Pain

No one likes to suffer pain
Physical or mental.
Yet it always comes again
It’s not coincidental.
We complain that it’s not fair.
Why should it be me?
Yet we know that it is there,
Plain for all to see!
We know that pain is part of life
And everybody suffers.
It’s not the cause of human strife
Nor only comes to duffers!
Sometimes we know that pains
Can really lead to pleasure,
In childbirth we might say the gains
Are really without measure.
So it was in stable bare 
On that fateful eve,
When God gave that gift most rare,
Which we can believe
Through thick and thin
Led to our salvation.
Delivered us from all our sin
Committed since creation

Disguise

I dressed as a Frenchman but all could plainly see
That underneath the makeup it was really me!
But what about the image I show every day?
If folk could really see me I wonder what they’d say?
They can’t see the guilty thoughts that I keep inside
Or the sins and habits I make sure I hide!
They might even see me as an upright Christian lad
While underneath I’m hiding that I am pretty bad.
I know of my folly, unworthy thoughts and sin.
And my heavenly father knows the state I’m in.
Thank God for he sent Jesus that he could die for me
So my sins are forgiven and I can be set free.

Comfort

Sitting in the comfort of a warm and happy house
I’m thinking of the homeless and feeling like a louse!
It makes me think of Mary and Joseph in the stable
In the town of Bethlehem they had the “homeless” label!
No accommodation, no bed, or comfort, there!
They might have had some reason to say it wasn’t fair!
But they just got on with it. They hadn’t any choice.
Like all the other homeless they didn’t have a voice.
Being nine months pregnant would have made it worse
But you didn’t hear them moan, or shout, or curse!
Even when the child was born, they were refugees
Not for them the comfort of a life of ease.
So when I’m feeling downcast or thinking life’s not fun
I think about the homeless or those who’re on the run.
Then I am just thankful for what I have been given
And have to beg forgiveness and hope that I am shriven.

Humility

Would that I were humble, with no hint of pride
Then I’d have no need to have this hint of guilt inside!
I write these daily poems as a way of meditation
And I try to tell myself that it is my oblation.
But if this is an offering why am I concerned
That any folk will like them or that some praise is earned?
I know that I am human and have my share of faults
And, if I try to cure them, my mind just somersaults!
Lord, I am just thankful that you’ve loved me from my pram
Even when I’m so puffed up, and boastful, as I am!

Disappointment

We have disappointments right throughout our days
And we try to deal with them in many, many ways.
Perhaps when we are toddlers we get into a paddy
And within our family we may just blame our Daddy!
As teenagers we get annoyed and sulk, and mope around
Are nasty to our parents and in frustration kick the ground.
When we’re in our adulthood we blame ourselves and cry
Or blame our heavenly father and ask the question “Why?”
When we’re in our middle age or getting on in years
We sigh with resignation as we try to hide our tears.
Despite the disappointments that will come to us all
We have a heavenly father who listens to our call.
He will give us comfort and provide us with a hope 
That in our disappointments we have the will to cope.
Thank you God, my father, for sending us your son
To be a light to all the world and friend to everyone!

Hope

There’s great anticipation before any child is born.
Mary was no different before that Christmas morn.
Of course the angel told her that Jesus would be odd.
They had intimated that he was the son of God. 
He was meant to be the hope of every nation 
And this can be the cause of massive celebration.
We can hope that with this baby’s death and resurrection
Our sins and motivations can now pass God’s inspection.
Despite our murky secrets we can be forgiven
Or, in old-fashioned language, we can all be shriven!
We can hope that there may be peace throughout the world
Even though, this Christmas, this sounds quite absurd.
Let’s give thanks for Mary and the joy she brought
And help me Lord this Christmas to do just what I ought!

Travelling 

I’ve been lots of hours in a plane.
Sitting so still is a pain!
With nothing to do you get tired,
You certainly don’t feel inspired.
Your highlight is something to eat 
Or if you can get to your feet,
It really can be quite a bore
And your bottom can get very sore!
But think how it must have been
When foam padded seats were not seen!
Think of Mary for day after day
Plodding along on her way.
Riding along on the trail
Getting a very sore tail.
As she’s pregnant as well
She might well want to yell.
Her trip wouldn’t be very pleasant
Being no more than a peasant.
The rich could have comfort galore
But Mary and Joseph were poor!
When that nightmare is over
She will not be in clover!
The pictures we see 
Are not how it would be.
There was muck and mire
In that simple byre 
So sit in your comfort and think
Of Mary’s pain, and the stink!
So thank God for all that He’s done
For saving us all with His son. 
And that Mary was able
To give birth in that stable!

Watching and Waiting

This morning I’m watching the cricket
And so far there has been no wicket.
I’m thinking of Mary 
No doubt she was wary
If you’re pregnant you just have to stick it!

Mary could sit on the ass
An expectant and eager young lass
With the days passing by
No doubt she would sigh
Hoping her time would soon pass!

Joseph was there at her side
Companion throughout her ride
Walking along 
Maybe singing a song
Knowing time they would just have to bide!

