Remembrance

On a cold and wintry morning with a wind designed to chill
I stood before the monument and felt a bitter thrill.
As I heard the Last Post sounding for those who lost their lives,
In wars that took them early from their children and their wives,
I thought of all the carnage, the misery and fear
In the muddy trenches in that war of yesteryear.
As we stood in silence to commemorate the dead
Thoughts of bloody conflict were rolling round my head.
How could a nation's leaders throw away a generation?
And yet they seemed to do it with no sign of hesitation.
Who stirs up racial hatred? Who feels they have the right
To boast superiority and try to prove their might?
We've seen it throughout history this glorying in war!
Persuading every squaddie that it's worth dying for.
As the silence lengthens I'm almost in despair
For the young to lose their lives is never really fair!
Then I hear Reveille the call to rise once more
And I am full of gladness that thrills me to the core.
I know there is a better life were pain and death are gone
The fallen can partake of it while we must soldier on.
But we have a certain hope that when our lives are through
We will know the joy, my God, to live again with You.
The sadness of remembrance is moving to behold
But glorious redemption is worth much more than gold!

Awe and Wonder

When I look around the world at all that God created
My need to praise my Maker can surely not be sated.
I’ve seen the Rocky Mountains capped with ice and snow
And been inside the forests where the mighty redwoods grow.
I’ve visited New England in it’s autumnal glory
And listened to Niagra narrate its thunderous story.
I’ve watched the jagged lightning flash around a sandy bay
And seen upon an ocean the impish dolphins play.
I’ve seen majestic geysers burst into the sky
And felt the frightening tremors of an earthquake passing by.
I’ve watched the crashing breakers beat upon a shore
And heard the wondrous stories of the babe that Mary bore.
I have seen the miracle when God creates new life
With tears cascading from my eyes as I hugged my wife.
I’ve basked in glorious sunshine and sheltered from a storm
And frozen in the winter, unable to keep warm.
I’ve gazed into the vastness of a star filled velvet sky
And could not help but ponder on the reason why?
Why did God do this for me? I’m sure it was no blunder.
That I and every other man be filled with awe and wonder!

Fred Clark

I’d like to pay a tribute to a cricket mate of mine.
‘Twas with the greatest sadness that I heard he’d crossed the line.
He came along to Bletchley to show us northern grit,
To put some steel into our game and try to get us fit.
In every cricket battle he’d fight until the end
And I was glad in matches that he was my friend!
He bowled with pace and accuracy always on the spot.
He was quite affronted if a ball was not a dot!
Though he could hit the ball for six he sold his wicket dear
I’m sure that if he’d had to he would bat out for a year!
He had lots of big ideas to improve the club
And even if they went awry, he was not one to blub!
He’d just roll his sleeves up and have another go
His determination was always out on show!
He brought his wife and kids along as all of us can do
And of course they got involved to help old Bletchley through
James, of course, was playing while Vicki did the score
Lynda helped us out with teas and did a whole lot more.
I’m glad he’s free form all his pain so we should not be sad
He put his heart in all he did and was a well loved Dad.
My sympathy is with his kids and all the family
But he’ll play heavenly cricket for all the saints to see!

Rest in Peace Fred.

The Shipyard

The shipyard's standing empty. We've launched another boat.
We know that it has been well built and now it is afloat.
The Lord is with our projects so they cannot fail
And we can all be filled with joy and watch St Frideswide sail
Now we need to tidy up. To rest and to take stock.
That we'll build another ship is really not a shock.
We've got a great designer with a secret plan
Not ready yet to be revealed to any mortal man.
Some things we are sure about. The plan will be quite new
And we'll be given all the tools to see the project through.
In the meantime, in the shipyard, we will learn new skills
To cope with any changes that the designer wills.
The new ship must be able to sail a restless sea
With lots of new conditions. We don't know what they'll be.
But it is with excitement we face a changing scene
And we will be as fervent as we have ever been.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis you really are a pain.
I would love to walk in comfort once again!
When I wake I feel the fear rolling round my head
I almost scream in agony when I hop out of bed!
I feel like Long John Silver as I hobble to the loo,
I’m in so much torment I don’t know what to do!
Ok, in twenty minutes the pain has eased a bit
To a more steady aching as I walk on it.
It gets worse throughout the day until I climb the stair
The pain subsides at duvet time while I am lying there!
Then it is the morning and the cycle starts once more
I put my foot upon the ground and it is really sore! 

Fair

No one ever told us that life was always fair
It’s not the good and worthy who get the lion’s share.
Some are blessed with happiness and others may have wealth.
Some are cursed with illness and others have good health. 
I have seen the best of folk struck down with foul disease
While lots of undesirables appear to live at ease!
I have seen happy people who seem to live on crumbs
And the rich and famous who haven’t any chums!
It matters not the fairness of whatever may transpire
It is our hearts contentment we ought to desire.
To make the best of what you have and not to envy others;
To be at peace with all the world and treat all men as brothers;
To share with those around you a smile or kindly word;
To chuckle at life’s problems as if they are absurd;
To know that in this earthly walk you are not alone.
There’s someone you can talk to and you will not need a phone!
My God is my companion, my soul mate and my friend
And he will be with me until I reach my end!
So whether things are fair, or not, they are just part of life
And, if we can accept them, it causes us less strife!

