Joan May Wills’ Poetry
Illusion
I sleep! And in my dreams
You come to me
Stealing in the night
To haunt me once again.
A fleeting glimpse
Of something there
The feel of something
In the air.
A face on a train
As it rushes by
Remembered! As in
Some picture frame.
The turn of a head
And a sudden smile
The voice you heard
That’s beyond recall.
Wood smoke scented
On the air
And autumn leaves
That are drifting there.
You are an illusion
Without a name
Elusive! Like mist
On a summers day.
I sleep! And in my dreams
You come to me
Stealing in the night
To haunt me once again.
Memories
I watch the eagle
Soar in the sky
The clouds obliterate
The sun
And I remember you
I hear the music
That you loved
Variations on a theme
Of sensitivity and rock
And I remember you
I hear the rain
Drip on the stone
Like the lonely years
That have come between
And I remember you
I see the autumn leaves
Drift from the trees
And feel the pain
Knowing your’e not here
And I remember you
The wind of change
Blows in my face
And I hear the
Silken whisper of the sea
As I remember you
And in remembering
I know
That love has
Bridged the gap
Stonger than death
Today
You came!
And I was suddenly at ease
You might have been an old friend
Or an ancient coat I was happy in.
No sudden silences
Just an accepting
Of your prescence here
And a sense of deja-vu
It was spring! The grass yellow
With drifts of daffodils
And petals from a
Cherry tree floating down.
That day, I lay with you!!
And shared the sweetness
Of your love
Not thinking of tomorrow.
We wandered, hand in hand
Through the daffodils
Beneath the trees
As if lost in time.
Tomorrow came too soon
And became today
You left! Not looking back
I’m glad you went that way.
Who cares about tomorrow?
For we shared our today.
Be Still
How often do we look
But never see
The power of the eagle
And beauty of the tree.
The blind man sees
More in his day
Because he feels
And listens on his way.
A raindrop on the leaf
Like jewels in the sun
Dew in the morning
And when the day is done.
The smell of hedgerows
After the rain
Birds as they sing
The sound of the train.
Children playing in the
Distance, without a care
Shouting to one another
Their sound floating on the air.
Be Still!
Realise, the peace and
Tranquillity of the moment
For it will never come again.
We can never experience
This time again
However much we try
Only the memories remain.
All we have is here and now!
A Presence
The house looked cold and empty
Among the rolling hills
Although the sun was shining
I could almost feel a chill.
We came for eggs to Yorkshire
As we had done before
A simple man it was that time
Who came to answer the door
A man of few words
And he didn’t smile
As he counted the eggs
He was out by a mile
I said “How much?”
And he didn’t now
So I understood then
He was gently, but slow!
He stood there and watched
With eyes that
Were dark and deep,
As we slowly drove away
So we came again to Yorkshire
Knocking upon the door
A lady it was who answered my knock
Not knowing what was in store
I expected your husband
I said with a smile
And she slowly looked at me
I wouldn’t know why! I live on my own
He died ten years ago!!
Anguish
I am broken!!
Looking at pieces
I try to fit them
together again
But none of the
pieces seem to fit
It’s almost as though
They never did
Smile! my mind says
But my body is Far behind
And doesn’t respond
Where did it go?
That childhood peace
A question that’s
On every lip
In the night did
it steal away
Or did life take
it bit by bit
The one who guides
Our sun and moon
And flings the
stars across the sky
Knows! and makes
the spirit strong
Ready to face
The brand new day
Dawn
Last night I dreamed
And you were there
Your voice and touch
Which brought a tear.
But Bliss!!
To hear your voice,
In laughter and in
Words so choice.
But when I asked
If you would stay,
You slipped away,
As mist on a summers day.
And I am left
Bereft again!!
The memory as a cloud
That vanishes after rain.
But memory! Can make
My happiness complete
And make the
Loving you so sweet.
But then the dawn
Awakens in the sky
And I from
My dreams am torn.
I wake to face, another day
Without you!!
For dawn that time
That tests the faith.
That tears the heart
And makes us mourn
Recedes into another day,
And courage comes, in faith reborn.
Happiness
We sat and we talked
The old man and me
Of life and love
And people who see.
