Cricket The Noble Game

I thought I'd play the noble game up until I dropped.

Then in twenty seventeen my enjoyment stopped!

I could no longer cope with the standard I could play

So with great reluctance I called it a day.

I could no longer hit a six as I was wont to do

I could hardly hit it hard enough to run for one or two!

When I bowled a batsman I had a major doubt,

Would the ball dislodge the bails so that he was out?

I used to bowl an opening spell, though I was never quick!

I would bowl off cutters which made the batsman sick!

Ah well! I had had my time, 'twas time to leave the stage

I should leave with no regrets, not get into a rage!

I had had a great career for many many years

A cause for celebration. No need for any tears!

I had scored two centuries in swashbuckling mode

And lots of other fifties as I went along the road.

I didn't please the purists for I played across the line

But as I just liked scoring runs it suited me just fine!

I also took six hat tricks as I went on my way

And nine wickets in one innings, but I am sad to say,

I ran the other fellow out before a wicket fell!

Still it gives a hard luck story that I am pleased to tell!

I got great enjoyment in the years I played the game

And I hope the kids I taught will always do the same.

Wimp

I am pretty hopeless when speaking with tradesmen

And I'm sure that I've been conned every now and then.

When I start I'm sure I know precisely what I need

But somehow I lose certainty as the talks proceed!

Of course I knew exactly what I wanted done

But this is where confusion really has begun.

I am being talked to as an ignoramus,

With my gullibility, which it seems is famous!

When the talking's finished I am so confused

I cannot be certain if my trust has been abused.

Ah well! No one's perfect as I'm sure you would agree

But aren't you glad that you are not a gormless wimp like me!

Lazybones

I am very lazy. I have been all my life

And, if you don't believe me, go and ask my wife!

I can be quite energetic for things I want to do

But if it doesn't interest me I'll leave it just for you.

At school and university I didn't want to study

My interest was in rugby and getting pretty muddy!

In summer I could bowl all day getting many a wicket

For I had great intensity when I was playing cricket.

But invite me to do gardening or even cut the lawn

And I would lie there reading and give a sleepy yawn!

I loved to play with bits of wood making useful shelves

But as for decorating I would leave it for the elves!

I stride around a golf course for miles and miles on end

But ask me to go for a walk and you are not my friend.

I walk around at racquet sports which I quite enjoy

But when I am required to run, I am a lazy boy!

When I want to do something I'm eager to be gone

But if I am not bothered my delaying switch is on!

I need to do the housework but I really put it off

But as you know you're like me you really shouldn't scoff!

I really must try harder to get out of my chair

But there is such comfort for me sitting there!

It's just as well I'm charming and have such savoir faire

Or to be so lazy I really could not dare!

Sorry darling, yes darling, at once darling. Anything you say darling!

Me lazy? Of course not!

Closure of Fortwilliam Park Presbyterian church 

I went to church in Belfast throughout all my youth

In Sunday school and bible class I was taught the truth.

The church was full and vibrant though solemn in it's way

Attendance was compulsory on every sabbath day!

Sitting in the front pew my behaviour was on show

The result of misdemeanours you wouldn't want to know!

With around eight hundred seats, pretty nearly full,

The worship and the teaching were good, as a rule.

The hall was underneath the church with kitchens and a stage

And as well as Sunday classes, plays and pageants were the rage.

Also used for indoor bowls and badminton as well

So it was multi-purpose as anyone could tell.

A lively church community, vibrant and alive

In our walk with Jesus we felt we could thrive.

Alas the population moved from around the church

Leaving that old building really in the lurch.

Instead of having hundreds coming through the door

Lately that has been reduced to forty souls, no more!

It was clear it had to close, and had been for some years,

But still the thought of closure filled my eyes with tears!

Last Sunday morning's service was the last that there will be

And I am slightly sorry I was not there to see.

Built in 1885, it served our Saviour well.

What will be it's future? Only time will tell.

I have got my memories of happy times inside

And I look on it with fondness and not a little pride.

Milton Keynes Colour

While walking round the golf course or driving on the grid

The colours of this thriving town can surely not be hid.

It doesn’t seem to matter at whatever time of year

Nature’s bright kaleidoscope will still be shining clear.