Contentment

I am happy with my lot. I couldn't ask for more!
I have my health, though sometimes, I am a little sore.
I may be stuck in my routines and like things as they are
I do not crave excitement but my feet aren't stuck in tar.
I don't bore very easily and I like the things I know!
Offer something different and I might just answer, "no!"
Why should I want something new when I like what I've got?
Changes, just for change's sake, impress me, not a lot!
I don't mind improvements, they can offer more
But new things must be better not worse than those before!
This goes for things like music, or road layouts, or food.
When they're not, you'll find me in a stubborn mood!
Things have changed throughout my life and many I embrace
But some, I have to tell you, are no more than a disgrace!
There's mollycoddled children and a lack of discipline
And no respect for others in this modern world we're in.
Too much greed and selfishness from people and from nations
And not too much improvement in inter-race relations.
It seems that we all need to be politically correct.
Wouldn't it be better if we just showed respect?
Ok, I'm getting on in years and set in my own ways
But I am still contented and shall be all my days

Social Justice

We all want social justice whatever that may mean!
Equality is something that we have never seen.
The poor are always with us, which gives us all a chance
To do our bit for justice, their conditions to enhance.
We can soothe our conscience with donations here or there
But do you think that is enough to make our world more fair?
Of course there are the others with much more wealth and power
Our meagre little fortunes would not go very far!
We should leave it all to them. They should do much more.
But remember they are greedy and selfish to the core!
Hang on just a minute! Are we not selfish too?
We hold on to what we’ve got. Even me and you!
We have enough to feed ourselves and our dog or cat,
Compared to many others we are rich and fat.
We have our lovely holidays and boast of what we’ve got
We really must admit it. We have got a lot!
So we need to do our bit not leave it up to others
We can make a difference to our sisters and our brothers.
I cannot judge my fellow man for I am just as bad
And God will judge me on my use of all the things I’ve had!

Ivy

Her name is Ivy Osborne and she is looking great
And you would never, ever guess that she is ninety-eight!
At Wednesday communion she guides us to the altar
And in this humble duty she'll never, ever falter!
She has believed in Jesus during all her days
And she has been determined to follow in His ways.
A quiet unassuming lass, with humour in her eyes
I'll bet that in her heyday she stunned a lot of guys!
I love her warmth and friendliness, her radiance, her smile
And I'm glad that I have known her quite a little while.
May she go on shining for many years to come
Treating all us midweek folk as if she was our mum!
Bless you, Ivy Osborne. I'd just like to say
That we all admire you in a very special way.

Love in the Aftermath

My heart just bleeds for Manchester, a city I knew well.
The television shows me scenes that might have been from hell!
All the grieving parents and the children traumatised.
I know we’ve seen it all before but, still, we are surprised!
What mindless, vile perversion of an ever loving God,
Would slaughter all those innocents. This must be more than odd!
Such hatred has been nurtured by an evil-minded few,
Who sit there in the background as safe as me and you!
They want to see a backlash of vengeance and of hate
Against their Muslim brothers, for they would deem this great!
They want to see a holy war between Islam and the rest
And how we may avoid it only God knows best.
Responding with more violence is acting like a dope!
Christ said “love your enemies” and fill the world with hope!
Love must be the answer. We all have parts to play.
We can help our neighbours, whatever vile men say!
Who then is our neighbour? Anyone in need
Even those we do not like. This is love indeed!
Hatred breeds more hatred, but hatred will not win
If we show the love of God throughout this world we’re in!
I saw this love in action on the streets of Manchester
Muslim taxi drivers who would not accept a fare!
Muslim men and nations, standing side to side with us,
Sharing all the love of God. Let us not miss the bus!

Still Ambitious

I am aged just twenty-five and really in my prime
And in my mind I've been there for quite a little time!
I am quick and agile with lots of strength and vigour 
Bouncing round a field or court a little bit like Tigger!
I rise to every challenge with boldness and with skill
And I can achieve great things because I have the will!
I can race in from fifteen yards and bowl for twenty overs
And take my share of banter and sing of Irish Rovers.
In my mind I'm still the same - young and strong and free
This sixty-eight Year body has naught to do with me!
But when I try to do these things my mind still says I can
I very soon discover a rather feeble man!
I still can play my many sports but without such verve
My shoulder cannot manage a decent tennis serve!
I can bowl very slowly for a little spell
And as I move around a court spectators could not tell!
Ah! Still I have my memories of all my days of glory
And still I have ambition to add more to my story.
So if you see me passing, a man of middle age,
Remember, in my story, I can still add a page.

Election Fever

I have just been walking in the splendour of a wood
With myriad little bluebells to make me feel so good.
The nation may be drawing ever closer to despair,
With politicians planning to make life more unfair,
But while there is such beauty and glory all around
Be sure our God is with us and comfort will be found.
Even in the darkness of a world that’s driven by greed
The bluebells can remind us of all that God decreed.
We may have our struggles and bear a heavy load
But He is right there with us as we walk our weary road.

Bluebells

In amongst the bluebells in a place called “Dokey Wood”
I find their awesome beauty elevates my mood.
Their colour and their majesty captivate my soul
And the tranquil quietness conspires to make me whole.
The blues may be predominant but the gentle browns and greens
Add to the resplendence of the mellow woodland scenes!
The fragrance is so delicate and wafted by the breeze
It overpowers my senses as I walk among the trees.
I thank my God for giving me the chance to see such beauty
And just to describe it is a pleasure not a duty.

