Snowbound

The silent song of snowbound hills
of frozen hedgerows, streams and rills
This quiet crescendo slowly swells
or dies with sadly tolling bells

Within this silence life is born
come once again this happy morn
With ice-like fire this cold doth burn
For springs dear warmth our hearts do yearn

The setting sun shades pink on white
as quickly falls the longest night
Then golden Moon spreads forth blue light
making snow clad hills look bright

Promises of spring

Every dark and stormy cloud has silver as its lining
Every winter holds within it the promises of spring
Even on the darkest night the dawn chorus starts to sing
Even grief can turn to joy when hope is what we bring

Every withered summer flower hides buds of futures rife
Seeds lie gently sleeping though the wind cuts like a knife
Even ice and snow are only temporary strife
For the promises of spring will come again to bring new life

Ode to Cheese

"Poets have hitherto been mysteriously silent on the subject of cheese."  -  G.K. Chesterton

Some speak of ambrosia that would bring men to their knees
Some would honour ice cream that would cause their brains to freeze
Some swoon over peppered steaks, though pepper just makes you sneeze
But I simply cannot live without a little piece of cheese

Cheese that king of foodstuffs the taste of summer leas
Cheese that wonder of the world, leaves me swaying like the breeze
Cheese the acme of our skill, the soft and tempting tease
When cheese is offered 'cross the board my answer is 'Yes please!'

For Mum and Dad

Though you are both gone
and the years since then are long
I know that I was loved

Through all the pain I feel
it's the love that makes you real
I know that I was loved

There you lie at peace at last
resting until the trumpet's blast
I know that I was loved

And although you are not here today
I know in my heart I'll see you again
for I know that I am loved

Forgive my foolish ways

My mindless prayers unanswered go
I turn to you but far too slow
My selfish nature well you know
Why must I always treat you so

But you are always good to me
The joy I feel you gave for free
If only I could truly be
The person only you can see

You're always trying to break through
my hardened heart, my head of glue
and even though I know you're true
I always take my gaze from you

Dear Lord forgive my foolish ways
and be with me through all my days

You know me fully

Lord you know me fully,
when I stand and when I fall
You know the depths of my own folly
and you're with me through it all

You go beyond your promises
and far beyond my dreams
Giving more than I ever hoped for,
or than I deserve, it seems

You turn impossible into possible
and clear my path of stones
Yet I still stumble blindly,
with my grumbles and my moans

So often I don't thank you,
for the things you've done for me
Especially for that greatest gift,
you died to set me free

West coast sunset

Scarlet ripples of the waves
Reflections of the dying sun
Flaming orange clouds
Day ending as it began

The sea like molten gold
Marching 'pon the shore
Glittering like a treasure trove
All tumbled 'cross the floor

The deep red orb falls
Towards a hungry sea
Shaft of sunlight strikes
Rocks & sets them free

Old man by the roadside

The old man by the roadside
staring into space
What happens on the inside
behind his weathered face

What loved one does he wait for
or memory retrace
As he stands outside his front door
a sad and lonely place

For someone

You didn’t know me,
but you let me share your life.
You took the time to feel my pain,
in the middle of your strife.

You added my extra burden,
to the weight of your own cross.
Thinking always of others,
in spite of your own loss.

I’m glad I got to share your journey,
though for far too short a way.
I know that we will share much more,
when we meet in heaven someday.

For Roger

Somewhere beyond space
Somewhen beyond time
In a sky with no tears falling
I know your star will shine

Somehow beyond reason
Some way we cannot ken
In a deathless days new dawning
I know we will meet again

Stranger

Sleep now stranger
Sleep without pause
While battles are fought
between two distant shores

Sleep now stranger
Sleep still goes on
Held in the loving hand
of the infinite One

Sleep now stranger
While miracles are done
Hear the sacred chorus
until all pain is gone

Sleep now stranger
Sleep until morn
Rest you mending body
then wake with the dawn

Left and Right

Left and right, they're all the same
The politicians play their game
They rule your life, but don't know your name
If you let them do it, then you're to blame