Moving along day and night
I’m sure they were travelling light
They would have spent lots of hours
Camping under the stars
Would Bethlehem soon come in sight?

I suppose that I just have to mention
There would have been some comprehension
Mary was meek and mild
But she’s having a child
So I’m sure there was some apprehension!

They were not forlorn 
On that first Christmas morn
Their fears all unfounded 
Their joy was unbounded 
When our saviour was born! 

The Good Book

I wrote a book some years ago of which I was quite proud
It was about St Peter’s wife and all the gospel crowd.
I tried to get it published but I didn’t try too hard
I didn’t have the courage. In fact I was a coward.
I just took one rejection then published it myself.
Is it any wonder the book stayed on the shelf?
Now I’ve changed to poetry, people are quite kind
I think I’ll try to publish. I have made up my mind!
Was it like this for Matthew, for John, or Mark, or Luke?
They didn’t have to publish a commercial book!
Thank goodness for the gospels diverse but so profound
I am really thankful that the Good Book is around.

Something New

I’ve finally decided that we need something new.
Perhaps it’s foolish, but we think second hand won’t do!
Our old one isn’t finished but it really shows it’s age
So we think that it is time to turn another page.
Of course we are quite fussy and we must both agree
On the specification of the one we see.
There are many options and choices we could make
But at this stage we do not know the one that we should take!
We might be indecisive. We’re certainly not sure!
And for our dilemma there is no easy cure!
We don’t like modern styling and it’s clearance must be good
There are so many ifs and buts that I could get quite rude.
Then of course there are our friends who all give good advice
So even though decided, we’d probably think twice!
Then how should we pay for it? Outright, or contract hire?
If there are more options I think I might expire!
It’s really not important. It will not change my life
So I’ll agree to anything that will suit my wife.
The big things in our life are good for which we thank are God.
So why, when picking motor cars, must we be so odd!
At Christmas there was something new which God sent to the earth
And there were no arguments about our Saviour’s birth.
It was not a sinecure with which the pair were tasked
But His parents were just happy to do what they were asked.
I thank our God for Christmas when he sent His Son
To be the Saviour of the world for me, and everyone!

Golf

It is with humility that I approach a green
For my woeful putting is the worst you’ve ever seen!
Golf can really mirror life with all it’s ups and downs
Brief times for exultation but also lots of frowns.
You have to look ahead to see where you want to go
But as with life, if plans will work, you really do not know!
You have the best intentions but you do not have the skill
For sticking to the fairway and avoiding every ill!
Sometimes you are bunkered, and sometimes in the trees,
With not a chance of getting out, despite your earnest pleas!
Sometimes it’s unplayable or lands in ditch or lake
And then there is a penalty that you just have to take!
You can hit it out of bounds and have to play again
And hopefully you’ll get it right or it is such a pain! 
There is a price you have to pay for getting things so wrong
But sometimes everything goes right and you can sing a song!
The parallels with life are clear we sometimes lose our way
And end up in some trouble for which we have to pay.
At times we hit rock bottom and have to start from there
Then there is the pain and grief we often have to bear.
Luckily we have a friend who’s with us on our path
And He can give us comfort in the aftermath.
God is ever faithful like the perfect golfing mate
He doesn’t leave us in the mire or leave us to our fate
He is in there with us looking for the ball
And when we are in danger He’s the one who gives the call.
He’s the one encouraging in everything we do.
And in the end it’s really Him that helps us safely through!

The Orange Tree

I had a picture in my head, which I don’t understand
It was of an orange tree standing proud and grand.
The fruit was lush and full and ripe as far as I could see
But, as I don’t like oranges, they clearly weren’t for me!
Then as I looked the fruit was gone with blossom in it’s place
Then the tree just disappeared! Vanished without trace!
This is quite unusual. I don’t often visualise.
All my thoughts, in general, are in a wordy guise.
My memory for sentences and words is not too bad
But I could be blindfolded for the pictures I have had! 
I do not know what triggered off this picture in my brain
And I can not interpret it despite my might and main.
I share it in the hope that it has meaning for another
If you know what it may mean, I pray you’ll tell me brother?

Hearing

My hearing is still pretty good for which I must give thanks
But I sometimes beg repeats! One of my foolish pranks!
Surely I remember the girl who shouted fire
And people all ignored her saying “Little liar!”
She had thought it funny to create a false alarm
But in the end she was ignored and came at last to harm!
I have no trouble hearing when I concentrate
But if my mind is elsewhere my listening isn’t great!
My wife goes apoplectic when I don’t attend.
And warns me almost daily that my ways I ought to mend!
Then there is the problem of doing what I’m told
Sometimes I’m forgetting as my memory goes cold.
Then there are the times when something is against my will
If no one is watching me, they may be waiting still! 
Could be in my prayer life I may act the same
If I do not listen there’s only me to blame!
God will not stand over me to see that I comply
So if I get in trouble, that’s the reason why.
Lord I want to hear you, forgive my listening gaps
I really want to do your will without a single lapse!