In central reservations or by the roadside  verge

The  colours of the rainbow will all the time emerge.

In spring the golden daffodils are waving in a row.

In summer flowers of every hue give a vivid glow.

In autumn all the trees conspire to gladden every eye

And in the winter’s grandeur coloured shrubs go gliding by.

I feast my eyes on everything as I go along

And my heart is moved to sing a very thankful song!

Disaster

When I hear of tragedies with many lives destroyed
From natural disasters with Nature’s power employed.
I shake my head in puzzlement and my anger grows
How can my God allow it? Only heaven knows!
I know that he creates all things for the use of man
But how can this contribute to his wondrous master plan?
The news from Indonesia fills my mind with sorrow
For all the tragic innocents who will not see tomorrow.
Earthquake and Tsunami blowing life away
From innocent young children who only want to play. 
My heart bleeds for the victims and those they leave behind,
The death and devastation really blow my mind!
A whisper in my inner soul tells me that you care 
For those in need of comfort you are always there.
I know you feel my anger, my puzzlement and pain
And, when I get to meet you, I know you will explain.
Lord, be with those who suffer in that land across the sea
And despite my angst and doubts still abide with me!

The Vine

When Jesus said "I am the vine

And you're the branches too."

He really meant that "You are mine

And here's what you should do.

Look to me as your support

And nourishment as well.

Your backbone and your comfort

Against the powers of hell.

You have the greenery to show

That we are both living

So that everyone can know

Our loving and our giving.

You should produce abundantly 

The fruit that gives new hope

To those who are prepared to see

Though now they cannot cope.

I'm rooted in the Father's love

Which he wants to share.

The glorious gift of God above

To people everywhere."

So go around your neighbourhood 

Spreading love to all.

Doing things for other's good

In answer to God's call!

The vine has many branches

Of which you are but one

But always take your chances

To see God's work is done.

Lakeland (apologies to Wordsworth)

I wandered damply in a cloud
That hovers gently on the mere
Would I dare to moan aloud?
Or keep quiet just for fear?

Beside the lake, among the trees
A howling gale not just a breeze!

Yet what is this? The sun comes out!
Spreading beauty all about!

The mountain peaks now bathed in light
It is a truly wondrous sight.

Walking slowly round a lake
Being here is no mistake!

It is the rain that makes the lakes
Not one of our dear Lord’s mistakes.

No rain can all this beauty plunder.
I will look back in awe and wonder!

Summer Cold

I am feeling lousy and coughing fit to bust.

To get a cold in summer really seems unjust!

In this gorgeous weather how do you get a chill?

To suffer in the sunshine is such a bitter pill!

The weather is so beautiful so no one should complain.

I wish this ruddy cold would go before it stats to rain!

There are things I want to do, not sit here feeling sick.

If I could ignore it, t'would be a lovely trick!

I try to do the things I want so much to enjoy

But I run out of energy like a puny boy!

I do so much coughing it is hard to sleep

And as for perspiration, that is inches deep!

I try to tell myself to rest, despite my inclination

But my restless nature has no imagination!

I cannot see me sitting doing nothing all the time

So I felt like writing this pretty pointless rhyme!

I don't want this summer cold. Cure it right away.

I really do not want it on our holiday!

Encouragement

How can I encourage when I don't like what I see?

Does anyone take notice of what appeals to me?

No one wants opinions from someone of my age

Even though experience might have made a sage.

If asked for my advice I can be constructive

If only they would listen I could be instructive.

I have been quite helpful to others in the past

When advice is taken improvements come and last!

Sometimes what I notice fills me with despair

And if I am moaning it's just because I care.

I can be an encourager. Lord you know I can.

But I have my failings like any other man.

I can see good in others even when I disagree

And I pray they also see some good in me!

Sorrow

My heart is filled with sorrow as I see his mother's tears

The contemplation of the worst that every parent fears.

It defies the normal order of the way things should unfold 

Dying should be limited to people when they're old!

How could such a youngster be allowed to die?

We who're left can only weep and wonder why!

Could I have done something to prevent this tragedy?

Can I find somebody else to blame instead of me?

We know that it is useless to try to look for blame

Yet still within our anguish we do it just the same!

