They group was very pleased with this short poem since all the lines were decided by them. The idea of the Present Sense poem came out of a discussion we had about the giving and receiving of presents and how that can sometimes go wrong. The first line was a question that was actually asked (Is it alright to give money”) as a genuine query and the last line (“telephone call”) was the last line to be given and the whole group thought that it was a superb punchline to finish with.
I give money for presents – so that they can buy what they want.
Please don’t buy me – handkerchiefs, socks or aftershave.
I would like a slide rule – I want something that will last,
I don’t like smelly things – I want Armani perfume, not something that smells like fly spray.
Club together and buy me what I want – a coat or something useful.
I don’t want ornaments – I would just like a telephone call.
A cheque for Christmas – I am now prepared!
The price will be right, the price correct.
4:00 am and the queue has started.
My sturdy 50cc steed has delivered me safely.
Oxford Street you are mine.
Marks and Spencer; C & A;
Webbers, Capes, Elliston and Carell;
Sainsburys; Littlewoods; BHS;
Dorathy Perkins, Harrods and ETAMS
YES Everything To Attract Men
It’s true!
I have you all in my sights,
You are all on my list
I will take each of you in turn
And turn you around,
I am strong only buying what I need
Underwear, stockings, sheets and blankets.
I think “How boring”
I can be persuaded to change my mind
Seduce me.
What candour, what wit, what knowledge – the bookgroup and I
Together with Helen, the memories fly.
Christmas is coming and reminiscences abound – from here to Barbados they all come around.
From Salvationists singing and the midnight mass – to Christmas kisses for a boy and his lass.
Creeping with parcels to children, but please – don’t make a noise, don’t even sneeze.
When we wake in the morning the turkey is cooking.
The smell is mouth-watering, but our presents are calling – so bacon and eggs, for now, will suffice.
My stocking is full – of chocolates and spice and so many other things that are all quite nice.
Now to church to gaze at the crib in its scene – while others have taken a bus to new places.
But we all return in time for the Queen.
First was the feast and our bellies are bursting – and while we doze we remember our blessings
We didn’t have much money, but whatever we did – there was laughter and smiles each evening
Our day had been lovely, but for many, maybe these memories are mixed.
Forget the bad ones – the good ones are fixed.
So, can I say “thank you” and wish you the best, perhaps next year we can all be blessed.
Wool on wool on wool.
Mittens made from my father’s socks; holes cut out for thumbs.
Pixie hats made from old jumpers- so so embarrassing!
Scarves tightly wound round neck and waist,
Everything we wore was wool, and so so itchy.
Cold on cold on cold.
Frost on the windows behind thick curtains,
Waiting for pictures to be made.
Coats over blankets and eiderdowns abound.
Hot rag- wrapped bricks to take to bed- anything to keep us warm!
Fire on fire on fire.
Cleaning the grate and laying the fire- jobs to be done that we hate,
But stoking and poking the fire makes the flames come up,
Toasting our bread and our knees
Huddle and cuddle round the fire, hot drinks in our hands
Cocoa is all we desire.
You can’t put your washing out to dry
You can’t put your washing
You can’t put your washing
You can’t put your washing out to dry
Guess that I will have to bake a pie
Damsons, pears, elderflower wine
Crab apple jelly, chutney’s fine
Polish the conkers, make them shine
Days getting darker, clocks going back
“Please put a penny in the old man’s hat”
Smoke curls up from the chimney stack
Bats in the bonfire- how about that!
Sparklers, Catherine wheels, rockets fly
Don’t forget to dress the guy
Trousers, waistcoat, shirt and tie
Now the fireworks light up the sky
Back to the house for food and wine
Back to the house –
Back to the house –
Back to the house for food and wine!
A summer scent of grass clippings,
The earthy smell of freshly turned soil,
Lavender clippings in a vase.
The sounds of birds and bees rustling in the trees,
Little blue butterflies gliding through the air – buddleia bound.
The daffodils of spring are gone,
Now the summer has arrived- full of colour and fragrant roses
The garden is tranquil;
We are relaxing in the shade on the soft green grass,
Yellow flowers against the clear blue sky,
Chrysanthemums, asters, dahlias, geraniums, snapdragons and daisies
Tall lilies and gladioli-waving in the breeze
But all things must pass so a sad goodbye to a beautiful summer,
And a warm hello to a fruitful autumn.