Preparations

Going through the busyness, the hassle and the fuss,
Which this season seems to bring to every one of us.
This is meant to be a time of goodwill and of joy
So why is there so much we find to wind up and annoy?
We worry about presents, about Christmas cards and food 
And, before we know it, we are not in the mood!
What will others think about the presents we have bought?
Or will our Christmas message be one that they have sought?
What of the decorations? Will they be quite right?
And what will Santa bring the kids late on Christmas night?
Do you think we’ve got things wrong? What’s it all about?
There really is no need for us to tear our hair and shout!
God sent to earth His only son to rescue you and me
And I’m prepared to tell you it should be hassle free!

Carol Singing

I love carol singing it fills my heart with joy,
Not just in celebration of Mary’s baby boy.
I just love the music of an old familiar song
With words that fit so easily for me to sing along.
A group of us were singing before a football game
And, if no one could hear us, I am not to blame!
I may not have a brilliant voice but I am rather loud
Just the thing for singing to an MK football crowd.
The crowd were joining in, with carols that they knew
And paying out for charity, as happy people do!
It is a wondrous time of year that we can share with all
With the Christmas carol as a wondrous clarion call!

Half Way Through a Journey

When you’re half way through a journey 
At the point of no return
You wonder why you started
And you might just start to girn!
You have come a long way
And there’s just as far to go.
You are tired and weary
And you start to drag and slow!
The ending isn’t quite in sight
And you wish you hadn’t started.
You are not as eager 
As you were when you departed!
Lift your eyes up to the heavens
See the stars are shining bright
Everything seems better 
In their glorious twinkling light.
Your burdens seem much lighter
And your heart is full of hope.
And you will find you’re walking
On a much more easy slope!
The vastness of the universe
Makes troubles become small
And you’re no longer frightened
And know you’re walking tall.
So it’s been forever
For every mortal man
They will forget their trials
And know they really can
Make molehills out of mountains
And strive for every goal
For God has given beauty,
Which gratifies the soul!

Speed Restrictions

Travelling on the motorway is really not much fun 
There are speed restrictions which apply to everyone!
The stretch from Northampton to Watford Gap is vile
You have to stick to fifty for mile on weary mile!
Of course you can go faster in an Audi or Merc
Or in a BMW you can be a 'Burke'!
The rules just don't apply to you, your arrogance is fine
A shame that you endanger the likes of me and mine!
The rules are meant so we are safe as we drive along.
And to endanger others is just plainly wrong!
Of course it's not all drivers in expensive cars
Most of them, like you and me, just hate those tedious hours
But they know it's their duty merely to comply!
And they drive on safely just like you or I.
So hats off to the people who have concern for others
They are not self-centred but treat all men as brothers.
I don't care if you're humanist or, if like me, you're odd
But, for your compassion, I will thank my God.

The Present List

What do you want for Christmas? 
We all have heard the question,
Maybe from a relative
Who needs a good suggestion.
Could be from a parent 
Needing clues for Santa Claus.
But it is a question, now,
That causes me to pause!
What do I want for Christmas?
I have all I need.
It seems to me that wanting gifts
Is the height of greed!
Surely there are better things 
That I would want to see:
A world that is at last at peace
With everybody free?
No children going hungry?
No homeless sleeping rough?
No blind, no lame, no vulnerable?
No one who’s life is tough?
No senile dementia?
No people dying young?
No disease or cancer?
A new song to be sung?
While I pray for all these things
From the bottom of my heart
I just hope I’ll live to see
Some improvements start!
I have little influence
And very little say,
But this can be my mission:-
I can kneel and pray!

Who Are You Expecting?

If we expect a stranger, we want to impress,
We will clean the house up. There can't be any mess!
To make a good impression we go to any lengths
We make it so we get our chance to show our greatest strengths.
An old friend, on the other hand, will take us as we are
They will still be friends with us though we're under par.
What friend would dream of pointing out every minor flaw?
We surely do not hold them in dread, or fear, or awe!
They'd get a hug of welcome. We'd make them feel at ease.
It would be no trouble we'd do anything to please.
When our Lord is coming it will be the same
He will not be looking out for people he can blame!
He is a friend to all of us.
The best friend we ever had.
He has loved us in our shame and when we're being bad.
So look forward to His coming and welcome His return.
For you have His friendship - a prize you could not earn!

Ripples

Toss a pebble in a pond and watch the ripples grow
You will see them starting out but won't know where they go!
It's the same with words and deeds. We send them on their way
But what they may lead to no mortal man can say.
A simple act of kindness may help another through
But we have no insight into what it may lead to.
A kind word of encouragement may lead to great endeavour
And the good that that might do will go on for ever!
We lead by example and other folk may follow
This might take them to the heights or to some dismal hollow!
It is not only good we do that other folk may see!
So what kind of example do you want to be?
One of my poor rhymes, I'm told, was quoted by a preacher
Though I've never sought to be a religious teacher!
Now there is an encouragement for me to do my best
Who knows with what great bounty our simple acts are blessed?

