THE GIFT POETRY

latest poems

2011-11-15T12:03:00.001-08:00

These are some of the poems I have written in the last year or two,but never got around to putting on my blog. Sorry! So busy living instead!

Valentine!

THE ONE

The One
Who loves me
Who was born for me
Who died for me
Who loves me still
Despite all my faults
My love
My Jesus
My Lord

I Love You

.

.

Valentine
MY BELOVED

I love you Darling, with all my heart
Together for ever, we will never part
I need you sweetheart, in every way
By my side loving me, with me every day
You´re all I dream of, my love, my life
The very best of me is being your wife

.

.
CHRISTMAS 2010
MY DEAREST LOVE
My dearest love I want to say
I love you every single day
I thank you T for being there
For showing me how much you care
For all the little things you do
It’s clear to see why I love you
And as we share this Christmas time
I hope each day is really fine
Then as the new year comes along
I pray our love grows ever strong

.

NIGHT TALK
.
In the still of the night as I lay in my bed
Thoughts of my Father go round in my head
I think of my life and all He has done
And His many blessings, I count one by one
I give Him my problems,
My worries and cares
For my Father always the burden He shares
And then as I drift back to sleep and to rest
I praise my dear Father for He is the best
.
.
.

For our Auntie Hilda on her 90th birthday
.
.
CONGRATULATIONS

For a truly lovely lady
On her very special day
There simply isn’t space enough
For all we want to say
Well Done!
Congratulations!
And Happy Birthday too
It really is a privilege
To have someone like you
This may be just a little verse
But ALL our love is in it
May God Bless you
Auntie Hilda
Every single minute!

.
.
.

just a thought here .......
.
.
A PERFECT LIFE?

.
Today we´re obsessed with a perfect life
Use monkey glands or go under the knife
A nip and tuck here or a lift and jab there
Will make us look younger without any care
But life should be what you feel from within
Contentment and joy are what you should win
More years in your life may just bring you more fears
Do the best now – add more life to your years

For good friends in Spain ....

.
Feb 2011
.
At Venta Baja on Sunday last
Jack cooked a meal – ‘twas a fine repast
He told us that you are doing well
It made us happier than we can tell
Hope it´s not too long till you are here
Where the sun shines and the skies are clear
Till then here´s a hug from him and me
Your friends down in Torre, that´s T and T

.
.
.
.
For a very dear lady, who we sadly lost to heaven last summer

I wrote this poem for her husband to give to her

.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MILDRED

Because it´s your birthday I want you to know
Just why it is Mildred that I love you so

My friend and companion, my partner and guide
You make my life perfect with you at my side

You´re the perfect mother and great grandma too
So kind to everyone, your loving shines through

A whizz in the kitchen, your scones are the best
Whatever you´re cooking just beats all the rest

With your magical touch and fingers of green
You´ve made the best garden ever to be seen

A fountain of wisdom, good sense and advice
You make people happy – you really are nice

You´re the love of my heart and the light of my life
My Beloved Mildred, my wonderful wife

Happy Birthday!
.
.
.
My dear nephew became a dad .....

.
Congratulations, Martin & Amy
And welcome, Jackson, Darling boy
.
May God´s love and Blessings fill all your lives
And bring you many years of joy
.

8.10.11

NOTE FOR VISITORS TO BLOG

2011-11-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

Hello

Every so often I get an invitation to change or update the appearance of my blog.
I haven´t done this, as I think that it can be disrupting for regular visitors who are
accustomed to finding what they want where it is usually sited.

If you would prefer a change, please let me know on tontric@hotmail.com
Naturally, your email address will remain totally secure with me and will never be handed
on anywhere.

Bye for now, Tricia G.

LOVE LINKS - MY LIFE WITH GOD

2009-12-16T11:59:00.001-08:00

Friday, January 16, 2009

My purpose in writing this is to show how God has always been there for me; how He has been the one constant in my life. It is only now as I reach 60 that I realise just how much I owe to Him and how those ´love links´have forged a chain throughout my life - a chain of love, protection, help, healing, guidance, forgiveness and blessings.

This blog is dedicated therefore to the One who is there for me, and is there for you too, if you just invite Him in.

FIRST STEPS

I didn´t even know about the first time that God saved me. I was only 9 months old at the time. According to my mum, I got whooping cough, double pneumonia and measles all at the same time and, as she put it "shouldn´t have lived". But I did.

I was duly baptised at Holy Trinity Church in Halifax, Yorkshire, England but my personal recollections of anything to do with God or the church begin when I was around 4 years old. With my older brother and sister we moved to Park Congregational Church House in Halifax. My parents had separated before I was one year old and we lived with my grandfather. He had obtained the job of caretaker at the church and we lived in the house within the church grounds.

It was beautiful! Lots of trees and flowers and exciting things to see, like wedding processions and harvest festivals. It made such an impression on me that I wrote about it over 40 years later. (see my Stories blog!)

CHANGES

Unfortunately the idyllic existence at the church house did not last, as my mum became pregnant and could not maintain her job. We had to move to an old house not far away. It used to be a fish and chip shop, just next door to St.James and St.Mary´s Church in Lister Lane, Halifax. I was seven.

Most of my memories there are happy. I can recall my Granddad singing "Mothers of Salem" and "The Old Rugged Cross" to me, although I don´t remember any specific mention of God or Jesus.

I do remember having a charm bracelet where the "charms" were the 10 commandments, and I received a school Bible in 1955, as did all children then. I still have mine.

I think, perhaps, I had a child´s simple belief in God and heaven - at least I know I never questioned or doubted at all. One time when I was unhappy I was walking home when a young girl came towards me on the street. She smiled and just said "hello" but I felt totally lifted up. I was certain that she must have been an angel, because of the joy I felt.

Although I don´t recall school Religious Instruction (RI) in any particular way, something must have made an impression on me, because since junior school, to this day, I cannot sing "There is a Green Hill far Away" without weeping.

From the age of 9 until I was about 12 I sang in the choir at the church next door and around this time a friend encouraged me to go with her to the local Catholic church, St. Mary´s in Gibbet Street. I think her name was Trudie Baxendale (well, it was a long time ago)

One thing she told me always stuck in my mind. We were walking over a cobbled area in Halifax town and she told me how Jesus had to walk over cobbles, without shoes, carrying His cross. It made such an impression on me that I still can´t walk over cobbles without thinking of Him.

The most wonderful thing happened to me when I was about 12. I can´t pinpoint just when, but I can remember every second ...................

I had THE DREAM

I was walking along very dark passages, twisting and turning, alone. Suddenly they opened on to moorland, as far as the eye could see, and it was all smouldering and burning. As I started to walk across it, a figure robed in white came and took my hand and we walked together, free from all harm and in perfect peace.

I know Who that figure was and I know that He is always walking beside me, all I need to do is hold out my hand and He will take it. That peace is with me still.

Whenever I´ve been in trouble or need I´ve always remembered the dream and know that, whatever happens, Jesus is always there. All I have to do is reach out my hand to take His.

DANGEROUS TIMES

It was about this time that I was saved again.

In August 1960 I had my appendix removed. Unfortunately, at the time of the surgery, a loop of intestine got twisted and, by Christmas, I had developed gangrene.

It was a difficult time, very painful and frightening, but I was in good hands. I had the upper half of my intestine removed and, against all the odds, survived.

So many times since then I have asked myself "Why was I saved?". "Why didn´t I die?" I now believe that God had a purpose for me but then I was just glad to be alive.

LIFE GOES ON

Around this time I began attending Elim Pentecostal Church. I don´t remember much about it except the singing and tambourines and that I enjoyed being there.

My mum used to tell me about when she was in the Salvation Army, so we did talk "religion" a bit, but we never really talked about God. That came much later.

MORE DANGEROUS TIMES

In 1970 I was out in the country with my boyfriend when we were involved in a terrible car crash. A larger car than ours came speeding round the bend on the wrong side of the road. We hit head on. I awoke to find my upper lip cut in two, teeth damaged and blood everywhere. The accident was so bad that the police advised the hospital to expect "dead on arrivals". My boyfriend had to be cut from the wreckage but ultimately we both recovered. Again, I was saved, against all the odds.

A NEW LIFE

A year or so later I moved south and ended up eventually with a job offer in London. I set off on a Sunday morning from Bristol with all my wordly goods in a truck, driven by a colleague whom I trusted and who had arranged a flat for me in London.

When we arrived at the flat I didn´t like it at all but my colleague said that his brother and wife would put me up for the night at their home in north London and find me somewhere else the next day. So, I stored all my possessions in their garage, everything from clothes and jewellery to a television and fridge.

As it was, the brother took me to a huge hotel in Wembley and dumped me there. It was late on the Sunday night and I was due to start work on the Monday morning. I had only managed to grab a few things in a bag and I was in an awful state. I couldn´t sleep properly and when I did all I could dream about was suitcases and tea- chests floating about in the air. I was convinced that if I went fully to sleep I would walk out of the window. Since I was on the seventh floor that was not such a good idea and I did the only thing I could to survive - I turned to the Gideon Bible by the bed.

In the end I did sleep a little but I was shattered when I finally went down to breakfast the next day. I couldn´t eat at all and I kept crying. The hotel bill was quite extortionate so I was getting short of cash too.

I set off towards the nearest tube station to try to get to work but felt so lost and afraid. As I was walking through a man came up and spoke to me. He said I looked lost and could he help. He told me he was a taxi driver off duty and, after I told him my problem, he said he would take me to the YWCA in central London.

I loaded my bag into his car and off we went. Looking back I think I should have been less trusting but somehow I knew it was ok.

He was a super person. He not only took me to the YWCA but he also said that if I couldn´t get fixed up he would wait as long as he could and would take me to his mother´s home.

As it turned out, he couldn´t wait because I was ages trying to sort out somewhere. When I eventually got to a hostel it was just awful and I was terrified of staying there.

I found a small bed and breakfast in Paddington and went in to work to explain things to my new boss. He wasn´t at all understanding but just said I should take the day off to get sorted and come in the next day.

I went searching for somewhere to live and was on my way to an accommodation agency on the tube but I was confused about which tube to take. The man in the queue behind me asked if he could help and it turned out that he was going to the same station.

We boarded the tube together and chatted, only to discover that we were both heading for the same agency. After we had been and registered, we went for a coffee and he offered to share his flat with me, no strings attached.

He was due to move out within a couple of months but needed help with the rent until then. He seemed a very decent sort so I decided to look at the flat. It was lovely, in Sloane Street, just off Sloane Square.

I was astonished when he said "There´s the kitchen, the phone, help yourself. I´m going to work, see you later". With trust like that I felt quite safe.

He explained later that he was a Christian who just wanted to help someone in need and I had been sent to help him too. I stayed there for the month I lived in London.

We talked a lot and I began to learn just how good friends of Jesus really are.

I had only been working for 3 weeks or so when I got a very bad cold and stayed at the flat. I was unhappy with the work and didn´t know what to do. I picked up the Bible that my friend had bought me, opened it and at random read "I will return each man unto his own land". Within the week I was back home in Yorkshire. I never regretted it.

I had to leave most of my possession in the garage in north London. Many things were ultimately stolen but I realised that there is much that is more important in life than possessions, like love, friendship, family, good health. All these are infinitely more precious and most precious of all was my new relationship with God.

BACK HOME

I was at home with mum for several months with stomach problems, during which time we attended a local church together. I even began tithing out of my sickness benefit.
.
.
While I was living with my mum there was a “healing rally” in a town centre church in Halifax. It was run by the Rev. Trevor Dearing and I went along out of curiosity.

I don´t remember a great deal about what he said, except that when he invited people up to the altar to give their lives to God, I went.
.
Somehow I ended up at the front of the queue and as he laid his hand upon me, I felt myself lifted up. Then I remember nothing until I awoke, sitting at the far side of the altar, praising God in tongues! I was astonished, since I thought that kind of thing was just in the Bible, not in modern England!
.
That experience has stayed with me for ever, even when I strayed away from God.
.
For some years I didn´t go to church or think about God too much at all, but He was always there “in the background”. A friend Michelle invited me to her church, Huddersfield Christian Fellowship and I went along.
.
At that time I had a huge problem with my right arm, which could hardly be moved because of an overgrowth of bone on the shoulder.
.
The church is a “happy clappy” type and on my first visit everyone was clapping and raising their hands with such joy. Suddenly I found both of my hands in the air – and I burst into tears with shock and happiness.
.
I discovered that mine was one of the first spontaneous healings that had taken place and I offered to give my testimony the following Sunday.

I had worked out what I was going to say in readiness, but before I went to church that morning, I picked up my booklet “The Word for Today” – a publication from United Christian Broadcasters. The day´s reading said “child of God, before you give your testimony, remember people who have not had their prayers answered”. Well! I could hardly believe it – but I definitely took notice, and changed my talk completely.
.

TO BE CONTINUED .............

BIBLE TRUTHS

2009-12-08T09:32:00.000-08:00

POEMS OF BIBLE TRUTHS

I was saddened by the number of people I met who believed that "being good" was all that was needed to get to Heaven - thus, after prayer, this poem was written.

+
GETTING TO HEAVEN

+
It’s good to be good to others
but that won’t get you there
It’s good to give to charity
but that won’t get you there
´Don’t steal, don’t lie, don’t cheat or hurt´,
good rules we should obey
But just being a “good” person
is simply NOT the way
There’s just ONE way to heaven,
one path that you must take
Accept the gift that God gave free,
when Jesus died for your sake
It’s not the effort on your part
that writes your name above
It’s accepting God with all your heart
and giving Him your love
++++++

.
ONE ROAD

This was written to answer my own questions, as well as the comments of friends.

I used to think ”they’re all the same
All lead to God – what’s in a name”
Mohammed, Allah, Buddah too,
Or “the god that lives inside of you”
But then the Word came clear to me
The Truth of God that I could see
There is One God and One alone
And through His Word He shall be known
Don’t worship men or lumps of clay
Or vague ideas that seem ok
Go to the Bible and there you’ll see
The Truth of God that will set you free
++++++

.
THE FUTURE

I wrote this for some friends in Majorca around 1998

Don’t trust in tarot, runes and palms
These things are wrong and can do harm
But put your trust in God above
And let Him fill your life with love
The Lord alone knows what will be
The future is not ours to see
But put your life into His hand
And all will be as He has planned
He knows your past, your future too
Such wonders lie in store for you
If you’ll just turn away from sin
And let your Saviour enter in
++++++

THE ANSWER

Again, other friends in Majorca said how they couldn´t understand how God could exist because such awful things happen in the world. I prayed that this would help them understand

+
“How could He let it happen”
I have often heard folk say
“If there really is a God
why do children die each day?”
“Why is there pain and suffering,
why is there war and strife
–if there’s a God why don’t we have
a peaceful happy life?”
The answer is, there IS a God,
He made you and made me
And then to show how much
he Loves us all, He set us free
We’re free to choose the good or bad,
the path that we will take
But we must reap the harvest
of decisions that we make
God set us free to make our choice
and now He can’t step in
To break His word and turn us
into puppets on a string
But if you want to know the truth,
to find peace every day
Just ask the Lord into your life
and let Him show the way
++++++

.
SPREAD THE WORD

+
Each day’s an opportunity to witness for my Lord
A chance to spread the beauty and salvation of His Word
Each day’s a time to share the love that He has given me
To tell the wondrous story of the Truth that sets you free
++++++

STORIES

2009-10-23T09:48:00.000-07:00

This is a story I wrote for Granddaughter Rebecca when she was around 5 years old. I made it into a little book and have photographed it, just as it was then.

REBECCA ROSE AND THE RUNAWAY RABBIT

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This was the first essay I wrote when I started an "Access to University" course in my 40´s. All true, based on my early years.
.

THE CHURCH HOUSE
Park Congregational Church, Francis Street, Halifax, West Yorkshire, England
.

I was four when we moved to the “posh” house.

My first years were spent living in an old terraced house that had immensely steep steps, and the only place to play was either the draughty hall or the street outside. This new home was a total revelation.

I don’t remember the move itself. It just seems that one day I was there in a large solidly built house, with a bathroom, no neighbours, and lots of carpeted rooms. It was into one of those that Mum would let my brother Jimmy, sister Pauline and me go once a week, on our own. We would lie on the floor, the lights out, the radio on, and thrill to the spooky voice that declared “Journey into Space”.

.
Still, spellbound, transported into another world, I took tiny hesitant breaths lest I should be discovered by some evil alien. The dimness of the room wrapped me in a cocoon of safety and the bodies of my brother and sister gave me warmth and protection. Suddenly I screeched out loud as my brother’s fingers grabbed the back of my neck. To the sound of my sister’s hysterical giggling the door flew open..A shaft of light pierced the darkness and Mum marched in, threatening “if you don’t behave you can go to bed right now” and our rapt attention was instantly restored.
.

To the left of the house was the church, a wonderfully constructed building that seemed to touch the sky, majestic yet welcoming, with hostas planted all around the edge. It was these same plants that were to claim my treasured green necklace when I was six. At least, that’s where I always believed it had fallen, and for many years I nurtured the idea that the twinkling stones were still lying there, waiting to burst into magical flowers.
.

To the side of the house was the Sunday School, venue for so many exciting happenings; pantomimes, plays, fetes, wedding receptions, jumble sales. Each Sunday I would walk the few steps from house to Sunday School for bible classes. Little surprise then when I won an award for good attendance! It was a book, “The Magic Faraway Tree” by Enid Blyton; the first proper book of my own. It told the story of a magic tree, inhabited by strange peoples. Clouds containing new worlds would land on the topmost branches and you could climb the tree and visit these magical lands where all sorts of adventures happened, but you had to be sure to leave in time or the cloud would float away and you would be trapped there for years and years. I could lose myself for hours, sliding down the slippery slope in the centre of the tree, having visited yet another fantasy land.
.

The Sunday School itself was a place of adventure, particularly when special events were held.
.

I sauntered through the doorway, paying no attention to the entrance fee (I was a resident, after all) and began to squirm my way through the forest of trousers, skirts, legs and bags to see what was going on. Peering between two coats and craning my neck I could see a lady high up, dressed like a cowboy, singing and waving two guns around in the air. Mum told me later it was a show, but I wasn’t sure what the lady was showing.
.

Best of all were the weddings. I would sit at the front window and watch the processions go by from the school to church; dark suits, white flowing lace, veils, and little boys wearing silly suits, carrying velvet cushions with rings and things, that would be empty when they made the trip back from church to school. In between, there would be lovely music, then soft murmurings from the church, then photographs and faces, smiling, crying, laughing, chattering, and talking all at once as they posed on the bright green grass.
.

One day while I was sitting at the window, daydreaming, a squirrel appeared on the window-ledge. For several moments we sat, staring at each other, he on one side of the glass and me on the other. Suddenly we both realised what we were looking at! He shot off and I leapt for the front door, yelling “Mom, Granddad, quick, come look.” Then began a frantic chase all around the grounds, each of us trying to get a closer look at the elusive creature who eventually found refuge in the arms of a sheltering sycamore.

The grounds were marvellous. Around each building there were lawns, lovely flat comfortable ones for lying on in the sun; sloping ones to roll down when no-one was looking; lawns strewn with daisies just waiting to be transformed into garlands for my waist length hair, or cropped expanses where Jimmy would set up his railway track and play with his train set.

In the midst of these green swards were lovingly tended flowerbeds filled with dainty pinks that wafted their sweet fragrance into my delighted face as I played in the happy innocence of childhood.

Crowning the whole area were trees; strong, powerful, protective trees, trusted guardians, spreading their branches like leafy arms waiting to enfold me in their embrace. They filled my eyes, my life; daily, yearly, with their myriad colours. Deep velvety green, pale lemon, green with purple hues, stripy green, jelly green, sparkling necklace green. Autumn brought tans, browns, reds, golds, squirrel colours, sunset shades. I would look up at the trees and marvel at how beautiful they were, how old, how constant, how secure.