He talked of the woman
he’d loved through the years
She’s gone before me
he said through his tears.
But she’ll be waiting
for me never fear
We made a promise
to always stay near.
Children can hurt you
expecting too much.
When all you want
Is a smile and a touch.
Then he looked at his dog
as it sat at his feet.
They’re faithful you know
Real hard to beat.
And the spirit you have
will always survive.
But then I’ve had love
he said with great pride.
I asked about happiness
And he looked in my eyes.
“That’s something you don’t
know you have till it’s gone.”
I thought on his words as I
Went on my way
And decided I will be happy today.
Nature
The leaves rustle around my feet
I hold out my hands
And feel the pulse and beat
of life, as it moves around me.
Trees stand stark and empty
Against the darkening sky
Shed of their beautiful rainment
Why do we think they die
Their power pours out to me
As if to prove the life within
It touches my soul
Renewing my strength and purpose
The wind blows gently
Stirring the leaves
Making them rustle and chatter
as they settle again
Who will care for this England
of ours, when we are dead and gone
Will they care for the woodland
The trees and flowers
Who will care that it all began
In the times when the flower
of our youth. Gave their lives!!
To ensure it would all go on
Or may be destiny has planned
That we, be like the trees
Reborn in the
spring of another time
To care for it all again
Nature 2
The rain has ceased
But the wind has risen
Gusting around the trees,
Bending the boughs.
They flailed about
As in some kind
Of frenzied dance,
Casting eerie shadows.
Inside it was quiet
Except for the moaning of the wind
And the howl as it
Reached its crescendo.
As I watched
The wind caught the leaves
And flung them into the air
To fall again like pieces of confetti.
The outside light
Gave its feeble glow
Amidst the canopy
Of sound.
Suddenly! All was quiet
Absolutely silent!!
As though someone
Had switched everything off.
And I was once again aware
Of the force and
Power of nature
Something we can not control.
Autumn
It was a day of gold
A great blaze of colour
The October light bold
With the hint of autumn.
The trees gold bronze and lime
And here and there
A bright red flash of a sycamore
Amid the dark green of the pine.
The hedgerows with white woodbine,
Flaming orange rose hips,
And fat purple black berries
which leave stains upon your lips.
In the distance on the hills
The soft blur of the fields
framed by the dark trees
Birds like dark clouds whirled and milled.
Settling for a while
leaving the blue sky empty
Then soaring again single file
Calling to one another.
A man whistling for his dog.
The wisp of blue smoke
from a bonfire
curling into the golden air.
The smell of the hedgerows,
At times heady like good wine,
I have only to unlock the
box of memories, rusted with time.
To be there,
And smell it all again!!
Revenge
I’ll be here till I’m 96
They were all informed one day
I’ll wear my hair down to my waist
And tie it up with string
My dress will be below my calves
Dirty, ripped and rotten
Below that I’ll wear big black boots
All down at heel and muddy.
I will also have a bicycle
Rusty, red and shabby, with a bell!!
And I will shout “Gerr out the way
I’m coming through you beggars”
I’ll go and visit my big sons
When they have friends for tea.
And plonk myself beside them all
Ignoring gasps of horror.
I’ll then ask “What’s for tea”
And when I’m told I’ll holler
“What that again, I don’t like that
Can’t you eat that tomorrow” And mutter
About their friends who should be home
It’s time to make their supper.
Then take my leave without a word
To son and friends alike
I’ll go home riding on my bike
And ring my bell with glee.
Revenge is sweet! My dear ones
But you can’t shout at me.
Remember
The drums rolled
And the trumpets flared,
As they marched on their way
With heads in the air.
With thoughts of the glory
And pride in their race,
To fight for this country
With smiles on their face.
But nothing prepares
For the hate of the foe,
Who desecrate bodies,
With the name of John Doe.
And those that you liberate
Don’t want to know
That your friends gave their lives
As you watched the blood flow.
And you long for your home,
With your family there.
As you wait for their letters
With a love you can share.
You go to your duty,
As you have been taught
And pray that this time
You won’t be caught.
That no one will go to
Your Mum and your Dad
And say “He was a brave man
So it’s all very sad!!”
