Like the good old wizard
like your best fairy.
And especially a wise sage
Friendships are the only ever things
that improve with age.
Except wine of course
and cheese.

Tears turn to ice
They do not roll
they tumble down my face.
Like hail from my eyes
Spitting frozen tears
into thick opaque breath
Visible upon death
but not now;  somehow
in this life time freezes.
A warm smile pleases my soul
A violet haze around my shoulder
melts away the gloom
bring presence into the room
thawing my wishes
that were frozen in time.

Feelings of anger, why me
In this world I thought
I’d be in charge of my destiny
But I’ve been handed the black spot.
No oh no treasure for my little soul
Just pain and suffering all day.
Every day I climb more than the average goal
Anger and frustration paving my way.
What is the point of moaning
I just do it and sit tight.
There is no one to hear me groaning
In pain in the middle of the night.
Parkinsons disease is no joke you know
I am glad my friends don’t suffer like me
My brain performs like a mad comedy show
But at least that’s in control of it’s destiny.

I thought I was in Heaven
When I was just seven.
It was never too late
to stand behind the gate and wait
To gather blackberries.

So I was in desperate pursuit
of the hidden fruit
Lovely, sweet and ripe
no need to wash or wipe
Gathering blackberries.

Now it was always said
"Why are your books red"
I thought she meant read.
It was the juice
A true excuse
Oh to gather blackberries.

When my skin needs ironing
along with my clothes on my thin frame.
The black bruises on the back of my hand
When I'm old will I still be treated the same?

When my eyesight is not so good,
and I am having a job just to see.
There will be black bruises on the back of my hand
and a couple of them will be on my knee!

Will you still love me, will you still care?
Will I annoy you to make you get up and leave?
Will you still be there for me every step of the way
And even when I have to wipe my nose on my sleeve.

My droopy eye lids will cover my face
My hair will be grey and I might be fast asleep
Will you still love me, like you do now
Or is it time for me to go and time for you to weep.

Please tell me now, I cant wait for thesse to occur.
Will you still love me, or will you grow to hate me
These things I think I ought to know
Because time is runnng short if it's time for me to flee.

Cake for the money
which is neither here or there.
Ginger for my honey
whether or not I care!

Red gingham on jam pots
Wax lids preserving the berry
Tattered lace and old spots
Labels for black cherry.

Strawberries with leaves left on
Cups of tea with cream in
All the nice jam has gone
But there are biscuits in the tin.

Crumbs left on top when cakes took
pride of place after they were made
There is jam around his face look
Do you think the evidence will fade?

No because he has jam all over his top
and there is a smile on his jammy face
He keeps eating them, no signs he will stop
when there are jam tarts all over the place.

Red gingham on the table cloth freshly laid
jam pots with strawberries now preserved.
All the sugar used up, jam for the year made
get your hands off, that *** is reserved!

When you’re old and you’ve stuffed yourself silly
On  everyone’s chocolates and nice things to eat.
Give me a nudge if you please, on your way out
In case I fall asleep and knock myself off the seat,

When you have spent all day in the garden
Cutting lawns and trimming back the odd hedge.
Give me a nudge  on the way out please
Amd leave the keys on the ledge

On Saturday night, the musuc beckons you
Your hips pivot like Elvis and you have feet like Rogers
Give me a nudge on the way out
To prove I am not like an old codger

Someone told him he's going through a bad patch
He certainly does have some very strange ways
but I think he knows nothing could ever match
the sheer beauty of his former glory days.

He used to live in a very humble two up two down
life was hard growing up in his kind of place
But you could always meet someone nice in the town
who would cheer you up and put a smile on your face.

True, life was hard but they all got by
Life was a  challenge, a funny sort of phase
sometimes all one could do was sit and cry
but that was then in the distant glory days.

But why call them "glory days" I hear you say
Well humour was in-bred to all the folk living there
Laughter was for pudding when the dinner was grey
To find that amongst strife is something quite rare.

