Poetry Competition

POETRY COMPETITION

2013

Winning Poem

Enchantment of Everyday Life

I never know what the day will bring
Though I try to plan for everything.
Each day begins when I wake at seven
And think there's nothing to do 'till eleven

A plan to follow and engagements to keep,
So a cup of tea helps me rouse from sleep.
Time to ponder and enjoy the brew,
Then – what was it I had to do?

Oh! – It's Keep Fit at 9 and Book Group at 2
And somehow there's housework and shopping to do.
So it's up and out and people to meet
With invites for coffee or some other treat.

Sometimes friends in for a cuppa and cake,
Another good reason to brew and to bake.
There are meetings with speakers to keep us updated
On subjects of gardening, or "New Trends" related.

It may be a day out with the rambling crowd
When we walk, and we talk about life's ups and downs.
They are all jolly folk with stories to tell
And sometimes a picnic to share as well.

Some appointments to keep for my health and wellbeing
The wonders of medicine and glasses for seeing.
Phone calls and letters from family and friends
All bring good cheer and tie up loose ends.

The garden's my joy and unending pleasure
And that I regard as totally leisure.
The pond has some plants and other pond life.
There are four fish, a newt, a toad and his wife.

The Kingcups are blooming.  A sure sign of spring.
Next a butterfly, and birds start to sing.
The weather's the magic of all the surprises.
There's a fire when it's cold and the sun when it rises.

At the end of each day I'm eternally grateful
For so many people who keep my life cheerful.

Doris Knight, Wellington WI

Runner Up

I remember …my Grandfather

I remember my Grandfather's stare,
His elderly wise head bent, covered with his white, white hair
As he looked at the gas stove in the evening glare
Waiting for his match to light the flare.

I remember my Grandfather spending hours in his own front room,
My mother always ensuring it never needed a broom
To keep it clean, always ready and always far too soon
Before he prepared to settle to read his books 'on ways to get to the Moon.'

I remember my Grandfather always wearing his shirt and tie,
Shirt well pressed and separate studded collar, though I never understood why.
I was always in awe and to ask was too shy
Thought wondered if it was uncomfortable with the studs all awry.

I remember my Grandfather's tales of riding a bike
Far and wide, for miles and miles through day and night
On and on which, at times, must have been quite a fight
No gears, straight handlebars and no light.

I remember my Grandfather as he walked me to Church,
 Giving me words of advice and ways to search
For my inquisitive knowledge so I was not left in the lurch,
Wondering how I could remain safe on my insatiable perch.

I remember my Grandfather and his love of cricket
As an Umpire, always close to the wicket,
Not really one to be in the 'thick of it'
Scores never questioned – everything to the limit

…..and now the years have long passed
Your beloved garden no longer a task
May your precious memories with me last and last.

Carole Rowlands
Eaton Bishop WI

Highly Commended

Gone to War

There's a war on remember.
Empty sweet shops
Coupons only
Dummy chocolates
Waste of time.
Only looking
Only dreaming
Of toast dripping butter
Scrape it on
Scrape it off
There's a war on remember.
Evacuees on the train
Dry your eyes
Wipe your nose
There's a war on remember
Yanks with nylons
In the barn
At the cider
Candy sweetener
Don't tell ma.
There's a war on remember.
Distant drums
Thumping hard
Fires flaring
Run and hide.
Too late for some
All-clear for us.
Black-out now
Spam for tea.
There's a war on remember.
I know there is
My dad has gone.

Norma Sidney

Marden WI