THE GOD THEY CRUCIFY
This is God's world I heard the preacher say,
But somehow along the way it's gone astray,
Children denied clean water, daily begging their bread,
I wonder, when God made this world, was he out of his head?
Why do men speak of peace, then go to war?
Why are the innocent sent through death's dark door?
Why is there so much poverty, pain, distress?
Is God to blame for all this awful mess?
God, why did you send your son to endure such pain,
Rejected and bleeding, treated with such disdain?
Did you not care that Jesus was crucified?
Were you not hurt when your son was cast aside?
I cannot believe that death has the final say,
I know God is there whenever I try to pray,
That God is the source of our life, our peace, our joy,
Whose gift is a life that death cannot spoil or destroy.
Rev John Stephenson, East Harrington
ANN WITH AN E
Seven will take the walk of shame
One will go with nothing
Only one will take the fame
Anne will stand on her prestigious podium
And this her way she will explore
That is a dreadful shirt for sure
Ears, noses, locks of hair
All these words the contestants fear
One day someone will give a ready smack
And stop her in her lordly track
Surprisingly that crooked smile and little wink
Puts everything remarkably straight
After all it is just
an enjoyable late afternoon tête-à -tête.
Elizabeth Sayers, Spennymoor
PORK AND STRING!
Over a pint I heard Tom say,
"Those sandwiches look nice today
I'll purchase one of them straight away
and eat it now without delay."
So to the bar he quickly went
And grudgingly some money spent
the sandwiches looked heaven-sent
He picked one up and off he went.
As we all stared which was so rude
He sat awhile and chewed and chewed
Upon him all our eyes were glued
He strove with dogged fortitude.
"The pork", he cried, "Was very nice
Although I had to chew it twice
But was the string in with the price?
No matter now it will suffice."
Though pork may go with many things
Spices perhaps or seasoning
I never thought it went with string
but that is my own reasoning.
A Curle, Ferryhill
LOST LOVE
I sit down and wonder in this same old chair
and I think to myself of the time you were there
You left on your journey when all was fine
and if you are listening my heart still pines,
Gone from our home, you left me cold
for your new world, for a future to behold
Death in a way I have no fear
For I know that when I follow, you will be near
Joined together is one last request
Knowing the love we had was always the best
And when the time comes for this I know is sure
Our meeting again will join two hearts that's pure.
Kenneth Stephenson, Chilton
THE PLIGHT OF ST JAMES'S
Another boss walks the plank
the recent form, alas it stank
Pampered players who under-performed
the Premiership table, hardly stormed.
Millions spent without success,
Another poor season, another fine mess
Yet who is to blame for this sorry state?
It's not the fans who flock through the gate.
Who is to manage our struggling team?
Apparently Big Sam it would seem
Hand him some money to spend on new players
Give us some silverware to answer our prayers.
Stephen Hall, Coxhoe
MARRIAGE
Your wedding day finally arrived
When you made your final vows
When you were joined in matrimony
In an emotional ceremony
It was a beautiful sunny day
Everyone was happy and gay
It was no time, or place for gloom
Not even for the groom.
The bride looked radiant
in her beautiful gown,
The young bridesmaids, very pretty,
and so happy, not even a little frown.
Families and friends were there
Cameras were clicking
Confetti was blowing in the breeze
toddlers were trying to seize.
The buffet was good
The music was blaring
They sang "Happy Birthday" too,
The wine was tasty, even I had a glass or two
May God bless the bride and groom
with happiness and good health,
May they love and respect each other
May they tolerate each mistake
With patience, and give and take.
Emma Thomas, Darlington
IF ONLY!
I think of being a football star
or a cricketer supreme,
I could have won Olympic gold
If only in my dream.
I know I should have passed exams
And lived successfully forever,
I may have taught in public schools
If only I'd been clever.
I might have played a violin
A fiddle, guitar or such,
I would have been a great pianist
If only I'd had the touch.
I wish I had been an artist
or sculptured statues fine,
I would love to carve great woodwork
If only the skill was mine.
I see myself as a very wise man
Helping people sick and lonely,
I am sure I'd make a great MP
If only, if only, if only.
Dennis Grimley, Trimdon Village
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