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Comment

In times of hardship I'm left alone

I think of the past when my wife was at home

But as the age creeps on and the future is not to be

I'm left with thoughts for all to see.

Oh, how I miss her smiling face

And to talk over things at an easy pace,

But now the Lord has taken her away

And I know that some day I will with her lay

Together side by side on that one plot of land

Our hearts will then be united and that would be grand.

So until that time arrives I must plod on alone

Until the Lord names that moment to take me home.

Kenneth Stephenson, Chilton

GOOD LUCK MY LAD

Have you any jobs for me? asked he.

Maybe, we'll interview you at half past two, said they

So the young man went and did his best.

They liked what they saw and took him on.

He seemed bright, honest and dilligent,

And sufficiently intelligent.

They started training him in hotel work,

He took to it like a duck to water.

He has learned so many skills,

Every day there is something new.

He has gained experience

Because he was young and inexperienced.

He's always punctual, pleasant and polite.

He looks so smart in black and white.

He has to juggle this part-time job

With his study and home work,

But with some clever organisation and co-operation

He'll be able to do both.

It's early days yet, but things are going the right way.

We're thinking positive that he'll make headway.

I wish him every success and lots of fun

Because that young man is my lovely grandson.

Emma Thomas, Darlington

THE WREN

A little wren came,

Looked up at me,

Hopped by my window

For me to see.

So small, so sweet,

So perfectly made.

God's creation

Simply displayed.

A delicate blessing

Just after dawn,

To lift me up

That winter's morn.

God gives surprises

As we look His way,

So Lord help us all

To see them each day.

Elizabeth Tomlinson, Richmond

BLACK DOG

There were times when I'd wished myself out of this life;

When depression convinced me my prospects were thin

But whether with rope, poison, gunshot or knife,

I've not had the bottle to do myself in.

TEA TOTAL

Tea: the drink that cheers you up;

Helps get you through the day.

Every peerless, piquant cup

Can keep your blues at bay.

Unsurpassed, this best of brews,

Priceless; perfect; pure,

Teases tastebuds; you'll enthuse,

Hail tea's infused allure.

A drink supreme, it's clear as day

Tea stands above the rest.

Can countless folks be wrong, who say:

Have tea! The drink that's best.

Ensure that word of tea goes out:

Extol its quality.

Remind the world what tea's about,

Sing out in praise of tea!

Ken Orton, Ferryhill Station, Co Durham

SCHOOL MEMORIES

I was in a class of 40 children when I started school.

Learning the three Rs and discipline rule.

Our teachers were strict but also fair,

Smartly dressed and well groomed hair.

If you rebelled you were given the cane,

But you gritted your teeth and hid the pain.

The seasons enjoyed displays and celebrations,

Dyeing eggs, gathering veg and making decorations.

When you reached that age of 11 you were given a test

In which you tried your level best,

For if you passed the examination,

You were destined for a better education.

I was unfortunate not to pass,

But was not the only one in the class.

The opportunities were little but then

Our teachers prepared us to be strong men.

And as I look back on my school years,

They were very strict but happy days.

Sometimes I criticised and acted the fool

I also rebelled at the discipline rule.

But it's for the better and not in vain

And I still respect the teachers who gave me the cane.

Tony Mayhew, Bishop Auckland

A MARCH WIND

The wind is blowing strong today

It seems to impatiently say

Come outside and I will

Blow your cobwebs away.

I step into the alleyway

The tea towel on the line to dry

And before I know it

It's flying in the sky.

I planted my daffodil bulbs

In the autumn for a fine display

Now they are flattened

Their lovely heads in disarray

Mother Nature must have forgot

To turn the pressure down

So I must wait for a better day

Her beauty to survey.

Elizabeth Sayers, Spennymoor

STRIVING TO SURVIVE

As a young happy child it never crossed my mind,

That one day I'd lose trust in the whole of mankind.

When, in my early days, I'd dreamt of great things,

I didn't foresee the clipping of my wings,

Because as a boy I often dreamt I could fly,

But I've hardly taken off or reached very high.

Now I can't stand up tall or I'll be knocked down,

And I can't hold my own cos I feel like a clown.

And I daren't close my eyes for fear of a sound.

I dare not go out cos there are people around.

The clashing of cymbals makes me shake at the knees,

Now laughter and joy just seem like a tease.

What can now keep me part of the human race

Is, at times, that I have still got my hope and faith.

I do not want to just sit and feel no glory,

This life must go on and this is my story.

Paul Snaith, Darlington

9:58am Tuesday 8th April 2008

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