Geof Spavins: Poems - Hello Poetry

Submit your work, meet writers and drop the ads. Become a member

1/2 Bottle Down

Geof Spavins Mar 1

1/2 Bottle Down

Red red wine, Malbec rich and caramel,
In your depths, a world unparalleled,
With hues so dark, and flavours so sweet,
A journey of senses, in every sip we meet.

From vineyards lush, where sunbeams dance,
Your essence captured in a glass, a chance,
To savour the richness, the soft embrace,
Of caramel notes, with each trace.

So, pour the Malbec, let the moments unwind,
In every drop, your story we find,
Red red wine, with your decadent charm,
You warm our hearts, keep us from harm.

Continue reading...

2,113,843,200 seconds (approximately)

Geof Spavins Oct 2024

2,113,843,200 seconds (approximately)

In 2,113,843,200 seconds, lives are spun,
Moments pass by each a note in life’s song,
Seconds turn to minutes, and minutes to years,
Time unfurls slowly, calms and endears.

From the first drawn breath to twilight’s embrace,
Seconds form a fabric, memories entwine,
2,113,843,200 beats of our hearts,
Marking dreams, joy, pain—life's varied parts.

Tick-tock, the moments ripple, spread wide,
Each second a whisper, carried by the tide,
In 67 years, a pattern so vast,
2,113,843,200 seconds, a lifetime amassed.

My Story To Be Continued...

I will pass this number of seconds very soon
"two billion, one hundred thirteen million, eight hundred and forty three thousand, two hundred" to put it in words

Continue reading...

365 I Pray His Name

Geof Spavins Nov 2024

365 I Pray His Name

Each dawn's light brings a humble prayer to rise,
Three hundred sixty-five, my soul's delight.
In whispers soft, I seek the heavenly skies,
And call His name, my faith to reignite.

At dusk when shadows gently claim the day,
I find His grace within the twilight's glow.
In every beat, my heart does earnestly pray,
For Jesus' love, the sweetest gift I know.

Through trials faced and joys that brightly gleam,
His name I speak with reverence and peace.
In every moment, waking or in dream,
I find my solace, and my doubts release.

For every day, I humbly bow and seek,
The name of Jesus, comfort to the meek.

Church has a prayer evening tonight -- This is my first attempt at a sonnet

Continue reading...

3 in 1

Geof Spavins May 19

3 in 1

Bitters fade away
Golden brew soothes heavy souls
Joy in each small sip

Froth crowns the moment
Memories swirl like soft foam
Cheers spark a new dawn

Raise a glass tonight
Laughter echoes in soft clinks
Hope in every toast

#haikus

Continue reading...

A B C

Geof Spavins Jan 30

A B C

Amazed by the azure skies,
Birds soar and spread their wings,
Clouds form captivating shapes,
Dancing in the daylight brings.
Every leaf whispers softly,
Flowers bloom in vibrant hues,
Golden rays of sunshine glow,
Harmonizing nature's views.
In the stillness of the night,
Jewels of stars adorn the sky,
Kindred spirits feel the light,
Loving whispers, hearts sigh.
Mountains stand majestic, tall,
Nature’s beauty, pure and grand,
Oceans vast and deep enthral,
Peaceful moments where we stand.
Quiet streams flow gently by,
Ripples form in rhythmic dance,
Songs of birds that signify,
Tender trysts of love's advance.
Underneath the silver moon,
Valleys rest in quiet repose,
Whispers of the night’s sweet tune,
Xylophones in dreams compose.
Yearning hearts find rest at last,
Zephyrs blow, the night has passed.

Continue reading...

Absquatulate - To leave suddenly or escape

Geof Spavins 1d

Absquatulate - To leave suddenly or escape

As the chill wind begins to wail,
A hurried step upon the trail.
With shadowed cloak and whispered fate,
They plot their move - absquatulate!

No ties to bind, no chains to hold,
No debts unpaid, no tales retold.
A fleeting ghost, a restless spark,
Vanishing swiftly into dark.

To abscond with grace, to leave so light,
No backward glance, no need for fright.
Some say escape, some say to roam,
But some must flee to find their home.

Continue reading...

Abundance at A Bun Dance

Geof Spavins Sep 2024

Abundance at A Bun Dance

In a hall where buns abound,
A Bun Dance party can be found.
With pastries piled up to the sky,
And doughnuts dancing, oh my, oh my!

The buns wore hats of icing sweet,
With sprinkles dancing at their feet.
Cinnamon rolls spun round and round,
While jelly-filled buns bounced on the ground.

The croissants did a graceful twirl,
While bagels gave a whirl and swirl.
Muffins marched in a tasty parade,
And scones in a conga line were made.

The air was filled with sugary cheer,
As buns and rolls all gathered near.
With laughter, joy, and crumbs galore,
The Bun Dance left them wanting more!

So if you crave a sweet romance,
Join the fun at the Bun Dance.
Where buns and rolls in abundance play,
And dance the night (and crumbs) away!

Continue reading...