Pilgrimage

There is a place in Cornwall that means a lot to me
In Church Cove, Gunwalloe . A chapel by the sea.
It is a place of peace and calm that storms can not destroy
To sit inside it's welcome is to me a constant joy.
The cove is filled with boulders tossed there by the waves
But yet it is the haven my very being craves.
When I am in Cornwall I'm drawn by its lure
And,if my heart is saddened, I find it the cure.
The church of St. Winwaloe stands beside the sea
A testament to God above that means the world to me.

Communications

We all want instant access no matter where we are
Broadband fibre in the house and Bluetooth in the car.
We get apoplectic if our wifi won't connect
Or if the speed of download is not what we expect.
If our mobile signal is just a mere 3G,
And not the higher order that we expect to see,
Then we are disgusted, throw our toys out of the pram
And try to give our iPhones a grievous body slam!
Some will think me lucky and others merely odd
That I have instant contact with an ever loving God!
He is on my wavelength at any time of day
Giving me attention when I wish to pray.
If I care to listen, He gives messages to me.
Though sometimes I am stubborn and do not wish to see!
Thank you God for listening and Your constant care
I am just so fortunate that You are always there!

In a Fog

Travelling down the motorway in a dreadful fog
Waiting for constrictions which would make the traffic clog,
Made me think how much of life we don't understand.
We seem to be in such a fog no matter what we've planned!
Most things never happen the way we thought they would
But yet the way they turn out can lead to something good!
Ok, I know there's tragedy so very hard to face
But we do survive it with God's amazing grace.
We are in a fog, I know, and do not have God's plan
But we can always trust Him, at least I know I can!
In this time of Advent this at least we know
God Almighty sent His Son because he loved us so.

Celebration

Raise your glass to a great lady, Robina was her name.
She lived her life out fully. That is her claim to fame!
She stood straight as a ramrod and taught for many years.
And raised two lovely children with little cause for tears.
Married to an engineer, full of bonhomie
He was a great raconteur who rattled on with glee!
Of course he sometimes got it wrong but she would put him right!
The pair of them together was an awesome sight!
The had their fun with tennis, their sailing and their skis
But life with all its ups and downs they dealt with as a breeze!
Though without her partner, through her later life,
She could always celebrate that she had been his wife.
I still recall with gladness, when I came to stay,
That they were so welcoming I'd dread to go away.
She never lost her gentleness, her graciousness, her mind.
A humbler, greater lady it would be hard to find.
I cannot now be with her kids to celebrate today
But my thoughts are with them and I can surely pray.
So:
Raise your glass to a great lady, Robina was her name.
She lived her life out fully. That is her claim to fame!

Advent Day 4

Homeless

I talk about the beauty of a night so cold and still
And of the frosty landscape that gives me such a thrill.
But what about the people who live upon our streets?
Not for them the duvet and the clean white cotton sheets!
Shivering throughout the night in doorway or on bench
With the people walking past complaining of the stench!
Some have mental illness and others without jobs
And politicians classing them as scroungers or as slobs.
What a caring lot we are who just walk quickly by
Saying as we pass them: “There, but for grace, go I”
Can nobody help them? Are we all so crass
That we see such misery and merely let it pass?
Night Shelter does it’s best for them with limited resource
Several Christian churches are in the line, of course.
But what of all the others? The council and the press?
They just blame the homeless for making such a mess!
I ask my God for mercy that I do not do much
And that for these poor creatures he shows his loving touch.
Remember when you’re eating your massive Christmas dinner
Those who live upon the streets forever getting thinner!
God make me show compassion and share your love around
Especially to those who sleep, in squalor, on the ground.

Frosty Morning

Frosty Morning

A cold and frosty morning with ice upon the screen
Even on the inside, the worst I’ve ever seen!
Pouring lots of water and scraping all around
And looking at the white stuff lying on the ground.
Driving with the heater blasting hot hair round the car
With the air so cold and still you could see every star.
Braking, oh so carefully, avoiding skids and slides
It seems just as dangerous as helter-skelter rides’
Arriving at the golf course and feeling pretty cold
With some little aches and pains so I feel quite old!
My breath appears like clouds of steam in the frigid air
But as I want to play my golf, I couldn’t really care!
The frost was lying white as snow as we approach the tee
And, as the sun has not yet climbed, it’s difficult to see!
Furry hats and mittens are the order of the day
And if we had no long johns we wouldn’t want to play.
I suppose that we are wondering if playing golf is sane
But yet I’m sure that next time we’d do the same again!
Then the sun arises in a blue and perfect sky
And there’s so much beauty for me to feast my eye.
There’s some autumn colour, though many trees are bare
And you can sense the squirrels hiding in their lair.
The world our God has given fills my heart with wonder.
I wish there were no evil men to tear it all asunder!
As we approach this Christmastide how lucky have I been
To revel in the beauty of this frosty winter scene. 

