The Poetry of Rob Bristol The Writing Forum’s Writer of the Month - October 2010   POET’S BIO: Hi, my name is Rob Bristol and I hail from the East Midlands in England. I am married with two adult "children" and until recently worked in Warehousing but have been forced into early retirement due to Parkinsons Disease. As a lifelong supporter of Notts County Football Club, I do Christmas and Easter appeals for sick children through the Clubs support network which involves visiting the children in various hospitals throughout my area. I find this a very rewarding venture, there is no greater pleasure than that of being able to give some hope to these poor unfortunate children. In music, my tastes are varied to a degree as I can listen to music of most forms but my personal favourite's are Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Suzanne Vega and Paul Weller. So to the subject at hand - I first started writing poetry in April 2009. I was sitting at my computer when I just literally got the inspiration to begin writing. Since that day I have written around 100 poems and I appreciate this opportunity to share some of my work with you. Email: robbristol@hotmail.com   POETRY BY ROB BRISTOL Click on the button in front ot any poem title below to be linked to that poem’s location on the page:   SLIPPING AWAY   WATERFALLS   DREAMS   EYES OF CARE   THE STRANGER   DISTANT ECHOES   WALLS   SMILE   SUNLIGHT   THINKING OF SICK CHILDREN   FLOWERS   PARENTAL INSTINCT   SPLENDOR   BUTTERFLY DREAMING   FOUR CORNERS...   WERE YOU...   MILITARY GAMES (A DOUBLE TRIOLET)   CALMING BREEZE   SHOT DOWN IN FLAMES   THE COW AND THE MOON   DROWSE   DIRTY WORLD   BOATS   VALLEY OF DREAMS   DISILLUSIONED PEOPLE   WHY?   THE FOUR SEASONS (quad triolet)   EVER DECREASING WILDLIFE   NIGHT RIDER   ROSES (nonet)   DAWN   ECHOS   MUSIC   BASTILLE DAY   TABLE FOR TWO   SYMMETRY   THE STRANGER 2012   VIEWS OF NATURE   STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT   NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS   SLIPPING AWAY If I could walk once more with you, I know what I would choose to do, We would walk down memory lane, Relive our loving years again. Together, we'd walk arm in arm, Remembering summer days of charm, Times we laughed, things we said, Nights we cuddled in our bed. Recalling how we loved the beach, Chasing dreams beyond our reach, How we held each other tight, Safe together, through the night. Years pass by, love grows strong, Locked in hearts, our special song, But as the night returns to day, The Lord has taken you away. When looking back at all we shared, Love protected those who cared, I say these words to you tonight, "In His grace, all reunite". Forgive me should I shed a tear, In my heart, I hold you dear, So my love, be free of pain, In faith that we shall meet again... ~April was Parkinsons Disease Awareness Month, so how sad that Wally Toews should die from complications arising from the illness just as May arrives. This is both in tribute for Wally and also for Bonnie Toews, his wife, who stood tall throughout Wally's years and struggles against illness.... "Slipping Away".....   WATERFALLS   Visions of waterfalls in my minds eye, Rapidly driven by forces on high, The moon controls tides in the sea, Nature determines lifes journey for me. Every songbird I hear, chirping a tune, The mysterious life of an ocean lagoon, Sands of the deserts, a nomadic tribe, Products of nature, to whom they subscribe. Meandering rivers, stars that give light, Owls that fly in the darkness of night, Roses and tulips, butterflies and bees. Nature gave life to each one of these. Cows in the meadow, sheep roaming free, Beauty of Hummingbirds, for all to see, Cascading torrents, a waterfalls end, Nature has more than I can comprehend. All creatures great, those who are small, Mountains that stand so incredibly tall, Pastures, hedgerows, fields of green, Nature designed all of which I have seen....   DREAMS   Dreaming as I lie in bed, Images stored in my head, Hatred, murder, fighting wars, Politicians hide, of course! Memories born out of reflection, Evil men, fuelled by deception, Mirrors of a twisted mind, Nightmares due, to unwind. Ordering genocide by proportion, Media cover it by distortion, Perverting for the final view, Burying truth, I once knew. All morality now deserts me, Wanton hatred, all that I see, War lords craving self destruction, Funded by greed and political corruption. A mothers boys are under fire, By courtesy of Blair, the liar! Death to all the fleeing masses, Chosen by their social classes. Pray to God, have I been dreaming? All I hear, parents screaming, Look around at children dying, Shall we ever stop them crying?   