A Gentle Change

Geof Spavins Apr 10

A Gentle Change

Dear valued friend, we must confess,
A change is coming, we address.
From three to five, the price will rise,
A shift we make with heavy sighs.

Costs have grown, we can't deny,
To keep our shop, we must comply.
With heartfelt thanks, we hope you'll see,
This step ensures our quality.

We cherish you, our loyal guest,
Your understanding, we request.
Though prices change, our care remains,
In every product, love sustains.

So, with this note, we humbly share,
Our gratitude beyond compare.
Thank you for your trust and grace,
Together, we'll embrace this phase.

Our community shop has had to raise the price from £3 to £5 -

Continue reading...

Aging Disgracefully

Geof Spavins Mar 1

Aging Disgracefully

I am getting old and my back creaks,
But I refuse to slow my pace,
With a mischievous grin, I embrace the years,
Living life with a touch of grace.

I dance in the rain, I sing out loud,
I wear bright colours, I stand out in a crowd,
I laugh at the rules, I break the mould,
Forgetting the notion of growing old.

Wrinkles are badges of adventures had,
Each grey hair a tale of fun,
I chase my dreams with reckless abandon,
Under the golden sun.

I climb the mountains, I sail the seas,
I savour each moment, I do as I please,
For life is too short to play it safe,
I live with passion; I live with faith.

I make new friends, I cherish the old,
I share my stories, both brave and bold,
I dance through life with a youthful heart,
Aging disgracefully, a work of art.

So let my back creak, let my hair turn grey,
I'll live each moment, come what may,
For in this journey, wild and free,
Aging disgracefully is the way to be.

Continue reading...

A Good Writing Day

Geof Spavins Jan 28

A Good Writing Day

The room is quiet, thoughts take flight,
In the stillness of this gentle night.
Pen to paper, words flow free,
Creating worlds for all to see.

No distractions, just the calm,
Where ideas bloom like a soothing balm.
Characters and plots come into play,
In the magic of this writing day.

Lines and verses, stories spun,
A writer's joy, second to none.
In this space, with time to dwell,
Each word a story, each thought a spell.

So here I sit, content and bright,
In the pure delight of writing’s light.
For inspiration comes in its own way,
Making this a truly good writing day.

Continue reading...

Ale's Well That Ends Well --or-- Hoppy Endings

Geof Spavins May 22

Ale's Well That Ends Well --or-- Hoppy Endings

Beer cures what ales you,
A clever twist on thirsty lore;
When life's too bitter, just imbibe a brew,
And let that lager lore restore.

A pint of humour in a frothy glass,
Where worries stir but soon subside;
In every sip, let troubles pass,
While malt and mirth provide a ride.

So raise your mug and toast the day,
For every brew brings laughter anew;
When life turns sour, don't rue the fray;
Just cheers, and let your spirit spew!

May your woes be whisked away by ales,
And your laughs as bold as foamy trails.

Continue reading...

A Love Eternal

Geof Spavins 3d

I saw You first when morning light was new,
Yet in Your gaze, a home my soul has known.
A whisper in the winds, both bright and true,
A call that bids me never stand alone.

Your mercy rings like echoes from the past,
A grace I’ve touched in lives I’ve yet to see.
The present and eternity contrast,
Yet in Your love, both time and soul agree.

Your hands ignite a fire within my chest,
A flame unquenched, though wandering hearts may stray.
The universe bows low where You have blessed,
And love remains beyond the bounds of day.

If time repeats, let this embrace be mine,
For in Your arms, all worlds and stars align

Continue reading...

A Mother’s Love in Poo, Pee, and Puke

Geof Spavins Oct 2024

A Mother’s Love in Poo, ***, and Puke

In the early hours, before the dawn,
A mother’s work is never gone.
With gentle hands and heart so true,
She faces tasks that few would do.

A cry of need, a diaper’s call,
She rushes in, she handles all.
Poo and ***, the daily grind,
Yet in her eyes, love you’ll find.

The messes made, the spills and stains,
She cleans with care, she never complains.
For in each chore, a bond is built,
A mother’s love, without guilt.

Puke on the floor, a fevered brow,
She soothes with whispers, here and now.
Through sleepless nights and endless days,
Her strength and grace, a constant praise.

She wipes the tears, she calms the fears,
Through every stage, through all the years.
Her love endures, through thick and thin,
A mother’s heart, where life begins.

So, here’s to mums, in all they do,
In every mess, they see it through.
For in the poo, the ***, the puke,
They find the joy, the love, the truth.

Parenting can be tough, but it’s filled with moments of love and connection, even through the poo *** and puke.

#parenting #love #family

Continue reading...

A Mothers Lullaby

Geof Spavins Mar 18

A Mothers Lullaby

The moon is high, my little one,
Its silver light shines just for fun.
The stars are sparkling up above,
Whispering softly, "You're so loved."

Sweet dreams, my child, let worries fade,
Rest where the night casts its gentle shade.
The breeze is singing through the trees,
A lullaby upon the seas.

May fields of wonder fill your rest,
With dreams of joy and all that's best.
A garden bright, where flowers play,
And golden streams light up your way.