Day 2
An Autumn Picture

I've just seen a picture by an old friend of mine
The Reverend William Mather's work is always very fine.
He seems to know the essence of the things within his sight
And the shades of colour made by different light.
He captures them so brilliantly it makes me want to cry
It plays with my emotions and leaves me on a high.
His picture of a woodland with autumn's golden glow
Makes me feel that it's a place I really want to know.
I just feel transported to a world that's full of beauty
And William feels to capture it is a sacred duty.
He shares them now on Facebook for all the world to see
I hope he knows the pleasure he gives to you and me!

Advent 2016
Day 1

Advent has started today
It waited till I went away
But I can still rhyme
If I get the time
Hence I can still have my say !

Wait and See

An awful lot of people have seemed to take the hump
About the shock election of a man called Donald Trump.
He struck a chord with people who felt they had no choice
Stuck in situations where they felt they had no voice.
They just wanted promises of better things ahead
So rather than the old guard, try someone new instead!
We listened to his sound bites and frankly we were shocked
We thought that the asylum might have been left unlocked!
All of his solutions had a popular appeal
Like offal to a beggar who longs for any meal!
They might be downright fanciful and even grossly flawed
And to anyone with half a brain seemed distinctly odd!
Like all politicians he has promised something magic 
And that they believed him is really rather tragic.
Now reality will hit. He’ll have to think things through
And find that there are lots of things that he can’t really do!
We know that politicians can never be believed
So on this one occasion we should be relieved
I suspect that his advisors will make him toe the line
And we may find, to our surprise, that he will do just fine! 

Church Weekend Away

On mature consideration of the Church weekend away
I find that there are some things that I just have to say.
The venue was terrific even though I didn’t sleep
And there are some memories that I will always keep.
The speakers were inspiring like a bagpipes thrilling call
Though getting off our backsides may not appeal to all!
We are in for changes like you would not believe
And what my own small role will be I can not perceive.
A whisper in my consciousness said I had my verse,
Which I share with people, and I could do worse!
God gave me this gifting and He likes to see it used
If I just ignored it that gift would be abused!
The speaker had a model for how a church should grow
And, though we might not understand, this much we should know:
We should start with solitude seeking Jesus’ voice
Then seek support of others in His mission choice.
Then just go and do it. There is no other way
And Jesus will be with us each and every day!
Starting off with solitude between myself and God
Had me feeling guilty, which was neither strange nor odd.
It gave me a conviction of something I should do
And that I should do it before the day was through!
I know I have been grumpy when I do not like a song
When I grumble at repeats and do not sing along.
If other people like them why should I moan and gripe?
Have I become a person of a nasty moaning type?
I asked my Lord for courage to crawl out of the dirt
And go and ask forgiveness of the one who I had hurt.
I was met with graciousness and a loving word
And smothered in a loving hug, which did not seem absurd.
Thank You for this weekend filled with joy and love
And please help me to follow the voice of God above.

Autumn Colours

I see the Autumn colours as I drive round Milton Keynes.
The oranges reds and yellows mixed with browns and greens.
I've been in other places like New England in the fall
And okay, the spread is smaller and the trees are not so tall
But we have, on our doorstep, a beauty of our own.
It gives me  as much pleasure as I have ever known.
When the sun is shining the colours are so bright
And in the mists of Autumn they fill the world with light
It's splendour and its majesty seem to lift my soul
My spirit is exalted for such beauty makes me whole.
If you are not religious this next bit will seem odd
But for this glorious vision I just thank my God!

Easy Money

We’ve become a culture that is almost based on greed
And it is the adverts that cultivate the seed!
You must all have seen them offering free bets.
Just think of the riches an accumulator gets!
Pick the results of matches and the basic odds will grow
But I think there’s something you really ought to know!
The odds are with the bookie every single time
They know they are going to win with confidence sublime!
Have you ever seen a bookie signing on the dole?
You may be winning once or twice but you’ll lose on the whole!
And now just think how easy it is to place your wager
No travel to the bookies or doing something major.
Just press a little button on the phone within your hand
And you use your credit card for any cash demand!
My word, before you notice, you have slipped into debt
But there’s no need to worry. There’s loans that you can get.
They don’t ask any questions. Just give you loads of money.
But what about the interest rate? It really isn’t funny!
And I have got news for you – you have to pay it back.
All because your greed has moved you slightly off the track!
Betting is the way it starts, that very slippery slope
And the only way it ends is with you losing hope.
Who on earth will sort this out? Are we all too weak?
What of the Tory party? It’s only power they seek!
Big business pays their wages so they’ll not interfere.
Of course we all want freedom. No regulation here!
But is it really freedom, which lands us in the cart?
Lord please act to change it. I pray with all my heart!