Sadness

My heart is filled with sadness but anger lingers there
How could all our fervent prayers end in such despair?
I know that we all have to die to get to better things
But why such pain and suffering until we get our wings!
Why give hope of healing if the result will not be good?
I know that it is not that God is in capricious mood!
I know that He is with us in all our misery
But that still doesn't tell me why all these things should be.
I know there's evil in the world but good should overcome!
And what's the point of praying if God only answers some?
To say the answer can be "no" and that God has his plan
Can not provide much comfort to any girl or man!
Is it predestination that some should die so young
With all the grief and sorrow to which we must give tongue?
Alright, I know it shows we care when we set out to pray
And yes, we ought to listen and not just have our say,
But what about the family who have to cope with grief?
God please be there with them and give them all relief.
Okay, I've finished ranting but still I'm left with pain,
Oh Lord I ask forgiveness let me feel your love again.
You know that I am human please forgive my need to shout
And give me understanding so I'll know what it's about!

He is Risen

We’ve had our dawn communion
Out in Chepstow Park
And the assembled people 
Were singing like the lark.
Our shouts of celebration
May have stirred a bird
But outside the park itself
Would it have been heard?
The world may not have heard us
As we celebrate
So we ought to tell them
Before it is too late!
With all the trouble in the world
We need to chase the blues.
And we know that He’s risen.
The greatest of good news!

Share!

Judas

Do you believe the story exactly as it’s told’
Would he betray his master for silver or for gold?
If that had been his motive he would not have died
But gloating on his profit would have run away to hide!
He had seen the power of Christ since he had been called
And when Christ was crucified he had been appalled.
It is much more likely that this was his solution
Of how to beat the Romans and start a revolution.
This was his understanding of what the Christ would do
And you could bet this figured with his companions too!
All the Jewish nation had suffered from oppression
And their Christ was coming for the nation’s repossession!
We know they didn’t understand what Jesus’ words had meant
And surely Judas figured Jesus knew of his intent.
He knew that Jesus understood what he was going to do
And, with his final words to him, had endorsed it too!
“Go and do it quickly”, is what his master said
And he knew that Jesus had read inside his head.
When events unfolded, and not as he expected,
All of Jesus followers had left him unprotected.
They had all just run away and left him to his fate
And Judas was mistaken, which he found out too late!
Imagine then his horror! Jesus did not use his power,
Submitted to his captors in that ill-fated hour.
No glorious battle anthem, no victory in sight
He just saw his master die before the fall of night!
No wonder he was shattered, as anyone would be
And went and hung himself to die upon a lonely tree.
Of course the other followers poured all the blame on him
Their support for Jesus had been really very slim!
They saw his resurrection, then the Holy Spirit came
But with their guilty feelings they left Judas with the blame!
So spare a prayer for Judas, he was part of God’s great plan
And he might be no more guilty than any other man!

Was it me?

Was it me that stripped you naked and flogged you till you bled?
Was it me that forced that piercing crown of thorns upon your head?
Was it me that scoffed and jeered and spat as you just staggered by?
Was it me that had the blood lust as you were lifted high?
Was it me that placed the mocking sign above your pate?
Was it me who spoke sarcastic words that only reeked of hate?
Was it me who wept and mourned for you as your life went rolling past?
Yet it was me that you forgave as you breathed your last!

Talk

Those of you, who know me, know I talk a lot!
I like conversation and I seldom lose the plot.
Ok, I can’t remember names and sometimes mix them up
And in a recognition test I would not win the cup!
But even in my ignorance I recognise your face 
So lots of lively topics can be discussed apace!
Even with the people I see most every day
Their names are interchangeable as we talk and play.
Some of them get irritated by my endless chatter
And within their back-swing to golfers it does matter!
But I like their company and like to exchange views
And I am most interested to talk and hear their news.
It’s a bit like that with prayer I love to chat with God
And I sometimes listen too, though that may be odd!
When I do I get the prompts I really need to hear
So maybe it is better to shut up and lend an ear!
When I come to think of it that might work with my friends
So I should be quiet and try to make amends!

Temper

I have got a temper, which I struggle to control.
Ok, I don’t get violent just dark within my soul!
My words I use as weapons, which maybe cannot maim
But they can be devastating to someone just the same!
I calm down very quickly but the damage has been done
And I am all contrition that I have hurt someone!
I even hurt the ones I love with the things I say
And though I’m very sorry there is a price to pay.
They do not retaliate, which makes me feel much worse. 
I suffer in my inmost self and there’s no quick reverse!
Lord please make me calmer and dissipate my ire.
Instead just let my love become an ever-living fire.
I know that You forgive me. Please let all people see
The much more loving person that I long to be.

Tidyness

I am like a house you need to tidy all the time!
If you leave it too long there’s lots of dirt and grime.
Once a year spring-cleaning is never quite enough!
To keep the whole place spotless is really rather tough.
We must sort the items out that we have collected
There’s always much more clutter than you have expected!
I accept that doing housework is something I avoid
And wish that I could leave it to some domestic ‘droid!
Of course I have my partner to keep me to the task
But before I do it she really has to ask!
Coming back to me of course there’s such a lot of mess
All the things that I’ve done wrong I don’t have to guess
Luckily my Master gave his life for all my sin
Forgave me all my misdeeds and put them in the bin.
Luckily, He doesn’t rest but tries to keep me clean.
With all the things that I do wrong He must be very keen!
I hope I can be better and follow in His trail
And with a little help from him, in the end, I will not fail! 