We cry and rage and storm and weep as memories flood in

And hope, that as we talk it through, healing will begin.

We laugh at some remembered joke then crumple up in pain

As this tortured grieving cycle all begins again.

Time is the great healer, or so the sages say,

But is that really something I wish to hear today?

Why should I get better when my loved one never will?

Just to go on living seems a bitter pill.

Yet we do have others who need us to be strong

And, if we do not support, how will they get along?

So we hide our feelings and do our best to cope

And the pain gets duller, at least that is our hope!

At times like this I know my Lord is walking by my side

But in my anger and my grief I want to run and hide!

I blame Him for taking my loved one from my sight

Although I know, within my soul, that this cannot be right!

Lord give us all your comfort and let it never cease

Until at last we join our loved one in Your heavenly peace.

Completion

It is with satisfaction that I complete my task
To write a poem every day is a lot to ask.
Some of you will welcome the chance to have a rest
Reading lots of poems can be quite a test.
Some of you may wish that I might pen a whole lot more
And others may have thought the whole one gigantic bore.
My Saviour set himself a task to do His Father’s will
Knowing what the end would be but following it still!
He knew that He was going to die in agony for us
Yet he chose to do so without a deal of fuss.
He died forgiving those around who did the grisly deed
Knowing that his mission would finally succeed.
He was dead and buried and his friends all went to hide
Mourning that the one they loved had been crucified. 
Imagine their astonishment that he rose up from the tomb
Making it a triumph when they had thought it doom!
He said He’d been a sacrifice for the sins of all
And that in His Father’s sight we could now stand tall.
He spoke about His Father’s love for every mortal soul
And how He longed to find them so they could all be whole!
I am glad my Saviour died, thereby saving me,
And I still have His Spirit to guide and keep me free!

Depression

Depression is a bastard of an illness
It strikes at people, both the weak and strong.
No need to be ashamed about your weakness
As you agonise at how you’ll get along!
No one sees the agony you suffer,
The pain is hidden deep within your mind.
And those who seem to think you are a duffer
Are senseless as well as truly blind!
Almost all of us have felt depression
And bottled up our feelings out of shame
We cannot seem to give our fears expression
In case some cretin thinks we are to blame.
Accept you are a precious human being
Susceptible to worry and to fright
But you have got a heavenly friend, all seeing
And, if you let Him, He will see you right!
I pray that He will always give you comfort
Whenever you are feeling in the mire.
He can be your, ever willing, consort 
And you with, renewed, confidence inspire.

Driving

It’s getting very dangerous to drive round Milton Keynes
I think there are some drivers who don’t know what safety means!
Let’s have a referendum on which drivers are the worst
In this category I wonder who’ll come first!
Let’s exclude the lorries and the taxi drivers too.
It is blooming obvious they don’t know what to do!
I’m talking more of private cars, who think they own the road
Just because their vehicles have cost them quite a load!
BMW drivers overtake in dangerous places
And of common courtesy you can’t find many traces!
Audis approach roundabouts as if they have no brakes
Just a loud beep on the horn is what they think it takes!
Mercedes are just built like tanks so why should they take care?
They drive along the road without them looking anywhere!
These may be generalities but if you think it fun
Let me know which owners this driving prize have won!

Language

I love the English language for all its diverse tones.
Its subtle shades of meaning and confusing polyphones.
Its grammar is a nightmare and words that sound the same
Have very different meaning and their spelling is a game.
Examples might be “to” and “too”, or maybe, “their” and “there”
Traps for the unwary that cannot be seen as fair!
Then names with similar spellings pronounced quite differently
“Loughton”, “Broughton”, “Woughton”, just to name but three! 
Of course we’ve diverse sources for the words that are in use
And every generation has given them abuse!
Angle, Jute and Saxon , Norman, Pict and Scot
Latin, Celt and Viking all stirred up in a pot.
No wonder I can fit a rhyme round any word in play
So you bet I wouldn’t have it in any other way!