We were able to live in this paradise because my Granddad was caretaker of the church and Sunday school; he created the flowerbeds and made the grass so beautiful. He also cleaned the church. He had a vacuum cleaner with a long tube for getting in and out of the pews and many a time he would chase me with it, threatening with laughter to suck me right into the dust bag! And as my dress drifted dangerously near to the nozzle I would squeal delightedly and run away, terrified lest he really could do it.

One time, my Granddad took us all under the church, into the vast caverns beneath. Dark corners loomed out at me; a heavy stillness filled the oppressive air; mountains of sand and salt rose out of the ground like strange beasts rising from sleep. I was afraid. Granddad told us how a poor girl had been murdered there – lured to her death in the darkness. The man who did it was dead too, hanged. It didn’t seem right, such badness under such goodness. I was glad to get out into the bright sunshine, into the light.

It was here at this same church that I saw my first Harvest Festival. Etched in my mind forever is the scene as I stepped through the darkness of the church doorway and beheld the sight before me. Fruits of nature such as I had never seen before; huge pumpkins like enormous suns shining down on me, vegetables whose name, and taste, were beyond my comprehension; glossy globes, red and yellow like Christmas tree baubles; strange things, pyjama striped and sausage shaped, but oh so big! Golden sheaves of wheat leant drunkenly against dark stone, and flowers in great abundance seemed to fill every corner. My eyes widened to take it all in and my nostrils were assailed with such an exquisite perfume that I felt that this must truly be heaven.

.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This story was written for a radio competition in Spain some years ago.

.
SPANISH VALENTINE
.

So here I am at Malaga airport with two suitcases, on standby for the next flight to the UK.

I’d had enough! I was going back after my dream turned into a nightmare in Spain....but let me go back a little.

John and I had been living together for a few years when we decided to try to make our dream come true. We had our own recruitment business that we could leave in our manager’s capable hands and we thought it would be great to have a place we could disappear to, especially during the horrible English winters. After some searching, we bought a little house “in need of reform” in the middle of a small valley in Spain.
.
It was wonderful at first; blue skies, warm sunshine, with a lovely little white pueblo not too far a drive from the house. There was the gorgeous smell of country herbs and the wonderful fruit and nut trees growing all around. Everyone we met was so friendly, even though our Spanish was very limited, and we felt we had truly found paradise.

.
The house was lovely, with fantastic views to the mountains; not too much land, but then we couldn’t handle acres of it! What we had really looked forward to was putting our own stamp on the house; repairing the odd damaged wall, putting in a bathroom and kitchen, making some sort of path to the front door. You know, little things like that!

.
I knew there was work to be done - but what work! We had spent months digging, moving, building, painting.

.
It was lovely in the spring with the clouds of almond blossom, wafting it’s magic perfume towards us. We would work in the mornings, then go to the village for wine and tapas a few times each week. In the evenings, it was bliss, sitting out under the incredible sky, so full of stars I could hardly believe it was real. Summer was good too, except for the exhausting heat, and the pesky mossies who seemed to think I was the only food supply in Spain.

.
We were both working really hard, but John seemed to be totally wrapped up in it all. Oh, he looked wonderful; his hair bleached blond by the sun and his tanned muscles getting better every day (eat your heart out Brad Pitt!) It wasn’t so good for me, as I’ll tell you now....

.
The wet season arrived, and I never seemed to be out of jeans and wellies, squishing through mounds of mud. .
My once dewy English complexion was now looking leathery and grey, my hair dull and what fingernails I had left were short and grubby. I lived in jeans, wellies, a big jumper and my hair tucked under a woolly hat for protection.

It was like this that John suggested we go down to the village for lunch! “Haven’t been for ages” He said, “No time to change”. So off we went.

.
Manolo’s bar was our usual watering hole and I looked forward to a nice tapas and a glass of red wine, but today something was different. Behind the bar stood Carmen! All voluptuous with long shiny black hair, ruby lips and scarlet talons to die for! John was captivated. The twit kept going on about how luscious her hair was and how on earth did she keep her nails so beautiful working in the bar. The final straw came when Carmen asked him if I was his little brother! He nearly fell of his stool, laughing so much. So did everyone else. I was heartbroken! I tried to laugh along with everyone, but inside I just curled up

.
So it was that, after a stony silence on the way back to the house, we had an almighty row. I went over the top. All the frustrations of the past months came to the surface. I said some unfair things and ended up telling John that when I was gone, he could ask Carmen to come and do the digging! Then I stormed upstairs and began to pack
.
In silence, John drove me to the airport. As we parted, he gave me my puzzle book, the one I always work on while waiting for a flight. I walked away, back straight, fighting tears and inside pleading for him to ask me to stay, but he didn’t

.
So here I am, waiting for a flight. Might as well do a puzzle. I open the book, and there taped to the page is a piece of paper that says
.
Please don’t leave me all alone

Without you it’s a house – not home

I don’t want any skies of blue

Or sunny days if not with you

You are my dream, my love, my life

Please say that you will be my wife

And that for ever you’ll be mine

My perfect Spanish valentine!

.
As the tears flow down my face, I look up and see him standing in front of me!
He pulls me to my feet, wraps his arms around me, and says, “Come on precious, let’s go home”.
.
And we do.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OPPOSITE THE BANDSTAND

©TriciaGabbitas 1997

FRIDAY MORNING 20th APRIL

.
Alright, alright, so I´m mad to get myself all dolled up like this. I know I´ll never even speak to him, let alone anything else and I´m only going to the park because I just know he will be there and I can see him and ………well, perhaps I´d better tell you how it all began.

I only moved here a couple of months ago. I finished my secretarial training at the small local college and decided to spread my wings and try out the “big city”. So here I am. Me? Well, I´m heading a bit too quickly for 20 years old, not too tall, with long brown hair and dark brown eyes. A bit average I suppose but I`m happy enough with me.

Leastways, I´m happy enough with me but that´s just the trouble. It is just me. Only me.
No special someone to come home to. I know I`ve got good old mum and dad back at home. I call then often enough (the phone bill is going to be astronomical!) but it just isn´t the same as having someone of my own.

Anyway, enough gossip about me – let me tell you about HIM. I finish early at the office on Fridays and I´ve taken to walking home and last Friday, I saw HIM.

I was just strolling through the park and there he was, opposite the bandstand, just standing there. He had this strange air about him, as if he was gazing into nowhere but seeing everything in the world! Oh, he was beautiful.

It didn´t seem to matter that he was a bit shabby looking – you know, a bit “frayed around the edges”. It was his gorgeous smile that left me downright gobsmacked! Mind you, it helped too that he was tall and muscular with cute curls and a look in his eyes that turned me to jelly.

I realized after a few minutes that I was standing there drooling so I figured I`d better move on before I was spotted. I mean, I couldn´t just go up to him and start talking, could I? I´d feel stupid for a start. It was strange though because as I walked away I somehow felt as if I was no longer alone.

So, back to today. I guess it can´t do any harm if I just take another stroll through the park, which is why I´m in my best gear with my eyes made up. I´ve had a few comments in the office (and a few looks) but I just mysteriously said that I had “somewhere to go”.

FRIDAY EVENING, 20th APRIL

.
I saw Angelo again (well, that´s what I´m calling him). I strolled nonchalantly by, then cast a quick glance direct into those wonderful eyes, and you know what? I´ll swear they looked right into my soul. Not a word was spoken but I was trembling by the time I got to the nearest bench – thank goodness it´s out of sight of him.

It´s strange though, I sat there for ages “talking” to him in my mind and I felt as though I was chatting to an old and trusted friend. It seemed that he heard every thought I had, shared every worry, as if he had known me all my life.

I don´t suppose I will ever speak directly to him. Somehow it may break the spell – I´d rather keep this special feeling all to myself. I´m not even going to tell Mum about my walks in the park. She´d probably have a fit and demand that I return home immediately. It was a major achievement getting Mum to let me come here in the first place as she is convinced that every city is populated with white slave traders.

FRIDAY 4th MAY

.
Help!! The people at the office will think I´m mad. I was sitting there “communing” with Angelo, when I suddenly realized that I was being watched. It was awful! I looked up and there was one of the guys from the accounts department, sitting on the opposite bench and looking at me a bit strangely. I´m sure I wasn´t talking out loud, but what if I was and didn´t know it? I felt such an idiot – I grabbed my bag and ran. He must think I´m really weird.

MONDAY 6th MAY
It´s OK thank goodness. No-one has said anything, so either he´s discreet or I just imagined the look on his face. Come to think of it, it was a rather nice face. Very kind eyes, a bit like Angelo´s in fact. The rest of him looked pretty good too – sort of solid and dependable.

FRIDAY 18th MAY

.
I´ve settled into a regular routine now. I go and commune with Angelo every Friday and although I´ve seen the accountant a few times, he doesn´t intrude upon my thoughts.
In fact, in a way it´s comforting having someone in the background just to smile and say hello as he passes by.

FRIDAY 1st JUNE

.
ANGELO WASN´T THERE! I don´t think I can bear it. He´s always been there in the same place opposite the bandstand. That bit of grass that will always be special to me and he just wasn´t there today. I don´t think he will come back either because there´s something else on his favourite spot. It´s a blinking great wooden box – I´ll bet they´re building a superloo or something. Oh how could they!
I was so devastated I only just reached my bench before I burst into tears. I never even noticed that the accountant was there until he appeared beside me with a handkerchief.
He was so kind. I had to pretend I was homesick to explain the tears (well, I could hardly tell him the truth, could I?)

THURSDAY 5th JULY

.
Bet you´re wondering what´s been happening this past month? EVERYTHING!

My accountant (notice the “my”) is called Tony and he is lovely. Since that last fateful day in the park we´ve become really close. It´s amazing – once my tears had “broken the ice” he told me he had wanted to speak to me before but he was a bit nervous because I always appeared so “self-contained”. Would you believe it?
He comes from a small village too so we have lots in common and we´ve spent all our spare time together exploring this wonderful city.
We´ve been everywhere, museums, art galleries, cinemas, a super little jazz club down by the river. What´s so great is that we like all the same things and I´m SO happy I could burst!
We´re going to have a sentimental stroll through the park tomorrow after work to celebrate our first month together.

FRIDAY 6th JULY

.
I saw Angelo again today. Tony and I were walking hand in hand and as we came around the bandstand there he was. He looked absolutely wonderful – sparkling, renewed, and no sign of a superloo.
I realized then what must have happened and as we walked by, I looked into Angelo´s eyes again and I seemed to see approval there, and understanding.
One day I will tell Tony about Angelo. I think he will understand how a lonely young girl can fall in love with the statue of an Angel opposite the bandstand.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GOLDEN WINDOWS A story for Little children

©TriciaGabbitas1997

Emma was scrubbing potatoes for tea to help her Mummy. She didn´t peel them because she knew that they were so much tastier and better for her with the skins left on.
She felt very proud that she was big enough now to help Mummy, even if she did have to stand on a box to reach the sink.
Soon, in the autumn, she knew she would not be able to help Mummy & Grandpa quite so much because then she would be going to the village school.

Home was a tiny cottage set halfway up the hillside. Emma loved it. She loved the garden where Grandpa grew the delicious potatoes she was now scrubbing. He grew lots of things and was very clever.
Most of all Emma loved the valley and the hillsides all around. There were trees and flowers and lots of grass where she loved to play.

As Emma stood at the sink she gazed across the valley to the village on the far hillside. There was a church there too, with a crooked spire and one of the houses had a top just like a castle. What made the village seem like magic though, was the fact that every single window in every single house was glittering gold.

Emma wondered what the people must be like who lived there. “They must be very rich” she said to herself. “I wish we weren´t so poor. I would love so much to be able to buy Mummy a pretty new dress and perhaps get Grandpa some things for his garden”.

Suddenly Emma came to a decision. “I know” she said out loud “I´ll go to the village myself and ask the people to tell me how we can be rich and have golden windows too”.
With hardly a pause, Emma climbed down from the box and took off her pinny. She drew her warm shawl around her shoulders, left the potatoes lying in the sink, and set off!
“It won´t take me long” she thought. “It will be wonderful if I can tell Mummy and Grandpa at teatime that we are rich too”

Grandpa was in the back garden but Emma slipped quietly out of the front door, intent on her ´wonderful surprise´.
Emma walked on and on, always watching the glittering windows getting a little nearer with each step, yet still seeming so far away. After she had been walking for what seemed like hours, Emma became more and more tired and she no longer looked up to see the windows, but only saw the path beneath her feet. Still she had the picture so firmly in her heart and mind that she knew she would reach the windows eventually.

Suddenly Emma realized that the sun was no longer shining above her. In fact it was getting quite dark. She felt a little afraid but the longing to find the golden windows was stronger than her fear, so on she went.
Soon Emma felt so tired she just couldn´t take a single step more, so she curled up at the foot of a tree to rest and was soon asleep.

The sun was shining when Emma awoke and to her delight she found that she was very close to the village she was seeking and began to look excitedly around to find the golden windows but there were none to be seen.
“Oh” thought Emma “I must be in another village” but then she saw standing before her the house with the top like a castle and the church with a crooked spire. Emma knew now that she had found her golden village, but where oh where were the golden windows? All the windows were plain, just like her own at home.

Emma was so disappointed she sat and wept for a little while but then she decided that the only thing she could do was return home without the riches she so dearly sought. She felt quite hungry by now and was missing Mummy and Grandpa and realized that she wanted them far more than any gold, so she turned around and started down the hillside.
Suddenly a light caught her eye and as she looked across the valley towards her own village, to her astonishment she saw that every window in every house was glittering, sparkling gold – including her own little cottage up on the hillside!

Emma ran until she reached her own dear home, now looking so bright and golden. Mummy and Grandpa were so relieved to have her back they gave her lots of cuddles. They couldn´t be cross with her for disappearing, especially when she told them of the reason for her adventure.
Now when Emma stands at the kitchen sink she doesn´t envy the other village at all, for she knows that though they have gold in the evenings, she has gold every morning.
I wonder if you can guess what the gold is?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PRESSED FLOWER PICTURES

2009-10-10T11:27:00.000-07:00

These pressed flower picture photographs can be found down the right side of the blog - the following is how (and sometimes why) I made them. I have made hundreds over the years but have just published a selection of them here.
.
The flowers for all these pictures were either collected in the Yorkshire countryside, or grown by us in our garden in West Yorkshire, then pressed in the special presses that Tony made for me.
.
If you would like to know how to make pressed flower pictures, I have a full teaching programme available. Just email me on tontric@hotmail.com

I´ve logged the pictures here in alphabetical order - hopefully this will make it easier for you to check out each one individually.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

APRICOT PARFAIT 4x6”
Berberis, Daisy, Elder blossom, Gypsophila, London pride, Saxifrage, Verbena, Queen Anne´s lace leaf
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AUTUMN GLOW 8x10”
Alyssum saxatile, Berberis, Crocosmia, Daisy, Elder flowers, Mayweed, London Pride, Verbena, Feverfew, Goldenrod, Gypsophila, Honeysuckle, Lily of the valley, Polygonum, Beech leaf, Fern as basket, Reindeer moss, Grasses, Limnanthes leaf, Oak leaf, Cranesbill leaf.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BASKET OF DELIGHTS 8x10”
Verbena, Lobelia, Violas, Cranesbill, London pride, Silverweed, Maidenhair spleenwort, Russian vine, Sweet pea tendrils, Maidenhair fern, Bindweed, Alyssum saxatile, Beech leaf as basket

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BLUE BABY 4x3"

I wanted to try a miniature - this frame is only 3x4inches approximately. I used
Delphinium petals for bowl, Bluebells, Cornflower florets, Queen Anne´s lace and Snow in summer leaf

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BLUE BEAUTY 4x6”
Baby blue eyes, Delphinium petals, Hawthorn, Lobelia, Queen Anne´s lace

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BLOSSOMING BOUQUET 5x7”
Feverfew, Gypsophila, Heuchera, Hydrangea, Iberis, London pride, Persicaria, Polygonum, Thrift, Verbena, Alchemilla alpina leaf as bow, chervil leaf

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BLUSH 7” x 9”
Cranesbill, Daisy, Heather, Hydrangea, Mayweed, persicaria, Phlox, Verbena, Yarrow, Achillea, Clover, Fern, Vetch, Alchemilla alpina leaf as bow

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CELEBRATION 8x10"
Delphinium, Kerria, Crocosmia, Bluebell, Daisy, Alyssum saxatile, Forget me not, Iberis, Queen Anne´s lace, London pride, Gypsophila, Polygonum persicaria, Cranesbill, Virginian stock, bowl made from delphinium petals decorated with Queen Anne´s lace flowers and stems

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CIRCLE OF JOY 8 x 10”
Alyssum saxatile, Cranesbill, Daisy, Hawthorn buds, Meadow cranesbill, Willowherb buds, Fern

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLUSTER 5” x 7”
Verbena, 3 varieties Saxifrage, London pride, Cow parsley leaf

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COTTAGE

The first picture I made. It measures 52" x 27" (132 x 69 cm) plus frame

I started the collage on 14th May 1978 and completed it on 10 July 1979. My apologies for quality of photos – since then I´ve gone digital!
The background was drawn and painted for me by my friend Sylvia Pittam whose rabbit supplied the straw for the roof. The frame and engraved nameplate were made by dear husband Tony
Flowers and petals used: rose, dahlia, pansy, daisy, London pride, hawthorn blossom, buttercup, bluebells, marigold, lobelia, busy lizzie and a few others whose name I never knew
Brickwork started life as pink rose petals – thanks to all my work colleagues at Marston Paxman in Brighouse who brought me bagsful of flowers!
The path is edged with individual flowers of hawthorn blossom and London pride
For the wishing well base I used dahlia petals overlapped with rose petals for the uprights and straw on the thatch.
The little boy took hours. For his shirt I cut up pansy petals into tiny squares, then laid them right side/wrong side up to achieve a checked look. His dungarees are overlapping marigold petals. His hat, boots and features were all made using leaves or paper.
The shrubbery on the left is a collection of leaves and flowers (names unknown) given to me by my friend Dolores, who remains fondly in my memory each time I look at the picture.,
The trees are a mixture of leaves and ferns, but I used real treebark for the trunk, brought to me by Heather, a workmate
For the little girl´s dress I was stuck for something big enough, until a lovely lady at White´s florist in Brighouse came to the rescue with a large lily petal, which I trimmed with pansy petals to simulate fur.
Her bonnet and boots are assorted leaves
The garden contains various flowers, as listed earlier.

I had great fun making the window frames using balsa wood. I stuck narrow lace on the inside for curtains and “lit up” the downstairs window using pink card. I added the vase of flowers for a homely touch.

The thatch was simply straw, cut to size and glued to a paper strip

The door and foot-scraper are also made from balsa wood, with initials and date engraved on the letterbox and upper door-plate.

The “roses around the door” are in fact London Pride

The picture has faded and mellowed with the years. The golden buttercups are now a silvery-white, the vibrant flower colours have faded to soft browns, purples and gold and the deep purple well is almost “grey brick”. Despite this, I still love to look at it, seeing what I could have done differently, what I would do now, and ask myself “shall I start another?”

I gave this creation to my Niece Rebecca and her husband Adam, as a wedding gift in 2006.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CROSS OF PASSION 13x18"

I made this special picture for my church "Huddersfield Christian Fellowship.

