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