Sweet dreams, my love, the world is still,
The moon will watch from the quiet hill.
And when the sun peeks through the skies,
I'll be here when you open your eyes.

Continue reading...

Anchor

Geof Spavins Mar 16

Anchor

Anxiety arrives unbidden,
a shadow curling around the edges of thought,
its voice an unrelenting murmur -
“What if? What then? What now?”
It clings,
pulling every breath into a tight, fleeting grasp.

The world offers answers,
quick-fix promises like fading sparks.
But beneath it all, there’s a stillness waiting,
a quiet anchored in eternity.

“Come to me,” the voice beckons,
not loud, but sure -
a whisper threading through the chaos.
In Matthew’s words, it echoes:
“All you who are weary,
all you who carry heavy burdens -
I will give you rest.”

And so, you pause,
let the weight of your worries fall like stones.
Your heart begins to open,
not to fleeting comfort,
but to the steadfast peace of His presence.

The Psalms remind you:
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
And as the storm within you softens,
the waves calm,
the winds rest,
your soul finds its footing again.

Philippians speaks to the quiet of surrender:
“Do not be anxious about anything;
but in every situation, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God,  which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.”

This peace isn’t the world’s -
it’s deeper, unshakable, eternal.
And when anxiety presses close again, you remember:
His whisper is always near.

Continue reading...

And Play

Geof Spavins Oct 2024

And Play

Laughter fills the air,
Joy in every leap and bound,
Playtime knows no care.

Work, Rest, and Play - remembered Mars Bar advert from the 70's/80's? transformed into 3 Haikus

#haiku

Continue reading...

An Ode to Burns: A Festive Gathering

Geof Spavins Jan 23

An Ode to Burns: A Festive Gathering

Aye, an evening grand we gather 'round,
Wi' friends an' laughter so profound.
A festive night tae celebrate,
The bard whose tales do captivate.

Wi’ haggis, neeps, and tatties fine,
An’ whisky bold, a taste divine.
The voices raise in jovial song,
To Robbie Burns, the night belongs.

We toast the lassies, hearts aglow,
Their beauty rare, as pure as snow.
And dance we do with joy and grace,
In honour o' his cherished place.

O’er candlelight, tales rich an’ warm,
Of love an’ life, nae storm can harm.
In friendship's glow, we fondly turn,
To celebrate our dear Burns’ charm.

So let the evening ne’er be spent,
In sorrow’s grief or heart's lament.
For Robbie Burns, a toast we raise,
In joyous cheer, his name we praise.

Slàinte Mhath!

I am attending a Burns Night supper on Saturday and I have been asked to write the toast - this is my offering -- in the style of Rabbie of course

#burnsnight #toast

Continue reading...

Apple

Geof Spavins Feb 13

Apple

Apple apple, juicy sweet,
Fruity treat, hard to beat.
Crispy fresh, vibrant hue,
Apple apple, I love you.

Silliness personified

Continue reading...

A Reverie in the Woods

Geof Spavins Apr 8

A Reverie in the Woods

In the hushed woods, solitude cradles me,
As the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee
Infuses my hands with gentle warmth,
And memories of Joy drift like soft petals
In her cherished spot where bluebells bask in a dreamlike haze.

Beneath the delicate veil of morning mist,
The trees bow in silent adoration,
Whispering secrets of distant yesterdays
In the rustle of tender leaves and the murmur of the breeze.
Light and shadow engage in a quiet ballet, echoing forgotten smiles.

I wander along winding trails where memories lie hidden
Among tangled roots and freshly sprung shoots.
Each soft footfall on the familiar earth
Revives whispers of past laughter
And stirs a tender dialogue between what was and what is.

In the gentle glow of the unfolding day,
Echoes of Joy linger like faint footprints
Across the heart of the forest; a delicate imprint
That speaks of love and quiet resilience,
As nature’s eternal hymn offers solace in every sigh.

So I surrender to this living reverie,
Where absence and presence entwine in quiet harmony,
And every moment, like a petal adrift in a stream,
Carries the bittersweet cadence of life;
A promise that even in solitude, hope blooms anew.

Joy is my wife who died 2 years ago. You can read this as being a poem of joy or my poem for Joy. I really did sit in the woods today drinking coffee and looking at the newly blooming bluebells while notating this to refine at home.

Continue reading...

Arwell the Sailor

Geof Spavins Jan 18

Arwell the Sailor

Ah, Arwell sailed the seven seas,
With gusts of wind and salty breeze,
A sailor bold, or so he claimed,
But mishaps followed, unashamed.

With compass lost, he'd oft declare,
"Ah well," he'd laugh without a care,
For Arwell's tales of naval pride,
Had more of humour than of guide.

One day he tried to catch a whale,
But hooked himself upon the sail,
"Ah well," he mused, in tangled plight,
As crewmates chuckled at the sight.

In stormy nights and waters rough,
His skills were lacking, sure enough,
Yet Arwell's charm and hearty cheer,
Could make the toughest sailor veer.