EYES OF CARE Watching with your caring eyes, Hiding fear you can't disguise, From which, tender tears fall, An Angel quite beyond recall. As your eyes watch over me, There is so much love to see, Life dealt me a wicked hand, Yet you strive to understand. Reflections of our life together, Now we've hit stormy weather, I glance into your beautiful eyes, At love that we cannot disguise. Caring eyes, a picture of grace, Placed upon your beautiful face, Watching tenderly with care, I thank you for being there...   THE STRANGER Lost within a wilderness, searching for the key, To unlock the future, life has planned for me. As my quest continued, I sensed someone draw near, He told me of his task, to make me more aware. As I gazed upon the stranger, now sat next to me, An overwhelming sense of faith set my spirit free, With a gentle voice, he said, “I offer you no fear, I hope to have the answers that make your future clear”. People jeopardise the future by havoc they all wreak Only those of open mind shall the find the truth we seek, Faith shall be your guide, and all will be as one, Tortured minds will cease, once all prejudice has gone. You also need to recognize the teachings of the Lord, Each must have a caring heart to build a better world, In seeking out the light, we must cast the darkness out, Accept the power, that is love, and share it all about. As he spoke these words of wisdom, I turned to see his face, Though no one sat beside me, I sensed a calming grace, A whispering voice inside my head told me not to fear, “I shall watch you always,”….. It was then my mind was clear…"   DISTANT ECHOES Distant echoes calling me, Am I who I ought to be? Has my role in life been cast, How long may my nightmare last? Distant echoes, hear my plea, Am I all you wish of me? When shall be my final test?, Help me rise above the rest. Distant echoes, pray with me, Allow my spirit to roam free, Let it float to foreign shores, Set me on a different course. Distant echoes, help me see, What my future holds for me, As I watch with baited breath, Please do not predict my death. Distant echoes, can it be, Days ahead shall be pain free, Is it true, tell me please, Did they conquer my disease? Distant echoes, answer me, The future is as it shall be, Long ago your road was cast, Distant echoes from the past...   WALLS Towering before me, stands a wall, Has it been built to save us all? Perhaps its aim is to guard us from sin The answer to all is written within The house of The Lord, a magnificent sight, Through windows, shine His holy light, Depicting scenes of The Holy son's birth, The toils he faced whilst here on earth. Shepherds guard sheep, keeping them safe, Within our spirit, we feel the faith, Knowing that He shall forever be there, Guiding us all with His loving care. He sent a storm, for forty long days, Cleansing the earth of evil ways, Having told Noah to construct an arc In which, life returned from the dark. Towering before me, I see His wall, From within, I hear The Lord’s call Gentle persuasion inviting me in, Blessed are those, forgiven of sin...   SMILE When darkness shadows beauty, Visions form in your mind, Tomorrow holds no interest, You fear what you may find. It's though you have no spirit, Nor faith to lead the way, Inside, your mind is screaming, For words, you cannot say. A portrait smiling at you, Some photographs you took, In there, lies the beauty, Just take the time to look. A face looks to the future, There is wonder in his eyes, His smile is one of beauty, No shadow could disguise. Inside the mind of a child, Every day brings something new, A rainbow, perhaps a sunflower, Each offer a different view. When shadows shield the beauty, Darkness shrouds your mind, Look into the eyes of a child, Be amazed by what you find...   SUNLIGHT Ripples of sunlight, reflect upon a lake, So much beauty for a person to take, Nature paints pictures, pretty as can be, The Lord gave us sight, that we may see. In shadows of sunlight, formed on the shore, New life is thriving, as it has before, Tadpoles wriggle free, from within frogs spawn, The next generation has just been born. As the sun is calmed by a gentle breeze, The sound of birds is heard amongst trees, Flying to and fro with food for their young, Safe in the knowledge, new lives have begun. My heart rejoices, beauties all around, The cry of a new born is a heavenly sound, Cradled by a mother at the moment of birth, The never ending story of life on Earth. The Lord gave us sight, that we may see, Nature paints pictures, pretty as can be, So much beauty for a person to take, Ripples of sunlight, reflected on a lake...   