Redemption

Lord we all betray you and turn our heads away
We do not acknowledge You. Forgive us all we pray.
Peter thrice denied You when put upon the spot
Though he professed he loved you ever such a lot.
When the time of challenge came he was running scared
And, to stand beside You, he was not prepared!
Three times You then asked him if his love was true
And despite his failures you told him what to do.
He had got a calling and once he was redeemed 
He would follow truly however tough it seemed,
Of course he could not do it with his human strength 
But with your Holy Spirit he could go to any length.
Peter still remembered the night of his great shame
But died and rose to glory still praising Your great name
Lord give us forgiveness for the times when we fall back
And send your Holy Spirit to keep us straight on track.
Let us all proclaim You and stand firm in the test
Until at last you welcome us to our eternal rest.

Altitude

I did something yesterday that I was scared about.
It filled my heart with terror and filled my mind with doubt.
I have flown commercially all around the world
Never being worried as the flights unfurled
But flying with one engine in a tiny little plane
I had just considered to be quite insane!
I refused trips in a seaplane looking out for whales
I wondered what would happen if the engine fails?
I didn't want to venture to explore Grand Canyon's sights
I wanted my feet planted cos I am scared of heights!
Imagine then my horror when offered a round trip
In a little airplane! My stomach did a flip!
I felt that I could not refuse. It was offered as a treat!
And I would be sitting in the co-pilot's seat!
I heard myself agreeing while my mind was shouting "no!"
As you might imagine I didn't want to go!
But for me the die was cast for I had given my word
To change my mind in cowardice I would find absurd!
In my life l've many times done things that I have feared 
But I got more nervous as the adventure neared!
Come the day I'm praying that I can find the will
For I know my Saviour will protect me still
He has seen me safely through all the trials of life
Through my mental torment and every sort of strife.
My pilot friend was working as I approached the plane
And his thorough checking surely eased my pain
I strapped the plane around me (that is how it feels)
And relaxed my body from my head down to my heels!
We taxied to the runway then sped upon our flight
And I was filled with wonder at every wondrous sight!
The bumps and jumps and tremors of the thermals in the air
Seemed like extra thrills to me as I sat watching there
I've felt exhilaration at many things before
But nothing quite as moving as to feel an airplane soar
Too soon we land at Duxford and look around the site
And I am looking forward to my homeward flight!
The same exhilaration as we sail up on high 
Waltzing back and forward across the lonely sky
The land is meant for mortals. The air just sets us free.
Altitude has got to be the place for you and me!
A thank you to my pilot for giving me the chance 
And to my Lord for leading me on this merry dance.

The high life

There was an old man on a cruise
Who pigged out on pastries and booze
Now just fancy that
He's getting quite fat
And now he's got ten pounds to lose

Why me?

I'm sitting on a cruise ship sipping a cool beer
Thinking just how lucky I am to be here.
Lots and lots of people live in poverty
Hoping their next supper will be given free
Also there are others with a life that is so tough
Without a home to go to so they're living rough
Then there's the disabled who live in lots of pain
Or suffering depression with a tortured brain
May God in his mercy hold them in his love
And assure them of a future up in heaven above
As for me, a sinner, what more can I say?
I thank you God my father each and every day!
I cannot deserve the riches that you pour on me
For even from my sinning you have set me free!

Introspection

I'm lying here relaxing and feeling really good
Wondering why yesterday I was in a mood!
I do not see the fault in things as an optimist 
And with others moaning I get rather pissed.
They should just enjoy life and be more like me
The world is full of beauty for all of us to see.
Now I'm feeling guilty for the temper that I show
People are all different is something that I know
Why should everybody react just like me? 
I must be more arrogant than everyone I see!
God just make me tolerant of the faults of others
For I know I'm just as bad as any of my brothers!

Growth

When I was young and eager
I had no need to fear
I was full of confidence
Which grew from year to year
I met life’s every challenge 
And felt no price too dear

I tilted at my windmills
And fell from time to time
But picked myself right up again
And then resumed the climb
For I was young and foolish
And failure was no crime

I progressed in my work life
Looking for promotion
When it didn’t happen
Hurt was my emotion
So I moved to other parts
An optimist’s locomotion 

I married in the meantime
A girl who won my heart
And filled my life with rapture
Together or apart
She held my life together
My defender from the start

Our children were a joy to us
As we watched them grow
Would we could have taught them
Everything we know
None the less they have survived 
And flourished even so

Now we’ve reached maturity
And live a life of leisure
And we have sufficient 
To never long for treasure
We can look back upon our lives
With undiminished pleasure

I thank my God for everything
That I have done and seen
From all my murky doings
He has made me clean
And looking to the future
I’m eager and I’m keen

My Heart Bleeds for France
Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite

Liberte

My heart bleeds for France. I feel their pain.
I’ve cried before and I’ll cry again!
Their cities may be torn to bits and children blown apart
With mindless, cruel, slaughter by people with no heart! 
And yet we pray for tolerance, forbearance and for calm
This is the work of lunatics. We must not blame Islam. 
Their people fought for liberty through war and revolution
They’ll stand against the terrorists with steady resolution.