A pirate crew once came to fight,
With swords and pistols gleaming bright,
But Arwell tripped and splashed their guns,
"Ah well," he grinned, "the battle's done!"

Though navigation wasn't strong,
His friends knew where they did belong,
For Arwell's heart was kind and true,
And laughs were plenty, troubles few.

So raise your glass to Arwell's might,
The sailor who turned wrong to right,
With "Ah well" as his motto bold,
A tale of mirth forever told.

#children #silly #humorous #rhythmrhyme

Continue reading...

A Shell-abration of Wordplay

Geof Spavins Mar 15

A Shell-abration of Wordplay

Better not drop these or I'll be shelling out for more,

Cracking jokes all day, it's an egg-squisite chore.

Sunny side up, life's a yolk-filled delight,

Scrambling for words, I'll whisk them just right.

Egg-straordinary tales, hatch from my mind,

Poaching ideas, I'm never in a bind.

Boiling with laughter, it's hard to ignore,

Egg-static moments, always wanting more.

Omelette you in on a secret, it's true,

Egg-spect the best, when I'm talking to you.

Continue reading...

Ashes of Stars

Geof Spavins Mar 23

Born of the stars, in their fiery embrace,
The atoms within us found their place.
Forged in the heart of celestial light,
Scattered through space on a supernova's flight.

Carbon, oxygen, iron, and gold,
Elements ancient, countless and bold.
Through eons they travelled, across cosmic seas,
To form the Earth, the land, the trees.

In every breath, a star's old sigh,
In every cell, a piece of the sky.
Our blood holds iron from stellar decay,
Our bones bear calcium from light years away.

But what have we done with this cosmic gift?
We poison the air, let the oceans drift
With plastic islands, choking the waves,
Turning Earth's beauty into shallow graves.

Fossil fuels burn, the skies grow dim,
A planet gasping from humanity's whim.
Forests fall, their whispers ignored,
While greed and carelessness cut the cord.

We are stardust, yet we betray our kin,
The life that thrives, the world we're in.
It's time to awaken, to mend and restore,
To honour the cosmos and harm it no more.

The stars gave us life, a chance to create,
Let us not squander it with reckless fate.
For in every breath, in every stride,
We carry the universe, our guide and pride.

Continue reading...

A Sudden Boom

Geof Spavins Jan 21

Suddenly my heart went boom,
In a moment, lit the room,
Eyes met, sparks flew,
Lost in time, it was just us two.

In the silence, whispers loom,
Love's sweet symphony, a bloom,
Hand in hand, we found our way,
Under moonlit skies, we'd sway.

Dancing close, our worries gone,
To the rhythm of a timeless song,
Each step in perfect harmony,
Bound together, wild and free.

With every twirl, the world spun slow,
In your embrace, a gentle glow,
Caught in the magic of the night,
Dancing till the morning light.

Then the silence came too soon,
Grief's shadow, a haunting tune,
One last dance, an empty room,
Heart's echo in the gloom.

Every beat, a fervent tune,
Dancing hearts, beneath the moon,
In that instant, life transformed,
Suddenly, our souls were warmed.

Now I dance alone, in sorrow's grip,
Memories of your tender lips,
In the silence, your presence lingers,
Love's lost touch, beneath my fingers.

Listening to The Eurythmics - music we both loved - Goodness I miss her

Continue reading...

A Thousand Pieces

Geof Spavins Nov 2024

A Thousand Pieces

I started washing up today,
A plate slipped from my hand,
It shattered into a thousand parts,
Scattered across the land.

Each piece a tiny fragment,
Of what once was whole,
Reflecting how I sometimes feel,
Deep within my soul.

The jagged edges glisten,
In the morning light,
A mirror to the brokenness,
I often try to hide.

But in the midst of chaos,
There’s beauty to be found,
In the way the pieces sparkle,
As they lie upon the ground.

For even in our brokenness,
There’s strength and grace to see,
A reminder that we can rebuild,
And find our way to be.

Continue reading...

Atmosphere

Geof Spavins Sep 2024

Atmosphere

In this room, the air is light,
With laughter echoing day and night.
Conversations flow like a gentle breeze,
Bringing smiles and putting minds at ease.
Ideas bounce like rubber *****,
Off the walls and down the halls.
Creativity’s a constant guest,
In this space, we do our best.
The vibe is warm, the mood is bright,
Even when the clock strikes midnight.
So here’s to the atmosphere we share,
Full of joy and without a care!

Continue reading...

Bad Habits

Geof Spavins Mar 29

Bad Habits

Seeds of habit grow,
Softly sown, their roots take hold,
Chains hard to unbind.

#haiku

Continue reading...

Balance of Life

Geof Spavins Nov 2024

Balance of Life

There is no light without the dark,
no dawn without the night.
In shadows, we find our spark,
in sorrow, we seek the light.

Happiness blooms from seeds of pain,
joy from tears that drop.
Without the storm, there is no gain,
no rise without the fall.

Forgiveness springs from deep remorse,
a heart that seeks to mend.
In understanding, we find our course,
in healing, we transcend.