THINKING OF SICK CHILDREN There comes a time to put others first, Face a disease which they've been cursed, We go together as one group of friends, Hoping somehow, their misery ends. We see sad sights, that can't be denied, I was told of a death, for hours I cried, It's difficult not to get personally involved, We strive to keep our emotions controlled. There are times we sit with the mother, Perhaps a father, a sister or brother, Passing on comments, we spend a while, Hoping to leave them wearing a smile. Children mean everything to me, I endeavourer to make them happy as can be, Whenever I leave a grin on their face, It puts my perspectives of life into place. I've seen good times, also some sad, I have been to the funeral of a poor lad, He was so ill, he could just take no more, Richard was brave as he knew the score. When stood before these children, I'm proud, These are the heroes who shine in a crowd, Forget the footballers, they're overpaid, From these children, heroes are made...   FLOWERS Flowers have beauty, An essence of their own, I have pretty flowers, See how they have grown! There are roses of pink, Surrounded by yellow, Whenever I see them, My mood is so mellow. Geraniums, buttercup's, Bluebells and all, I have chrysanthemums Climbing my wall. Crocus and tulips, Daffodils too, Sweet colored petals, Especially for you. Come in to my garden, So you may agree, Flowers have beauty, For everyone to see...   PARENTAL INSTINCT I see a mother bird, feeding her young, As a bright day has just begun, This picture shared, of amazing grace, Placed a smile upon my weathered face. As I sat and watched this tranquil sight, I simply could not shield my sheer delight, The vision of beauty was without compare, A mother bird, portraying tender care. Memories of my distant past were stirred, The day my son spoke his very first word, My daughter finally learning how to crawl, A sight of great relief to one and all. Engaging my mind, I was deep in thought, Recalling lessons, I had been taught, Respect your elders, honor the law, Never be tempted by a stranger's door. Children should be seen, but not heard, I find this statement quite absurd, We have rights to question all we see, My son gained wisdom by talking to me. As parents, we face an ultimate test, Forever striving to be the very best, Forging out a future, wipe away tears, Awaiting the tantrums of teenage years. Melancholy moments, reflections of the past, Praying that the lessons in life shall last, As a bright day has just begun, I see a mother bird, feeding her young...   SPLENDOR Oh what magnificence stands before me, Such handsome a face, I never did see, Eyes reminiscent of stars shining bright, I truly am blessed by a wonderful sight. You look so proud with head held on high, How splendid a sight when you take to fly, White are your wings, wide are their span, Poetry in motion, as witnessed by man. Each passing moment, you seem so aware, Though I am close, you show little care, As I sense a feeling of mutual respect, A value in life, we all should expect. I feel so blessed by this wonderful sight, A swan, with eyes like stars in the night, Features so handsome as ever did see, I sense the love of The Lord is with me...   BUTTERFLY DREAMING Elegance personified, Beauty on the eye, Gracefully in motion, Nature's butterfly. Dancing in my garden, Flutter on a breeze, Dainty are your wings, I feel so at ease. Landing on my daisies, Flitting to and fro, Up amongst the roses, A most delightful show. May I paint a picture, One for me to keep, Captured in my dreams, Calming as I sleep. Angels sing in harmony, Beauty is their theme, Mother Nature's melody, You simply are supreme. Butterfly, you're everything. The purest of all art, Elegance personified, Captured in my heart...   FOUR CORNERS... Imagine I had traveled, all four corners of the earth, Things that I would know, what experience is worth, Understanding cultures, how they all survive, Would that help to make me, the wisest man alive? Instead of false assumptions, decisions of ill thought, I could share with others, lessons I'd been taught, People all around the world have problems of their own, Disease in third world nations, many face life alone. How would people welcome me, if I venture to Iraq, Would I meet hostility, perhaps I should turn back, Then I would be ignorant, not learning of their plight, How their very existence, has become a daily fight. Religions, we find contentious, hard to understand, Some may become clearer, experienced at first hand, Would that not be better, than blaming them on wars? Everybody has the right to follow their chosen cause. What value is opinion, if arrived at without fact? Only through experience, can comments have impact, We exist as strangers, unfulfilling in our worth, Shadows merely cast, across four corners of the earth...   