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.