Life is woven tight,
with threads of dark and bright.
In every shade, in every hue,
we find the balance, we find the true.

In darkness there is light, in despair there is hope. Is this the balance we are searching for?

Continue reading...

Baptised

Geof Spavins May 20

Baptised

In the name of the Father,
In the name of the Son,
In the name of the Spirit,
You’re washed in the blood,
Buried with Christ,
Raised in new life,
Baptised

I step into the sacred waters where mercy flows like a gentle stream,
Each ripple echoing the promise of a love that cleanses and renews.
The remnants of my past dissolve into the current,
Washed away by grace, leaving a soul reborn in light.

In the quiet depths, I find the strength to let go of my burdens,
Knowing that in every drop of water there is forgiveness,
And the silent power of resurrection whispers through the tide.
The old is laid to rest beneath the surface,
As the promise of new life sings in the rising dawn.

With every breath, I carry the legacy of sacrifice and hope,
A heartbeat resounding with the truth of redemption.
In the stillness after the flood, the Spirit rises within me,
Transforming despair into a vibrant hymn of faith,
A testimony that beyond every trial lies the embrace of eternal love.

Now, walking in the radiance of this unending grace,
I discover that the scars of yesterday become symbols of tomorrow's strength.
In the glow of divine mercy, I stand unashamed,
A living rebirth, forever marked by the transformative power of the Spirit.

Each step forward is a pilgrimage of the heart,
An affirmation that, through baptism, we are renewed,
And the miracle of resurrection echoes in every moment -
Guiding us ever onward in a journey of love, hope, and eternal life.

Inspired by Zach Williams album "Rescue Story" Track 9 "Baptised"

Continue reading...

Baptism

Geof Spavins Oct 2024

Baptism

In waters deep, you took the dive,
Emerging new, with spirits alive.
In Christ’s embrace, your path now lies,
With His light guiding your skies.

Through days of joy and nights of doubt,
Remember what this day’s about.
In trials tough and moments sweet,
Christ walks with you, His love replete.

With every step, in faith you grow,
In His footsteps, you will know
The grace, the peace, the endless care,
A life in Him beyond compare.

Stand firm, be bold, let courage rise,
For in His eyes, you’re the priceless prize.
In service, love, and truth be found,
With Christ’s own light, forever crowned.

We have 5 teens committing to Christ today by following his example and being baptised by full immersion in a pool of water.

Continue reading...

Battle Haikus

Geof Spavins Mar 12

Silent board awaits,
Knight leaps over pawns' defence,
Moonlight whispers check.

Pieces poised for war,
Queen glides with regal purpose,
Victory's sweet breath.

Bishop's path is clear,
Diagonal whispers move,
Endgame's silent thrill.

Rook stands tall and firm,
Castle walls protect the king,
Strategy unfolds.

Checkmate declared,
King's last stand in silent fall,
Triumph's quiet joy.

#haikus

Continue reading...

Beatha - For a friend

Geof Spavins Jan 20

Beatha - For a friend

I'd like a crack at Beatha's crack,
But Beatha's crack is for thee.
Her smile's a treasure, a shining stack,
Locked away, just out of reach for me.

Dedicated to silent echo and Bertha

Continue reading...

Been Better

Geof Spavins May 12

Been Better

I was born in fire, cracked, burned, sealed.
Scorched by fate, my essence peeled.
No longer whole, no longer free,
Yet now I wait - dark destiny.

I drown in steam, in boiling deep,
My whispers lost, my echoes weep.
No hands will mourn, no voices cry,
Yet still I serve, still I comply.

A sip, a sigh, a fleeting thrill,
I pass through lips, yet linger still.
A phantom taste, a bitter spark,
A sacrifice to fuel the dark.

Continue reading...

Betrayed by the Feast

Geof Spavins Sep 2024

Betrayed by the Feast

A lavish spread, a tempting sight,
Each dish a promise, each bite delight.
But hidden within, a silent foe,
A treacherous toxin, a secret woe.

The night begins with laughter and cheer,
Unaware of the danger lurking near.
A sip, a taste, a morsel consumed,
The joy of the meal, soon to be doomed.

A sudden twist, a stomach’s churn,
The body’s revolt, the fever’s burn.
Sweat beads form, the chills take hold,
A battle within, fierce and bold.

Hours pass in a haze of pain,
The feast’s betrayal, a cruel disdain.
Yet through the torment, a lesson learned,
Of caution and care, respect hard-earned.

For in the aftermath, as strength returns,
A vow is made, a wisdom burns.
To cherish health, to heed the signs,
And guard against the food that undermines.

24 hours of agony later

Continue reading...

Bigoted

Geof Spavins 7d

Bigoted

People are bigoted, God is not,
Love is the lesson the world forgot.
Bound by borders, lines they drew,
Yet grace falls freely, ever new.

No creed nor colour sways the light,
That shines for all, both wrong and right.
Yet hearts grow heavy, stained with pride,
While mercy waits with arms spread wide.

So let not hatred bear the crown,
Or fear and fury wear us down.
For love was spoken, love was taught -
People are bigoted, God is not.