WERE YOU... Why is my heart full of sorrow, Will there be sunlight tomorrow? Alone, crushed by the strain, Lost in the darkness again. Yesterday seems long ago, Where did our happiness go? I pleaded 'til I could no more, Still, you left through the door. Deserted, screaming your name, You treated love as a game, Just cast aside for another, Do you call her your lover? Shadows are all that remain, I sit alone once again, Questions form in my mind, How could you leave me behind? I sit with a heart full of sorrow, Knowing there's always tomorrow, I ask myself time and again, Were you worth tears and pain...   MILITARY GAMES (A DOUBLE TRIOLET) Calling all boys, sign your lives away, We will help you visit distant shore, You may be a hero if you play, Calling all boys, sign your lives away, There are more arriving here today We will send you guns to fight a war, Calling all boys, sign your lives away, We help you die on distant shore. Hoist the flag, share your nations pride, Stars and stripes, in a snipers sight, Can you feel the fear, deep inside, Hoist the flag, share your nations pride, You became a hero, as you died, Posthumously laid at rest tonight, Hoist the flag, share your nations pride, Stars and stripes, a snipers delight...   CALMING BREEZE So calm upon a gentle breeze, At one with mother nature’s ease, All around me, clear blue sky, So picturesque, I pause to sigh. Air surrounds me, pure and clear, Beauty revealed from everywhere, Colorful roses, tulips in bloom, Replacing winter’s days of gloom. As a bird, with soaring grace, I am blessed to share her place, As mother nature’s honored guest, I hope that I may pass her test. All around me, clear blue sky, So picturesque upon the eye, Treasured moments are of these, I sense the calming of her breeze....   SHOT DOWN IN FLAMES Don't bother me with ya airhead facts, When ya start guessin', reality detracts, I really can't be bothered, playin' silly games, Turn around, get out, or be shot down in flames! Coming to my pad, with ya web of lies, Ya aint foolin' no one with ya "come to bed eyes! I really can't be bothered, playin' silly games, Turn around, get out, or be shot down in flames! Ya think you're the best, when plannin' deceit, You'd better get prepared for the ultimate defeat, I really can't be bothered, playin' silly games, Turn around, get out, or be shot down in flames! I hear ya plan to sue, take everything I own, Well I'm tellin' ya baby, start leavin' me alone, I really can't be bothered, playin' silly games, Turn around, get out, or be shot down in flames! Take ya sympathetic smile, ya crocodile tears, Truth's finally found me, after many years! I really can't be bothered, playin' silly games, Turn around, get out, or be shot down in flames! So if ya wanna friend, don't ya hesitate to ask, Honesty is all ya need, it aint a hard task! I really can't be bothered, playin' silly games, Turn around, get out, or be shot down in flames...!   THE COW AND THE MOON Why are the stars smiling at me? What do you think pussy cats see? Did the bird really peck off her nose? Why was the king, wearing no clothes? Is there a planet where dinosaurs live? Why is it easier to hate than forgive? Why did the sparrow kill a poor Robin? When people die, why do we sit sobbing? Are cartoons real, does Superman fly? Are Angels really up there, in the sky? When I see a rainbow, where is the gold? Why must I always do things I am told? Granddad, please tell me, I need to know, Why does rain sometimes turn into snow? I hope that summer will come very soon, How did the cow jump over the moon? I like the questions you chose to ask, Sharing wisdom could be my task, Together, we'll find the answers you seek, It may take us days, possibly a week. Look to the sky, what do you see? A million stars, all smiling at me, They have beauty, tranquil and rare, Wisdom comes from questions we share...   DROWSE Far away dreams of my past, Times, I thought could not last, Like waves caressing the shore, Forever wishing for more. Seeking the girl of my dream, Never my turn, it would seem, Friends always had what I sought, Constantly lost deep in thought. Shadows appear all around, Shouting, I don't hear a sound, I sense them looking at me, Leave me, I want to be free! Images trapped in my mind, Answers, I know I must find, Haunted by ghosts of my past, How long can this nightmare last...?   DIRTY WORLD Born to a world of depravity and sin, Entering a game, only you can win, Rising above the level of sleaze, Corporation manufactured, society disease! Keep one eye, firmly on your back, Warding off any cowardly attack, In this world, devoid of any morals, Never get caught, resting on your laurels. You must remain focused in the game of life, Avoiding unhappiness, toil and strife, Play the game, break no rules, Prisons are waiting for cheats and fools! Forever remain true to family and friends, Challenges begin as another one ends, Always strive to take first place, Welcome, my treasure, to the human race..   