I wish I could feed the hungry
Standing in the food bank queues
I wish I could give more guidance
To the desperate with monies overdue.
I wish I could help the bedridden
Walk just one mile with me.
I wish I could open the eyes
Of those that will not see.
I wish I could stop
Families being torn apart.
Most of all to those in power I wish
To give compassion in their heart.
Simon was a Norwegian blue parrot
In plumage as well as speech
Uttering words to make grannies blush
Ending with a screech.
The owner grew tired of this
So Simon featured in the local rag
Good home wanted for talking bird
And was soon bought by kindly Father Chas.
Father Chas took Simon to his church
Where he put him on display
The idea was to cheer up the congregation
When they came to pray.
At the first service all was going well
Simon was very quiet
Until he heard the words Jesus Christ
Then what ensued was a near riot.
Father Chas took Simon home
Knowing what he must do
He had to change his ways
And teach him words anew.
Father Chas told Simon
That he was unhappy with his speech.
And to parrot phrase a poem of his
He wanted to verbally punch him in the beak.
So Father Chas set down to work
And Simon recited new words
Within weeks he progressed well
And became a new bird.
So if you visit Father Chas’ church
Listen close to the sermon that’s on
For the words coming from the pulpit
Could be from Norwegian parrot Simon.
Cast out the line, throw in the hook
Be a fisherman’s friend, give him your support
When a fish is caught, give him cheers
While you relax with a few cans of beers.
The dentist was a nice fellow
An all round decent chap
Light conversation to put me at ease
As in the chair I leaned back.
The dentist gave me a smile
As he leaned over with the drill
This won’t hurt at all
Unless you can’t pay the bill.
Our hands touch
You close your eyes
I whisper I love you
You sleep on.
Your touch relights my memories
The day you said I do
The smile of our newborn son
Tiny fingers clutching ours.
The first nervous steps
Hands reaching out
The lead in the school play
A son we are so proud.
The years they pass
The memories always remain
You drift back and forth
As against the odds you fight.
You smile as our hands touch
You close your eyes
I hear you whisper I love you
You sleep on.
And I wait.
This is the D.W.P how can we help?
What’s that you say your payments are late?
Not to worry we will send you some forms.
Please be patient it may take a few days
There is a backlog so expect three weeks delay
It is not our concern if your family starve
You need to budget better and pay debts to us first,.
Although your sympathy is well intended
It doesn’t take away the blues
But with empathy you will feel as I feel
When you walk one mile in my shoes.
On Food Bank Action Day
Come take a look.
For once in your life
Just listen and give a moment
Of your time to open your eyes
Do not listen to Government lies
It’s time to speak out
There is no other way
Show you have compassion
On Food Bank Action Day.
When I was young all seemed well
I’d get back up if I fell
I’d play in the road stay out at night
But mother made sure I was within sight.
Doors were open noon till dusk
Our neighbours we could always trust
As children we had no fear
Even when sneaking a sip of dad’s flat beer.
As we grew older there were nights on the town
Opportunities to act the clown
Doing the rounds pub to pub
Then a late curry or maybe a club.
Now I am older nearly retired
My bones are creaky, my legs are tired
But times change for good and bad
As I recall when I was a young lad.
WHEN I WAS YOUNG 