Racial Discrimination and Systemic Racism
Healthcare Inequities: A class action lawsuit in Queensland alleges that state health services discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. The suit, filed in the Federal Court, details claims that patients were routinely spoken down to and given substandard care in facilities across north Queensland.1

Racist Bullying in Schools: In Scotland, increased incidents of racist bullying have forced schools to take action. One recent case involved a young girl who, after suffering repeated racist taunts and isolation, had to change schools. Reports show that incidents of racist harassment in Scottish schools jumped by 50% in one year.2

Institutional Racism in Healthcare: Coverage of racial bias within the NHS reveals ongoing struggles with systemic prejudice. Studies and personal accounts have highlighted how Black and minority staff and patients often face dismissive attitudes and inadequate responses.3

Judicial Bias: At an international forum, a Canadian presentation discussed how judicial racial bias remains a rarely addressed yet critical issue in the justice system, shedding light on how court decisions can reflect entrenched prejudices.4

Xenophobia and Nationalism
Scapegoating Immigrants: In South Africa, political figures have been accused of using inflammatory, xenophobic rhetoric to demonize immigrants ahead of contentious general elections. This kind of toxic speech not only stokes division but also risks inciting violence against foreign nationals.5

Anti-Immigrant Violence in the UK: Recent reports from Amnesty International and other bodies have highlighted disturbing incidents of racist violence—attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers, vandalism at mosques, and other hate-fuelled actions. These examples underscore how nationalist sentiments can translate into real harm for minority communities.6

Religious Intolerance and Sectarianism
Attacks on Religious Minorities: In Jerusalem, there have been a series of attacks against the Christian community. Incidents such as the vandalism of statues and desecration of graves, along with verbal and physical abuse experienced by pilgrims and local worshippers, are clear manifestations of religious intolerance.7

Sectarian Violence in Syria: Another example comes from Syria, where reported episodes of renewed sectarian violence have targeted specific religious communities. These tensions, which sometimes erupt into lethal confrontations, echo long-standing divisions and serve as a stark reminder of how religious differences can be weaponized in conflict.8

Contrasting Models: On a more hopeful note, positive coverage from regions like Kurdistan in the Middle East demonstrates that religious pluralism is possible. Here, a national prayer breakfast bringing together Muslims, Christians, Yazidis, and others offers an inspiring counterpoint to the intolerance seen elsewhere.9

Political Polarization and Cultural Tribalism
Fragmented Communities: Articles like “The Erosion of Friendship and Family Bonds in the Face of Political Disagreement” highlight how political polarization increasingly fractures personal relationships. In an era of echo chambers and partisan media, even long-standing social bonds are strained by ideological divides.10

Culture Wars and Authoritarian Rhetoric: Analysis such as “Culture wars, political polarization and deepening inequality: the roots of Trumpism” shows how political tribalism has not only reshaped public discourse in the United States but also influenced governance.11

References

1
ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) | MSN
Class action lawsuit accuses Queensland Health of racial discrimination in north Queensland
www.msn.com
2
BBC
Racism forced my daughter to move primary schools, mum says
www.bbc.co.uk
3
Index on Censorship
Annabel Sowemimo on the silent killer in the NHS
www.indexoncensorship.org
4
rabble.ca
Discussing judicial racial bias in Canada at the UN
rabble.ca
5
www.hrw.org
South Africa: Toxic Rhetoric Endangers Migrants - Human Rights Watch
www.hrw.org
6
www.amnesty.org
UK: Government must address 'root cause of racism that plagues our ...
www.amnesty.org
7
www.bbc.co.uk
Jerusalem Christians say attacks on the rise - BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk
8
theconversation.com
Syria faces renewed sectarian violence as government fails to deliver ...
theconversation.com
9
The Hill | MSN
Opinion - In the Middle East, Kurdistan offers a hopeful model of religious freedom
www.msn.com
10
craigbushon.com
The Erosion of Friendship and Family Bonds in the Face of Political ...
craigbushon.com
11
theconversation.com
Culture wars, political polarization and deepening inequality: the ...
theconversation.com

Continue reading...

Big Sis

Geof Spavins Aug 2024

Big Sis

Big Sis was living in France,
Where she learned how to cook and to dance.
With a baguette in hand,
She felt life was grand,
And she twirled in a joyful trance!

My elder Sister lives part time in France - I could not leave her out of the limerick compilation.

#limerick #family #amusing

Continue reading...

Bionic Woman

Geof Spavins Feb 25

Bionic Woman

In a world where science would meet,
A woman with bionics so neat,
Jaime Sommers, so strong,
Fought for right, against wrong,
With a heart that never missed a beat.

Her limbs were of steel, oh so fine,
Her strength and her senses, divine,
She'd battle and fight,
With all of her might,
A hero in every design.

With Oscar and Rudy, her mates,
She'd tackle the most dangerous fates,
In justice's quest,
She stood out the best,
In the hearts of fans, she relates.

3 limericks - 1 Poem

#limericks

Continue reading...