BOATS Drifting along on a wave of emotion, Avoiding the crowds and all their commotion, Nothing between the sky and the sea, As I go in search of who I may be. Do we truly know who we are, How others see us from near and afar, Are we friendly or maybe offhand, Then there are those who don't understand. We look in a mirror to see our reflection, Maybe that leads to our own misconception, People all have their differing views, Depending upon the image they choose. Only when we can address our own ways, Accepting the role that a bad image plays, Can we be allowed to hold our heads high, Embracing in knowing a fresh start is nigh. Drifting along, I have seen the commotion, Experienced every tide of emotion, I see a reflection set on the sea, Staring back up, I see it is me...   VALLEY OF DREAMS Come take a walk in the valley of dreams Where nothing you see is quite as it seems, Trees overshadow the truth held within, Come, let me take you where legends begin. Look on the water and perhaps you may see, Three little mermaids, as cute as could be, Whilst high in the tree, hidden from sight, A family of Elves prepare for the night. Scurrying around, whilst hidden from view, A family of Goblins keep their eyes on you, Keeping their distance, they're said to be shy, Whilst an eagle prepares to take to the sky. The queen of the forest is said to be fair, Skin pure as porcelain with silken long hair, It is said that she lives in a palace of gold, Where rainbows end and legends unfold. Come, let me take you where legends begin, Trees overshadow the truth held within, Where nothing you see is quite as it seems, Come take a walk in the valley of dreams...   DISILLUSIONED PEOPLE Disillusioned people in a disillusioned world, Run by Politicians, to whom corruption is the word, Power mad megalomaniacs dealing in sleaze, Welcome to a world of corruption and disease! Conjuring deceptions to justify a war, Tony Blair hid behind his Downing Street door, Armed with a smoke screen, ready to recoil, Mugabe’s free to murder as Zimbabwe had no oil Corruption is rife in the Parliament grounds, You can buy a politician for a hundred thousand pounds, Knighthoods and Lordships all come at a cost, Integrity and honesty is all you ever lost. Murder incorporated, Di killed on the cheap, Makes you wonder how the Royal Family ever sleep, Protected by their lies, so the truth may not be heard, Disillusioned people in a disillusioned world....   WHY? Into the cauldron of death, young men, We shall think about you, now and then, Perhaps on listening to the latest news, Or when discussing personal point of views. "Did you know Johnnie, from down the street, The lad who met you with a cheery greet, I overheard a couple saying he'd been killed, Hopefully his family will remain strong willed". "That is tragic news, should it be true, His father warned him, what more could he do? He told him he'd be fodder for political wars, Dying on foreign soil for an unknown cause" "Attention in the ranks, now present arms!" Boys falling victims to politicians charms, Vow to the country, repeat the sacred oath, "Bye mum and dad, I'll really miss you both". How many "Johnnies" must we see die, Killed in conflicts, based on a lie, "Hey Mr. President, there's war to arrange, Watch it from here, whilst bravely out of range". Into the cauldron of death, young men, We shall remember you, now and then, At the cenotaph on remembrance day, "Remember how Johnnie used to laugh and play...?"   THE FOUR SEASONS (quad triolet) Spring is a season of colour and birth, Colourful flowers start sharing their bloom, Newly born lambs create visions of mirth, Spring is a season of colour and birth, Producing fresh hope for all upon earth, Gone are the evenings of darkness and gloom, Spring is a season of colour and birth, Colourful flowers start sharing their bloom. Lazing in the garden is my perfect day, Summer mornings are a picture of grace, Beautiful hummingbirds passing my way, Lazing in the garden is my perfect day, I feel like I'm drifting far, far away, Every child has a smile on their face, Lazing in the garden is my perfect day, Summer mornings are a picture of grace. Autumn days always start warm and mellow, Leaves form carpets as they fall to the floor, Whilst elm tree tops are coloured in yellow, Autumn days always start warm and mellow, Soon the cold days of winter shall follow, Autumn shall return to slumber once more. Autumn days always start warm and mellow, Leaves form carpets as they fall to the floor. Winter arrives in the eye of a storm, Children prepare for the time of their year, Fires burn brightly in keeping them warm, Winter arrives in the eye of a storm, Whilst over our heads, migrating birds swarm, Christmas day brings good tidings and cheer, Winter arrives in the eye of a storm, Children prepare for the time of their year...   