Egalite

My heart bleeds for France. I feel their pain.
I’ve cried before and I’ll cry again!
Attacked upon the very day they celebrate their nation,
With a monster truck of death, creating devastation.
And yet we pray for tolerance, forbearance and for calm
This is the work of lunatics. We must not blame Islam.
Their people made equality the byword of their cause
Long before we entered it as a UN clause!

Fraternite

My heart bleeds for France. I feel their pain.
I’ve cried before and I’ll cry again!
They could not stop the driver but hail the man who tried.
He tried to climb into the cab but like the rest he died
And yet we pray for tolerance, forbearance and for calm
This is the work of lunatics. We must not blame Islam.
They made a call for brotherhood with all their thoughts for others!
Like France we call with clarity that all men should be brothers! 

Remember

They volunteered those gallant boys 
To go to war and leave their toys.
From every county shire and town
They would not let their country down.
They went with singing off to war 
And knew what they were fighting for.
Then amid the mud of France 
Their generals led them on a dance.
Safe they were behind the lines.
Not for them the shells or mines!
They totted up their deadly score 
And cheered when Germany lost more!
After the Somme and Paschendale
Back at home the women wail.
It was the war to end all strife,
So men could live a peaceful life!
But nations have to have their rights
And this has led to other fights!
Then a noble thought was born
In an early fifties dawn.
If we could work for common good
Then peace at last is understood!
Thus Europe was at last united
Over lands where we once fighted.
This has worked for many a year
And people had no cause to fear.
Now our country is divided
Over the good which, this provided.
Our needs we feel are paramount
And to ourselves we should account.
But let us pause and work together
Through this rough and stormy weather.
Though we are no longer in
We don’t know where we should begin!
But in our struggles let’s not cease
Ensuring Europe lives at peace!

Hope, be very hopeful!

Lord, our rock and our salvation.
The steady saviour of our nation.
Our unity is torn asunder
And in division it's no wonder.
Our leaders fail to lead the way.
In fact they don't know what to say!
The poor are getting poorer.
The weak are getting weaker.
We know the rich will be alright
They count their money and sit tight!
Let us all unite in prayer
Call to the God we know will care.
We know that we have cause to hope
With His help I'm sure we'll cope.
Lord, our rock and our salvation.
The steady saviour of our nation!

Referendum

Do we want to leave it? Or do we want to stay?
And really does it matter if we’re voting either way?
The fat cats will get fatter no matter what we do
And they will take no notice of either me or you!
The economic arguments are just a load of trash
Though I know uncertainty may well lead to a crash!
It’s the narrow mindedness that makes me want to scream
I would rather try to build a universal dream.
I can’t stand intolerance. I’ve been taught to care
About the good of others from here or anywhere!
I’m not an isolationist. I like to be inclusive
And I don’t find the status quo the slightest bit intrusive!
Whichever way the voting goes the thing has been divisive
And hopefully the vote will be really quite decisive!
Afterwards I hope that we can all work for each other
For like my Lord I want to call every man my brother!

Responsibility 

I hate to hear the devil being blamed when e'er we sin
People praying fervently that he can't get in.
Surely they must realise that he has no power
The Holy Spirit conquers him in every single hour!
It is not the devil that puts lust in our heart
And in our greedy natures he hasn't any part!
It is not his envy, laziness or spite 
That tempts us to do nasty things hidden from the light.
It is our sinful nature that causes us to err
We do not need a devil acting as a spur.
The responsibility lies with each one of us
It is not the devil who causes all the fuss.
I am just a sinner as bad as all the rest
But I do not do things at satan's foul request
I do them at the prompting of my sinful soul
But if I can repent my sin Christ has made me whole.
I need the Holy Spirit each and every day
So my human nature can't lead me astray!
Oh Lord, you know my failings and love me as I am
And have always done so since I was in my pram!

London Trip

Travellling to London on a somewhat crowded train
Mem'ries of commuting raise their head again. 
I can just be thankful that it isn't every day 
But to earn a living there may be no other way!
This is just a day trip and it should be fun
Perhaps it would be better if there was a bit of sun?
Going to see where government has its seat of power 
Where the politicians get their chance to star!
Do we get the politicians that we really need?
Upright, true and honest? Not inspired by greed?
If we can't be bothered to vote for honest men
We'll get the crooks and charlatans every now and then! 
Going to the loo at Euston costs you 30p
But Green Park tube is worse than that 50p, not free!
Walking round in London looking at the view
It is really something that you have to do.
The mother of all parliaments is a sight to see
The place where our democracy is meant to keep us free.
Statues of the great and good standing in a line
Ghandi and Mandela show that freedom's doing fine.
Now we're at the station with lots of cancellation
And when we get to home at last there'll be some jubilation !

Confidence?

You may think me brash and confident when you see me speak

You do not know my nightmare, that my voice could be a squeak!

You do not see the trembling as I approach a stage

Or the moisture in my eyes that blurs my scripted page.

You do not hear the heartbeat that seems to fill my ears

Or the voice that tells me to give in to my fears.

You cannot feel the solid lump that rises in my throat

Or the sinking feeling that tells me I can’t float!