Laughter

I love the sound of laughter as it ripples round my brain
Reminding of the pitter-pat of gentle summer rain.
Not the raucous rasping of some foolish, boorish, drunk 
Making fun of others is the pit to which they’ve sunk!
The very best of humour is when we’re made to see
Ourselves as being pompous. That fills my mind with glee!
To take oneself too seriously is something we all do
For we really seem to be a self-important crew.
Believing our importance is not what is required.
That is when true humour can really be inspired.
So never laugh at others unless you realise
You are just as foolish in other people’s eyes!
Laugh at situations where, you know that it is true,
That what the person’s doing, might easily be you!
I love the sound of laughter as it ripples round my brain
When someone pricks my bubble, for to me that is true gain!

Sportsmanship

We had a celebration of a birthday yesterday
For a lovely friend of mine with whom I often play.
He’s one of nature’s sportsmen, always plays the game
And even in defeat he always seeks to share the blame!
He will never, ever try to win at any cost
If he cannot win it fair he’d rather that he lost!
He can win with dignity and lose with no excuse.
And he’d never dream of giving anyone abuse!
He is an example of what I like to see
And I hope that others can see the same in me!

A loved one’s pain

I’d rather be in agony than watch a loved one’s pain

To see the torture on their face goes straight into my brain!

I feel so ruddy helpless as I listen to their sighs

When all that I can manage is to love and sympathise!

I can see them being brave and trying not to share

All the pain they’re going through. It is too much to bear.

And all the time this little prayer is running through my head 

“Take the pain away from them. Give it me instead!”

Marriage Course

We have run a marriage course for almost twenty years
The idea is that marriages should not end in tears.
We wouldn’t dream of saying that our marriage is sublime
We have had our differences and gripes from time to time!
That we have overcome them is plain for all to see.
Over forty years together we celebrate with glee.
We know each other’s weaknesses and each other’s strengths
And to help each other out we’d go to any lengths.
If you picked on one of us you’d better be prepared
You would find two against you so you should be scared!
How to deal with problems is what we had to learn
To pretend or, worse, ignore them would cause great concern.
We accept there is a problem and deal with it together
That really is the answer in any sort of weather.
This week we have the last course that we will ever run
And we’ve loved every minute. The courses have been fun!
The time has come for changes and others will take over
And it’s very nice that we feel that we’re in clover!

Tomorrow

Tomorrow is a concept of which we are aware.
It is filled with all our hopes and fearful things that scare!
We plan, we scheme, we worry, about tomorrow’s fate
For if we don’t prepare for it we may be too late!
Yesterday is finished and today is almost gone
So we must be ready for the morrow’s brand new dawn.
We know not what will happen but we can train our mind
To accept whatever comes, events of every kind.
Look forward to tomorrow, our mistakes won’t last.
We can build a future far better than the past. 
Remember that tomorrow is just a day away
And there’s no need to worry. We can always pray!

Why Pray When You Can Worry?

“Why pray when you can worry,” I heard the curate say
Meaning to persuade us that it is best to pray.
He had had a lousy week and worried all the time
Until he found his senses and penned this paradigm.
We all can pray for answers and leave it up to God
Though some of you may feel that this is extremely odd.
Worrying is senseless and only makes us fret
It has no effect whatever on what we then may get.
Thinking through a problem to find a resolution
Is a different matter, a worthy contribution.
But mithering about some things that we can not control
Will only make us nervous and shaky on the whole.
Trust in God and know that he is with us every day.
There is no point in worry just go ahead and pray!

Gratitude

I am truly grateful, for all that I possess
Though, to hear me grumble, you might never guess!
For when I look at others lots of them have less.
I have enough to cope with whatever I may need
To ask for any extra would be the height of greed
So should I envy others? I’d say “No, indeed!”
Lord, fill me full of thankfulness so that I can share
With those I see, less fortunate, here or anywhere
For, in Your generosity, I have some to spare! 

Poetry
I’ve set myself a challenge in my poem for today.
Something that I’ve never tried before!
I know that poems do not always have to rhyme,
The rhythm and the concept say it all.
Yet in my brain when I have penned a line
A couplet forms without a moment’s thought!
The beauty of our language and the range of words we have
Mean that rhymes are seldom far away.
To suppress the urge to write the way I know,
And try for different styles within my brain,
Has tested all the powers that I possess
And humbled me within my very soul.
I do not know, yet, if I have achieved
The goal that for this time I set myself.
But challenges are fully part of life
And so I thank my God that it is so!