Worth the Wait

I have just watched Sergio win the US Masters
After lots of tries which ended in disasters!
It was a tight contest with golf beyond belief
And when he had won you could detect relief.
This was shortly followed by a period of joy
You could tell that he was now a very happy boy!
He had waited many years to win a major prize
And with all his marvellous skills it was no surprise.
The only cause for wonder was why it took so long
He would be on the verge of it and then it would go wrong.
Now he will not bother over all the might-have-beens
He will just remember last night’s ecstatic scenes.
The Jews had waited centuries for their heavenly king
Though they had no real idea of what our Lord might bring.
Unfortunately they missed it for he did not seem great
No triumphal entry no panoply of state.
Waiting is just something we all have to do
But we can be certain that Christ will see it through.
We know he died and rose again to save us from our fate
And for his second coming it will be worth the wait!

Palm Sunday

When I think about my Saviour on his way into the town,
With all the people shouting and throwing palm leaves down,
I scarce believe that they will change, before the week can end,
And cry that the authorities should crucify their friend!
And yet I look around me at people in a crowd
They support their football team by shouting out aloud.
Their manager, they will contend, is the greatest they have had 
At least that’s what they’re shouting until results go bad!
Take a look at Arsenal over all these years
Wenger has not given them any cause for jeers!
Kept them at the top for longer than they could have hoped
Built a brand new stadium, with money tight, he coped.
They are independent not bought by foreign money
And yet the club’s supporters are no longer sweet as honey! 
People can be fickle especially in a mob
I pray that they aren’t able to push him from his job! 
My Lord has come in triumph but he’ll be crucified
But his glorious victory will not be denied.
He has died for all our sins, a noble sacrifice,
But hanging screaming on a cross would not be very nice.
Yet he died and rose again to set us sinners free.
And prepare a heavenly home for us, the likes of you and me!

Coffee

I’m sitting sipping coffee in a fine and mellow mood,
Perhaps because the weather is really rather good.
The sun is warming up the earth, the sky is bright and blue
And all the birds are singing, loudly, just for me and you.
What more could a man desire than sitting in such beauty?
Enough to make an idle man forget his every duty!
But sitting sipping coffee, I really do not care
It is pretty evident that my darling is elsewhere!
She’d be out and doing on such a lovely day
Not sitting sipping coffee in a very lazy way!

Swans

We went to Stratford yesterday just to walk around
The scene was just so beautiful with very little sound.
The ferry plying back and forth on that little chain
The cruise boats chugging downstream and then back up again.
People hiring rowing boats, which they can’t really row
With their merry laughter as on their way they go!
There is a calmness in the scene in that historic place
But what lives, within the mind, is the white swans’ grace.
They float with little effort or so it seems to me
With style and so much elegance for all the world to see!
Yes, they may be paddling hard underneath the water
But there’s just a ripple as the sun gets ever hotter.
Would that I could cope with life like swans that I have seen
Making not a sound or splash but, just like the swan, serene!

Computers

I just love computers when they’re going right
It’s the only way my efforts would ever see the light!
My writing is abysmal, A scrawl beyond belief.
So computers gave me a wonderful relief! 
I’ve always liked to play with words, even as a child
I was brought up on poetry to stop me running wild!
But I could not express it upon a written page
For nobody could read it in that bygone age.
Now I can wax lyrical and write my silly verse
Recounting my reflections and views, which can be worse!
Imagine then my horror when my laptop wouldn’t start
I was so upset I nearly pulled the thing apart!

I just hate computers whenever they go wrong
They can go right for ages stringing you along.
Then just when your backups are really out of date
They know that they’ve got you and refuse to operate!
Thanks to a good friend of mine who knew just what to do
I got the thing to work again and did a backup too!

I just love computers when they do what they are told
But I don’t understand them because I’m getting old!

The Clock

The clock is ticking on the wall.
The second hand is turning.
What is the meaning of it all?
My heart is filled with yearning.
Have I done the things I ought
And not the things I wanted?
What of the treasures I have sought
And the deeds much vaunted?
Is my life a thing of joy,
Full of worth and merit?
Though it is marred with sin’s alloy
I know that I’ll inherit!
My Saviour gave his life for me,
There is no condemnation.
There’s beauty for my eyes to see
And hope in contemplation!
The clock is ticking on the wall.
The second hand is turning.
There is a meaning to it all
For me to be discerning!

Farewell

It’s always very painful when a loved one passes on
It may have been expected but you miss them when they’re gone.
You know their trouble’s over and they’ll have no more pain
But still you realise sadly you won’t hear their voice again.
Other folk around you do not know what they should say
They will say how sad they are your loved one’s passed away.
They may even cross the road so they don’t have to utter
Words of pompous platitudes that they can only mutter.
It takes a little time before the pain will leave your mind
And you realise all your friends are only trying to be kind.
Then you think about their life, which they’ve lived to the full
And maybe how they’ve taught you every golden rule.
Their life was full of happiness of which you were a part
And they will always have a special place within your heart.
You know they would not want to think of you in tears
They’d rather that you celebrated all their golden years.
So throw away your sadness and in a little while
You will find it easy to allow yourself to smile.

Pain and Pleasure

As I'm getting on a bit I live with constant pain.
Of course I do take tablets but it always comes again!
No doubt bits are wearing out perhaps from constant use.
Playing all the sport I do is physical abuse!
I am very lucky that I still enjoy the games
And I still play with others though I forget their names!
I was born competitive and always do my best
Though I may no longer be as good as all the rest!
A bit of pain is worth it for the things that I enjoy
And have done since I learned to play as a little boy!
I am quite contented with my lot in life
And to cap it all I have my ever loving wife!
All my days are filled with joy for she will always be
My adored companion. A vital part of me.
Not a day goes past without me being glad
Of her loving presence and all the fun we've had.