Many flowers in it, but the main item is the passion flower that I used for the centre

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ENGLISH SUMMER 8x10"

This picture was created especially for a friend to give to his favourite Pizza Restaurant in the Bay of Naples
Ox-eye daisy, Feverfew, Lawn daisy, Rose bay willowherb, Great willowherb, Campion, Verbena, Heuchera, Meadowsweet, Hawthorn blossom, London pride, Gypsophila, Cranesbill, Queen Anne´s lace, Iberis, Heather, Silverweed, Field woodrush, Vetch, Willowherb leaf, Yorkshire fog grass, Alchemilla alpina leaf as bow

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FIRE SCREEN around 24" x 20"

I´d always wanted to make a picture from pressed flowers, since my first huge one, and finding this old fire screen in a charity shop gave me the idea. The pond is made from delphinium petals, the stones from marigold calyxes. Other ingredients are delphinium flowers, grasses, beach leaves, vetch, lobelia, daisy, buttercup, dandelion seedheads and some items I can´t even remember!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FLOWER BOWL 3 1/2 X 5"
Celandine, Queen Anne´s lace, Limnanthes, Corydalis leaf, Snow in summer leaf, Beech leaf as bowl

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GARDEN OF JOYS 8x10"
Cranesbill, Daisy, Gypsophila, Hawthorn, Hydrangea, Heuchera, Iberis, London pride, Mayweed, Persicaria, Queen Anne´s lace, Thrift, Verbena, Alcemilla alpina leaf as bow, Cranesbill leaf, Yorkshire fog (grass)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GLORIANA around 14x18"

Astrantia, cornflower, cosmos, cranesbill leaf, crocosmia, delphinium, elder blossom, feverfew, geranium, geum, heuchera, hydrangea, limonium, london pride, love in a mist, mayweed, meadow cranesbill, miniature rose, polygonum persicaria, queen anne´s lace, vetch, great willowherb, rose bay willowherb

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GOLDEN 5x7”

Borage, Buttercup, Elder blossom, Feverfew, Hawthorn blossom, Kerria, Phlox, Viola, Queen Anne´s lace leaf, Alchemilla alpina leaf as bow

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GOLDEN GLOW 3 ½ x 5”
Goldenrod, Lysimachia punctata (loosestrife), Lady´s bedstraw, Cranesbill leaf, Vetch tendrils

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GREAT TIT 5x7"
This is made from an assortment of leaves with yellow marigold petals for the underbody

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GREENFINCH 5x7"
Made from assorted leaves with yellow marigold petals for underbody and tail feathers.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HARVEST BASKET 7x9”
Cherry blossom, Crocosmia, Daisy, Elder blossom, Geum, Gypsophila, Hawthorn, Lewisia, Persicaria, Saxifrage, Verbena, Queen Anne´s lace leaf, Fern as basket

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JEWELS 8x10”
Gypsophila, London pride, Heuchera, Mayweed, Pansy, Persicaria, Potentilla, Verbena, Viola, Chervil leaf, Alchemilla alpina leaf as bow

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LUCKY 3x4”
Berberis, Gypsophila, Hawthorn, Lily of the Valley, Queen Anne´s lace flowers, Maidenhair fern, Alchemilla alpina leaf.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PASSION 7x9”
Elder blossom, Heartsease, London Pride, Marguerites, Meadow cranesbill, Polygonum persicaria, Primula denticulata, Verbena, Yarrow, Alchemilla alpina leaf as bow, Chervil leaf, Vetch
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PEACHY 7x9”
Crocosmia, Elder blossom, Hawthorn blossom, Hogweed, Verbena, Queen Anne´s lace leaf

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POT OF GOLD - my second miniature 4x3"
Crocosmia on leaf base bowl, Berberis buds and flowers, Cranesbill leaf

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PRECIOUS around 14x18"

Alchemilla leaf, alyssum saxatile, ash leaves, baby blue eyes, cornflower, crocosmia, daisy, delphinium, elder blossom, fern, feverfew, geum, great willowhereb, gypsophila, heuchera, london pride, love in a mist, maidenhair fern, mayweed, meadow cranesbill, miniature rose, persicaria, polygonum, salvia, verbena, vetch, wild rose.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ROBIN 7x5"
I made this as a Christmas card for Tony.
Upper body beech leaves. Redbreast Christmas cactus flower petals; underbody Clematis seedheads using the fluffy part with the seed removed. Leaves are bindweed and the berries are hole-punched out of a fuchsia petal.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SNOWFLAKES 5x7"
I found a lovely silver frame and wanted to do something different, so on the dark blue background, I put Snowdrops, Snow in summer and individual flowers from Queen Anne´s lace as the snowflakes
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUNGLOW 7x5"

A different design, for a change
Viola, Pansy, London pride, Queen Anne´s lace, Heuchera, Cranesbill leaf

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUNSHINE 8x10”
Alyssum saxatile, Buttercup, Broom, Celandine, Goldenrod, Hop Trefoil, Kerria, Primrose, Ragwort, Rapeseed, Viola, Achillea, Beech leaf as bowl, Clover, Conifer, Cranesbill leaf, Fern

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUSAN´S BOUQUET 5x7”
Campion, Cornflower florets, Cranesbill, Daisy, Geum, Hogweed, Honesty, Hydrangea, London pride, Saxifrage, Snow in summer, Wild rose, Alchemilla alpina leaf as bow, Chervil leaf

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WALK IN THE COUNTRY 8 x 10”
Gypsophila, Heather, Honesty, plain and variegated, Hydrangea, Limonium, London pride, Mayweed, Pale persicaria, Verbena, Alchemilla alpina leaf as bow, Artemesia, Chervil leaf, Grasses, Willowherb leaf, Vetch, Yorkshire Fog grass

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A POEM FOR ALL OUR SOLDIERS

2009-09-17T13:53:00.000-07:00

I wrote this one for my friend Ruth,

for her daughter Susan to send to her husband Jason

who is serving in Afghanistan

LOVE AND PRAYERS

My dearest one I want to say
While you are there so far away
My love and prayers are there with you
In every single thing you do

They´re with you when you wake each day
To walk with you along the way
And in the heat of battle too
My love and prayers are there with you

My love surrounds you in the fight
And holds you gently through the night
And every day I say my prayer
God keeps you always in His care

My darling one I miss you so
But soon you will be home I know
You´ll come triumphant through the door
And we´ll be one just as before

----------

CHRISTIAN ANSWERS

2009-06-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

Hi there
You may have seen my section called "Bible Truths" and thought "don´t want that!" but have you ever asked yourself "why does God let kids die and nasty things happen?". Well, the poems here are the answers that He has given to me. So - I have changed the title to "Answers" and hope it will encourage you to have a look. Go on - you´ve nothing to lose! Bye for now, love Tricia xx
..
..
This poem came about when I was chatting to someone and they said they did good things and gained "brownie points" so they should be ok for heaven ....

GETTING TO HEAVEN

.
It’s good to be good to others
but that won’t get you there
It’s good to give to charity
but that won’t get you there
´Don’t steal, don’t lie, don’t cheat or hurt´,
good rules we should obey
But just being a “good” person
is simply NOT the way
There’s just ONE way to heaven,
one path that you must take
Accept the gift that God gave free,
when Jesus died for your sake
It’s not the effort on your part
that writes your name above
It’s accepting God with all your heart
and giving Him your love
++++++

I have friends who are Buddhist, Muslim, Wiccan, agnostic, atheist, and those who believe in "the god who lives inside you" I used to think it was OK if everyone prayed to their god - then in church one day these words came to me clearly .....

ONE ROAD

+
I used to think ”they’re all the same
All lead to God – what’s in a name”
Mohammed, Allah, Buddah too,
Or “the god that lives inside of you”
But then the Word came clear to me
The Truth of God that I could see
There is One God and One alone
And through His Word He shall be known
Don’t worship men or lumps of clay
Or vague ideas that seem ok
Go to the Bible and there you’ll see
The Truth of God that will set you free
++++++

When we were in Majorca we met a nice couple, but they were into Tarot cards. I wrote this one for them.

.
THE FUTURE

+
Don’t trust in tarot, runes and palms
These things are wrong and can do harm
But put your trust in God above
And let Him fill your life with love
The Lord alone knows what will be
The future is not ours to see
But put your life into His hand
And all will be as He has planned
He knows your past, your future too
Such wonders lie in store for you
If you’ll just turn away from sin
And let your Saviour enter in
++++++

Again, we were in Majorca and were chatting with the tour rep at the hotel where we stayed. It was coming up to Christmas and he said he couldn´t believe in God because if He existed, why do kids die each day. God gave me this answer ......

THE ANSWER

.
SPREAD THE WORD

Our friend David asked us this question

and this is the answer God gave

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN?

First of all you must believe that Jesus died for YOU

Accept the Lord into your life and make a vow that´s true

Then God adopts you as His child and guides you all your days

Just listen to your inner voice to hear the things He says

He doesn't promise perfect life where everything is right

But you will know an inner peace that gives eternal light

You´ll want to live the way God says, the Bible shows the way

That´s kind and loving, always helping others every day

And through the trials of earthly life you know that you will be

One day in heaven, happy always, blessed eternally

++++++++

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE

2009-04-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Friday 3rd April 2009. Hi everyone.

We were praying this morning and as I prayed for all the people we care about, I said "If only people realised that God is there waiting for them to ask for His help" - and then, clear as a bell, I heard the words "TELL THEM"

So here I am -telling you that if there is anything you need - JUST ASK HIM. God is just waiting for you to talk to Him first - then He will answer.

It doesn´t matter if it is something small or huge - He wants to know and share it with you - BUT you need to talk to Him first. Invite Him in.

Please try it - you have nothing to lose - and a world full of peace and happiness to gain!

FAMILY & FRIENDS

2009-02-01T10:47:00.000-08:00

My next door neighbour had a friend who just loved to walk on the Bronte moors in Yorkshire early in the mornings, but it was very cold. So I knitted her a balaclava hat and wrote this to go with it. This is more or less how I used to speak then!

.
LESLEY’S ‘AT 1976

I thowt o’ Lesley up on t’moor wi nowt upon ‘er ‘ead

Gerrin cold an ‘eck knows wot, it just int reyt ah said

An so I got me needles owt, an wool as I’d left ower

From a reyt posh ganzy as I’d med afower

I ad a pattern andy like an so wi’ no palaver

I set to knitting this ‘ere ‘at, a grand warm balaclava

I ‘ope it fits yer reyt an’ keeps yer lugoles warm an’ that

An’ you don’t ‘ave to walk no more on t’Bronte’s moor bhat ‘at
.
Translation:
.
I thought of Lesley upon the moor with nothing on her head

Getting cold and who knows what, it just is not right, I said
And so I got some needles out, and wool that I had left over
from a very smart cardigan that I had made before
I had a pattern close by and so with no palaver
I began to make this hat, a fine warm balaclava
I hope it fits you correctly and keeps your ears warm and that
You don´t have to walk any more on the Bronte moor without a hat
.
.
######

.

.

Elsie Sharpe was our dear friend and neighbour
in the Yorkshire town of Brighouse. Sadly, when she moved away
we lost touch, but we still hold fond thoughts of her in our heart.

ELSIE1992

You’re such a lovely lady

And we’ll really miss you so

We’ve made this picture for you

And it’s just to let you know

You really are quite specia

lIn a class all of your own

We hope you’re really happy

And content in your new home

######

.

.

I´ve had spinal problems for many years.

Julia was my physio at the hospital and really helped me.

JULIA, PHYSIO
1992

Your healing hands and cheery chat

Have perked me up when I’ve felt flat

I’m so much better, feeling new

And it is all because of you

Thanks Julia

######

For a number of years we holidayed in Arnside, Morecambe Bay

Stanley & Alan were at the bed & breakfast where we stayed

STANLEY & ALAN

1993

Sometimes life can be unkind to us

With the heartaches we have to bear

But blessings can still abound for some

Like the wonderful friendship we share

Dear Alan our prayers are with you

That God will bring healing your way

Dear Stanley we pray for His blessing and strength

For all your kindness each day

It isn’t often we’re honoured to meet

With people as nice as you two

That’s why we’ve written this poem

Especially Stanley & Alan, for you

We send you our love and our prayers every day

So you are never alone

Strong in the knowledge that in God’s dear care

Your hearts always have a safe home

######
.

My mum was diagnosed with cancer in 1993,

just a few weeks before her birthday.

This is what I wrote for her.

MY MUM

November 93

You’re not just my Mum, you’re my best friend too

And I’ve shared lots of brilliant times with you

We played silly games with balloons with ears

And laughed till our faces were streaked with tears

And when I was older you stayed with me

In Devon, and we went to a show in Torquay

So many good times when I’ve been glad

And you’ve been there too when I was sad

I cried in an armchair, calling for you

Many miles separated us, but you still knew

When I was so ill and things looked grim

You stayed by my side and wouldn’t give in

With the greatest love a mother can give

You held my hand and willed me to live

You are my friend, my helper and guide

In good times and bad you’re there by my side

I love you so much and I know it’s true

I’m greatly blessed to have a Mum like you

######

Jack was a good workmate and friend of both mine & Tony´s for many years.

JACK PETERSON’S RETIREMENT

1994

Today’s the day you got it right

No more 8-6 after tonight

And no need to wish you all the best

Because today beats all the rest

From today you are the boss

And you can choose the path to cross

Now you’ve all the time you need

To make a perfect life indeed

So thanks for your years of friendship, JP

Have a really great time, your mate, Tony G

######

.

Penny and I have been friends for over 20 years.
.
PENNY & NICK

1994

To Penny & Nick I wish you joy,

to last your whole lives through

Good luck, good health and happiness

and a measure of treasure too!

I pray you stay the best of friends

each other both adore

And most of all I pray your love

will last for ever more

######

Tony´s elder daughter

SUSAN’S 30th BIRTHDAY

1994

This verse is a pleasure to write you see

Because you’ve become very special to me

You’re so much a “chip off the block” I adore

I already cared for you years before

But now that we’ve met it’s better by far

Thanks to the sweet lovely person you are

A daughter and sister and friend in one go

And really the nicest young lady I know

So it’s not just a pleasure, it’s a delight

To get my brain working so that I can write

Happy Birthday dear Susan, may joy come your way

Increasing for ever, and starting today

######

JIMMY

brother, 50th birthday,

Sept 1994

Although I don’t see you day to day

You’re never more than a thought away

And the thoughts I have bring me such joy

Because you’re truly a “special boy”

You protected me when I was small

And became my hero when you were tall

Though life wasn’t always easy or fair

When it really mattered, you were there

You made us laugh and we’d sing along

When you put your own words to a certain song

You’d strum your guitar and sing out loud

And it was cheeky! But we were proud

For years we lived many miles apart

But you were there with me in my heart

And when we’re together, any day

It’s as if I’ve never been away

I’m so proud of you and your success

And I wish you always happiness

I love you deeply and there’s no other

Just like you, my smashing brother

######

For Jim´s birthday I made a pressed flower paperweight

and gave it to him with this verse
.
May the paper you have most of be the green crinkly kind

May the pleasure that life brings you take the “weight off your mind”

May life blossom like a flower and bring you joy each day

To make your life perfect, Jim, starting with today

######

.

.

I met my dad for the first time when I was 14.

We lost touch for 20 years, then met again.

He died less than ten years later
.
DAD 1994

I didn’t know you very well the years we were apart

But since we met I found a lot of feelings in my heart

And though we missed the little things that dads and daughters do

There’ll always be a special place within my heart for you
.
######

.

This was written for my friend Jean when her ex-husband was very ill.

ROY Sept 94

When I think about you Roy and of the life we had

I remember all the good times and forget about the bad

We shared a lot together and created life anew

The children that we love will always be a part of you

And though love changes through the years and cannot be the same

The bonds were forged so long ago and friendship will remain

So though our paths must separate and we shall be apart

There’ll always be a special place for you within my heart

######

Lucy is my younger sister

I think the verse says it all!

LUCY

40th birthday 1995

You’re a very special person and I just want you to know

Why it is dear Lucy I have always loved you so

When you were just a little girl we’d go up to the park

And I’d make pretty daisy chains for you, just for a lark

And you would always love them and wear them in your hair

That made me feel so happy just to have you there

And it taught me all the fun of craft and joy of giving too

So from the very start, my life has been enriched by you

I used to tell you stories of a fairy – name of Nuff

With socks for little puppets – my props were pretty rough!

But you would always ask for more, and so inside me grew

A love of words and joy to share, I owe it all to you

And through the years you’ve always been a special friend to me

With half-a-crown when I was short, or a holiday by the sea

A shoulder there to cry upon when I’ve been feeling low

It really is no wonder that I love you so

At school, at work, with family, I’m very proud of you

Because you make a great success of everything you do

And so for you Dear Lucy, these blessings do I pray

Peace, contentment, happiness, to always come your way

######

.

.

Tony´s Uncle Gordon, a lovely man

UNCLE GORDON’SBIRTHDAY

There’s a very special person that I’m thinking of today

Someone who is strong and kind, considerate in every way

One whose skills I’ve long admired, whose company I love to share

Who shows in everything he does, his great capacity to care

In all the world, if I could choose to be one other person

Then it would have to be just you, my dearest Uncle Gordon

######

Tony´s niece was a beautiful person, inside and out.

I loved the way she always called me "Trishy-wishy".

I lost a dear and loving friend when she died at 30 years old.
.
JULIE

30th April 1997

You’re a very special person and we just want you to know

Why it is dear Julie that we both love you so

When you were just a little girl your uncle felt such pride

So talented and pretty, his joy he could not hide

And as the years passed by, all your qualities did grow

Until you became the lovely woman we both know

You’re such a bubbly person, full of laughter, full of love

Brains and beauty too, so many blessings from above

You give such love to others it is easy to love you

Not least because you’re beautiful on the inside too

So for you our Julie these blessings we now pray

Peace, contentment, happiness, to always come your way

######

Pauline is my older sister. As the verse says, I admire her and we are now best friends.
.
PAULINE

50th birthday

June 1997

When we were kids we used to fight, we just could not get on

But through the years we both grew up, those fratching days are gone

Now I admire the things you do, your skills with DIY

Not scared of challenge, no not you, you’d give all jobs a try

Your generous and loving heart has sometimes caused you pain

But you just pick yourself right up and let love try again

You put your loved ones first in line to show them how you care

No matter what the day or time, they know for them, you’re there

So you deserve the very best now that your birthday’s here

A day of joy to beat the rest that lasts for many a year

######

Tony´s daughter, wedding

SUSAN & SEAN

Nov 98

Dear Susan & Sean,my wish for you

Is happiness your whole lives through

Good health, some wealth,but most I pray

Your love grows deeper day by day

I wish you joy and love and light.

A future that is ever bright.

With all my heart I want to say

God Bless you both on your wedding day

######

THINKING OF JULIE
.
Dearest Jesus, precious Lord

How I love to hear your Word

Daily does my spirit rise

As I reach towards the prize

In Your love my soul can rest

Strengthened now for any test

In Your Word my life will be

Ever Yours, in victory

#####

These were the words I heard in my head during my morning prayers

MORE THOUGHTSOF JULIE

3.2.99

Don’t you want her to be free?

Let her come and rest in Me

Then in glory shall she be

Living, in eternity

######

THINK ABOUT IT

16.2.99

Do not grieve too much for Julie

My child can you not see

She is MY lovely daughter

I wanted her with me

It’s not for you to understand

Or know the reason why

But just to trust Me all your life

Until the day you die

Then all will be revealed to you

The truth will set you free

And you will join your loved ones here

In paradise with Me

######

HURTING

For Susan 17.2.1999

Lord take away her bitterness

Please take away her pain

Give her Your peace inside Lord

And let her smile again

######

Tony´s granddaughter

REBECCA AT EASTER

Easter 99

This special greeting is coming today

For you Rebecca especially to say

May God Bless you richly now Easter is here

And may He watch over you all through the year

######

For Tony´s 60th birthday we went to Portugal and met a really nice couple.
.
MARION

Sept 99

We hope you have a lovely birthday time

Here in the Algarve, where the sun does shine

And when you’re back in Liskeard and it’s grey

Just recall the happy sunshine of today

######

Rosemary & Joe were a couple we met in Majorca.

We had a standing joke that the more cheap tonic we drank,

the richer we would become with the savings!

ROSEMARY & JOE

Oct 01

To our dear friends

Rosemary and Joe

We had to write

to let you know

We read your letter,

drink in hand

And what a clever

plot you planned

We’ll definitely

buy the “t”

And treat each can

so lovingly

Adorned with letters

J and R

So from our minds

you’re never far

And though our meeting

dayswere few

We had such pleasure

being with you

So even when the last can’s gone

Deep in our hearts, you’ll linger on

######

We met Gregorio in Majorca -

this is the English version of my first Spanish verse that I wrote for him.

He was such a nice man, grieving for the loss of his young daughter.