Service

“Can I be of service?” is what I ought to say
Not avoiding doing things, as I do every day!
Why am I reluctant to do things that I ought?
That is not to follow the example I was taught!
Yes I do, do things for others. I try to help them out
But would I if it cost me? That’s where I have a doubt.
I don’t mean that in money. That is an easy way.
Just to ease my conscience I am prepared to pay!
But what about my giving up the things that I enjoy
To do a thing that matters for another girl or boy?
Spending time with others when they have a need
Not doing what I want to in my selfishness and greed!
God it isn’t easy trying to do your will,
Yet I know you love me though I am feeble still!

Ups and Downs
I’ve just been on the golf course with my golfing mates
It’s not like the game that’s broadcast from the United States!
There it seems so easy a gentle little swing
And the ball does what they want – a puppet on a string!
A ball I hit with all my strength goes a hundred yards
And there are lots of bogeys on my scoring card.
I can play some decent shots, which make me feel sublime.
I just wish I’d play them for some more of the time!
I get a putt from twenty feet then miss one from a foot
It don’t half make a difference to the score I shoot!
The game just seems to mirror life with all its ups and downs
One minute we are full of smiles the next it’s only frowns!
At golf my mates can build me up so we can have some fun
And it really doesn’t matter, who has lost or won.
In life our God is with us in the good times or the bad
He has really blessed me in the ups and downs I’ve had.

Pain

Pain is just the price we pay from bodies wearing out.
Such pain may even stop us from dashing all about!
Things we did when we were young will affect us now
Old wounds become rheumatic, as I’m sure you will allow!
We are not as supple, as we were, when we were in our youth
So straining things is easy and we know it is the truth!
We take our paracetamol as we’re on our way,
Or maybe something stronger, to get us through the day.
We will not give in to anything. We’ll still play our sport,
Though not as quick, as once we were, on a tennis court!
We’re a generation who have lived life to the full
No wars, no unemployment, no deprivation, as a rule,
Our pensions have been paid on time, we can have some fun.
And we should share our happiness with almost anyone.
So when I feel a stab of pain I should still remember
The lucky generation of which I am a member!
I thank God for everything, which he’s done for me
He’s made me the way I am – loved and trouble free!

Timely

Of course we set off early to make sure we were on time.
For to be unpunctual we look on as a crime!
We got into the park and ride with lots of time to spare
And booked our parking ticket with the greatest care.
There were thirteen minutes to wait for the right bus
Still with a full hour to go there was no need to fuss.
The bus departed right on time and went slowly on its way
There were lots of passengers at this time of day!
We stopped at every bus stop as it really should
But this is taking longer so we’re in an anxious mood.
We’re glad we left some time to deal with the unexpected
We have still got time in hand no panic is detected!
We are at the hospital with half an hour to spare
Where is our appointment? It could be anywhere!
The maps all look confusing. Which way should we go?
With a knowledge of cartology we are bound to know!
Phew! At last we’ve found it in the nick of time
So we were quite timely recorded now in rhyme!

Frustration

I got myself up early for my golf at half past six
That is when my car decided to play on me some tricks!
I loaded up my clubs and trolley right into the boot
For to meet my tee off time I would have to shoot.
My key in the ignition just made a whirring sound 
The engine didn’t even try to go around!
Luckily my golf mate had not yet left his home
So I telephoned him before he’d start to roam.
He picked me up quite quickly so we’d not be late
But I must admit that I’m not feeling great.
Went into the pro shop to collect some clubs of mine
They’d had 2 weeks to grip them so they should be fine!
Imagine my frustration that they had not been done
I begin to feel that I’m the most unlucky one!
The golf was most enjoyable and I am feeling good
Then I recall the car again so I’m in a mood.
The noise that it was making sounded quite expensive
The solenoid weren’t working or something more extensive!
Did our breakdowns cover extend to faults at home?
I could not remember and my mind begins to roam
Calling out a garage would leave us in a stew,
Still, call our breakdown service they’ll know what to do.
Relief! We are entitled to a call at our abode
And not just for any breakdowns when we’re on the road!
Of course they are quite busy and we might have to wait
But in twenty minutes they were sitting by our gate.
“There is no major problem sir, your battery’s gone flat.
We only have to charge it and then that will be that!”
It just goes to show me that frustrations go away
And worry is a silly game that we don’t have to play!