 Family

I have got a family of which I’m very proud
And when I sing their praises I can be very loud!
My wife is like an angel seeing to my need
When I need inspiration she’s the one who plants a seed.
My daughters are delightful, each in their own way
The elder has opinions and will always have her say!
The younger is as tender as a daughter ought to be
And both of them I’d travel many a mile to see.
Then there is my granddaughter, together or apart,
She will always have to be the treasure in my heart.
I am so very lucky, with a family to love
And for such good fortune I thank my God above!

While the Cat’s away….

The Rector’s on his holidays so Matt can have some fun
He has been there waiting for the starting gun.
No one there to check him or see what he has done.
No one to give him burdens that seem to weigh a ton.
No one there to boss him or keep him on the run,
Or stopping him from getting the icing on the bun.
This could be the best time since his ministry begun.
He has Catherine with him so of problems there’ll be none.
Mind you, there’s the Easter Rising, if you’ll forgive the pun,
He’ll have to be there, smiling and greeting everyone,
For the Easter morn communion, long before the sun!

The Magnolia Tree

There is a large Magnolia Tree in St Mary’s yard
It is so magnificent to beat it would be hard.
The blossom in the springtime takes my breath away
And I am so spellbound I don’t know what to say.
Sparkling in the sunshine it is a wondrous sight
And in the early morning it seems to glow with light.
The blossom does not last for long but while it is around
You marvel at creation and it’s beauties, which abound.
When the blooms have faded, it’s branches still spread wide
And all St Mary’s children climb in it to hide.
They have for generations and each succeeding year
New children find adventure, for they have naught to fear.
Thus we see God’s playground with the tree His climbing frame
And you can feel God laughing and joining in the game!
I thank God for His bounty and the good things that I see
And high among my favourites is that old Magnolia Tree

Brexit

We’ve now applied for Brexit from the EEC
Cos that is what we voted for (but only one in three).
“ It’s what the people wanted”, they’ll say, just wait and see.
All the politicians can rub their hands in glee.
When we face financial ruin or run out of energy
Their excuse is ready and we know what it will be,
“They were warned against it but they voted to be free.
The European Union has chased us up a tree.
We approached the Commonwealth upon our bended knee
But they have found new markets and would not hear our plea.”
Their money’s in a tax haven and they can always flee.
Any major crisis can be blamed on you and me! 

Domestic Violence

I do not understand it! How a man could beat his wife.
Maybe it’s because I’ve led a very sheltered life.
Anger and frustration I can understand
But as for hitting children I’d never raise my hand.
I was taught from childhood to protect the small and weak
And my thoughts on violence I can hardly speak.
For a man to be so cowardly as to hit his family 
Is almost beyond bearing, as far as I can see!
I pray for those who suffer such ignorant abuse
Though for the perpetrators I cannot find excuse.
Yet still I pray my God will work with them and then
They will grow in gentleness and be like true, ‘real’, men.

Self-Image

We all have a self-image that may be not quite true
And we all try to check it no matter what we do.
If we think we’re clever we want you all to know
And we’ll be dumbfounded if you don’t think it’s so!
If we think we’re stupid we hope you disagree
For it’s really clever that we would like to be!
Some will state they’re very fat but really they will hope
That you see them otherwise so that they can cope.
Of course they won’t believe you their self-image is so strong
That they will think your lying or else you’ve got it wrong! 
Luckily God sees us and loves us like a father
And that we should love ourselves I am sure He’d rather. 
Forget the way you see yourself and simply love each other
For we are all equal and every man’s my brother.

Guilty

I am feeling guilty for all the wrongs I’ve done.
Ok I am not violent so I have killed no one,
But what of all the duties that I have not begun?
And of all the good deeds which never saw the sun?
What about the battles that I could have won?
When I made sure that it was me that had the only bun?
When I could have helped someone instead of making fun?
Or the self indulgence that I hide from everyone?
And the only thing that saves me is that God sent his Son.
I glory in the victory that over sin he won!  

Mother’s Day

Just like every special day in the Christian year
This is when the marketeers move it up a gear!
There is the hype at Christmas or Xmas as it’s known
They well sell you anything till your cash is blown.
Forget about the baby born within a manger
To the greedy money men He is just a stranger!
Then there are the Easter eggs sold from Boxing Day
Forget about the Cross as long as profits pay!
And as for Jesus’ Mother and immaculate conception
I’m afraid that it must be beyond all comprehension!
But that is what this day’s about though it is quite twee
Remembering your mother when you dangled on her knee.
Yes our mothers need the praise for all their sacrifice
But children making cards for them is really very nice.
No need for all the purchases to make the profits grow
We all just love our mothers and we should tell them so.

Punctuality is the Politeness of Princes

I admit that I am odd, or so I seem to be!
But being late I really find anathema to me.
I try to be there early for anything I do
And if I am kept waiting I’ll get in a stew!
There are few excuses for ever being late
“I had to do the dishes”, is one that I just hate!
If something else is needed before you have to leave
Then you should do it earlier! That’s what I believe.
When others are depending on you to be on time
Then I look on lateness as a dreadful crime! 
If I am contracted for a time and place
Then not to keep my promise would be a disgrace.
As a young man I was taught to always keep my word
And for me it is my bond, which you may feel absurd.
I always aim to be there with a quarter hour to spare
For it is important and I know I should be there.  
It is not just princes that ought to be polite
Punctuality is something I just know is right!