.
GREGORIO

19.11.01

Remember with joy the good times

Speak of me every day

Keep me always in your heart

Then we will never be apart

######

Tony´s Aunt Lillian was a wonderful character and a really nice lady

AUNT LILLIAN

Dec 01

Here’s a message from Majorca

To a very nice senora

Such loving thoughts

all fly your way

To celebrate your special day

We wish the very best for you

With lots of love and laughter too

Then happiness, good healthand cheer

To stay with you

throughout the year

######

Another ditty to our friends.

ROSEMARY & JOE

2Dec 01

Think of us when

the snowflakes fall

On our terrace in the sun

having a ball!

Savings get better – agua 104

Now improved, down to 64

Still drinking the vodka

and tonica too

We’ll soon be millionaires

(just like you)

Christmas greetings to you from afar

Hope to see you in Torre del Mar

######

George & Theresa were our first friends in Spain where we holiday in winter.

GEORGE & THERESA (1)

We have two friendswhose name is Wee

But we just call them G & T

They travelled far from Singapore

To settle on Spain’s sunny shore

Their home stands proud upon a hill

With views to make your heart stand still

Each Thursday morning they come down

And we all go around the town

We stop for churros,crisp and sweet

It is a lovely breakfast treat

And then to Velez market fair

To purchase all our bargains there

And often, as we wander round

We look, but George cannot be found

We lose him, then he reappears

He must have radar in his ears!

Theresa roams around the stalls

And looks at all the frilly smalls

And as we walk we laugh with glee

At all the “BB’s” we can see

Then round the todo shopswe roam

Until it’s time to go on home

Now it is time for us to part

But you’ll go with us in our heart

Our friendship is so very dear

We just can’t wait until next year

######

GEORGE & THERESA (2)

1.2.02.

THANK YOU….

For being our family a long long way from home

For making us so welcome ‘treat it as your own’

For all the joy and laughter and all the times we share

For showing us true friendship – for you we’ll always care

######

Irene is a beautiful lady whom we met at the local charity shop
.
IRENE

Lovely Irene, star of Cudeca

How we will miss you,while we’re away

Vaya con Dios, Gott behute dich

Until we meet another day

######

We met Willa in Antequera, Spain and still keep in touch.

The Spanish bit is because she was trying to teach me!

WILLA

Vaya con Dios, friend from El Paso

Dios le Bendiga,wherever you go

Abrazos y besos around every bend

Hasta la vista, to Willa, our friend

######

REBECCA

March 03

To our dear Rebecca, here’s a special poem for you

You look a super Brownie in your uniform so new

We like your joined up writing and the verses that you do

We bet your teacher and your mum are very proud of you

We are too!

Love Grandad & Tricia

######

Jacquie is a very nice Christian lady and she inspired me to write this

JACQUI’S 50th

11.05.03

We haven’t known you very long,

But this much is quite clear

You’re a really lovely lady,

And a pleasure to be near

You’re thoughtful and considerate,

And care for other’s needs

The special love of God in you,

Shines out in all your deeds

So this little message comes to you,

Dear Jacqui, just to say

We’re sure He is rejoicing too,

On this, your Special Day

######

Dear friends, we miss them whether we are in Spain or UK

RAY & LILIBETH

Sept 04

We haven’t known you very long

But we will miss you when you’re gone

Sweet Lilibeth and chatty Ray

Your company often made our day

From meeting on the Velez bus

You’re now quite special friends to us

We’ve shared some interesting times

Like burro rides in foreign climes

And ajoblanco in the sun

Oh what a day, we had such fun

You made our ‘guided walks’ so bright

We’d chat and put the world to right

Our churros now won’t be the same

Until you join us once again

We’re sorry Ray you feel the cold

But we think you are very bold

Also you are fairly witty

And Lilibeth is very pretty

A quality that you both share

You make a date and you are there

We know we can rely on you

To be on time – that’s special too

Between you both you’re quite a pair

A friendship we’ve been glad to share

We wish you well in Land of Thai

And say with love a fond goodbye

When you return to sunny Spain

We’ll pick our friendship up again

And till that day, though far apart

You’re with us always in our heart

######

.

.

In Christmas 2004 I had prepared little gifts for our friends and their family,

so I added little verses to go with them

For LYNN(gift, gold embossing powder)

They say that it’s the thought that counts

Not what you spend in large amounts

This could be frankincense you hold

Or is it Myrrh, or even gold?

###

For SAM(tooth flossing sticks)

She said “do it daily if you can”

But it’s not always easy for a man

So hope this helps you every day

To do it in a simpler way!

###

For BERYL(guardian angel)

This little gift is here for you

To wish you joythe whole year through

To keep you safe each night and day

We all have one –or so they say!

###

For ERIC (chewing gum)

No crisps or junk – you will not eat

So what can you have for a treat

A nicer nibble – not naughty too

Hope you have a cheerful chew!

###

.
LAURENCE (key rings)

We’ve seen you boxing in the ring

Oh my! How do you do dat ding?!

But here are rings we hope you’ll find

Are of a gentler, useful kind

###
.
.

Eric is a good friend with a phenominal tenor singing voice

ERIC PRINCE

70th Birthday,

10.01.2005.

The voice of an angel

with the strength of ten

He’s truly a man

unique among men

He’s wary of people,

but when he’s your friend

He’ll be loyal and true

until the end

He’s a husband,a father,

a brother too

And he’s like a brother

to me and you

He’s tough on the outer,

but deep inside

There’s an easy-hurt boy

that he tries to hide

He’s 7 and he’s 70,

a Prince among men

Happy Birthday Eric,

our special friend

######

.

.

This was for our friends Angus & Angela when their daughter got married
.
BEVERLEY & ROBERT

March 2005

A perfect magical day for you

When all your special dreams come true

When you dear Beverley start your life

From this day on as Robert’s wife

Your brother and your three sisters too

All wish the very best for you

And we, your loving mum and dad

Hope it’s the best day you’ve ever had

When our lovely girl “serenity”

Becomes as one with “security”

A combination that’s bound with love

And blessed for ever from above

######

.

.

When neice Julie got breast cancer, I truly believed that if we prayed and believed enough, she would survive. I was devastated when she died in 1997. Ultimately I came to understand that our plan isn´t always God´s. Others I wrote for Julie are within this category, but if you prefer to see them all together please see the section headed "Bereavement, special ones"
.

I’M SORRY, JULIE

2006

Seven years of anguish

and I’m asking again

What could I have done

that I didn’t do then?

I truly believed in the

miracle prayer

And right to the end

I expected it there

God’s word says to pray

and believe it will be

But I was left asking,

“Lord, why not for me?”

I truly believed

and I felt so sure

Forgive me if Imade it

hurt all the more

I just didn’t know what to do, what to say

And my heart broke the last time

that I walked away.

Please forgive me, Julie

######

SUSAN

2006

We once were friends and got on well

But that all changed, why I cannot tell

Now when we meet you don’t say hi

Or talk or even say goodbye

Did I do wrong? I wish you’d say

Then I could put it right some way

I think and worry through the night

Please give me a chance to put things right

######
.

.

Mildred & Dané are very dear friends - my second mum & dad

MILDRED & DANÉ

18.09.06

On your Silver Wedding

This card comes to say

Mildred & Dané

Have a wonderful day

God Bless you and keep you

With grace from above

For many more years

Filled with joy and with love

######

Tony´s Auntie Hilda is a fantastic lady.

She gained her M A Degree with honours at 79

AUNTIE HILDA

2007

You’re a very special lady and we just want you to know

Why it is dear Auntie Hilda we both love you so

You’re thoughtful and considerate each time we call or phone

Though we don’t see you very much we always feel at home

For when we visit you will make some yummy pie or cake

And we are always so impressed with the lovely things you make

You always look so very nice, you’re our very special Queen

Of elegance and talent too and you have always been

So very special to us both that we just want to say

We’ll think of you our dearest Aunt while we are far away

######

FOR BERYL

(birthday, neighbour)

For a lovely lady named Beryl

This card is coming to say

We´re sending you love & good wishes

On this your own special day

######

Whenever I watched the Richard & Judy show

I was drawn to the wonderful wooden ball on their coffee table.

Sadly, I never got a reply to this!

RICHARD & JUDY

There´s something about your programme that glues me every day

It isn´t just the way you look or great things that you say

It isn´t just your super guests that bring a lot of fun

Or your brill personalities that make you number one

The thing that draws me to your show, I´m crazy about trees

Your wooden ball is just fantastic – can I have it please?

######

.

.

This was a response to a great free magazine we get when we are in Spain
.
BEE IN YOUR BONNET
.
It´s great to have somewhere

to let off steam

To give an opinion and

say what you mean

Or sometimes to find

an answer you seek

At other folks´problems

to have a good peek

There´s useful advice

and fresh outlook too

It´s interesting, useful

and helpful to you

So where is this feature

that beats the rest?

It´s BEE IN YOUR BONNET

the Market Place best!

######

.

.

My friend´s birthday

LYNN´S 60th
.
It´s your special birthday

So what can I do

I wanted a special present for you

I thought of a bag then thought of a purse

A necklace or bracelet, my ideas just got worse

My thoughts didn´t help, as I think you can see

And you can choose something much better than me

I don´t want to spoil it or make a big hash

So hope it´s OK if I give you the cash

######

.

.

I wrote this for Dané to give to Mildred

HAPPY BIRTHDAYMILDRED

2008

Because it´s your birthday

I want you to know

Just why it is Mildred

That I love you so

My friend and companion

my partner and guide

You make my life perfect

with you at my side

You´re the perfect mother

and great grandma too

So kind to everyone,

your loving shines through

A whizz in the kitchen,

your scones are the best

Whatever you´re cooking

just beats all the rest

With your magical touch

and fingers of green

You´ve made the best garden

ever to be seen

A fountain of wisdom,

good sense and advice

You make people happy –

you really are nice

You´re the love of my heart

and the light of my life

My Beloved Mildred,

my wonderful wife

######

A friend of my friend lost her brother and couldn´t come to terms with it.

I wrote this as though he was talking to her.

MESSAGE TO ELAINE

2008

I didn´t want to leave you

But it was my time to go

But can I tell you something

I think that you should know

My leaving left a warning

To those I left behind

So they would be protected

And a remedy be found

I know, Elaine, you miss me

And sis, I miss you too

But please accept my message

What I want you to do

I want you to remember

The good times that we had

To bring a smile back to you

Whenever you are sad

Remember I am with you

And with the children too

I´m sharing every moment

of every day with you

I want you to be happy

To live my life for me

Please do as I am asking

And from your grief be free

I love you Paul

######

.

Wendy & John are two of our best friends

WENDY & JOHN

2008

A very special Christmas

And a wonderful new year

Is wished for John & Wendy

Our friends who are so dear

######
.
.
.

Our German friend and neighbour Brigitte in Spain

.
BRIGITTE
03.02.2009
.
Because you are a special friend
Really nice in every way
It´s such a pleasure now to send
Greetings on your special day
In this birthday card so true
The prayer we have that God will bless
Today with joy, and then for you
Each day to come, with happiness
.
######
.

This one was for my dear friend - who I call Sis

I wrote this one for my friend Dané to give to his wife
.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MILDRED

Because it´s your birthday I want you to know
Just why it is Mildred that I love you so

My friend and companion, my partner and guide
You make my life perfect with you at my side

You´re the perfect mother and great grandma too
So kind to everyone, your loving shines through

A whizz in the kitchen, your scones are the best
Whatever you´re cooking just beats all the rest

With your magical touch and fingers of green
You´ve made the best garden ever to be seen

A fountain of wisdom, good sense and advice
You make people happy – you really are nice

You´re the love of my heart and the light of my life
My Beloved Mildred, my wonderful wife

Happy Birthday!

Jack & Jane

Feb 2011

At Venta Baja on Sunday last
Jack cooked a meal – ‘twas a fine repast
He told us that you are doing well
It made us happier than we can tell
Hope it´s not too long till you are here
Where the sun shines and the skies are clear
Till then here´s a hug from him and me
Your friends down in Torre, that´s T and T

DOS AMIGAS POETAS

2009-01-18T07:59:00.000-08:00

My friend and I start corresponding in verse around 2005 - this is the result. Names have been changed to protect the guilty!!!

from friend
I am not a poet and dont I know it
But I can paint and draw
and I am not a bore
I can sew and mend
and be your best friend.

to friend
Painting and drawing is a hard task
my best friend as well! - what more could I ask

from friend
A fire was made when we got home,
A hot currie soup from the bone,
By it goes a long way,
We certainly make it pay.
There is more for today,
We shall eat it come what may.

to friend
Hi friend, we enjoyed the movie too
maybe cos we were with you!
no fire for us, just V&T
to go with our pork chop for tea
Hubbie did some onions, fried
not so good because I cried!!
(tasted brill though)
Ta for call from E today
glad that everything seems OK
got reserves of euros out
for the Consum bargain trout
better dash to buy our gear
see you Friday for del dia!
lotsalove. xxxxx

from friend
Hi T, Well that was excellent,
I am going to have to spend more time on these verses.

I hope you got a leaflet from consum,
Because there is more bargains for your tum.
Today its chicken whole and clean,
Wot could be better with a jar of beans.
Friday it is croissants and jam,
Yesterday cheese slices and pan.

from friend
Sorry it was my mistake,
I went for ham and cheese.
Cheese all gone if you please.
But I have 2 packets of ham,
Saturday is croisants and jam.
But if your ticket you keep.
La semana que viene they will dig deep,
There will be cheese, cheese, cheese.

Well I am in a hurry, thats my excuse.
Its menu del dia and I am hungry.

to friend
Hi friend getting better every time!
Went to consum to get the meal
turned out to be a different deal
not bread and cheese but cheese and ham
hope we do better with cross. & jam
pollo sounds a better buy
off to get it now - must fly! Bye! love T xxxx

for someone hungry - not a bad verse
I´m real thirsty so here´s something worse
looking for bargains - for savings I seek
but no joy with consum - no offers this week
no more can I say except "oh flippin heck"
been typing too long - got a pain in the neck T

from friend
I haven´t much to say. But I shall see you in a mo, ´
Then we shall speak lots I know.
I am hungry again
always the same,
But lets not speak of this folly,
Forward, lead me to the alli olli.

I really must prepare something to astound you with my brilliance.

from friend
Last night hubbie mended the fire, He brought in a very heavy log,
It was heavy, he just missed the dog. But! it dropped on the hot ashes,
They flew out all over the rug. I could have given him 20 lashes.
That´s the second one he has damaged.
I really dont know how I will manage.

to friend
Now don´t you get yourself in a fug
After all, it was only a rug
It´s hard to get this all in verse
but just think, it could have been worse he could have dropped it on your head
and you´d have spent the week in bed
just think, on Saturday´s car boot
he´ll have to give you lots of loot
a nice replacement rug to find
but not too dear or you´ll blow his mind!
Been today on chorizo search
Consum again left us in the lurch
No picante, just dulce alone
and so we brought 2 dulce home
if you want your 3 dorada
you´ll find them in our kitchen lada (well larder but it didnt rhyme)
We´ll see you Friday for del dia
but wot will we do for tea ah?
just lots of booze but not so stronga
we have V. but mucho tonica longa
Gosh this verse is getting naff
going home for a brandy & caff!
C U Fri. lotsalove.

to friend
Hello good morning to you my friend Lynn
just seen your car - r u at the gym?
Tony in bed - had a very late night
down to the airport but 1hr delayed flight
poorly on Sunday, not thrilled to bits
something upset us - we both had the squits!
Bit better now, happy to say
but going to have a very quiet day
See you on Tuesday - exciting things
hobbits & orcs with Lord of the Rings

from friend
Sorry to hear you have been ill.
If I had known I could have brought you a pill.
Could it have been the tuna tart?
Or hubby´s spices can make you fart.
We were ok right as rain,
Fit as a fiddle and no pain.
Look forward to seeing you
Thursday, Will you need the loo?
Sorry I am getting very lavatorial here.

to friend
things were bad on Sunday night
gave us both a nasty fright
but glad to say we´re feeling better
specially since laughing at your letter

to friend
re. your phone call re whats on
check the Crier - they are wrong
got Greek Wedding and the Ring
at the same time both showing (lousy rhyme but it is early)
think the Sur has got it right
showing 8.15 tonight (NOT 8.30!)
see you there if we´re still alive
in the foyer at 7.55!!!

from friend
Not sure about a visit to you as we are going to the pics later.
On Saturday I went to Canillas with Inge,
I dropped a clanger it was a humdinger.
Feeling cocky I asked "Por favor 12 uvas"
"Que" the butcher replied, "estan frutas"
Oh dear, Oh dear, my embarassment grew,
In the shop there were quite a few,
In desperation I used my hands and palms,
"They look like this, de pollo" and flapped my arms.
He looked puzzled but the penny dropped, ding dong,
"Ah huevos" same shape but different on the tongue.
Si 12 for me and 12 for her,
Thankyou sir.
What weather I cant get that washing dry,
Especially those new knickers I could cry,
Oh well she cried with a pout,
Better results if you go without.
I know you laughed out loud then,
hope you didnt frighten anyone.

to friend
Good to see you this morning even though it was a bit quick!
Hasn´t the sun been lovely today
Helps to wash all the blues away
We spent another hour on the roof
Pink face and chest is the obvious proof
But tatty hair is getting worse
(like the rhymes in this verse)
Got to remedy the tat
can´t spend my life in hubby´s hat!
See you Weds. for step one two
Hope I can do it half as good as you
By the way the flicks sound bleak
think we´ll give them a miss this week.
See you soon. Lotsalove. T xxx

from friend
Hope to see you today at Lux mundi,
Did working all those muscles pay?
Or have you pain pain pain?
Think about what you will gain.
Yesterday hubby did a bit of wife swapping.
We will explain when we see you on Friday.
It was a wife swap with pay. So who am I to argue
I am on 10% its topping. best I can do. yours is good as ever

to friend
Glad you enjoyed the bacon, we liked it too
hope there are bargains again for me & you

thanks for the delivery of lovely red wine
having friends like you is really so fine

Still wondering what to do with the paint
a soft restful yellow our walls simply aint

tv collected this morning at ten
can´t wait to get it back here again

thanks for the videos - they really are great
and the books too! you´re a truly good mate

All being well on Wednesday at 10
see you at the gymnasium again

to friend

On my own at the internet place
got fed up of hubby´s grumpy face!
He´s gone for some bread and ali oli
hopefully he will then be jolly

Well done on the beds - you are a pal
in fact you´re quite a genious, gal!
He says you´ll get the beds in time
so that means I´ll be getting mine

I´ll get off now - missing the sun
see you Friday friend number one

After this it got a bit of a task to keep on emailing in rhyme, so we just chatted instead! Sorry!!!

ODDS & BODS

2009-01-09T04:13:00.001-08:00

These ODDS & BODS poems tell parts of my life story.

I hope you enjoy them.

.

This one was printed in the Halifax Evening Courier

when I was still at school

POWER CUT CHRISTMAS

The Christmas Tree
is standing there
without a bauble
looking bare
We cannot have the
Pretty lights
With power cuts
T’would not be right
So why not give
Our trimmings gay
From Christmas past
To cheer the day
Fluorescent paint would
Make them bright
To light our tree
throughout the night

000000

Do you remember Cyril Fletcher´s spot on the Esther Rantzen show?

I wrote this one but never got it read out.

It´s all based on fact too

ODD ODE 1975

This is the tale of Tricia who tried a five minute walk in only two
So up the hill she bravely pottered on heels on which she always tottered
Arriving at the bus stop worn, cried ‘oh heck me bus is gorn!’
And standing with expression dour began the wait of half an hour
Four buses passed but what a day, for they all went the other way
At last a green one came in view, ‘A forty-niner, that’ll do’
So on she leapt and paid her fare and took a seat beside the stair

When getting off her niece she spied ‘It’s Heather, oy, come ‘ere’ she cried
‘I haven’t seen you for so long, do tell me how you’re getting on’
and so they talked as minutes passed until she said ‘Must go’ at last
On reaching home so very late the explanation had to wait
‘Ere, where’ve you been?’ her mother said ‘Tea’s in the oven, hard as lead!’