EVER DECREASING WILDLIFE Once were fields, not long ago Where birds could build their home, Wildflowers grew in colorful bloom And people were free to roam. Fields bore species of many kind, Butterflies visited there, Though most were viewed as common, Some were said to be rare. Often, fields would have a small stream, Sheltering differing life, Predominantly, homes to frogs and fish, Insects were said to be rife. Amongst the flowers and wildlife, Children gathered to play, But when fields were sold to builders, All beauty went away. I cannot see that it was for need, As questions ought be asked, Like why old homes weren't repaired, Was it really a pointless task?. I suspect it all was personal greed, Perhaps money played a hand, Envelopes passed with outrageous amounts, I believe you'll understand. Now councillors live in houses of grace Gardens where flowers can grow, How did they suddenly come into wealth, I believe we're entitled to know. Once were fields, not long ago, Where birds could build their home, Sadly, there are fences and signs Stating people aren't free to roam...   NIGHT RIDER He appears late at night, In the dusk of the light, His features unseen, As he drives his machine. You can't see inside, In darkness, he hides, No one sees his face, In the night, he will race.. He's an enigma of the mind, You seek but can't find, Perhaps he's a warning, To prevent accidents forming. Without fear of his life, His presence is rife, Could he be a wraith, From which we aren't safe?. Questions to ask, Who's up to the task, Face fear, to find, He's a trick of the mind. He drives his machine, Features unseen, Shrouded in light, Ghosts of the night...   ROSES  (a nonet) Elegance is a beautiful rose, Her aroma, heavenly scent, Delicate petals to adorn. But stop and examine The flower in full, As it's been said, A rose may Come with Thorns   DAWN Glistening dew on a garden lawn, The presence of a mother and fawn, Songbirds singing sweet harmony, Natures graceful symphony. In green fields, where foxes play, Rabbits hide themselves away, A field mouse goes scurrying by, Overhead, the eagles fly. Elegant swans appear with grace, A kestrel pursues in deadly chase, Homeward flies the wise old Owl, Called by the sound of farmyard fowl. The trickling of water from a stream, Gently wakes me from my dream, I take a look at all I see, And sense the presence of Him with me...   ECHOES Echoes reverberate, twisting my mind, Paranoid images creeping from behind, Ghosts of my past, memories I own, Relentless agony, leave me alone! Faces appear, demons I've cast, So long ago, condemned to the past, Those who hurt, ripped me apart, Tortured, left me with a broken heart! Skeletons hang, hidden by a door, Rattling, coming to life once more, Why pursue me, invading my dream? Nightmares, always making me scream! Shadows move closer, seeking my soul, Must remain focused, preserve my self control, Creeping, stalking, always from behind, Echoes reverberate around my haunted mind...   MUSIC  (a Pleiades) This poem has a title with a single word. The poem itself has seven lines. The first word in each line begins with the same letter as the title. Rhyme is optional Music, old and modern, will cheer me through today, Many great composers have passed along the way, Mendelssohn wrote concertos for people to enjoy, Mozart began writing music, whilst a very young boy, McCartney and Lennon were responsible for breaking brand new ground, Mark Bolan was instrumental in the "Glam rock sound", Melodies, blues, jazz, or rock, music is all around....   BASTILLE DAY Prisoners condemned to death, Guillotines shall claim their breath, Marie An allowed them cake, As there was no bread to take. Disgust in the Political law, Brought the country civil war, Noblemen and ladies of grace, Blood would hide their veiled face. Cacophony led them on that day, Prison gates were blown away, The French regime began to fall, A call to arms for one and all. Lessons taught but never learned, The King stood by as anger burned, In history books, it shall be cast, Then buried in the distant past. Unrest in the constitution, The onset of the revolution, Common people stood in line, One day, in seventeen eighty nine...   