Disappointment – Mis-appointment

My filling’s gone, my tooth is rough
I leave my golf with time enough
To get there at the appointed hour.
In fact I’m earlier by far.
I’ll have to wait but that is tough!

At the dentists, oh dear me!
My appointment’s not till twelve I see!
Not eleven as I was told!
Now I feel my life’s on hold!
I am as happy as can be!!!!!

Love is the Answer

I'll not give in to terror.
There is no place for fear.
I am filled with horror 
But God is always near.
Comfort for our sorrow
Balm for all our pain
You'll still bring tomorrow
The sun will shine again!
I pray for the misguided.
Send the the spirit's dove
Us they have derided, 

Repay them all with love.
Love can be all healing.
Love can change a heart.
Love's a tender feeling
Which can give peace a start.

Reconciliation

My prayer for all the people, in the place where I was born, 
Is reconciliation and a new and brighter morn. 
In their negotiations, may they truly see
A new and hopeful vision of how things ought to be.
No more entrenched positions. No living in the past
True partnership and harmony and a wondrous peace at last!
A vote for hate and bigotry and not a vote for life
Just plays upon our bias and can only lead to strife.
My wish for all my friends back home, both Catholic and Prod,
Is that they give a vote for peace to reconcile with God.

Today

It’s a fine and sunny day
And later I am going to play
With my golf society
Behaving with sobriety!
My golf is neither good nor bad
But hitting balls just makes me glad
First I’ll strive with might and main
To read some verse and entertain.
It’s a privilege. I know that well.
And why they ask me I can’t tell.
I love to write a verse or two
And who’s to know what may ensue
Perhaps someone who’s on the brink
Will read a verse and stop to think.
I like to think I cause a laugh
When I write something truly “naff”.
Or when my writing’s more sincere,
Then food for thought, or quiet tear!
The results are not for me to see
Be they sorrow, warmth or glee.
My God has given me this gift
That hopefully some spirits lift!
Today I will enjoy the sun
And reading verse is always fun!

What to Say

“If you can not say something nice
Then do not speak at all”
That was my mother’s good advice 
When I was very small.
I was also taught veracity
So how do I reply
When asked for perspicacity?
Just purse my lips or lie?
When my true opinion’s sought
I praise the things I see
And then, because I feel I ought,
Suggest how they could be.
In this way I try to help
Not hurt or cause offence
Just be my mum’s obedient whelp
But talk a little sense! 

Lent Rules

You don’t need to fast on a Sunday
You can leave all that angst until Monday.
There’s no need for fright,
It’s a feast day – that’s right.
So it’s meant to be just a fun day! 

Orchestral Music

Last night I went to Coventry to a concert there.
To hear some heavenly music floating in the air.
The crotchets and the quavers mean nothing to my mind
For to written music I am well and truly blind.
The names of all the instruments I knew but have forgot
For portions of my memory are now just like a blot!
I cannot play an instrument, not a single note
For skill as a musician I really missed the boat!
Yet I just sat transported as the music filled my ear
And long before it finished my heart was full of cheer.
I’ve attended many concerts since I was a child
And it doesn’t matter if it’s serene or wild.
The thoughts evoked by listening to music so sublime
Send my spirit soaring, forgetting place or time.
I’ll never play an instrument for that was not God’s plan
But I still revere him for creating those who can!

St Patrick

St Patrick was a British man taken as a slave 
And ended up in Ireland where he has his grave.
He was taken to tend animals in the Irish bogs
Keeping warm by turf fires as there were few logs!
He escaped from his enslavement after several years
And came again to Britain without any fears.
He studied for the priesthood with a mission in his sights
For he thought of Ireland through many sleepless nights.
When he was quite ready, to Erin’s Isle he went
Converting all the Irish and making them repent.
He is venerated for his great faith and zeal
And getting rid of all the snakes was a wondrous deal!
The Irish still revere him as the patron of their Isle
And they celebrate him in great and glorious style.
I am Northern Irish, an Ulsterman no less
But I’m still proud of Patrick, as anyone can guess!

The Past

I've just spent a sleepless time in a nightmare from the past
Which goes to prove that mental scars are the ones which last!
I know I cannot change a thing. What is done is done!
And mithering on might have beens isn't any fun!
Yes! If I'd been stronger my mind would now be free
But that is so much hogwash, I can't help being me!
I don't worry for the future. That's in the hands of God,
So why do I relive the past? It does seem rather odd!
I know I've been forgiven for all the things I've done
So I pray that you release me from another dire re-run!

The Woodpecker

Every Wednesday morning I’m in the church to pray
I find good preparation for another peaceful day.
No matter what the weather the faithful will be there
To enjoy some fellowship and show the Lord we care.
And during every session a knocking will be heard
The glorious persistence of a little bird!
He is peck, peck, pecking for the things he loves
Not for him the cooing of some noisy turtle doves.
He has got his mission and he’ll just carry on
To assuage his hunger until all the grubs have gone.
It reminds me of our Father God on his throne above
Looking for all people so he can show His love.
He also is persistent and patient to the end
Till He’s reached all people and they call him friend!