A joke was made about all the failing and bad things in life
whether or not it made you chuckle it was still made
Life was then like managing a deck of cards
Hit rock bottom then the joker was played.

The other end of the scale was off the cards
Jackpot was always the winning goal
There was always people to give you their regards
They would give you anything, even their soul.

They were one big happy family in those glory days
One for all and all for one another so it seems.
To this day that how things happen and it stays
This did happen he said, it was one of his best dreams.

“I’m doing the funky chicken”
Said a breathless ageing Duck.
The Pig was as white as snow
He was dumbstruck.
Feathers were flying everywhere
As the Duck felt the beat.
The Pig could not move his eyes
From the Duck’s unbelievable feet.
He was staring intently
He was now in a trance
He had not one clue
That the Duck could dance.
The Duck put up his wing
And had said to give him five.
He was well in with the groove
Spinning and now to jive.
But the Pig wasn’t agile enough
His trotters had now forgot.
They’d refused to move
Let alone tackle the fox trot.
But with practice
Maybe then he would improve.
Maybe!

Golden Sunrise

My lids to my soul
opened to a golden haze
Wondering and smiling
Stirring from my lazy ways
I awake and I am
rocking and rolling.
My mellow mood
meets with a yellow room
Not a a disguise for my eyes
But to my surprise
I greet a golden sunrise.

The time has come for me to go
with books under my arm I will leave
I m marching through the door
It is only me and you I will deceive.

Will I, should I stay, the question I put to you
do you find me funny, sad or just plain?
Do I amuse, do I entertain, what should I do?
and I of a correct stable mind or am I insane?

I am going, goodbye then, see you one fine day
is anyone interested in my fate?
Is this one big joke or am I certain in what I say
Is this true, well you will have to wait.

The clouds formed a swirl
made with nothing more than fluff
angel's hair and little fairy things
and that in itself was enough.
Daisy chains could be seen
amongst clover heavy in pink
with buttercups scattered on the green
with camomile tea inside to drink.
Damdelions made into a stew
orange petals float on top sailing
pretty petals and there are a few
with delicate ivy just trailing.

Sherbert in edible cases looking like spaceships
some can even glow in the dark.
ripe red and rosy fairy apple pips
and a candy bar looking like a great white shark.
Jet black licorice in the form of old men's pipes
All the colours of the rainbow in sugar rice
Mints with spots and evenly spaced stripes
some quite strong and don't taste that nice.
Little ***** of tastiness that look like blackberries
a jar full of fizzy fish
a bowl full with lips smelling of cherries
and little jelly cola bottles in a dish
Squares of pink and white coconut ice
chocolate and *** and raisin fudge bars
and there are little white sugar mice
and cinnamon and ginger stars.
All the good things from years ago.

The small dog
wore a big wig
What does he care
To him it's just hair.
You cant dispute
He's as bald as a newt
But he looks vaguely cute
That's why folk stare.
They're envious that's what it is.
Green with envy.

Water gushes, Mother Nature at her worst
Causing crevices to split and the banks to burst.
Sand bags pile high forming temporary barricades.
Putting pressure on them as the water cascades.
A sparkling foam pushes to the liquid surface
Rendering absolutely no breathing space.
Fish confused, dazed and bemused
Battered and slightly bruised.
Swim furiously against the strength of the swell
Questioning their one and only brain cell.
But answers don’t come that easily somehow
A split second decision should be on the cards now.
Mother Nature has pulled out the joker card
And is pitching for the mighty ace of spades.
Cruel and twisted as ever as the water cascades.

I have got a large orange pumpkin
sitting waiting for Halloween.
I just need to carve its tough outer skin
and place a candle inside when it's clean.

I'm planning to carve a scary face
to keep all the evil spirits away
Never met a witch around this place
but tomorrow could be another day.

Going to get some special things
for when the children play trick or treat
I love the mystery this day brings
and all the special foods to eat.

