WINTER’S DELIGHTS

Cold winter nights

Fresh morning frosts

Glowing sun before midday

Wonderful natural sights

Winter’s changing delights

Spring is yet to come

With its mood-lifting sun

A Cooper, Darlington

A NICE CUP OF HOT TEA

It’s late afternoon and I’m resting on my bed.

Something outside the window flies by overhead.

I put down my paper and see a few wild geese go flying by,

Etched against a gorgeous sunset of a pink and red streaky sky.

I can also see the fields and wood right down to the river below,

And remember how beautiful it was when everything was covered with snow.

The fields like a huge carpet of tinsel, sparkling bright,

With views of a winter wonderland, such an amazing sight.

Before we had an autumn of glory with a coat of many colours to behold.

The whole countryside was decked in outfits of reds, yellows and golds.

How lucky I am that all these lovely things I can see,

By just resting on my bed and having a biscuit and a nice cup of hot tea.

Diana Davis, Bishop Auckland

LOVE IS

Love is when you’re old and grey

And live in total harmony

Love is when you live each day

With hearts and hands held tenderly

All the years have come and gone

Leaving behind a full catalogue

Of our first meeting on Valentine’s Day

Drenched in care and understanding

We don’t need flowers or party to celebrate

A tender kiss on each cheek will suffice

And a little cuddle as we say good night.

Elizabeth Sayers, Spennymoor

PRIDE

Where has gone all our pride?

People cruise and fastly ride

With no thought or respect

Caring not who it’ll affect

Dropping litter as they go

Spoiling all of nature’s show

An innocent lamb is cut and maimed

Broken glass, who is to blame?

So when it’s time for your return

Take home your litter, please

This lesson learn.

Sandra Moran, Darlington

TREASURED TIMES

A new metal detector

I’ve wanted one for years

Sweet bliss of expectation

Will within my stir.

Will I explore the rolling hills Awash with summer green?

The world, they say, is my oyster

To chase my special dream

Ambling on the ancient roads

And settlements close by

In the peated marshlands

Will the coins of emperors lie

Searching through the centuries

And clay soil of yesteryear

I see a fragile necklace

A moment to revere

In all these magic moments

My heart will ever lean

To the joy of my detector

And treasury of dreams.

Dorothy McGregor, Durham City