Serenity

I’d love to be a person forever cool and calm
Instead of a volcano which, I’m afraid, I am!
It only takes the slightest thing to make me hopping mad
Biting people’s heads off and acting like a cad.
I can’t expect that everything will always fall in place
And not always winning ain’t a big disgrace!
I long for serenity to meet life’s ups and downs
To have a little patience when putting up with clowns!
I have an intolerance for those who vacillate
All forms of indecision are just things that I hate.
Why can’t everybody make up their minds like me?
For wasting time is something that I just hate to see!
Oh Lord just give me patience and give it to me now!
Or I won’t have serenity, there’ll probably be a row!

Generations

I’ve heard a bit of moaning from the young and from the old
To the young we are a burden too heavy to behold.
They look at all our holidays and houses fully paid
With pensions so enormous that they ought to be assayed!
The older generation claim they’ve earned all they have got
And when they started out they had to scrimp and save a lot.
They didn’t have the luxuries the youngsters want by right
And to pay their mortgages they worked both day and night!
What a load of nonsense being talked by old and young
Not to speak too bluntly it is a load of dung!
True we didn’t have the things that hadn’t been invented
And for meagre wages we might have been indented
But we had full employment throughout our working lives
And low cost homes existed (though some of them were dives).
Yes the interest rates were high but we could afford the price
With the cost of houses now it isn’t quite so nice!
We slowly climbed the ladder on the back of parent’s graft
And the older generation thought our fashions daft!
They thought our music rubbish and our dances were absurd
And they thought our children should be seen and never heard!
I’m as guilty as the next of hating innovation
And blaming all our problems on the younger generation.
But in my heart of hearts I know I should not make a fuss
The mess the modern world is in was because of us!
We voted politicians in who killed the welfare state
And for our free health service it’s getting rather late !
All the things our kids must face we have left behind
And if they seem to moan a bit we really shouldn’t mind.
In our youth we blamed the ones who lived their lives before
So when our children do the same we shouldn’t feel so sore!

Fake News

We hear a lot of grumbling from major politicians
About news that they consider promoting false positions.
“Fake news”, they are all bleating. It really makes me laugh!
When they renege on promises they blame it on their staff!
Or else they claim reporters have twisted what they said
Funny that they now believe the opposite instead!
Did they refute quotations before they got elected?
Funny how their memories are always self-selected!
Fake news has been around us since moguls ran the press
Is it any wonder the world is in a mess!
Media channels promulgate the things that fit their views
And they have never really cared how accurate the news!
Look who pays the wages of the media you follow
For you can bet it is their view, as in their stys they wallow!
Being a big sceptic could be my major fault 
For I take every item with a great big pinch of salt!
But spare me politicians who claim it is unfair
When there’s something they don’t like broadcast on the air!

Biscuits

Sitting down each Saturday to greet Dream Factory guests
Most children come to see me with diffident requests.
“Could I have a biscuit please”, politely they will say
And of course I’m happy to let them have their way.
Then there are some children who are too shy to ask
So I make an invitation. I see it as my task!
There are some of the children who will not have a biccy
Perhaps they’re not allowed such snacks or maybe they are picky!
It could be that they have been taught that they should be wary
For old men, who offer biscuits, can be very, very scary!
I can persuade some parents to have a coffee while they wait
For the door to open but some stay by the gate!
Me, and my mate, will greet them all in any sort of weather 
When the sun is shining or the rain falls hell for leather!
There are some irritations while we sit there at the door.
Kids who don’t know better will grab biscuits by the score!
They’ve never heard of “please” and they do not ask permission
And their parents do not check them or point out this omission!
Other parents watch in horror, shake their heads and frown
While these children take no notice and gulp the biscuits down.
Of course they don’t say “thank you”, but what would you expect
With parents busy on their phones and children they neglect! 
I remember my young days, when manners we were taught
And you would be in trouble if not doing what you ought!
I suppose that I am getting old and modern ways seem slack
But I can’t help wishing that we had good manners back!

Milton Keynes at Fifty

I have lived in Milton Keynes for over thirty years
And the grids and roundabouts can still cause me tears!
The H roads and the V roads are still a mystery
And in recent days I find they’re never traffic free!
The grid roads are in gridlock so cars all use our road!
Doing speeds which aren’t allowed in the highway code!
The only thing we’re known for is a set of concrete cows
And the vicious speed bums are enough to cause some rows!
The Redways are secluded, a stalkers paradise
So people do not use them on police advice.
Cyclists are now on the grids causing cars to swerve
So now faint-hearted drivers can almost lose their nerve!
Mind you, to those who live here it has it’s compensations
Our environmental planning beats other corporations.
The borders of the grid roads are a pure delight
With trees and shrubs and blossoms that fill the town with light.
The spring with all the daffodils and then the tulips too
They raise a gladsome spirit in the likes of me and you.
The linear parks and well planned lakes with walkways all around
Bring us close to nature and to mellow birdsong sound.
The well-mown grassland verges on the grids on every hand 
Show an MK version of this green and pleasant land.
Summer has it’s splendid sights but autumn is supreme
The oranges, reds and browns all make an autumnal dream.
Even in the winter the shrubs without their leaf
Give such varied colours as to be beyond belief.
For fifty years this city has been growing year by year
And for all it’s beauty I’m just glad that I am here!

The 3 Cs, Contemplation, Compassion & Courage

I contemplate the bible and elevate my mind
And it is amazing the things that I can find
It is not the printed words that fill my mind with joy
But knowing that God’s love is there for every girl and boy!
He sent his son to save us so we could really be
The conduit for His great love to set all people free.
So I must feel compassion for those around in pain
For it is my mission to set them free again.
Feed the hungry, heal the sick and save the refugee
Not sit around in comfort in a sort of holy glee.
I must have the courage to stand for what is right
Not cower in my chapel quivering with fright.
Do the things that must be done and never shirk a task
And if I see a man in need, he shouldn’t have to ask!
Oh, how I long to be the person that my God would like
Instead of being mealy mouthed and never on my bike!