Bisexual Brilliance: Open Heart, Infinite Love

Geof Spavins Mar 29

Bisexual Brilliance: Open Heart, Infinite Love

I see love in its many forms,
Boundless as the sky at dawn —
Each connection a gentle storm,
A dance of shadows and of song.

I embrace every tender thread,
A whisper, a glance, a unique smile.
In each divergent path ahead,
I find unity in every mile.

Love speaks a language without bounds,
Transcending names and shifting guise
In every heart where warmth is found,
A universal truth gently lies.

No chain of norms can cage this art,
As rivers merge into the endless sea.
Every soul plays its sacred part,
In the mosaic of you, of me.

In every bond—be it fierce or light,
I celebrate the colours, every hue.
They interlace our days and nights,
A medley forever true.

For in the open space where hearts align,
Differences dissolve and grace prevails.
Love, in all its forms divine,
Is the song that in our silence sails.

Continue reading...

Bittersweet Remedies

Geof Spavins Feb 23

Bittersweet Remedies

I hate pills and potions, they cloud my view,
In my quest for peace, they sometimes ensue.
The labels and bottles, a daily reminder,
Of battles within, growing even kinder.

I despise the reliance, the chemical bind,
Searching for solace that’s gentle and kind.
In nature and whispers, I seek my reprieve,
Finding my balance in the breaths that I breathe.

The pills and potions, they may have a place,
But I yearn for more than their cold, sterile embrace.
In mindfulness, movement, and moments of grace,
I find a serenity that no pill can replace.

I hate pills and potions, but still, I endure,
Seeking my healing in ways that feel pure.
For in this journey, both long and profound,
I uncover the peace that’s internally found.

Continue reading...

Blake's 7

Geof Spavins Feb 25

Blake's 7

In the vast expanse of space, where stars gleam bright,
A tale unfolds of bravery, in the dead of night,
Blake and his seven, a rebel force so bold,
Against the Federation's grip, their story told.

Roj Blake, a leader with courage and might,
Fought for freedom, against the dark's fright,
With Avon, Vila, Cally, and Jenna by his side,
Their loyalty and struggles, through space they’d ride.

On the Liberator, their star ship grand,
They battled oppression, a ragtag band,
With Orac’s wisdom, and Zen’s guiding light,
They journeyed through dangers, from planet to flight.

Avon, the cynic, with a mind so keen,
Vila, the thief, with wit often seen,
Cally, the telepath, with heart and grace,
Jenna, the pilot, navigating space.

Through victories and losses, their spirits remained,
A quest for justice, though lives they strained,
Blake's 7, a legend that time won't erase,
A story of defiance, in the infinite space.

Echoes of their fight, in hearts will stay,
Blake's 7, heroes of a bygone day,
In the chronicles of sci-fi, their legacy set,
A saga remembered, we won’t forget.

I have be reminiscing TV of my youth... more to come

Continue reading...

Bloody Mosquitos

Geof Spavins Aug 2024

****** Mosquitos

In the dark night, they come, tiny vampires on silent wings,
seeking the warmth of human blood, their presence felt in the itch that stings.

A buzz, a hum, a fleeting dart, they land with stealth, a needle’s *****,
drawing life with every bite, leaving behind a mark so slick.

Oh, ****** mosquitos, bane of sleep,
your thirst insatiable, your bite so deep.
You dance in shadows, evade the swat,
a relentless foe, a nightly plot.

In the dark, I wage my war,
with claps and slaps, a futile chore.
Yet still you come, relentless, sly,
a tiny terror beneath the sky.

But in the dawn’s first light, you fade,
your reign of night, a brief parade.
And though you leave me marked and sore,
I’ll face you down each night once more.

For in this battle, small but fierce, I’ll find my peace, my sleep, my cheer.
And though you bite, and though you sting, I’ll rise again, a warrior king.

Continue reading...

Bluebells

Geof Spavins Apr 10

Bluebells

Bluebells softly sway,
Whispers of spring in the breeze,
Nature's quiet song.

Bluebells are in flower here and they are beautiful

#haiku

Continue reading...

Boobs and Bums

Geof Spavins Feb 13

The curves of a woman, a sight to behold,
***** and bums, a symmetry to unfold.
Like hills and valleys, they rise and they fall,
A topography of beauty, for one and all.

The *****, like ripe fruit, full and so fine,
Invite the eye to linger, and the heart to entwine.
Their gentle sway, a dance so divine,
A movement that's subtle, yet oh so sublime.

And the bums, like rounded moons in the night,
Glow with a soft luminescence, a pure delight.
Their curves and contours, a work of art in themselves,
A masterpiece of nature, that forever wealth.

But let us not forget, these features so fair,
Are but a part of the whole, beyond compare.
For it's the person within, with heart and soul so bright,
That makes these curves shine with beauty and light.

So let us celebrate these wondrous forms divine,
And honour the women who wear them so fine.
For ***** and bums are but mere words we use,
To describe the beauty that our eyes can't refuse.

Continue reading...

Borborygmus – The rumbling sound your stomach makes.