Apples covered in toffee, sausages in sauce
fluffy white potatoes crumbled with cheese
I show absolutely no remorse
For meat ***** with mushy minty peas.

Halloween the very name sends shivers
down the length of my spine
My legs are shaking and head quivers
but do not worry I will be fine.

It is hearing a child sing
Knowing he has health in his heart
No wild card pulled, no joker attached
Knowing we will never be apart.
It is hearing a party giggle
Laughter and hope filling the room
Elderly enjoying life to the end
And a new life kicking in the womb.
It is the gleaming new car at the end of a key
To drive it off one’s drive
It is gratefulness, forgiveness and goodness
Qualities to enrich one’s life.

They say happiness is a gift
Does it come with its own bow?
Wrapped in nice paper in a box
this is something I need to know.
I should think this is hardly likely
Happiness comes from one's heart
Happiness spreads and is infectious
It tears the sadness very much apart.
Smile and the world smiles back at you
Laugh and they will do the same.
That is common knowledge is it not?
We are all playing the same game!
So spread a little joy, smile and then laugh
Happiness is there for all to spread
Instead of frowning, chuckle and giggle
and bring a little happiness instead.

Ring the bell for he was happy
Wear white they said to be pure
The bell now has no ding a ling
and i am waiting for a cure
Fetch the car to make him smile
wear gold horseshoe they said
The car was crushed years ago
and she is waiting for her bed
Strike the post with an iron fist
it missedm and hit me instead
he does not care any longer you see
and what was there is now dead.

Happy?
Happy
I hope you are
Distant
Far
Inconsistent
I bet you are.

She is ninety three
My mother in law
Happy Birthday
I hope you have more!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe, peaceful and very happy Christmas.
This site is a wonderful friendly place and I have enjoyed reading your work.  Keep writing everyone and I wish you a successful New Year 2016.  Happy Christmas with love from Cheryl

A footstep is heard
a stone's throw away.
A creak of a twig snaps
Like a squeaky doorway.
Silence haunts the wood
Desperate for something
Anxiety is the order of the day
But alas there is nothing.
A rush of the wind
drapes tension across my face
The rain suggests play
But leaves no trace.
Then there she is
The sunlight is following
The sight of her very being
is absolutely amazing.
I cannot speak
My words do not come out
I am overwehlmed with excitement
I cannot even shout.
I want to say something
Just something audible
but my eyes are filled with tears
this moment in time is incredible.
I just want to hug my friend Sally
we have met for the very first time
But I know this is all a dream
and words are just in rhyme.
But I wish it were true.
and my dear friend Sally I wish a sincere
and Happy Christmas to you.
Your friend Cheryl

I wish all poets on Hello Poetry a very Happy Christmas and may your New Year bring good health and happiness to you and your family.  Cheryl

This Christmas I will be thinking of all those that have lost everything in the floods, rains and storms.  Thinking of those that have lost everything when their house fell over the cliff on the east coast of the uk.  Thinking of those alone and suffering.  Thinking of those facing uncertainty and dread.  Thinking of those not able to walk.   May you all have a good Christmas and may you all have a peaceful new year. And I hope Santa will bring a smile to all the childrens faces this year.  Happy Christmas everyone.

A Happy Easter to everyone

Tomorrow, if you are a mum
Put your feet up and rest
Because you are worth it
and you are the best.
To all mums - Happy Mother's Day for tomorrow.

To you I raise my frothy glass of beer
To wish you all the best and lots of good cheer
I wish you good health
with lashings of good wealth
And may you all have a Happy New Year.

The crops are being gathered in, root vegetables from cold earth
Pickles are being made - you reap what you sow.
The baker madly gathers his flour for what he is worth
pounding and kneading his early morning dough.

He rests wearily for a tea break in the shade
Keeping an eye on his ever rising bread.
Fit for the ultimate preserve - marmalade
his tongue licks his lips thinking of the spread.