Worry

Worry is a nightmare that devastates the soul
It thrives on insecurity and all that makes you whole.
It never leads to comfort but always drags you down
It makes a pool of misery in which you well might drown!
And yet we all succumb to it as addicts to their drugs
We fret and frown and ponder like some demented mugs!
There is no point in worrying, for things we cannot change
It will not change the outcome. That is beyond our range!
We can plan for contingencies if we know what is to come
But planning for unknowns is a never-ending sum!
We know God is in charge of things so leave it in His hands.
Of one thing we can be certain, He’s the one who understands.
Don’t worry for the future. Meet each challenge as it comes.
Just you pray for guidance from the One who does the sums! 

Preparing for a journey

Preparing for our journey ready to go back
You can not imagine how much we have to pack!
All the clothes we brought with us that we didn't need
None of them may fit me after all my greed!
Pairs of shoes that haven't seen a foot while we're away
Lots of things not needed during our brief stay!
Checking round the bedroom that nothing's left behind
Then we'll have to check again in case we have been blind!
Was it like this for Jesus when he went on the trail
Did one of his disciples in their checking fail?
And even if their searching had been quite remiss
It would all be sorted with a loving kiss
There would be no arguing saying who's to blame
And of course for you and me it is just the same!!!

What's Important?

What do we deem important? Our wealth? Our health? Our time?
Or maybe it's our happiness that we consider prime?
If we have sufficient to cope with all our need
Then, if we are wanting more, it would seem like greed!
If we have a surplus then we really can
Earn the joy of giving to our fellow man!
If we have our health and strength we know that they may fail
But spending time to worry is beyond the pale!
True we can be careful not to nurture harm
Or treat some patent medicine as a lucky charm
Just thank our God for giving us all that we hold dear
And pray for health in others so they don't have to fear!
Time has been given to us to share with one another
So we can help our fellow man and call each other brother!
As for pursuing happiness, it is a state of mind
Of thanking God for everything and letting us be kind.
More happiness is given as we care for those around
In this way God's kingdom surely will abound!
Living for each other's need is the only way
That happiness, in all we do, is given every day!

Old Friends

We spent a lovely evening with friends from long ago
Swapping news and stories of people we all know.
We had not met for ages but it did not feel that way
Even though all four of us are getting old and grey!
We had a meal together and a most relaxing chat
Sharing all our memories and thoughts of this or that.
Finally we went to bed. They gave their room to us
Even though we told them we didn't want a fuss.
I lay in bed reflecting that's the way that it will be
When my loving Saviour again meets up with me!
I will be warmly greeted and made to feel at home
Sharing all the things I've done on my earthly roam.
I know that He's prepared for me a warm and cosy place
And I will have the joy I yearn of meeting face to face!

Thankfulness

Walking round a golf course on a fine and sunny day
It’s a time for thanking God, no matter how I play!
So all my drives were wayward and I could not sink a putt
But I had that happy feeling at the bottom of my gut.
OK, there was some frost at first, but then the sun came out
There was a stillness in the air and spring was all about.
The birds were singing merrily, the squirrels skipped along
And I felt like joining in nature’s springtime song.
God gives me good companions to share a laugh or two
And I just feel thankful no matter how I do!
I may be getting older and suffer the odd pain
But when I look around me the message is quite plain.
God is in his heaven and he made all this beauty
To praise him for His wonders is a pleasure not a duty.

Reflections

Looking back at things I’ve done and the sights I’ve seen
I can’t help reflecting that sometimes I’ve been mean!
I have not done the things I ought for any old excuse
And I have been guilty of verbal gross abuse!
Ok there have been other times when I have been quite kind
And even showed compassion when I have not been blind.
I’ve even been encouraging on the odd occasion
And rather than demanding I’ve tried to use persuasion.
All in all I am no worse, or better, than another
So, as we are equal, I can call all men brother.
I have been so fortunate right throughout my life
I’ve had a caring family and a loving wife.
My children are such people of whom I can be proud
And, if not always tuneful, I can at least sing loud!
Singing makes me happy and always lifts my mood,
Like walking on a mountain or in a bluebell wood.
I have seen the wonders of the natural world
From the mighty canyons to waterfalls unfurled
But the greatest treasure that I can recall
Is my Saviour’s loving care, which is over all!

My Daddy

You should know my father died when I was only five.
Would things have been different if he’d been alive?
All my memories of him were during times of play
Though he was ill so often he had to stay away.
I remember sitting on his lap in our cosy house
While he used his handkerchief to make a little mouse.
He made it move along his arm and caught it in his hand 
While I looked on in wonder trying to understand.
This process was repeated while I sat enthralled
And I can still giggle as the moments are recalled!
My mother was determined her children should not lack
So she took the burden, quite enough to break a back!
We were not to suffer because we had no dad
So my mother gave us everything she had.
I may have had no father’s love but I can safely say
That love was shown in our house each and every day.
I thank God for the love I had when I was just a child
And for the mother’s discipline to stop me running wild.
I have known a father’s love throughout all my life
For God’s love surrounds me through every sort of strife.
He sent His Son among us so he could take our blame
For we are all God’s children and “daddy” is his name!