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~ A Penny To Spend ~
With a penny to spend I gave a big sigh, there were so many
things I wanted to buy. I stood outside the confectioners shop
my eyes firmly fixed on the
raspberry lollipop. Then I noticed the fluffy marshmallows in
powdered pink and white, dainty bars of coconut ice were a very
tempting sight. The top shelf contained boiled sweets I
preferred the jelly kind and the peppermint creams or chocolate
drops I could not make up my mind. The lollipop won fruity and
red but I wished I had bought some sherbet instead. I must
confide though it's hard to decide and I did not end up in
sorrow, I can start all over again with another penny tomorrow.
~ Funny Bunny ~
Funny little bunny twitching your nose your ears lying perfectly
flat, I often wonder why you always do that. Is it a sign of
pleasure at the flower scented air or a welcome for the
butterflies fluttering everywhere. How I love to watch you
hopping around searching for a place to dig I'll be bound.
Dainty paws are scratching at a rapid pace, plants are uprooted
you are in disgrace. Your breed are a mixture of mischief and
charm, obeying a natural instinct not meaning to cause alarm.
When you sit upon my lap and gaze with bright black eyes, I
promptly forgive and forget I could not do otherwise.
~ My Best Friend ~
At
school I had a friend who was all the world to me, Cornish born
and bred and as natural as can be. Her name was Barbara Terry a
kind gentle girl with a slight cast in her eye and hair inclined
to curl. We were fond of one another and shared our work and
play, I remember every incident to this very day. She frequently
called at my house and often stayed to tea, she was proud to
introduce me to her family. Brothers Cyril, Leslie and Peter and
her younger sister Jean, her mother fat and jolly and her father
tall and lean. She entertained us on the piano 'Men of Harlech'
was her theme, at times we were content just to sit and dream.
Time waits for no man those golden years are o'er Barbara
married and relinquished the old familiar shore. I am certain
wherever she may be, in her quiet moments her thoughts return to
me.
~ Farewell Good Neighbour ~
When I needed help in whatever shape or form I could rely upon
my neighbour with a heart so big and warm. Year in and year out
she gave her services free and in many other ways she was very
good to me. I received new laid eggs or a carton of fresh cream
sometimes twice weekly, it was generosity to the extreme. What I
had done to deserve it I will never know, when she decided to
move I was so sad to see her go. I look towards her window
strangers are about, they do not say "If you need any help
please give us a shout". They smile and bid me "Good
Morning" then hurry on their way, Greta my wonderful
neighbour I miss you more each day.
~ The Lavender Bush ~
I often view a bungalow with a garden so neglected and bare
except for a bush of lavender proudly standing there. It
receives no attention it flowers on it's own with the most
heavenly fragrance I have ever known. Situated in front of a
window where the owner can keep a sharp eye noting the reaction
of the passers by. Very few know her identity who can attach any
blame 'Old Mrs Lavender Bush' has become her official
name!
~ I Want To Be A Model ~
Madam glided across the floor with a brisk efficiency aspiring
young ladies sought her company. Listening intently to the order
of the day, "With head held high and shoulders back walk in
a leisurely way. Rotate slowly from left to right in a graceful
manner to emphasize height. You are blest with a perfect figure
and suppleness of limb only daily exercise will keep it neat and
trim. To achieve ambition you must persevere you should have a
strong will and a goal crystal clear. This is the mould in which
models are made hard work is essential to make the grade".
Practice continued hour after hour until the buds burst into
flower. They now lead a life of glamour travelling far and wide
displaying the latest fashion with a glow of pride. Any pitfalls
they soon learn to avoid through the rigorous training of Mrs
Marie Lloyd.
~ The Long Days ~
A dog named Frisky spent all day out in the open air confined
behind a wire fence he could not run anywhere. He walked sadly
about then sat down and had an occasional scratch, in a way he
and I were the perfect match!. I sat by the window facing him he
looked back at me his soft brown eyes expressed a quiet
sympathy. In a large house I lived alone my parents had passed
away, there was no one to listen to what I had to say. A dogs
life is very short in comparison I must soldier on constantly
yearning for days that have gone. If memories become reality
with a hundred years to reign I would appreciate everything
twice as much if I could be born again.
~ Upon A Green Hill ~
Whatever I say whatever I do my thoughts for the future are
centred on you. I rise with the lark in the pale morning light
and work 'till I greet the stars in the night. Whatever my lot
whatever my task a strength to persist is all that I ask. My
goal is a house upon a green hill to awake to the sound of the
mocking birds trill. With you in my arms to cherish and hold,
more precious to me that a casket of gold. If heaven is kind
then once in a while, we will welcome a baby to gurgle and
smile. A sweet little girl with a cute dimpled chin or a fine
sturdy boy our own kith and kin. When we grow old with hair
turning grey my heart will respond in the same loving way.
Whatever I say whatever I do, I could not exist in a world
without you.
~ Starting School ~
I tripped down the road holding Mummy's hand proud of my wee
felt hat with the wide school band. Brown shoes, white socks a
blazer and a pleated kilt a perfect little lady dressed up to
the hilt. When we approached the gate teacher was waiting for me
with a dozen other girls and boys to keep me company. As mummy
had told me there was nothing to fear I could not understand why
she shed a tear. After a hug and a kiss she hurried away hoping
and praying I would have a happy day. Excitement overcame me
there was much to discern, telling the time and the alphabet
were important lessons to learn. At the end of the session I was
loathe to go a great deal more I wished to know. Mummy was
pleased to see my smiling face she realised I had grown up and
accepted it with grace.
~ Top In History ~
Most pupils regarded history lessons an absolute bore, I was
quite the opposite keen on learning more. Greatly admiring the
heroes of the past not just a childish whim it was destined to
last. Nelson, Wellington, Birdwood and Buller through their
valour and endeavour my life became much fuller. Drake, Raleigh,
Columbus and Rhodes made valuable discoveries by observing the
codes. Florence Nightingale the pioneer of nursing, Christabel
Pankhurst, Grace Darling, prison reforming Elizabeth Fry, they
all lived long ago their names will never die. The story of the
Pilgrim Fathers I have read constantly having obtained the book
from the county library. Captain Scott's antarctic adventures
set my heart aglow tragically he perished in the snow. Queen
Elizabeth 1 and her couriers rode to Tilbury at her command in a
rousing speech she declared, "I have the body of a weak and
feeble woman but I have the heart and stomach of a King, a King
of England". In exam questionnaires my answers were right I
was top of the form and considered bright. The great and the
glorious have paved the way for all the advantages that we all
enjoy today.
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