As Tricia opened the oven door she looked aghast at what she saw
For staring her right in the eye there sat a crozzled shepherd’s pie
‘Ooh wot a sight, it does look nasty, I think I’ll make myself a pasty’
And out came taties, onion, meat, to make herself a tasty treat

But making pies with ruffpuff pastry, you really shouldn’t be too hasty
And so it was much later on that she declared ‘I think it’s done’
But though her cooking was complete it tired her so she couldn’t eat it
The moral is, to miss the fuss, make sure that you don’t miss the bus

000000

.

August 1990 on holiday in Arnside, a lovely little spot

at the top of Morecambe Bay

.

WALKING TOGETHER

Wood pigeons call at crack of dawn, to take our walk in early morn
We see the bunnies as they play and deer, before they leap away

We tread the paths we know and love as birds dart through the trees above
Sheep are grazing and pheasants call and we, together, share it all

From the pier we watch as the bore pushes the waves upon the shore
Faster it comes, bringing along fish for heron to feed upon

We walk together hand in hand through our special enchanted land
The sun is warm and sky is blue and it’s so good to be with you

000000

In 1992 I attended an "access to university course"

My last English literature exam didn´t go too well at the time,

although I´m happy to say that I got a good mark in the end.

EXAM BLOCK

Thoughts
Words
Sentences

Trapped, in the recesses of my mind
Like a dream, half remembered

Taunting me
Haunting me
Despair

A few days after I wrote EXAM BLOCK I went out into the garden

and realised that things weren´t as bad as I had thought.

PERSPECTIVE

Hands in earth, growing, creating
Soil in fingernails, comforting

Lysimachia punctata, alchemilla mollis
Lovely Latin titles linger on my lips

I know them,
Remember them

They grow
I flower

000000

This was my reaction to a very cold day in Yorkshire in 1993

WALK IN THE WIND

Chill fingers caress gnarled arms
Showers of petal tears cascade
Through cold night

Crowning glory tousled
Nose nipped

Burgeoning breath of Spring
Or
Tardy tantalizer?

000000

.

.

Tony & I had a great 5 week holiday in Alcudia, Majorca, 1999

The tour reps wrote a poem for everyone - this was our reply

SUNWING ALCUDIA

Thanks for your poem,
it made our day
Now it’s our turn to have a say
We really do not want to go
But since we must, then you should know

We think your team
beats all the rest
You’ve made our holiday the best
Attention, care and friendship too,
What more could we have
asked of you

On many days we’ve had such fun
Playing beach games in the sun
And when it’s grey,
no need to hide
You’ve found us lots to do inside

The mystery trip it was a pleasure
Our Golden Years guide
is a treasure
He made us laugh, he was a Wow
He didn’t give a “Buger” how

Our hostess every day at four
Gives us coffee, tea and more
Quizzes, bingo, line dancing too
Is there anything this gal can’t do?

A thank you too, the Airtours pair
No matter what,
you’re always there
Solving problems with a smile
Being cheerful all the while

So Happy Christmas and
New Year too
From all of us to all of you
Thank you for a lovely time
From the Golden Years gang, 99

000000

We have always been great fans of the BBC programme Working Lunch

and I dashed this off one day.

I still don´t know if they ever received it!

.

WORKING LUNCH
BBC TV March 2001

I’m going on hols
so I should be glad
But I’ll tell you why I’m feeling sad
While I’m away I’ll miss my fix
Of bulls and bears and other tricks
The cutting edge of Adrian Chiles
So down to earth
he needs no wiles
For stocks and shares
and so much more
There’s none to beat
our Adam Shaw
I’ll miss WL because, for me
It’s the best there is on my tv.

000000

.

I loved the new flavour yogurt and hoped they might "reward" me with a crate full!

In the end, the flavour was withdrawn. Ah well!

MULLERLIGHT
Aug 2001

I’m a chocoholic slimmer
and I’m jumping with delight
‘Cos I’ve found a treat
that I CAN have –
it’s chocolate Mullerlight
it’s chocolatey and yummy
– 98% fat free
there isn’t any other,
Mullerlight’s the one for me.

000000

.

.

This doesn´t need any more details.

.

WHY?
9/11 2001

How could He let it happen, how could He just look on?
Now part of New York’s flattened and many loved ones gone
The church attempts to comfort all those who pray and cry
But many are bewildered and ask the Father “Why?”

Remember when God made us, He also set us free
Take away that freedom and we’re puppets, you and me
For God is truth itself and a promise He can’t break
He can’t keep “stepping in” even though His heart must ache

God mourns His sons and daughters who suffered on that day
The pain He must be feeling – just God alone can say
He shares your grief and sorrow, please don’t add to His pain
Turn to Him now and let Him bring comfort once again

000000

.
.
.

Just a drive, but what beautiful countryside England has.

.

THOUGHTS ON A
MOTORWAY 2004

Green fields dissected
by dry stone walls
Embankments with purple aglow
Reservoirs brimming
with latest rainfall
This is the country I know

Rowan trees heavy
with berries red
Trees shine with myriad green
Sights of the countryside
fill my head
The loveliest land I’ve seen

000000

.
.
.

I was going in for an examination really!

.

HOSPITAL BUM
May 07

I have to go in hospital
It’s not a lot of fun
To have an operation
Performed upon my bum
So there will be no emails
For a little while
Till I can sit in comfort
And send them with a smile

000000

.

Some friends in Spain support a donkey charity and asked me to write something that could be framed and raffled. I enjoyed this one - recognise the tune?

LITTLE DONKEY
2007

Little donkey, trudging daily on the dusty road
Working hard, you suffer so much with your heavy load

We’ll make your burden light, Let us help. We will help
And make your future bright. Let us help. We will help

Little donkey, sad and hurting, left alone to die
All you seek is loving kindness. We can hear you cry

We’ll give you love each day, Let us care. We will care
Chase all your fears away, Let us care. We will care

In the Bible, famous donkey, chosen by the One
Left His mark upon your back to honour what you’d done

We won’t forget your past, Let us save. We will save
We’ll bring you joy to last, Let us save. We will save

El Refugio del Burrito now has rescued you
You will have a lovely life with all your dreams come true

Join in the happy song, Happy day. Every day
Good home where you belong, Happy day. Every day

We are glad that we could help – it isn’t hard to do
Hope that others come along to save some more like you

000000
.

My friend George was commissioned to write the music - he asked me to write the words for a new Singapore school song

ANCHOR GREEN
School song
October 2007

Such noble history
And loyal humble pride
Where do all these things meet
Within the oceans wide?

At Anchor Green,
at Anchor Green
Where we aspire to grow and lead
At Anchor Green, at Anchor Green
The compass points to all we need
For our respect, integrity, compassion, excellence
Where all our hopes
And all our dreams
Fulfil at Anchor Green

We show compassion and respect
To everyone we know
And strive to do our very best
As we excel and grow

At Anchor Green, at Anchor Green
The compass points to all we need
For our respect, integrity, compassion, excellence
Where all our hopes
And all our dreams
Fulfil at Anchor Green

These values stay when we set sail
To serve the world outside
With love, respect and courage
We shall be our Nation’s pride

At Anchor Green, at Anchor Green
The compass points to all we need
For our respect, integrity, compassion, excellence
Where all our hopes
And all our dreams
Fulfil at Anchor Green

000000

.

I go to Skipton library often and have really good friends there.

TRIBUTE TO
SKIPTON LIBRARY
2008

Good books and music, movies too
And so much more for me to do

The internet – an hour a day
To send my emails far away

Advice on where or what or who
If I am not sure what to do

Find mags and papers there to read
And all the reference you could need

But best of all the lovely staff
All ready with a smile and laugh

A friendly face if I’ve been down
Whenever I’ve come into town

A listening ear and time to spare
Each time that I’ve had news to share

A summer joy for all to share
A vase of sweet peas waiting there

This poem simply cannot say
How much you always “make my day”

But I hope it shows in some small part
The deep affection in my heart

Thank you!

000000

.

.

These are some poems I wrote for my friend Brian Warwick regarding the way that the old and young can help each other.

2009

.
THE OLD AND THE YOUNG
.
Grandparents talking:
We may wear weird clothing and love tea and biscuits, but what could we say also of you?
With weirder clobber and peculiar hairdos and junk food – come on now, it´s true!
The things that we say now may be a bit funny, when we think of our youth long ago
We just want to help you and to feel that we´re useful to share all the things that we know
.
Grandchildren talking:
You´re really old fogies, but smell nice, so that´s good, with your grey hair and granny skirts new
You´re easy to persuade when we want something special and you´re useful to have around too
When we´re stuck with homework, you are there to help us, you don´t nag us like mum and dad might
We know that you love us, that you´ll put up with us, even when we all look quite a sight!
.
FOR BOTH
To the grandmas and granddads I say don´t forget what it felt like to be just sixteen
To teenagers please just imagine how life will be when you are an “ancient has-been”

Let´s remember that we can all learn from each other – we each have our part in the play
There are so many things we can share with each other to make our lives better each day

Let the young give their strength, their technical know-how, their fearless approach to this life
Let the old give their time, and their knowledge and wisdom, to cope with the troubles and strife

For the young move so fast, and the old move so slow, but together as one they may find
By combining their talents and pooling resources, a better life for all mankind

000000

CREDIT CRISIS

2009

The credit crisis hits us all

no matter if we´re great or small

But rich or poor what you should do

in all things, to yourself be true

Though times are hard you must be fair

Do what is right and pay your share

What cost if you find in the end

you saved some cash, but lost a friend

An even greater price will be

if you lose your integrity

000000

A POEM FOR ALL OUR SOLDIERS
I wrote this one for my friend Ruth,
for her daughter Susan to send to her husband Jason
who is serving in Afghanistan
.
.
LOVE AND PRAYERS

My dearest one I want to say

While you are there so far away

My love and prayers are there with you

In every single thing you do

They´re with you when you wake each day

To walk with you along the way

And in the heat of battle too

My love and prayers are there with you

My love surrounds you in the fight

And holds you gently through the night

And every day I say my prayer

God keeps you always in His care

My darling one I miss you so

But soon you will be home I know

You´ll come triumphant through the door

And we´ll be one just as before

I wrote this one for my friend´s son

NO PRESENTS PLEASE
.
Your presence at our wedding will really make our day
But there is something special that we would like to say
“No Presents” please we´re asking if you would be so kind
For when we fly we´d hate to have to leave them all behind
The cash would help us build our place when we´re in pastures new
And then our home in Spain will always bring us thoughts of you
.

A PERFECT LIFE?

.
Today we´re obsessed with a perfect life
Use monkey glands or go under the knife
A nip and tuck here or a lift and jab there
Will make us look younger without any care
But life should be what you feel from within
Contentment and joy are what you should win
More years in your life may just bring you more fears
Do the best now – add more life to your years
.

SPAIN

2008-12-30T09:13:00.000-08:00

I hope you enjoy these poems and songs inspired by Spain -

please leave me your thoughts via the "comments" link at the end. Thanks.

¿POR QUE EL CAMPO?

WHY THE COUNTRY?

Leave the city, leave the town
Leave behind your worried frown

To the country you must go
If tranquillity you’d know

In the country you will see
Suddenly your heart is free

Filled with peace now you will find
Life is of a different kind

Blessed each day with growth anew
Nature brings her joy to you
----------

Fruit
There you find the blossom trees
Giving nectar to the bees

Or, in summer, hanging now
Heavy fruit upon the bough

Oranges and lemons bright
Follow blossom fragrant white

Juicy nispero and fig
Grow on trees both small and big

Then you find the prickly pear
If you pick it, do take care!
----------

Trees
Trees are shelter from the sun
Or for climbing, just for fun

Insects scurry up and down
From the trunk into the crown

Geckos dash within the tree
Faster than the eye can see

Slow chameleon will stand
Blending colour to the land

Spiders float on finest thread
Weaving webs above your head
----------

Birds
Tiny birds land for a rest
Maybe start to build a nest

Finches flitter, hoopoes call
Different birds both big and small

Swallows skim across the ground
Like it was a stream they’d found

Overhead the eagles cry
As they soar into the sky

Then they plummet to the ground
To some hidden prey they found
----------

Flowers
Flowers in great abundance grow
Some quite high and some so low

Red and yellow, pink and blue
Some you know and some are new

Gloriously they clothe the ground
Like a rainbow all around

Nodding heads, they trace the sun
From the morn till day is done

Shedding fragrance, joy to see
Gift of God for you and me
----------

Sounds
Grasses rustle in the breeze
Wind plays music in the trees

Lie upon the grass and hear
Chirping crickets very near

In the distance, hear the bells
Recognise the tale they tell

Goats are bleating far away
From the breaking of the day

Birds all sing the sweetest song
From the dawn and all day long
----------

Smells
Musky fragrance fills the air
Wild herbs are around you there

Lavender with purple-blue
Sage with yet another hue

Thyme and fennel side by side
All their glory will not hide

Oregano, mint and dill
So content, you breathe your fill

Gather them within your arms
Let them each release their charms
----------

Wildlife
Hidden from the casual eye
Rabbits often hurry by

Deer may wander, do you know?
Are you watching as they go?

Tiny creatures in the ground
Scurry by without a sound

Snakes may slither in the grass
Do you see them as they pass?

All the fauna that is there
Do we give the time to stare?
----------

People
Country people are the best
They know how to work and rest

How to toil and then have fun
Live with nature’s ways as one

Country folk always caring
Generous and so sharing

They have found the key to life
Be content with no more strife

Living in the wondrous land
Fashioned by the Maker’s hand
----------

FRANCISCO BEAR

In the mountains of Spain
On a cold winter’s night
As the olive wood flamed
And the fire burned bright
I came into the world
For before the next morn
While the stars filled the sky
I, Francisco, was born

Birth certificate
Francisco T. Eddie
123 Stuffing Street
10.12.90

.

.

MAGDALENA BEAR

It was on a beautiful sunlit day
That I was created by Dolly May
She stitched me and filled me with loving care
Until I became such a perfect bear

-------

.

SPANISH AUTUMN
Benidorm December 2005

Crispy leaves crunch
beneath my feet
As I walk on the three-lined street
The dappled sunshine
sheds its beam
Glowing on leaves of
gold and green
White clouds hang in azure sky
And seagulls soar,
see how they fly
The breeze creates
a rustling sound
And autumn leaves
tumble all around
------

JEREZ TO MALAGA
February 2006

Mountains and valleys embroidered with olive trees
Turning the land to a patchwork spread

Scattered with blossom of pink and white almond trees
Sights of such beauty go round in my head

Roads weave and wander through fields of myriad green
Twisting and turning as new views appear

Blue skies above us are dotted with fluffy clouds
All the land glowing with sunshine so clear

Cows on a hillside are splashes of brown on green
Solitary ruins appear now and then

Wonderful country, the beautiful land of Spain
I long to travel, again and again

------

WHERE IS IT?

It is only November
Where is it?
What wind
What cold
Where is it?
Snow covers the mountains
And villages disappear
Where is it?

Who stole Autumn?

.

ANDALUCIA

(song)

Andalucia, how I love your valleys, hills and plains
Andalucia, how I love your sunshine and your rain

Land of olives and raisins
I cannot cease my praising
You are my home for ever
And I pray that I leave you never

You are everything to me,
This land, that fills my heart with joy each day, this land is Andalucia

Andalucia, how I love your people and their ways
Andalucia, how I love to live here every day

Land of simple pleasures
So full of natural treasures
You are my dreams come true
And my heart will forever be with you

You are my country, my home
This land, that fills my heart, with joy each day, this land is Andalucia

ESPANA

(Song)

It’s so good to be back again
It’s so wonderful here in Spain
Where the sky is a heavenly blue
And all the people are friendly too

In the warmth of the glowing sun
Everybody can have such fun
It’s so easy to see
Why Spain is the place for me

(chorus)
Espana espana this is the place to be
Espana espana, this is the place for me

I relax with the siesta
Then I dance at the fiesta
And we all have a wonderful time
Drinking sangria and good wine

It’s a beautiful place to be
By the Mediterranean sea
It’s so easy to see
Why Spain is the place for me

(chorus)

VALENTINE

2008-12-15T07:23:00.002-08:00

I do hope you enjoy these Valentine verses that over the years I wrote for my Beloved Tony

Please leave me your comments via the link at the end

Thanks!

.
.

ALL MY DEVOTION

Darling I give you
my total devotion
For my love is
deeper than any ocean
With your hand in mine
I can reach any star
It’s so beautiful just
to be where you are
My dearest I love
everything about you
And life just isn’t
worth living without you
So please say that you’ll
always be my Valentine
And that your loving heart
forever will be mine

xxx

.
.
.

AS YEARS GO BY

This valentine
is here to say
I love you more
each passing day
And as the years
go by we know
From strength
to strength
our love
will grow

I Love You

xxx

.

.

DEAR VALENTINE

Dear Valentine I need you
with every passing day
Sweet Valentine I need you
much more in every way
I need you every morning
to greet each day anew
I need you here each evening
to end the day with you
And in between I need you
beside me all the way
So Valentine please tell me
that you will always stay

xxxxxx

.

SIMPLY
MY VALENTINE

This card is coming
simply to say
I love you more
with each passing day
So please say
you’ll stay my Valentine
And now and always
you will be mine

xxx

.

BELOVED
VALENTINE

More than all the fishes
swimming in the sea
More than all the leaves
that hang on every tree
Deeper than the ocean,
higher than the sky
Brighter than a rainbow
where the sunbeams fly
All this love I give to
no-one else but you
Purest dedication,
faithful, ever true
All I ask of you,
beloved Valentine
Promise me forever,
your love will be mine

xxx

.

DARLING VALENTINE

My love, my heart is full of pride
When I am walking by your side
And with the lovely things you do
My heart swells up with love for you
Your tender kisses so inspire
And fill my heart with sweet desire
My heart is yours, say yours is mine
For ever, darling Valentine

xxx

.

.

DEAREST
DARLING

For all the happiness
we share
This card can’t show
the love and care
My dearest darling
love of mine
I’d send
A million valentines

xxx

.
.
.

DEAREST VALENTINE

My heart is full
of love for you,
I feel it swell
with pride
You bring such joy
and happiness
my feelings
I can’t hide
So take me in
your arms my love
and give to me
your heart
And with the love
that we two share
we never more
will part

xxx

.

.

JUST YOU

If I could choose
in all the world
what I would rather do
Then it would be
exclusively to spend
my time with you
For you’re the very
sun and rain so vital
to this flower
It really is no wonder
that I love you
more each hour

xxx

.

HAPPY
VALENTINE’S
DAY

You make me
happy Valentine
and fill my heart
with pride
And I’m so glad
to call you mine
and have you
by my side
So when those little
words I say,
you know that
it is true
That every day
in every way
I’m more in love
with you

xxx

.
.
.

I AM YOURS

All my love
and all my heart
and all my
lifetime too
Are yours
dear Valentine
for all of me
belongs
to you

xxx

.
.
.

LOVING YOU

Loving is wanting
to be where you are
Our hearts together
though near or afar
Loving is sharing
in all that we do
Caring so deeply
as I care for you
Loving is wanting you
just to be mine
Now and forever
my own Valentine
Loving is so
very easy to do
When it means loving
wonderful you

xxx

.
.
.

MY DEAREST ONE

My dearest one
You are the sun
The moon and
stars to me
You are the night
My shining light
And everything I see
You are my day
In every way
The one I’m living for
My whole life through
I give to you
My love for ever more

xxx

.
.
.

MY HEART IS YOURS

If all the hearts in all the world

Were put in one long line

They wouldn’t match the love for you

That’s in this heart of mine

xxx

.
.
.

MY PRICELESS VALENTINE

You could give me lots of silver
and tons of glistening gold
And all the rich red rubies
my arms could ever hold
Or emeralds green and shining
and sapphires sparkling blue
But I would say again my love,
I’d rather just have you

Your honesty like diamonds,
your teeth like pearls aglow
And money means so little
with one like you to know
So all the gold and silver
and precious gems galore
Mean nothing in comparison
to the one that I adore

xxx

.

