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!