You don’t know my expectation that I will fall apart

And that people will just ridicule what I consider art.

I mock my grave pretensions to some poetic skill

Yet in my heart I know I wish that some may like it still!

You ask me why I put myself through all this angst and pain

When every time I know that I might fall apart again?

I suppose, if I am honest, it’s approval that I crave

But oh how much I wish that I was really, really brave!

So if you see me standing there so confident and brash

Spare a thought for one who thinks they’re heading for a crash!

Petronelle 

She was a little lady with a soul just full of song 

And Face to Face with Jesus she would surely get along!

She played on the piano with gusto and with skill

And if you heard her playing you will recall it still!

She passed her love of music on to those of yesteryear

Teaching them Recorder, well, those who had the ear!

My kids abiding memories of their first years in church

We're of that little lady who'd not leave you in the lurch.

Her knowledge of church music and hymns both new and old

Was encyclopaedic, or at least that's what I'm told!

She played for many services, leading choirs as well

And if she disagreed with you was not afraid to tell!

You could be the Rector or a bishop with a staff

You would approach  'P' cautiously with a nervous laugh!

She had her opinions and was prepared to fight

And she would have the evidence to prove that she was right!

Her spirit was unquenchable driven by her love

She was forever trusting in our Lord above.

Missed with real affection in her fading years

We do not mourn her passing with very many tears.

She's now with the Master she's followed all her days

And she will spend her future singing out His praise.

Vegas

Looking back on Vegas is my greatest pleasure
Though of course it's good that a nation has some leisure!
The hotels are spectacular and employ a lot of staff
And the famous shows are there to let you have a laugh.
The casinos are so noisy that you cannot really think 
With people losing money as fast as you can blink!
On average every punter loses £15 pounds an hour
I do not think my pension would take me very far!
All of this is based upon the human vice of greed
Encouraged by the billionaires who get just what they need!
You do not see them gamble, 
they just take it in.
Taking full advantage of this avaricious sin!
The love of money is the root of evil, so they say
But what of those enticing the simpletons to play?
And who are we to sit and judge? We get to be as bad!
Using phones for gambling is really very sad
We can see the adverts which encourage us to punt.
You can even use your phone on this treasure hunt!
We are all voracious in our hunt for gaining more
And we can find excuses until our minds are sore!
May the Lord protect us from this all pernicious sin
For it is so easy for us all to be sucked in!

By the Rivers of Babylon

To get away from Vegas was our one desire
For the Jazz and glitter filled our hearts with ire!
We went upon a boat float on the Colorado river
On the wide green water cold enough to cause a shiver.
We saw man's proud intrusion, the mighty Hoover Dam,
Which held the mighty river as quiet as a lamb!

Then we sat down

We floated down the river through the Canyon Black
Over swirls and eddys but also waters slack.
We sat and had a picnic on a stretch of sand
And felt that it was put there as if at God's command!

Yea we wept when we remembered Zion

After several hours of restful contemplation 
Feeling most contented with God's good creation
We were taken captive by a driver in a bus
To take us back to Vegas without any fuss
Our eyes were full of tears as we pondered on our fate
For we were now captive. It was much too late!

We will remember Zion

Still, we will remember Zion in captivity,
The grandeur of creation will always go with me.
The tacky source of sordid wealth based on human greed
Can never overcome the beauty made as God decreed.

How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?

With all our hearts!

Speechless

I am running out of words describing what I see
The beauty of God's nature is overpowering me!
From canyon on to canyon all different and impressive
From Grand to Antelope to Bryce the grandeur seems excessive.
My jaw has dropped so many times I'm sure it's getting slack
For I've seen every colour from white right through to black!
The sculpture is magnificent, the peacefulness ideal 
And there is so much of it, it really seems surreal!
In between the beauty spots are sights which also thrill
In looking out the window my eyes can feast their fill!
All this on top of touring in the "land of the long white cloud"
That's not been taken over by folk of "the wrong white crowd" !
I recognise how fortunate I am to share this pleasure
With the boon companion God gave me to treasure.
I just thank my Saviour for the good things I enjoy
For wealth and health and happiness and love which cannot cloy.
But at this very moment my vocabulary I plunder
To find some words to document this overwhelming wonder!

Easter Sunday

It is Easter Sunday and I haven't been to church
But I have not left my Saviour in the lurch!
No rousing dawn Communion, no singing in the aisle
But I have to tell you I communed in style!
I know my Lord has risen, praise be to God above
But I have seen more evidence of his power and love!
My head was full of wonder and my heart was full of joy
As I saw God's greatest sculpture. I was a lucky boy!
God has used a river to create such awesome sights!
They'll fill my days with wonder and dreams will fill my nights.
The Colorado river has etched so deep and wide
A chasm in the landscape where it can really hide!
I could not see much river but I knew that it was there
Hiding in the canyon with the rocks so bare!
I have loved the sights I've seen and really I'm in bliss
For I will never, ever see a better sight than this!
Thank you God for giving me this chance to see your art
And in helping with your work let me do my part.