MY SPECIAL VALENTINE

You’re a very special person
And I love you very much
You’re kind and
understanding
And there’s magic
in your touch
You’re all that I
could wish for
A love that is so fine
And I’m so very glad
my love
That you’re my Valentine

xxx

.
.
.

MY VALENTINE

If all the greatest poets
combined their words of love
With every single arrow
Cupid shot from up above
And all the loving feelings
from here to Timbuktoo
They wouldn’t measure
half of what I feel,
my love, for you

I Love You

xxx

MY VALENTINE CHOICE

Take all the he-men
in the world
And dashing
film stars too
Or kings and princes
– of them all
My love,
I’d still choose you

xxx

.

.

MY WORLD

You’re such a
lovely person
It’s very plain to see
Just why I think
the world of you
For you’re
the world to me

xxx

.

.

SWEETEST VALENTINE

My dearest sweetest Valentine
I am so proud to call you mine
When I am by your side it seems
I’m in a land of happy dreams
My prayer is just to be with you
Today and for our whole lives through
For you’re the one that I adore
And I will love you evermore

xxx

.

.

WORDS OF LOVE

If you take all the words
that lovers have spoken
Since the beginning of time
They still wouldn’t show
all the love that I feel
For you my own
sweet Valentine

I Love You

xxx

.

.

YOU’RE THE BEST

I love you so much
I simply can’t count it
But nothing on earth
will ever surmount it

xxx

.

YOU ARE THE ONE

You are my dearest
Valentine, the one
that I adore
The only one
I want to share
my life with evermore
The special one
in all the world,
and it’s so plain to see
My love, my life,
my Valentine,
you are the one for me

xxx

.

.

YOU’RE SO SWEET

It’s nice to give
a card or two
To someone who’s
as sweet as you
Because you mean
so much to me
I’d be so glad to
give you three!
For all the happiness
we share
One card can’t show
the love and care
My dearest darling,
love of mine, I’d give
a million valentines

xxx

.
.
.

YOU’RE CUTE

You’re cuddly as a bunny
So sweet and lovely too
I’d like to take you home with me
And make a pet of you!

xxx

.
.
.

MY GUY

Thrills I get that are so real
Only you can make me feel
Now I’ve kissed you I can see
You’re the kind of guy for me

Give yourself to me to love
And we’ll fly to clouds above
Be my special number one
Both of us will have such fun

xxx

.
.
.

VALENTINE SONG

That Old Black Magic has me in it’s spell
And I’ve Got you Under my Skin
The Very Thought of You makes my spirits swell
Mr. Wonderful, you make my head spin
You’re too Good to be True
And this I can see
That Some Enchanted Evening
You and I will be
No Stranger in Paradise but soaring above
So Fly Me to the Moon –
come Be my Love

xxx

.

.

MY LIVE WIRE

I get the shakes when you hold me near
When you kiss me, flashing lights appear
You make me tingle in my heart
I ache like mad when we’re apart
With flashing lights and clanging bells
Is this just static?
Or something else!

xxx

.
.
.

CLOUD NINE

When you’re with me my special man, cloud one comes into view
I walk with you and feel you near, and step upon cloud two
Cloud three appears the second that you hold my hand in yours
You kiss me gently, stars appear, and up floated cloud four
We laugh and talk of many things and round comes number five
Cloud six, you hold me close and make me glad to be alive
You send such shivers up my spine, cloud seven is so great
The love we share in harmony takes me to number eight
Just loving you, dear Valentine my feelings are divine
My life is simply heaven now I’m
high upon cloud nine!

xxx

.

.

EMPHATICALLY YOURS

Just let me tell you I love you so
Tell you that I really care
That nobody has place above you
And that I’ll always be there
Your presence makes me ecstatic
You’re the only one I adore
This statement is quite emphatic
Dear Valentine, I am Yours

xxx

.
.
.

YUMMY YOU

Have I told you lately you’re gorgeous?
Your attractiveness simply enormous!
You’re also terrifically charming
So scrumptious that it’s quite alarming
So what can a girl like me do?
But offer my heart now
TO YOU

xxx

.
.
.

NEW LOVE

It’s somehow different, somehow new
The feeling that I have for you
There’s something special and it’s more
Than anything I’ve felt before
The strange thing is that I don’t know
Just what it is makes me feel so
I only know that it’s so fine
And that I feel it all the time
The extra glow when I’m with you
The million things I’d like to do
I can’t explain the way I feel
But it will last ‘cause this is real
This deep enduring peace inside
Contentment when you’re by my side
Sweetness, love, enraptured bliss
Valentine, you bring all of this

xxx

.
.
.

PERFECT ONE

Let the rain come down,
but I don’t care
For in my heart the weather is fair
The sky is blue, not a cloud in sight
The sun is still shining clear and bright
The birds are singing a lovely tune
And I could jump right over the moon
My world is happy and perfect too
My Valentine, all because of YOU

xxx

.
.
.

THE EYES OF LOVE

The world is different since I met you
The sky’s a richer shade of blue
The sun shines brighter all day long
And birds all sing a happier song
The grass is greener ‘neath my feet
And all the flowers smell more sweet
But it’s not the world that’s changed but me
For through the eyes of love I see

xxx

.
.
.

THINKING OF YOU

I won’t tell you you’re beautiful and gorgeous and the best
I won’t say you’re magnificent and high above the rest
Or that you are my perfect dream and I’m so glad you’re mine
I won’t keep saying all this –
I’ll just think it all the time!

xxx

.

.

YOU ARE MAGIC

It’s wonderful and amazing too
What just one kiss from you can do
As your soft lips brush close to mine
I feel a joy that’s so divine
My knees go weak, my spirits soar
And all I want is more, more, more
There’s magic in your every touch
That’s why I love you oh so much

xxx

.
.
.

MY UNIVERSE

When your arms are around me
I hold the world in my hand
When your lips meet my lips
It’s as if it were planned
When you say I love you
My world bursts into song
And I know that I’ve found the place where I belong
You are everything to me, you’re my sun and my stars
My life and my universe are there where you are
You’re my reason for living,
All my dreams have come true
The one that I’ve prayed for
all my life dear, is you
You’re my purpose for being,
You’re the smile in my eyes
I gambled with love and
I won the first prize

xxx

.

.

LOVE LIGHT

I’ll never find the words to show how much I truly care
But when you look into my eyes you’ll see the love that’s there
You’ll see the joy and happiness all shining clearly through
The sweet contentment deep inside that comes from loving you
And when I look into your eyes
I see the love light shine
Just telling me again my love
That you’re my Valentine

xxx
.

.

KISSES

I’d like to take you in my arms
and kiss you tenderly
I’d kiss you on the elbow,
I’d kiss you on the knee
I’d kiss you on your fingers
And then I’d kiss your toes
I’d kiss you on the end of your lovely little nose
I’d kiss you round the corners
And kiss you on the flat
I’d kiss your curly hair
(if you don’t wear a hat)
I’d shower you with kisses
Until I make you mine
So please return my kisses
And be my Valentine

xxx

.

DEAREST BELOVED

My dearest beloved,
I’ll always be true
For I’ve never loved
anyone like I love you
I’ll need you for ever
for you fill my heart
If ever I lost you it would
just break apart
So stay with me Darling
and make my life fine
And promise that you will
forever be mine

xxx

.

.

MY LIFE

I love you more with every day
I need you more in every way
My love is yours, my life is too
For it is nothing without you

Happy Valentine’s Day

xxx

ALL YOURS

All I am and all I do
Is Beloved, just for you
So my love, my Valentine
Tell me when you will be mine

xxx

.

MY DREAM

Valentine, I just want to say
You’re all I’m longing for each day
My every hope and dream come true
Is just, my love, to be with you

xxx

.

TOGETHER ALWAYS

Dear Valentine I think you are
The best in all the world by far
So dear and loving, sweet and kind
A better love I could not find
So please say you and I will be
Together for eternity

xxx

.

DAFT VALENTINE

You’re my cuddly wuddly Valentine
And I love you lots and lots
You’re so snuggly buggly wuggly
And I need you pots and pots
You’re much betterer and gooderer
Than anyone else I know
More bestest than the restest
And this, to you, I’ll show
I’ll hissy wissy kissy you
Until your lips do shine
And love you till you’re all loved out
My beloved Valentine

xxx

HAPPY VALENTINE

A very happy Valentine’s day
Is what this message comes to say
To wish you joy in all you see
For that’s what your love brings to me

xxx

.

.

MY LOVE IS YOURS

My love is yours
And yours alone
Until the end of time

And you will be
For ever
My beloved Valentine

xxx

.

.

THE BREATH OF LIFE

There just aren’t words enough to say how much I love you so
But these few lines may tell you what I’m wanting you to know

You mean the very world to me and you will always be
My everything, as precious as the breath of life to me

xxx

DEVOTED

I love you so much
and I just want to be
loving for ever
with you beside me
Whatever you’re doing
I want to be there
Good times and bad times
With you let me share
All of my life
I devote just to you
Let me bring sweet love
To your whole life through

xxx

.

MY NUMBER ONE

I knew when first we met that something special had begun
But little did I know back then you’d be my number one
And now, as all the years have passed, our love has grown and grown
And all I need for ever more
is you to be my own
so Happy Anniversary, my life,
my love, my friend
My life, my love are yours alone
until the very end

xxx

.

MY DEAREST
DARLING VALENTINE

You’re my dearest darling valentine, the one that I adore
The only one I want to share my life with ever more
The nicest man in all the world and it’s so plain to see
My love, my life, my Valentine,
you are the one for me

xxx

.

THE BEST

If all the he-men in all the world were there for me to choose
I’d make my choice without a pause, no second would I lose
I wouldn’t choose the richest or the one who looked the best
I’d choose you my Beloved, because you beat all the rest
(put together!)

xxx

.

THE CLEAR WINNER

It’s clear to see why I love you
It’s obvious just why I care
Because you’re transparently
Quite the best
That I could choose anywhere!

Happy Valentine

xxx

.

BE MINE?

I need you more with every day
Please tell me what more
can I say?
I need you, love you,
Want you too
To make you mine –
What do I do?

xxx

MY EVERY-DAY VALENTINE

This Valentine card
is coming to say
You´re my special Valentine
every day
My love for you grows
with every year
And day by day
you become more dear

You´re my dearest love,
my friend so true
And I just think the
whole world of you
I love you so much
and it´s so fine
That you are my
every-day Valentine

xxx

29th FEBRUARY

I don’t want you to marry me
So please don’t run a mile
But it’s the 29th of Feb
I thought I’d make you smile

I offer you on bended knee
My hand for ever more
Plus all the other bits of me
You may have uses for!

I offer you my love and life
My heart for ever true
But I don’t need to be a wife
I just wanna live with you

xxx

MY INSPIRATION

After all these years, you are still my number one
You inspire me, my love, as you have always done
I love you as much as ever, this is so true
My love, my life, my Tony
My everything is you

xxx

THE ONE
.

The One
Who loves me
Who was born for me
Who died for me
Who loves me still
Despite all my faults
My love
My Jesus
My Lord

I Love You

xxx

VALENTINE 2010

You're my number one, my only love

There´s no-on else I would place above

You're the very best in the world to me

My only Beloved, because you see ....

You fill my life with love each day

You make me happy in every way

You are everything, my love and my life

My dearest Valentine, with love from your wife

Valentine 2011

MY BELOVED
.
I love you Darling, with all my heart
Together for ever, we will never part
I need you sweetheart, in every way
By my side loving me, with me every day
You´re all I dream of, my love, my life
The very best of me is being your wife

ROMANTIC

2008-12-15T07:23:00.001-08:00

These are all very romantic poems, mostly inspired by and dedicated to the love of my life, Tony

I really value your opinion -
please leave your comments via the link at the end

Thank you

MY FLOWER

More gentle than the dew upon the petal of a rose
And sweeter than the perfume a passion flower throws
Warmer than the golden glow the daffodils portray
And richer than the rarest orchid each and every way
With eyes just like the bluebells as they twinkle in the sun
And teeth like pretty snowdrops ‘tween lips that smile with fun
A voice so full of comfort like the rippling of a breeze
As it passes love’s sweet secrets from the flowers to the trees
All this and so much more is the flower that I see
It’s you my own beloved, you’re everything to me

******

YOUR LOVE

Your love created a new world for me
A beautiful world I thought I’d never see
For no greater gift can this life ever show
Than the understanding and love that we know
Now the way that I’m feeling is something so new
Because for the first time I know I’m loved too
And I can depend on you always to care
Through good or bad times I know you’ll still be there
And I just can’t tell you how special it feels
But maybe the look in my eyes can reveal
The deep and abiding love I have inside
For you dearest one that I just cannot hide
It’s there when I’m sleeping and
when I’m awake
and there just for you in each move that I make
it comes from my heart and my body and soul
For I was in pieces – your love made me whole

******

YOUR TOUCH

The touch of your soft hand on my face
That makes my heart beats begin to race
The look in your eyes as they meet mine
That makes me burst with joy so fine
The strength of your arms around me near
Protecting and taking away all fear
The ecstasy in your every kiss
That fills my very soul with bliss
All of these things that I feel from you
Are what makes me love you as much as I do

******

OUR LOVE

Sometimes life can be so bad
Make us cry and feel quite sad
But through it all one fact is true
You love me and I love you
Together we will ride the storm
Our love will keep each other warm
And nothing anyone can say
Will ever take our love away
Our understanding keeps us strong
Together where we both belong
And as our problems come and go
Take comfort from the truth we know
That with a love as good as this
We always have contented bliss

******

MY WISH

I wished upon the rainbow, as dreamers often do
That always and forever I’d share this love with you
And as the rainbow sparkled with colours all aglow
Your face appears before me, the one that I love so
And though the rainbow’s gone now and skies are filled with grey
The sunshine of the love we share
will never fade away

******

I SAY!

I could say it to you a million times
Put it to song or down in rhymes
I could say it softly to you and then
Shout it loud again and again
I could have it written in letters fair
On a kite to fly in the air
But all these things I think I could do
Can not express how much I love you

******

ALL FOR YOU

I give you my arms to hold and caress
And also my lips, upon yours to press
I give you my eyes, for you they adore
And all that I am, and then even more
I give you my faith and all my trust too
For they are so safe when given to you
I give you my all, especially my heart
For with you my happiness will never part

******

PLEASE SAY IT!

I know you’re not the kind of man that words come easy to
And so I don’t expect to hear such words of love from you
But sometimes when I’m feeling low and my tears fall like rain
It only takes three words from you to make me smile again

I don’t make big demands of you, I try to keep you free
But this one thing I ask of you, to try to do for me
A few more words just now and then to make me feel much better
And if you find it hard to say – then why not try a letter!

******

GIVE ME YOUR HEART

I don’t ask much, I just want your heart
I just want to be for ever a part
Of each day you spend, each moment to share

all of your good times and all of your care
So all that I ask is your heart for me,

filled with your love of sweet constancy
And here in return to you dear I give
my heart full of love, as long as I live

******

WHILE WE ARE APART

My love, while I am far away
I miss you more with every day
Your tender lips and loving arms
Your radiant smile and gentle charms
I miss your voice that thrills me so
And your sweet love more than you know
So when my time away is through
The best part’s coming home to you

******

MY SUNSHINE

You’re my sunshine on a rainy day
Your brightness takes my dark clouds away
When all is quiet you’re the sweet bird song
To serenade me the whole day long
And when it’s dark you’re my shining star
Loving and comforting from afar
You’re my happiness in all you do
That’s why I’m so much in love with you

******

IS THIS MAGIC?

Are there stars in my eyes that they twinkle so?
Is it moonlight that makes my whole body glow?
As I walk in the clouds not touching the ground
And hear all around the most wonderful sound
Why does my heart beat so loud and so long
and butterflies dance to the happiest song?
Is this magic that fills me with such loving care?
Yes – the magic of wonderful love that we share.

******

A GLOW

There’s a glow in my eyes each time I see
The one who means all the world to me
There’s a thrill in my heart whenever you’re there
And the gentlest feeling of loving and care
There’s a joy that you bring me in every way
A longing to bring you the same joy each day
There’s tenderness for you in every touch
Because my darling, I love you so much

******

WONDERFUL YOU

There are stars in my eyes and love in my heart
A laughter and joy that will not depart
Butterflies dancing with clogs on their feet
The taste of your kisses so very sweet
All of my world made so lovely and new
By the perfection of wonderful you

******

MISSING YOU

Eyelashes glisten with teardrops shed
Words fill my heart but cannot be said
Though parted we’re still joined by love’s silver thread
I miss you Darling, I miss you

I feel so empty now inside
And wish you were here close by my side
But the thought of our love fills me with such pride
I need you Darling, I need you

But I know that it won’t be too long
Soon we will meet and the pain will be gone
And then my heart will sing it’s favourite song
I love you Darling, I love you

******

I LOVE YOU

I love you ‘cos you’re kind to me with every passing day
I love you when you hold me close and take my hurt away
I love you when you make me laugh or even when I cry
I love you so much Darling for so many reasons why
I love you ‘cos you understand the things I say or do
I love you for the way I’m happy just by being with you
I love you for a million things each in my special way
And I will go on loving you for ever and a day

******

WITCHCRAFT

Were I a witch I’d cast a spell
With secret words I’d never tell
The purpose of my spell would be
To make your heart belong to me
I’d ride my broom up to the skies
To gather moondust for your eyes
So that the only thing they’d see
Is all the love there just for me
My witch’s brew for you I’d pour
To make you need me ever more
And my pet bat with you would glide
To always guard you by your side
All this I’d do and so much more
For you’re the “wizard”
I adore

******

DEEP LOVE

My love for you is stronger
Than the mightiest tree
My love for you is deeper
Than the deepest sea
My need for you is greater
Than the desert needs the rain
For only you can fill my heart
With true love’s sweet refrain

******

MY ANGEL

My darling is an angel
He really is so fine
Of all the men I could ever meet
The best of all is mine

You’re dear and kind and gentle
And also very strong
And by your side my Darling
Is where I do belong

So stay with me Beloved
I’ll give you all I can
All my love is just for you
My dearest darling man

******

MY WORLD

My world’s a better place
When you are here with me
And when I see your face
There’s so much more I see
I see the warmth and love
I always want to share
I see such strength and fun
And gentleness that’s there
I see so many things
But most of all I see
The best man in the world
Who is my world to me

******

MY LIFE IS YOURS

My life is yours, my love is too
My very heart belongs to you
I need your loving every day
To take these lonely blues away
I need your comfort, tender care
Your understanding always there
I need these things my love it’s true
Because my life depends on you

******

PRECIOUS GIFT

The most precious gift that
anyone can give
Is love and devotion as long
as they live
And the way that I feel is so
deep and true
I pledge all my love and
devotion to you
The deepest emotion,
more than I can say
Is to need someone
every hour of the day
I need you Beloved in all that I do
For my life and my world
revolve around you

******

MY CHOICE

If all the men in all the world
Were lined up at my feet
I’d still choose you my Darling
For you make my life complete

******

YOUR SWEET LOVE

All the fragrant flowers
Growing near and far
Can’t compare my Darling
With how very sweet you are
Vivid rays of sunshine light
the skies above
Like the brightness in my life
that comes with your sweet love

******

DAFT DITTIES

Roses are Red
Primroses yellow
You really are
A wonderful fellow

Roses are Red
Grasses is green
You are the bestest
Man I have seen!