TABLE FOR TWO I was sitting alone at a table for two. When asked by a lady, "May I join you, The restaurant's busy, there's only one seat", I said "Of course, consider it my treat" Turning around, so not to appear rude, Politely I asked if she fancied some food, Hoping that I was not coming on strong, Her answer was, she hadn't got long. Curiously I asked what caused her to rush, She kindly replied, in a very low hush, A former boyfriend was heading to town, I noticed no fear as her face wore a frown. Turning my attention to a man at the door, I instantly knew I had seen him before, Before I could put a name to his face, A shot rang out, I felt my pulse race. Instinctively I knew who'd fired the gun, As she turned around, and started to run, Confused by her actions, what could I do, But to sit here alone, at my table for two. Then, without warning, he sat next to me, His pride was hurt, that much I could see, I asked the reason for what had occurred, Promising I would not repeat what I heard. The lady, he said, is a gold digging bitch, Only picks dates with guys who are rich, He told me he caught her stealing his cash, She saw him and left the house in a flash. As I bid farewell, my heart skipped a beat, Was it by chance she'd chosen that seat, Maybe she thought I appeared well to do, Whilst I sat all alone at my table for two.....   SYMMETRY Picture a bridge of symmetrical charm, Providing the access to a large farm, Workers arrive in vehicles each day, Driving tractors to bring in the hay. Out in the meadows, sheep like to graze, Farmers feed chickens their daily maize, Whilst in the sty, the pigs are awake, Cows gather, for the milk dairies take. Goats sour milk, churned for fresh cheese, Ears of corn dance swift on the breeze, Ploughing the earth to plant a fresh crop, Growing fresh produce, sold to a shop. Harvesting time is a community affair, Thanking The Lord for providing the ware. Carrots, potatoes and cabbages too, Prepared for dinner and eaten by you. An example of symmetry in everyday life, Begins with the farmer, ends with a wife, See the new mother, with baby in arm, Picture a bridge of symmetrical charm..   THE STRANGER 2012 Still my quest continues, For wisdom, yet to find, Life remains a mystery, Locked deep inside a mind. The secrets of the universe, How were Pyramids erected, Babylons hanging garden, Why was Christ rejected?. Did Stonehenge serve a purpose, Is there life on Mars? When the world runs dry of oil, What will fuel our cars? He watched me from a distance, As my questions grew, The Stranger then approached, To share his point of view. He said wisdom is a gift, A never ending process, Life's a journey of discovery, Often littered with stress. The facts are quite simple, In life we face a wall, Should we refuse to climb it, The cost is our downfall. Wisdom grows with curiosity, The urge to understand, Those with faith to climb, Shall gain the upper hand. "As he spoke his words of wisdom, I turned to see his face, There was no one stood beside me Yet I sensed a calming grace" Upon the wind, he whispered, "In life, you have no fear, I shall watch you always" It was then, my mind was clear...   VIEWS OF NATURE Amidst the waving branches, Rustling of the leaves, Scented blossom of flowers, Fall gently in the breeze. Sounds of distant water, Flowing along a course, An ever graceful swallow, Carried on natures force. Clouds pass in the sky, Forever changing shape, Casting unique shadows, On the Earths landscape. Shifting desert sands, Forever pass me by, Swirling winds gather, Tornadoes in the sky. Arm in arm together, We simply drift away, Life is one big journey, Nature paves the way....   STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT One moonlit summers eve, beneath the starlight, Two lonely hearts roamed, in search of romance, Footsteps in the sand, the glow of moonlight, Stepping tenderly, amidst the evening trance. The calming of a breeze, a sound of laughter, Waves gently kiss the shore, a morning songbird, Dawn begins to break, sun rays follow after, Shadows on the beach, bid welcome to the world. Relentlessly they roam, in search of romance, Cold and lonely hearts, caught in the sunlight, Heavenly choirs sing, lonely hearts dance, Shadows join together, strangers in the night...   NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS  Giving up booze, smoked my last fag, No more gambling on a three-legged nag, Promise not to swear, not to drive fast, First to wash dishes, where often I was last. Greet your mother, let her in the door, Promise not to duck behind the sofa anymore, Wake the kids, get them dressed for school, Take you shopping instead of playing pool. I'll tidy up the house, put the Hoover on, Plan a night of romance for my special one, No golf weekends, leaving you behind, Placing you first and foremost in mind. No more football or drinking late at night, Staying out with mates, watching the big fight, Wait one minute!, Did you ask to drive my car?????, Now who's the one who is going too far!..... (Fag is English slang for cigarette and Nag is likeiwse for horse)