of those we played with, some no longer here.

Of those with lots of talent and those who just swigged beer!

We share a common love of sport, in a thrall to skill

And all wish that we could play our favourite rugby still!

Celebrations

It’s great that we can celebrate the rising of our Lord

All our Halelujahs are said with one accord.

Amid the celebrations can we spare a thought

For the other people whom Christ’s victory has bought.

It wasn’t just for those of us who spend our time in church

He died that everybody wouldn’t end up in the lurch.

Every human being, no matter what their creed,

Is saved from all their sinning by our Saviour’s noble deed.

Of course we need to tell them of this glorious good news

But we are not to judge them no matter what their views!

God loves His creation and He wants to save us all

And how He ought to do it has never been our call!

So let us all be thankful that Christ died for you and me

And in His resurrection we are truly free.