Holiday 

I enjoyed my holiday

In Dartmouth by the sea

I really love to see the boats in the estuary.

Ferries ploughing back and forth for cars and people too

Little yachts and big ones doing what they do.

Walking on the cliffs and visiting estates

And looking at the castles which act like ancient gates!

The weather was much better than we could have expected

And even in occasional rain, we were well protected!

The house we stayed in was superb the company divine 

The only thing I wished for was that the bed was mine!

I enjoyed my holiday it filled me with delight

But I’m glad to be back home to have a decent night!

Mother’s Day

A mother really cuddled you when you had a fright,

Who gave you reassurance when you woke up at night.

She nursed you in your illness and made you feel more like

And cleaned your cuts and bruises when you fell off your bike.

She was the first person you loved with all your heart.

The first one you truly missed when you were apart.

Of course she also was the one who kept you on the path

And when you disobeyed her there was an aftermath!

She shared in all your anguish and cheered for your success

And even when you failed her she didn’t love you less.

Let’s raise a glass to mothers on this their special day

Whether they are with you or have sadly passed away.

Addiction 

Addiction is invidious with tentacles that bind.

They may not be physical but powerful you will find!

Be it drugs or alcohol or, dare I say it, verse

When you’re in the grip of it there can be nothing worse!

You have had a chocolate and it was very nice

So you have another one despite all good advice!

I know I’m an addict on Facebook every day

I publish lots of poems there so what do people say?

Has what I wrote been popular? Was it liked by many?

Imagine my chagrin and angst if there are not any!

So I’ll have another look a few minutes after

Of course it’s not important (hear my hollow laughter)!

To try to break a habit is very, very hard,

Just ask those who’re betting on the turning of a card!

The first step is admitting  that a problem does exist, 

That we’re so good at hiding it is a bitter twist!

We can fool ourselves for ages. Pretend we’re in control 

But in the end addiction will always take it’s toll!

Ask for help from someone, together you can try

To move towards redemption. You’ll make it by and by.

Bias

We all have our opinion, our preference and our view

And we know it colours all we say and do.

Of course we really like it when someone else agrees

But a contrary viewpoint is not inclined to please!

We live within a bubble of self - righteousness and pride

Always feeling that our views should never be denied.

We aren’t inclined to listen and we often turn away.

If we disagree with them we do not want to play!

It is just such prejudice that can lead to strife.

Sometimes, dare I say it, twixt a husband and a wife!

True communication only comes if you can bear 

To listen to each other enough to show you care.

You won’t agree on everything that you say and do

But kindly please remember they’ve a right to their own view.

Failings

I have many failings of which I am aware

And as they’re not improving you may not think I care!

Some are self indulgent, some are lack of thought

But all of them, I am aware, are not doing what I ought!

My conscience often pricks me and I try to stop

But my deep seated failings catch me on the hop.

Of course I then regret the things that I have done wrong

And show remorse and penitence and sing a sorry song.

Thank God that in His pity He sent His son to die

For all our sins committed thus saving you and I

Sunrise

The sunrise on the estuary fills my heart with joy

And makes me recognise anew I am a lucky boy!

I can see the beauty of nature’s handicraft 

It lifted up my spirit so that I almost laughed!

Clouds enhance the colours unless they are too dense

And as a lesson for our life this makes a lot of sense.

Our path can meet some problems but yet can be fulfilling.

Like the sun the Spirit shines if only we are willing!

We are a complex picture with light and darker tones

But we have a beauty deep within our bones.

We will not always see it for we have the clouds of doubt

But it is there shining. God knows what He’s about!

Misty

I can hear the seagulls but I cannot see a thing!

I can only wonder what today will bring.

The sun is lighting up the mist which is a brilliant white

And if only I could see it the estuary is a sight!

I know that later on today the mist will disappear 

And I will see the estuary almost crystal clear.

It’s like that with religion you know that God is there

You see glimpses of his handiwork almost everywhere 

But when looking for Him you can only hear His voice 

You must follow blindly you haven’t any choice!

You know that in the future the fog will lift for you

And with veneration you will see Him true!