He rests where the leaves entwine with the mauve
Lemons hanging in the sunshine - there is a lot
The oranges ripening in the cool of the grove
His hands are tired and he cares not a jot.

He can smell the fruit simmering in the copper pan
The sugar preserving the taste of the cherry
It is then poured into hot glass jars and labelled "jam"
Placed onto the shelf with every other kind of berry.

You know what it is like
you bump into someone
and you have seen them before
but the name - it's gone!

Standing there in desperation
sieving the corners of your mind
not really paying attention
and trying to be nice and kind.

If you say the wrong name
you are in a sticky situation
Got to say something and it
is back to the old desperation.

So you start clutching at straws
feeding in bits of "I want a clue"
Searching through the grey areas in the mind
wondering what on earth to do.

But the mind plays tricks on us dont we know
and it has us wiping the floor.
When thank goodness a good thing to say is
Have I seen you somewhere before?

He speaks with a gentle voice
He has a gorgeous face.
His eyes are like the bluest of pools
his smile brightens the place.
and with all that said and done
he is my beautiful eldest son.

Held

Held in the moment
Held in the suspension of time
This time was not the moment
He was a victim of crime.
Held in the cell
Held against his will
This time was not his moment
He needs a magical spell.
His wish came true
Held in the dream
It was definitely the moment
Thanks to the defending team.
It was all a mistake
He was held without cause
Well I guess it has to be
No get out clause.

Whichever direction they followed
He always had his hand in her hand
It was sweet, innocent love directly
Under Cupid’s strict command.

A passionate affair, steered by his heart
But his head had the upper vote.
He never did wear his heart on his sleeve
Most of his feelings splashed on a note.

But he always led her by the hand
A rule that was forever inked and tied.
He held her hand tight, as best he could
right up until she died.

Her death cut him in two just like a knife
slashing through period of time
Her grave is marked with a hand printed
on a stone, his love deep within sand and lime.

He held her hand tight and he let her go
She wandered into the silent land
Lonely, cold, forever on her own
but she remembered holding his hand.

You can hear a pin drop
in my world; it is still.
Except the gentle beat of my heart
for that is not still.  Not yet.
But it no doubt will
be one day.  Not yet.
You can hear the silence
creeping in and out of rooms
closing doors in my imagination
Keeping the quiet at bay
locked in, that sort of thing.
Welcome to my world, the world of still
the world of nothing but silence.
That is not a bad thing, until
you are placed in that position.
Nobody ringing, no one calling.
Nobody to talk to just yourself.
The elderly do it, they manage it.
They have plenty to say, lived through.
It is tough, this silence, will I do it.

Rik Mayall, may you rest in peace
He did make the whole world smile.
He just oozed talent together with Ade
They both stood out by far and a mile.
But now Rik has gone, gone into the distant land
Where dreams float and time stands still for a while
They now have giggles galore in Heaven
That's what Rik did, he made the world smile.

Maybe it is alright
The man said it
He referred to me
as "little darling"
Perhaps it is all ok
When everything's done
because little darling to
quote "here comes the sun".
horray, horray it has it's hat on
The sun is wearing a hat?
yes and it is hip hip horray
Does that mean everything's ok
Well apparently he is coming today
and yes you guessed, he's coming to play.
Well hip hip horray then.

He pulled up a chair
He tried to remember
It was in this square
and it was icy December.
He saw her point her toes
then she stretched her heel
Noticed how she stroked her clothes
she had so much *** appeal.
If only he could touch her cheek
She had ruby lipstick on her lips
If he did he could not speak for a week
and he noticed the curve of her hips.
Around her neck she wore pearls
draped lovingly across her chest
Her hair hung in tight curls
He closed his eyes to imagine the rest.
She glanced in is direction
He smiled his very best smile
he oozed with every affection
for he had sat there awhile.

I took control and pondered over this mad situa5ion
I thought that  I had selected my words with care
however after muh careful considerion
I found myself here, there ane everywhere.