Geof Spavins 1d

Borborygmus – The rumbling sound your stomach makes.

A meeting starts, the room is hushed,
My stomach rumbles - oh, I blush!
A deep borborygmus, loud and proud,
Echoes boldly through the crowd.

I shift my seat, pretend it’s fake,
Blame the floorboards, for goodness' sake!
Yet still it growls, a beast unchained,
A hunger cry that can't be tamed.

Coffee won’t hush it, nor a snack,
It grumbles forth - no turning back!
Alas, the truth is hard to face,
My stomach speaks, I rest my case.

Continue reading...

Broken

Geof Spavins Nov 2024

Broken

Thoughts
   e    x
p         l
   o    d
      e
Brilliant flash
Worlds crash
New paths
Utter chaos
Mind Blown

I would like to be able to create word art here --- Explode needs to be exploded.

Continue reading...

Burdens

Geof Spavins Feb 6

Burdens

Poor, poor me, I sighed with a frown,
Life's burdens have weighed me down.
The world seems dark, the days so long
In this sorrow, I don't feel strong.

Each step I take feels heavy and slow,
In a sea of troubles, I row and row.
Dreams once bright now fade away,
In the shadows, I lose my way.

But deep inside, a spark remains,
A whisper of hope through all the pains.
For even in the darkest night,
A glimmer of dawn brings back the light.

So, poor, poor me, I'll rise again,
Find strength in the storm, endure the rain.
For life is a journey, with highs and lows,
And through it all, the spirit grows.

Continue reading...

Carp?

Geof Spavins Mar 27

Carp?

Casting a net through life's quiet streams
Reflecting dreams in waters below
Amid whispers where serenity gleams
Pondering truths in the gentle flow

This is what happens when lines 2 and 3 get switched around

Continue reading...

Cattywampus – Something askew or not quite right.

Geof Spavins 1d

Cattywampus – Something askew or not quite right.

The shelf I built stands tall and proud,
Well -- almost tall, a little browed.
The legs are wobbly, joints askew,
It’s leaning like it’s had a few!

I step back, scratch my head and sigh,
This wasn’t meant to tilt and pry.
The blueprint said, “align with care,”
Yet here it sways -- a lopsided chair!

The screws are in, the nails are tight,
And still, it looks… well, not quite right.
Call it charm or odd design,
But cattywampus work is mine!

Continue reading...

Celestial Murmurs

Geof Spavins Mar 5

Celestial Murmurs

Words like whispers fly,
Dreams unfold in silent night,
Hearts dance in moonlight.

#haiku

Continue reading...

Celestial Symphony

Geof Spavins Mar 1

Celestial Symphony

In the velvet cloak of night,
A cosmic dance begins,
Seven celestial bodies align,
A rare and wondrous sight.

Mercury, swift and bright,
First to greet the twilight,
Dancing close to the sun's embrace,
A fleeting, golden light.

Venus, the evening star,
Glistens with a lover's glow,
Her beauty unmatched, afar,
In the twilight's gentle flow.

Mars, the warrior bold,
Burns with a crimson fire,
A tale of battles old,
And dreams that never tire.

Jupiter, the giant king,
With moons in loyal throng,
His presence, a majestic ring,
A symphony, a song.

Saturn, with his rings of ice,
A crown of ancient lore,
In the sky, a paradise,
A wonder to explore.

Uranus, the tilted one,
A mystery in the night,
His azure hue, a distant sun,
A beacon, cold and bright.

Neptune, the farthest blue,
In the depths of space he roams,
A world of secrets, few,
In the vast, eternal homes.

Together, they align,
A parade of cosmic grace,
A moment so divine,
In the boundless, starry space.

The heavens sing their song,
A melody of light,
A harmony so strong,
In the quiet of the night.

Gaze upon this sight,
A gift from realms above,
A fleeting, rare delight,
A testament of love.

For in this grand display,

The universe reveals,
Its wonders, night and day,
And the magic it conceals.

In February 2025 the 7 planets were visible in the night sky at the same time.

Continue reading...

Changes - A teen angst?

Geof Spavins Dec 2024

Changes - A teen angst?

In the midst of change, I stand still,
Caught between the push and pull.
A world in flux, yet here I stay,
Afraid to move, afraid to sway.

The path ahead, a winding road,
With fears and doubts, a heavy load.
I see the signs, I hear the call,
But something holds me, after all.

Comfort in the known, a safe cocoon,
Yet dreams of change, they whisper soon.
A battle rages in my mind,
To leave the past, or stay confined.

The days go by, the seasons turn,
A fire inside begins to burn.
I long to leap, to spread my wings,
But fear of falling, tightly clings.

In this limbo, I remain,
A heart divided, joy and pain.
The courage comes, then fades away,
In this transition, I delay.

But deep within, a voice so clear,
Urges me to face the fear.
For change is life, and life is change,
To grow, to learn, to rearrange.

One day I'll step, one day I'll fly,
Embrace the new, and say goodbye.
But for now, in this space I stay,
Gathering strength for that brave day.

Be very very sure because changes can be permanent with no going back

Continue reading...