******

MY ALL

Without your love I’m nothing, my heart would surely die
For you are all I have to help the lonely nights go by

Without you I am nothing, what purpose would there be
For all my life is just to feel the love you give to me

Without you I am nothing, what more is there to say
You are my love, my life, my all, until my dying day

******

MY LOVE

You are my love, the only one
The one to whom my heart belongs
My heart is full of love for you
Just you can make
My dreams come true

******

I MISS YOU

Each second is a minute
Each minute is a day
Each day is a lifetime
When you are away

******

MY ONLY ONE

My dearest, my darling,
you’re my only one
Without you my life
wouldn’t be any fun
You’re warm and so sexy,
you’re all I desire
The touch of your lips
sets my senses afire
You’re lovely and gorgeous,
you’re my dream come true
All that I want is just
wrapped up in you
I love you, adore you,
want you to be mine
For my love is yours
till the end of all time

******

I NEED YOU

I need you my Darling
Like flowers need rain
Without you Beloved
My heart fills with pain
Like birds love to fly,
That’s how I love your touch
Like fishes need water –
I need you so much
You’re everything to me
My day and my night
As long as you love me
my life will be right
So come to me soon,
dearest one I adore
And my love and my life
will be yours evermore

******

WHY I LOVE YOU

I love the way you love me
and I love the way you care
Each moment spent together
Is a precious time we share
I love your way of caring
And your patience with the old
The time you always give them

shows you have a heart of gold
I love your caring nature,

always there for friends in need
Helpful to any stranger,
a “Samaritan” indeed
So many things about you

fill my heart with love so true
But most of all I love you,
My love, for just being you

******

I LOVE YOU BECAUSE

I love you because
You’re simply the best
I love you because
You’re above all the rest
I love you because
Of the things that you do
I love you because
I am lost without you
I love you because
You are so very sweet
I love you because
You make my life complete
I love you because of
So many reasons why
I love you because
I am yours till I die

******

YOU ARE THE ONE

You are the one that I adore
And I just couldn’t love you more
You make me happy when I’m sad
And I am just so very glad
That you found me and I found you
Without your love what would I do
I love you, need you, for you see
You’re everything in the world to me

******

IT’S NO WONDER

It’s no wonder
I love you so
For you’re so good to me

You give me all I ever need
No matter what it be

You truly are the very best
You’re all I want and more

That’s why I don’t just love you dear
It’s you that I adore

******

ALL I WANT

I feel so lost without you
So sad and so alone
For everything about you
Makes this house into a home

You’re all I want to live for
My every thought is you
And all my dreams are planning
All the lovely things we’ll do

My life revolves around you
And all the love we share
And if I can’t be with you
I don’t want to be anywhere

******

MY PRAYER

I need you dearest darling like flowers need the rain
And when I’m down I need you there to make me smile again
I need your arms around me to make me feel secure
And only you can hold my heart,
of that you can be sure
I miss you so when you’re away, the days all seem so long
And I can’t wait to have you back with me where you belong
So what I pray for every day
is that you soon will be
spending all your days and nights my dearest one, with me

******

JUST YOU

If I could choose in all the world what I would rather do
Then it would be exclusively to spend my time with you
For you’re the very sun and rain
so vital to this flower
It really is no wonder that I love you more each hour

******

LOVE OF MY LIFE

I love you my darling with
all of my heart
And miss you so very much
when we’re apart
For you are my sunshine,
my brightness each day
The one who can take all
My dark clouds away
With you at my side
I can weather all strife
Just you, my Beloved,
The love of my life

******

I DO, I DO

My Darling I love you madly
And I give you my heart gladly
All my life I give just to you
Because I love you
I do, I do

******

LOVING YOU IS EASY

Loving you is easy and
Loving you is so good
Because you bring all the magic that a lover should
Your smile brings me the sunshine to brighten every day
Your tender touch can make me feel so good in every way
And everything about you just makes me love you more
My only one, my darling you,
the one that I adore

******

YOU ARE WONDERFUL

The bright sun in the sky
Pales before your special glow
and with your inner light
the stars are shamed to show
The birds soon fall to silence
when they hear your lovely voice
And it’s so clear to see
Why you are my eternal choice

******

MY LIFE, MY LOVE

Beloved one, my life, my love
I swear by all the stars above
That of this truth you can be sure
With every day I love you more
I dedicate my life to you
To care for you in all you do
To be your strength,
your truest friend
My dearest love,
until the end

******

MY DREAM

Each day I would wake up
beside you
and bring you a day
full of joys new
my loving would strengthen
and guide you
If only my dream would come true

We’d share all the good times together
Our loving would beat stormy weather
I’d love you for ever and ever
If only my dream would come true

If my dream comes true this I promise
You’ll start every day with
a sweet kiss
and happiness you never will miss
OUR lives will BE a dream come true

******

ALWAYS YOURS

I love you just as much as ever
When I’m busy every day
I love you just as much as always
Thought my mind seems far away
When I’m working, playing, helping
In whatever I may do
All my thoughts, my care and actions
First and foremost are for you

******

MY DEAREST HUSBAND

My dearest husband, my lover and friend
My love for you grows without any end
I give you always love and devotion
High as the sky and deep as the ocean
You’re so kind and loving, so strong and true
The best in the world, Beloved, is you

******

WHY I’M SO IN LOVE
WITH YOU

You make me laugh when I am down
You bring a smile each time I frown
You comfort me when times are bad
And cheer me up when I am sad

You hold me close when I’m in pain
You heal me and I smile again
The many things you say and do
Are why I’m so in love with you

******

LOVING IS ….

Loving is holding
your dear hand in mind
Sharing together a love
that’s so fine
Loving means caring for
you night and day
Bringing you happiness
in every way

Loving means butterflies
each time we meet
Thrills in my heart and
wings on my feet
Loving means trying
to do all I can
To make life perfect
for my special man

******

I WILL ALWAYS
LOVE YOU

When you’re grumpy
and when you’re sad
If you’re cross or feeling mad
This I promise, for it’s true
I’ll just go on loving you

When you’re hurt and feeling down
Moan a bit and wear a frown
Doesn’t matter what you do
I’ll just go on loving you

May my loving soothe your pain
Heal you till you smile again
Let my love bring peace to you
And comfort you in all you do

I Love You

******

LET’S FALL IN LOVE AGAIN

We love each other
as in years ago
But if we don’t show it,
how do we know?
A little kiss here
or a cuddle there
A touch of the hand
to show that we care
We both say “I love you”
from time to time
But “actions speak louder
than words” is the rhyme!
Let’s behave now as
when we were lovers
Lovingly thinking
first of each other
Let’s take the embers
before they expire
And rekindle now
our love’s burning fire

******

MY EVERYTHING

You’re my strength and inspiration,
my comforter and guide
And I can weather all life’s storms if you are by my side
Your love upholds me through all ills and lifts me when I’m low
You give me hope and courage
and that’s why I love you so
My waking thought is always you and right throughout the day
You’re in my heart and in my mind until at sleep I lay
Each day I long to hold you near
and I can’t ask for more
Than just to give my love to you,
the one that I adore
You mean the very world to me
and I would gladly share
My life with you just knowing
that my heart is in your care

I love you

******

PRECIOUS

Some folk long for diamonds
Some folk long for gold
All I ever long for, is you
My love, to hold

Some folk search the mountains
Others search the skies
All I ever search for
Is the love light in your eyes

So what price gold and silver
Or wealth beyond compare
There’s nothing quite as precious
As the priceless love we share

******

YOU´RE IN MY HEART

You´re in my thoughts my Darling
All day and through the night
Each moment we´re together
Each second out of sight

You´re in my prayers my Dearest
For strength and healing too
I pray each day that God will keep
His precious hand on you

You´re in my heart Beloved
Dear one that I adore
I´ve loved you from the start
And I will love you evermore

******

RELATIONS, LOVED ONES, MISC.

2008-12-15T07:22:00.002-08:00

This selection has been written over many years,

for many different people.

If there is a specific type of poem you would like that isn´t here

please email me or leave your comments at the end

and I will get my thinking cap on!

FRIENDSHIP

Your friendship means a lot to me, I’m sad to go away

But you will always be with me, within my heart each day

I’ll keep you often in my prayers, of that you can be sure

Until the happy day arrives when we shall meet once more

******

.

.

JUST FOR YOU

This card is full
of wishes
that you’ll soon
be feeling well

For you are in
my thoughts
and prayers
Far more than
I can tell

******

.

SAFE JOURNEY

Have a safe journey – go with God

By car or boat or plane

May happiness await you there

Until we meet again

******

.

.

THANK YOU

Your kindness meant
so much to me, so
this card is sent to say

That I will always
think of you in
a very special way

******

.

YOUR NEW HOME

May your new home

be filled with laughter and love

And each moment you spend

there blessed from above

******

.

.

A BLESSING

May God bless you
on your travels
May He always
watch over you

May His loving hand
guide and protect you
In everything
you do

Vaya con Dios!

******

.

ABSENT FRIEND

We may be many miles away,
now living far apart

But you will always have a

special place here in my heart

We’ve shared the laughs
together and sometimes
shared the tears

Our friendship’s been a special thing

right throughout the years

And though we may not
meet again, this I know is true

A corner of my heart is taken

evermore, for you

******

.

HAPPY WEDDING DAY

Dear bride & groom
my wish for you
Is happiness your
whole lives through
Good health, some wealth,
but most I pray
Your love grows deeper
day by day
I wish you joy and
love and light
A future that is
ever bright
With all my heart
I want to say
God bless you both
on your wedding day

******

.

.

HEAL MY LOVED ONE

Dearest Jesus,
heal my loved one
Take away his
stress and pain
Holy Spirit,
Heal my loved one
Make him well
and strong again
God of love send
angels to him
Precious healing
in their wings
Then in health we’ll
keep rejoicing
Praising You our
heavenly King

******

.

.

YOUR WEDDING DAY

Sharing a life with someone
you love
is something precious,
a gift from above.
And when your life with
someone you share,
you put your heart
into that person’s care

So on this day,
as your vows you take,
promise each other
that you’ll never break
that special gift
of each other’s heart,
but treasure it always
and nevermore part

May God bless you both
and
keep your love strong for ever

******

.

.

FOR MY SISTER

For you my sister

I offer a prayer

That God always keeps you

Safe in His care

******

.

.

I’M SORRY

I thought I could make it
“out there on my own”
but now that I’m here,
how I’m missing home

I thought it was cool
to be single and strong
but now that I miss you
I know I was wrong

I didn’t intend to
cause sorrow and pain
Please forgive me and say
I can come home again

******

.

.

MOTHER’S DAY

There’s just one mum
in all the world
who simply is the best

One mum whose loving,
caring ways
by far outshine the rest

One mum whose love is always there,

devotion ever true

That special mum in all the world
is mine – dear mother
- YOU

******

.

.

GET WELL MUM

Because you’re very special
This card is special too
Filled with lots of
love and kisses
Dearest mum, for you
And with each kiss
there comes a wish
That you will soon be well
Because you’re loved
more dearly mum
Than words can ever tell

******

.

.

MY SISTER

No matter what
the future brings
No matter where you go
You’ll always be my sister
And I’ll always love you so

******

.

INSPIRATIONAL

2008-12-15T07:22:00.001-08:00

This section is one of my favourites - I´ve loved writing them.

Please tell me what you think - see "comments" at the end. Thanks.

.
.

BE NICE

Let’s make this world a
brighter place and bring a smile
to someone’s face

Each day at work or leisure too,
just think of something nice to
do for someone else, to make
their day. A thought, a gift,
nice words to say.

And when to others you are kind,
a special little joy you’ll find,
that all the goodness that you do,
will come back daily unto you.

******

.

ALL WILL BE WELL

All will be well
God has it in hand

All will be well
He has it all planned

Trust in the Lord
He knows what to do

Let Him be your guide
And He’ll see you through

******

.

A PRAYER FOR YOU

This little gift from me to you
Is meant to last
your whole life through
Just read these words
and you will see
The special prayers
for you from me

A prayer for peace
when there is strife
A prayer for love
throughout your life
A prayer for strength
and glowing health
A prayer for all
you need of wealth
A prayer for joy
when you are sad
A prayer that good
defeats all bad
A prayer that you
will always praise
Our God who blesses
all your days

******
.

THINKING OF YOU

It’s ok to be angry
And ask “why me?”
When you know that you’ve
Got to fight the “big C”

It’s hard to be brave
when you’re feeling unwell
and you may fear much more
than you want to tell

Please don’t be alone
feeling worried and fraught
Remember your loved ones
are giving support

And so that you know
just how much we all care
We think of you lovingly
each day in prayer

******

.

BE HAPPY!

Why am I happy all the day long?
Why am I always singing a song?
The answer is so easy to see
I know that God in Heaven loves me

How do I cope when problems arise
I take my worries up to the skies
God finds the answer,
His is the way
Because He cares for me every day

What do I do when life lets me down
Moan all the day and wear a big frown?
No, I rejoice because I still know
Jesus my Saviour, He loves me so

When you’re unhappy, lonely or sad
Don’t let negatives make you feel bad
There is only one thing you should do
Call out to God – for He loves YOU too

******

.

I wrote this one for my nephew Paul, many years ago

BECAUSE I LOVE YOU

I want you to have the best gift
in the world –

Peace and contentment
in this life and everlasting life
afterwards

Give your heart to God and He
will give you
all you ever need

******

.

.

COMFORT

When troubles all surround you
and you feel all alone
Remember in His loving care
your heart still has a home

For though the things that happen
may make you feel so blue
They may be just a little part
of His great plan for you

And through all days of darkness
You know that He is there
To comfort and to light your way
for He will always care

So look towards the future
and face it not with fear,
but with the strength of knowing
that His love is ever near

******

.

DAWN

The dark sky hangs over
velvet sea in the silent
stillness of the night
Then the horizon is
slashed by red with
the glorious coming of light
Now clouds appear,
touched with pink and gold
over a widening band of blue
A lonely fishing boat
passes by and birds begin
soaring into view
Dark mountains etch
against fiery sky, the sea turns
to blue tinged with gold
A stunning Power paints
the morning sky with a
wonderful sight to behold

******

.

This was originally written for my friend Dolores, in hospital with leukemia.
.
FEAR NOT

If your dear heart is filled with fear
By daytime or by night
Remember He is always near
To bring eternal light

He’ll soothe your sorrows,
ease your pain
Sweet comfort bring your way
Until your heart can smile again
To face another day

So put your trust in His dear care
And He will see you through
For all His love is always there
For ever, just for you

******

FIGHT ON

When things go bad
and the future’s grim
Remember this –
don’t let the devil win
Put on a smile
like you just don’t care
And arm yourself
with another prayer

If the devil’s putting
up a fight
Then you must be doing
something right!
Just keep doing God’s
work, as before
And you’ll be the victor
– that’s for sure

******

FRIENDS

We make many friendships
along the way
Some of them fleeting,
some of them stay
But the best friends of all,
with us or apart
Are those who take residence,
deep in our heart

Thank you
for being
my friend

******

.

.

I wrote this for myself, prior to having surgery!

SONG FOR HEALING
IMAGERY

Onward, onward, healing cells,
go and do your stuff
I know you can heal me,
‘cos you are so tough
Germs don’t stand an earthly
Bugs won’t have a hope
For with any problem
my white cells can cope
Onward, onward,
champion white cells,
vanquishing the foe
With your special powers,
healing as you go

******

.

.
Years after writing it, I got the music for this one, so it is now on my CD

HOW WONDERFUL

A ripple on the water, a
tiny grain of sand,

the wonders all round me
touched by His mighty hand.

The breeze that stirs the grasses,
a gull that soars above,

the glories of all nature,
created by His love

The flowers in all their beauty
Turn faces to the sun

In praise to their Creator
The glorious Heavenly One

******

.

HURRY & WORRY

Don’t spend your life
in hurry, hurry
Fretting here and
full of worry
Pause a moment
and look around
Don’t lose all the
good you’ve found

Partners, friends
and children too
Want to spend
their time with you
Work is just
a means to an end
First and foremost,
be their friend

******

HURTING AND HATING

Throughout our lives we’re sure to
find somebody who is not too kind
And when you’re hurt, you start to
hate, but hold a minute – just you wait

Each time that you re-live the pain
you let them hurt you once again
When you feel hate and anger too
the one it hurts the most is you

So why not take the better part
Forgive the person in your heart
And then the best thing you will see
from hurt and hate you will be free

******

.

LIVE FOR TODAY

One way to happiness
you should know
The two days that you
must let go
Yesterday when
filled with sorrow
And fears you may have
for tomorrow

There may be sorrows
in the past
It’s your choice
if you let them last
And don’t let tomorrow
spoil today
But make it the best
in every way

******

MAKE TIME

Make time each day
to tell someone
how much you really care

Don’t miss a day,
for there may come
a time when
they’re not there

Make time to say
good morning
to neighbours
old and new

For they may be
just waiting to
become a friend to you

******

.

I wrote this one for Susan, my stepdaughter

MOUNTAINS & MOLEHILLS

There will always be
some problems in your life

And we all have our share
of trouble and strife

But what’s up to you
is the way that you cope

Is it doom and gloom,
or challenge and hope?

Is it a mountain or molehill –
You can choose

How you see it dictates
If you win or lose

So look for the positive
And you will see

Life is only as bad
As you let it be!

******

ONESONG(2)

Your wonderful creation,
this perfect world
And each of our lives
like a dream unfurled
All thoughts interconnect
like a flowing stream
As our lives unfold
in the waking dream

Enlightenment arrives
at the break of day
And all worldly problems
can melt away
Life is full of joy
and with hope anew
In the onesong
universe that is You

******

.

.

SMILE

A friendly smile upon your face
Will make the world a happier place

It won’t cost much if you’ll just try
Don’t let happiness pass you by

A compliment here, a kind word there
Says “you’re a stranger but I still care”

Smile at the world and when you do
You’ll find the world smiles back at you

******

SAVING

I used to save up for a rainy day
Any spare cash and I’d stash it away
I’d look at my balance and watch it grow

but what it was for, I just didn’t know

Then I met Jesus, He showed me the way

to claim all His promises day by day
To trust in the Word that He’s given me
“All that you need will be given to thee”

He cares for the sparrows and lilies too

so how much more does He care for you
Now my best account is with God above

and my interest is in His priceless love

******

This was written in the 1970´s for a friend in hospital

SUMMER

I wish that I could catch the sun
that hangs there in the sky

The sound of trickling water
as it passes gently by

The green from grass and tree and fern,
the blue from skies above

I’d wrap them all in summer’s peace
and send them with my love

******

.

SPRING

The rain falls softly on the trees
And leaves tell secrets to the breeze
A tiny bird is on the wing
Again it’s Spring

The burning grass wafts
fragrance sweet
Gay flowers stretch their heads
to meet the sun, still shining
bright and clear
Spring is here

The rainbow arcs its way above
The hawk may lie beside the dove
And all the world in peace shall prove
Spring is love

******

.

SUNRISE

Don’t worry about how dark the sky
How black the clouds above
They’ll soon be turned
to golden-pink
By the power of His love

Though dark your night and
filled with fear
The sun will always rise
Bringing hope for another day
As the Son’s light fills the skies

The Light of the world
will light your life
If you’ll just ask Him in
He’ll fill your world with
His glorious joy
And wash away your sin

******

Inspired by the sight of the moon over the sea at Torre del Mar, Spain

NIGHT

Silver ripples shimmer
across the silent sea
Palm tree fronds sway
gently in the breeze
Haunting calls of night birds
soaring high and free
Echo as they traverse
o’er the seas

Lights on the horizon
sparkle in the night
Diamonds set against
a velvet sky
Reflecting the brilliance
of stars in the height
Bathed by the moon’s
Illuminating eye

******

.

TRUE FRIENDS

Making friends is easy
if you’ll only do your part
You have to make the effort that
comes straight from your heart

Like making conversation
and showing that you care
Or learning how to listen and
sometimes just “being there”

A true friend is forgiving
when others fail the test
A real friend will stay loyal
and stand out from the rest

True friends will make the effort
to stay friends, strong and true
I pray that there will always be
a true friend there for you

******

.

Another one I wrote with Susan, my stepdaughter, in mind

RIGHT AT THE TIME

Don’t beat yourself up and blame yourself for decisions you made long ago
It always looks different later on but this is the thing you should know ….
The choices you made and the road you chose were the best you
could do at the time
Your choice was made on the facts right then, but things always change down the line
So when you say “if only I’d known” or “I wish I’d done things differently then”
Remember your choice was right at the time, with all that you knew way back when
We’ve so many decisions in our lives we’re bound to make some we regret
But be proud of your courage to make the choice, then forgive yourself and forget

******

.

