Pride of the Tyne is all Mine!!

Medical reunion on the Tyne

Memories of friends here and past

Anticipation for a while

Nostalgia, weight gain, wrinkles cast.

Forty five years since graduation

Class of 67,  a motley crew *

When looking back, as we stepped out

To hone our skills in life anew

Our lives, careers and destiny set

Would we have chosen this to tell

What lay ahead in the NHS

Muttering  Meldrew’s "what the hell!"

Thank you Moira, Dave and Pat

Your organisational skills are canny

When thinking of our fun and needs

When planning reunions for the many

We all enjoy results of your “toil”

Ageing peers our smiles to win

All over in a matter of hugs and  laughs

Until we meet in 5 years agin 

So whilst we have our life and health

As opportunities we embrace

We'll live each day, as if our last

Our dignity -  still in place!

*Motley Crew  etymology 13^th century Middle English– composed of elements of varied and diverse character!! 

Leap of Faith

Anticipation - curious thoughts-

What is this place I wonder

A place of worship - can it be?

Rock music loud as thunder!

Music playing , children laughing

Coffee,  tea, crisps and pop,

Families chatting, interacting

Doors wide open, in they flock.

I take a seat and watch in wonder

Youngsters, old folk,  black, brown, white

Everyone talking hugging laughing

All Gods children, a wonderful sight!

In all my life I never imagined

God’s playground to be like this

I like what I see and hear and feel

At home in peace, not to be missed!

The group sing loudly love of Him

For all who want to join them

Show your love in baptism

Commitment, joy, surrender

What is a Father?

He is one who was there at your very beginning

Who patiently waited your arrival

He felt awkward holding you as a newborn,

So fragile, so small, so new,

He watched you grow and develop your own personality

Your needs and wants met by mother and he

So that your whole life was organised for you

Until which time you could show your own capability

He helped you to ride your first bike,

Kick a football, swim and was there

To support you at school sports days

He was there to hold your hand when you were sad or ill.

He experienced his tender side when dealing with

His small daughter, so pretty, so cute not a boy!

He learned to shop like your Mum till you drop

Yet preferred football and cricket for his joy…

When  you were a teenager, authority was challenged!

The length of rope metaphorically stretched!

You learned your independent skills at Scouts and Guides

Sold plants, helped elderly, went camping and survived!

Girlfriends, boyfriends approved and not so much -

Came and went and then you settled.

You married and then the cycle began again

Your father there all along and now your best friend.

Happy Father’s Day to all Fathers, Stepfathers and Guardians

Restless Soul of Childhood

Oh restless soul of childhood

What will I make of life

Is there adventure waiting 

Will I find myself in time?

My mind is busy wandering

If what I think is right

Are others so disquieted

Or are they calm at night?

If wanting more is greedy

For seeking out the truth

Then I indeed should carry on

This journey from my birth

I never felt I fit in much

Compared to peer group norm

My thoughts were complex

And bizarre for one shy and forlorn

As I look back upon my time

I now know I had to "live" those years

To realise the thoughts and dreams

Were normal childhood fears.

York Minster

Twas to be a special visit to York Minster

National treasure - of history, beauty & awe

that should illicit so humble a pleasure, 

of those who have gone before.

I felt somewhat honoured to be there

Archbishop Desmond Tutu was to be venerable guest.

Then it was said he had cancelled

And Archbishop Sentamu would do his best

Disappointment was felt in this wonderful place

Then Archbishop duly explained

That Desmond Tutu was  ill and regretfully,

Couldn't make the journey in pain.

Compassion was shown and prayers were said

To wish him a speedy recovery

I had longed to see this iconic man

But strangely felt his presence through others... 

Communion was said and many queued

To be part of this spiritual occasion.

I was overcome as I  returned to my seat, 

And my tears of love fell with emotion.

So powerful, so telling, so revealing

The spiritual experience I felt

Tears turned to sobs I couldn't control

sheer emotion so strong that I knealt.

I cannot explain, what happened that day

In York Minster a place I revere 

 Except to say I know, in my way,

God was with me, revealed through tears.