In the 1980´s I went to the Halifax Society for the Blind holiday home in Fleetwood, Lancashire as a guide for my mum. Mum told everyone that I wrote poetry - so they said "write one for us"

I went down to the beach, and this was what I saw

.
SUNSET

Golden reflections on silver sea
Rock pools aglimmer with light
Gulls in the distance calling to me
This is the start of the night

On the horizon, tiny white sail
Fisherman, are you alone?
Further he travels, dwindling to pale
Hurrying safely to home

Great fiery orb suspended in blue
Painting the earth with strange light
Colours the sky with myriad hue
Then leaves the stillness of night

******

.

This was the very first poem I ever wrote, at Bermerside Open Air School.

My headmaster, Mr Kendal, introduced us to Keats´poetry, and I was hooked!

AUTUMN

I love to see the autumn leaves
come falling round my feet

And kick them so they fly about
each golden leaf-paved street

For when the north wind
separates them
from their parent tree

They flutter down toward the ground
and settle all round me

Then winter’s long arm reaches out

and kills them, one and all

And we must wait another year
For autumn leaves to fall

******

.

THREE STAGES OF LIFE

In the first stage of life
when you are a child
someone has to look after you
They guard you and guide you
and show you the way
so you know the right things to do

In the second life stage
you look after them
Your children depend upon you
You’re responsible for them
until they grow
and leave you to start lives anew

In the third stage of life
It’s all up to you
To get the best out of each day
These golden years are
here but once
Take care you don’t throw
them away

******

I wrote this one for my friend Brian Warwick,

for his publication MARKET PLACE in Spain,

for his "bee in your bonnet" column

TOLERANCE

Just because you firmly say
“things have always been that way”
Doesn’t mean that way is best
Have you thought about the rest?
Someone may have ideas new
Respect the other point of view

******

.

HELP

Don´t be afraid to ask for help
When you are feeling sad
Don´t be too proud
to take some help
When life is looking bad
We all have problems in our lives
And need some help to cope
Don´t turn your back
on those who care
And sit alone and mope
We all need someone
there to share
Our worries and our pain
Just ask and you will
find the help
To make you smile again

******

EASTER

2008-12-15T07:21:00.000-08:00

God Bless you at Easter

EASTER BLESSINGS

Remember now
at Easter time
The gift
that Jesus gave
He sacrificed
His life for you
that your life
He could save

May the blessings of
Easter remain with you
throughout the year

++++++

FOR ME, FOR YOU

As the Son of Man on earth He was born
In a lowly stable quite forlorn
And in Nazareth as a child He grew
These things came to pass, for me, for you

He preached to the people and brought the Word
The greatest tidings they ever heard
Salvation offered, a gift given free
Only believe Him, for you, for me

He healed all the sick and He raised the dead
Away from the curse of sin He led
He offered us life for eternity
The free gift of God, for you, for me

Betrayed in the garden and led away
His foes sought to kill our Lord that day
They smote Him, they mocked Him,
they flogged Him too
He suffered these things, for me, for you

They stripped and beat Him, put thorns on His head
And then to Calvary’s Cross they led
They jeered as our Lord was nailed to a tree
He hung and suffered, for you, for me

Then all the badness and all of the sin
In all the world, He took upon Him
And as God looked away, in pain He cried
Then for you, for me, our Saviour died

But He rose again upon the third day
For He is the Life, the Truth, the Way
Now He reigns in glory and majesty
He waits in heaven, for you, for me

++++++

JUST FOR YOU
AT EASTER

This special greeting
is coming today
For you dear one
especially to say
May God Bless you richly
now Easter is here
And may He watch over
you all through the year

HAPPY EASTER

++++++

EASTER JOY

At Easter we think
of the joys of Spring
All the new life that
the season will bring
But there is a gift
just waiting for you
A new life on earth
and in heaven too
Jesus paid with His life
so the gift is free
Peace in your heart
and life eternally

May God Bless
you this Easter

++++++

BIRTHDAY

2008-12-14T02:24:00.000-08:00

I hope these birthday verses are really useful to you -
please use the link at the end to let me know! Thanks.

HAPPY
BIRTHDAY (1)

You’re a very special person
And fondly thought of too
That’s why this birthday greeting
Is coming, just for you

Hope you have a lovely day
And a super year in store
For it’s a fact that no-one else
Could deserve it more

******

.
.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY (2)

It really is a pleasure
To send this card to you
Thinking of your lovely ways
The kind things that you do

So you deserve the very best
Now that your birthday’s here
A day that’s filled with happiness
That lasts throughout the year

******
.
.
.

HAPPY
BIRTHDAY (3)

This comes to bring
a greeting
To someone quite unique
Who, with each year
that passes
Is looking magnifique
I don’t know how
you do it
You’ve really got
some style
The secret
must be hidden
In your winning
birthday smile!

******
.
.
.
This one was for Tony, of course

.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
SWEETHEART

Happy Birthday sweetheart,

dear one that I adore
Whether 8 or 80

no-one could love you more
Hope you have

a perfect time all your
birthday through
For somebody so special
deserves the best it’s true

May the years that follow
bring all that you dream of
Full of joy and laughter
and crowned with our sweet love
May every day be better

than the one before
Sharing each tomorrow
and loving ever more

******
.
.
.

Another one for Tony ....
.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
MY LOVE

Just because I love you, I’d try to steal the stars
I’d tag a comet’s tail or even hitch a lift to Mars
I’d gather up some stardust and send it down to you
Wrapped around in velvet sky to show my love is true
But most of all my Darling, I’d leap to Heaven above
To wish a Happy Birthday to the only one I love

******
.
.
.
Writing poems for Tony is such a joy!

.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BELOVED

Beloved, it’s a pleasure now that your birthday’s due
To send this loving message especially for you
To tell you that I love you in every single way
And wish you lots of happiness on your special day
I wish for you my Darling all the best that life can bring
And hope the year to come will bring you joy in everything
So Happy Birthday Sweetheart, may all your dreams come true
And love surround you always, as much as I love you

******
.
.
.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY (4)

This simple birthday greeting
Is short but very true
The loveliest of birthdays
Is wished, today, for you

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

******

.
.
.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY (5)

A very special birthday is wished for you today
The kind that makes you happy in every single way
When all the best things happen and many dreams come true
But something even better is being wished for you …….

That Jesus fills your life each day with His precious love
And God sends down His blessings upon you from above
When every day’s a pleasure – a birthday without end
This is my birthday prayer-wish, just for you, my friend.

******
.
.
.

MY SPECIAL ONE

To the one who means the world to me,

who makes my life so bright
The one who fills my every need by daytime or by night
For you alone can make my heart so full of joy each day
This message comes with all my love, my darling, just to say …..

I wish you happiness each day,
I wish you peace at night
I wish you joy in every way,
a world that’s always bright
But most of all I wish for you
a gift that’s always there
Not just today but all life through,

the precious love we share

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LOVE

******
.
.
.

BIRTHDAY WISHES
BIRTHDAY DREAMS

Have a very
happy birthday
That’s filled with
lots of love
That answers
all your wishes
And brings all
you’re dreaming of

******

.
.
.

HAPPY
BIRTHDAY
HUSBAND

My dearest husband,
my lover and friend
My love for you grows
without any end
I give you always
love and devotion
High as the sky and
deep as the ocean
You’re so kind and
loving, so strong
and true
The best in the world,
Beloved, is you

******
.
.
.

My brother Jim and I may not be the closest ...

but he always, my only beloved Brother
.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
BROTHER

I may not see you every day
But you’re never more than a thought away
Though miles may keep us far apart
You’re always close to me,
in my heart

And so this message
comes to you
To bring a greeting,
sincere and true
With love to you,
dearest brother mine
I wish you the
happiest birthday time

******
.
.
.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRIEND

This simple message
comes to you
To wish you well
in all you do
We hope the future
brings you wealth
And may you have
the best of health
We pray each day
will give you peace
Contentment that
will never cease
And on your special day,
for you
May all your favourite
dreams come true

******
.
.
.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
GRANDSON

Happy birthday Grandson,
it really is a pleasure
To send this greeting
to you
for you’re a special treasure
We hope you have a
lovely day with all
you’re wishing for
And a super year
to follow, for no-one
deserves it more

We love you

******
.
.
.

MY ANGEL

Happy Birthday Angel
This message just for you
Comes to wish you happiness
Today and all year through
I didn’t think it possible
To love you even more
But my love’s grown
another year
From what it was before!

******
.
.
.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
DARLING

Happy Birthday Darling,
may your day be
Filled with the happiness
you bring to me
May there be sunshine
to brighten your way
Peace and contentment
and laughter all day
And may all your special
wishes come true
Not just on your birthday,
but all the year through

******
.
.
.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
LOVE OF MINE

Now it is your special day
Here are some things I want to say
With every day you grow more dear
More precious to me every year

You bring the sunshine in your smile
To keep me happy all the while
Pure ecstasy is in your kiss
That fills my heart with sweetest bliss

There’s magic in your every touch
No wonder I love you so much
So Happy Birthday, love of mine
I hope you have the happiest time

******
.
.
.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM

Happy Birthday, Mum,
is a simple thing to say

but it brings a lot of thoughts
on your special day
I know you’ve done
your very best
all of my life through.
When times were hard
I’ve always known
I could rely on you
And though I may
not say it, you know
I really care
So thanks a million,
Mum,
For simply being there

******

.
.
.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
NEPHEW

Happy birthday Nephew,
it really is a joy
Sending birthday
greetings
to such a special boy
It’s been so good to
watch you grow,
turning out so fine
I couldn’t be more
proud of you
if you had been mine
I hope your day brings
all the things
you are wishing for
Because I’m sure
there’s no one else
could deserve it more

******
.
.
.

MY CHICKEN

You’re my little chicken,
and if I was pickin’
You’re the chick
I would pick every time

You’re my sun every day,
you chase my clouds away
The outlook with you
is just fine

You’re really a treasure,
that’s why it’s a pleasure
To send these thoughts
winging your way

So I’m wishing for you
that your best dreams
come true
Starting right now –
Happy Birthday

******
.

This one was for my sister Pauline. My special friend!

.
MY SISTER

Originally “cat and dog”
we fought as sisters do
But now I find I have a
really super friend in you
That’s why I want to wish you
a birthday that’s the best
For whether friend or sister –

you surely beat the rest

******
.
.
.

HAPPY
BIRTHDAY (6)

The happiest
of birthdays
When all your
dreams come true
Is just what’s
being wished today
Especially for you

WITH LOVE

******
.
.
.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY (7)

You improve with age
just like the finest wine
Like a fresh minted coin
you are “extra fine”
Like the Mona Lisa
you are quite unique
In fact you are truly
quite magnifique
But how is is that
a whole year can go
Without you letting
a single day show!

CELEBRATE YOUR DAY!

******
.
.
.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON

We hope this birthday
is special
The best you’ve ever had
A day when wishes
all come true
That’s just for you,
our lad
For you deserve
the very best
Good health, good luck
and more
A day of perfect pleasures
And a super year in store

******
.
.
.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
SWEETHEART (2)

Happy Birthday Sweetheart, May all your dreams come true
May everything you wish for, daily come to you

For you deserve the very best that life can bring each day
Because you are the very best my love, in every way

You’re my best friend, my precious love, my helper and my guide
My life is happy and content with you here by my side

I’d give you all the world my love if it were mine to give
And all my love is yours alone as long as we shall live

You just get better every day - your birthday is a con!
You simply can’t be ??? I think you’re twenty-one!

It doesn’t matter what the age, to me you’ll always be
My lover, brother, dad and son, my everything to me

May your days be ever perfect with His blessings from above
And your life be one long birthday filled with laughter, joy and love

******
.
.
.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
TO MY FRIEND

It’s nice to send this greeting
to wish you all the best
For when it comes to friendship
yours beats all the rest

You’ve been a helping hand to me
and shown how much you care
And when I’ve needed someone
you’ve always been right there

You deserve the best of birthdays
so what I wish for you
Is a day that’s full of joy
that lasts the whole year through

Have a lovely day!

******
.
.
.
I wrote this for brother Jim´s 50th!

MY BROTHER

You always were my hero,
to keep me safe at play
But when you were
a teenager,
I sure got in the way!
And now we’re grown
my thoughts of you
are fond as they can be
You have a very
special place
within the heart of me
So happy birthday,
dearest brother,
here’s a great big kiss
With wishes
for your happiness
from your loving sis.

******
.
.
.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
TO BOTH OF YOU (twins)

You’re a very special couple
And quite unique it’s true
For there’s no one else
in all the world
Just like the two of you
This message comes
to greet you both
With twice the love in store
For twins as nice
as you two are
We couldn’t love you more

******
.
.
.

FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL

For someone special
On this your day
This card brings special
wishes your way
For the dearest friend
I’ve ever known
The sweetest love
That is you alone

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

******
.
.
.

TO THE ONE I LOVE

Every bit of me loves you
And wants you to be
For ever my darling
beloved, with me
You’re my ray of sunshine
and my reason to give
every ounce of my love
for as long as I live
Happy Birthday my sweetheart
I wish just for you
A day full of joy that
lasts all the year through
a year full of happiness,
free from all strife
starting today – the best
time of your life

******
.
.
.

STRAIGHT FROM
THE HEART

There’s no-one else in all the world as wonderful as you
And no-one else deserves the love I give, for ever true
For no-one has your gentle ways, your kind and loving heart
The things that make you extra-special, in a class apart
And there’s no birthday greeting that truly can convey
The multitude of special blessings wished for you today
So I’ll just say it simply, straight from the heart so true
Have a very happy birthday my beloved, I love you

******
.
.

WITH ALL MY HEART

With all my heart I love you
With all my heart I care
You make my life much better
Just knowing you are there

I’m nothing dear without you
Merely lost and all folorn
So when your birthday comes
I bless the day you were born

Happy Birthday Darling
Have a really lovely day
And a year to follow
That’s perfect in every way

******
.
.
.

JUST FOR YOU

This birthday greeting
is meant to show
how very much I love you so
But these simple words
just cannot say
how my love grows for you
each day

This wish for a happy birthday time
Is just for you
Dearest love of mine
Good luck, good health
And happiness too
Are what I am wishing
Now for you

******
.
.
.

BIRTHDAY LOVE

Loving is holding
your dear hand in mine
sharing together
a love that’s so fine
Loving means caring
For you night and day
Bringing you happiness
In every way

Loving means butterflies
Each time we meet
Thrills in my heart
And wings on my feet
Loving means trying to do all I can
To make life perfect
for my special man

Loving means making these wishes for you
Not just for today but
all your life through
Love, health and happiness
Peace and true joy
All these I wish for my own
“birthday boy”

******
.
.
.
DEAREST DARLING
SPECIAL ONE

Dearest Darling, Special One
Beloved man of mine
Hope you have a lovely day
When everything is fine

All my love is always yours
For ever and a day
For it just grows and grows and grows
For you in every way

******

SHEENA´S 70th

Such a lovely lady its a pleasure to say

Hope you have a truly wonderful day

Everything you hope for given to you

Every special dream you have coming true

Now and always we pray each day will bring

All that you wish for – the best of everything

******

This is for our lovely Auntie Hilda, on her 90th Birthday

28.12.2010

.
CONGRATULATIONS

For a truly lovely lady
On her very special day
There simply isn’t space enough
For all we want to say
Well Done!
Congratulations!
And Happy Birthday too
It really is a privilege
To have someone like you
This may be just a little verse
But ALL our love is in it
May God Bless you
Auntie

Hilda
Every single minute!

I wrote the next poem for my friend Dané to give to his wife Mildred

DOLLY´S SPECIAL DAY

.
Dearest Dolly we´re so happy to say
A greeting to you on your special day

You´re such a sweet lady, a pleasure to know
A really good friend and we love you so

We wish you a birthday full of good cheer
That marks the start of a wonderful year

With love and happiness and good health too
When all your most cherished dreams will come true

.
.

BIRTH

2008-12-14T02:20:00.000-08:00

.
.

CONGRATULATIONS
On the Birth
Of your TWINS

Twice the fun
and double the joy
Extra bliss with
a girl and a boy
Twins bring a special
blessing for you
So congratulations,
Mum and Dad too

******

IT´S A BOY!
CONGRATULATIONS

A child is born,
how wonderful
A darling little boy
To share the future
with you
And bring you
years of joy
Congratulations
both of you
On your special day
May love, good health
and happiness
Always come your way

******

I wrote this one for the birth of my

first great-niece Lauren

THE BIRTH OF A CHILD

May sweet spring blossoms fragrance your way

bringing you joy with every day
And all the lovely summer flowers
fill your life with happy hours

May the fruits of autumn bring to you

rich rewards your whole life through
Then winter’s peace from God above

shall bring a lifetime filled with love

*******

YOUR DAUGHTER

All the joy
that love can bring
all the flowers
that bloom each spring
Joy, contentment,
Blessings too
Dearest child
Are wished for you

Congratulations!

******

A LITTLE GIRL

A precious life to treasure
A little girl to love
A daughter has been sent to you
With blessings from above

Perfect health and happiness
For both of you I pray
To mummy and her little girl
God bless you both each day

******

BEREAVEMENT special ones

2008-12-14T02:08:00.000-08:00

I´ve written music to this one and

want to have it sung at my funeral!

WHEN I’M GONE

Don’t be unhappy, don’t be sad
I’ll tell you why you should be glad
For Jesus made a solemn vow
And I’m with Him in heaven now

He said “If you believe in Me
Ye shall have life eternally”
He’s always been my faithful friend
From birth to death,
from start to end

And now I praise Him all day long
With thankful prayer
and joyous song
I ask you to rejoice for me
For God’s dear love
has set me free

Please ask Him into your life too
For there’s a place with me for you
Then re-united we shall be
As one, for all eternity

******

This poem was written for a dying lady in a hospice

HIS MESSAGE

Fear not my child, for I love you
I’ll always be by your side
Rest gently my child, I am with you
With me you do not need to hide

All your fears and worries are human
And I understand every one
But your future with me is certain
Because of my love and my Son

Your time on this earth is but fleeting
My dearest child, do you not see
I love you so much that I want you
To live here in heaven with me

And please don’t be sad
for your loved ones
Who now say a tearful goodbye
In what seems an instant they’ll join you
With me in our heavenly sky

******

This one was for niece Janet when she lost her unborn child

MY PRECIOUS CHILD

It broke my heart to lose you
I can’t describe the pain
But I know you’re in heaven now
And we will meet again
With every day that passes
You stay here in my heart
So in a way, my precious child,
We never are apart
You’ll be with me for ever
Until my life is through
Then we will spend eternity
Together, me and you

******

These were written for our niece Julie,

who died of breast cancer aged 30

THINKING OF JULIE

Dearest Jesus, precious Lord
How I love to hear your Word
Daily does my spirit rise
As I reach towards the prize
In Your love my soul can rest
Strengthened now for any test
In Your Word my life will be

Ever Yours, in victory

******

MORE THOUGHTS
OF JULIE
3.2.99

Don’t you want her to be free?
Let her come and rest in Me
Then in glory shall she be
Living, in eternity

******
.

THINK ABOUT IT
16.2.99

Do not grieve too much for Julie
My child can you not see
She is MY lovely daughter
I wanted her with me

It’s not for you to understand
Or know the reason why
But just to trust Me all your life
Until the day you die

Then all will be revealed to you
The truth will set you free
And you will join your loved ones here
In paradise with Me

******

LETTING GO

It’s so hard to let go of
someone you love
You want them with you,
not in heaven above

You want to be able
to tell them you care
And once more the chatter
and laughter to share

It doesn’t seem right,
and it’s not fair you know
You want them still here
but it was their time to go

You want to lash out
but inside you just know
The thing that you need
to do now, is let go

You have to hand over
the one that you love
And let them rest peacefully
now in God’s love

******

.

JULIE

I rejoice for Julie
Safely in your arms
Free from worldly troubles
Now at peace and calm

I give thanks for Julie

For the love she gave
Love that you now give her
As her soul You save

I relinquish Julie
To Your loving care
Evermore to be at peace

in heaven with You there

******

I value your comments .... please leave them via this link .....