So give them their due,
Those children of ours,
Whose courage is manifold
When the battle roars.
No matter that you
Don’t believe in the war!
May be next time
It will come to your door.
So Remember!! And pray,
For on them we depend.
To keep us all safe
Right to the end.
The Candle
The candle as it flickers
Catches my eye
It sends a pool of light
Across the floor
I watch as it
flickers and flames
As in a current of air
It dances from side to side
Birth and death
And life itself
Are caught
within that flame
Fate holds the key
to all unknown
And we can only be
Like candles in the wind
Blown hither, thither
Where or when
As fate decrees
We’re at its whim
Are we just shadow shapes
That come and go
Like pictures of a
magic lantern show
Or may be we all will be,
Candles lit for all to see,
Like stars throughout
the galaxy
The Moon
The moon that shines
Upon the sea
A path of silver
Reaching down to me.
And waves that beat
Upon the shore
Their music rippling
Out once more.
Cover my footmarks
In the sand
Erasing them like
Some gigantic hand.
But as the waves
Smooth out the sands
So life moves on and
Takes things from our hands.
Every step along
The long long road
Make marks that
Only we can see.
Each footstep that
We took in life
Everyone a stepping-stone
Some happy! Some in strife.
And every mark
Upon that shore
Is there to greet
The moon once more.
For every footmark
There is planned
By one who holds us
In his hand.
Time
Be still my restless soul
The time will surely come
When you will be forever free
Free to reach your goal.
You watch the seasons
Of time, and remember!
How your heart raced
Forward into spring.
Now as autumn approaches
Thoughts come of the dreams
That were never realised
And you fold them away.
Your heart still knows
The feeling of love
And the surge in the mind
To fulfil it!
But the body has slowed
To a gentle pace
And now can only
Watch the race.
Things that were static
Now hit the floor
And you don’t see the wall
When you walk through the door.
The laces in shoes
Get further away
And you have to get close
To hear what folk say.
But you are my soul, forever young!
And ready to face the brand new day.
Winter
I walk among the trees
And the mist rises
Like ghosts of
times gone by.
I put out my hand
The bark is cold and wet
But I can feel the strength
and life of the tree.
My mind goes back
to summers gone
When streams
and brooks abounded
Where frogs and toads
nestled beneath,
The wild watercress
in the clear water.
The pools of frog spawn,
And little boys in wellies
With nets and jam jars
on a string.
And fields a blaze of colour
With poppies buttercups and daisies
The woods, so cool and dark
carpeted with bluebells.
I walk among the trees
And hear them whisper
Winter is here
But spring is yet to come.
Boys
No pots upon the table
No dirt upon the floor
No washing in the basket
Oh! Could we ask for more?
The bedrooms always tidy
Bathroom all a gleam
Towels hanging pristine
It really is a dream.
The food stays in the cupboard
No dashing out for more
It really is a miracle
Just like having a store.
The telly has been silenced!!
No one knocking on the door
No voices in the hallway
Nor shouting I want more!
We can stay in bed
And have a ball
Not getting up till three
Then only for our tea.
But hang on, Just a minute
What’s that slamming of the door?
We have been invaded
With children by the score.
It’s “What’s for dinner mum?”
With hugs and pats galore
Our peace has been invaded
How could we ask for more!!
Dead Dreams
Going home, on a bus
I saw your face
Just a glimpse
In the throng
Of the great rat race.
On a train
Through the window
As it thundered by
Misty and unclear
In the pouring rain.
In a car!
As it passed
When you turned your head
Then the smile
And the illusion fled.
I still look!!
Maybe one day
It will be you
When we meet
What will I say.
Or maybe you
Will wave!
Just passing by
Greeting me as a friend
And I will be brave.
But the tears I’ll shed
When you’ve passed by
You will never see
For what we had
Is long since dead!!
Forever
The heat haze
Shimmered across the lake
The hills appearing as
A mirage, in the distance
The sun was a huge
Orange ball, hung in the sky
And far away
The muted sound of voices
I watched the condensation
Form on your glass
Touching it gently
I ran my finger down
It was cool
Like a raindrop
As it ran over my finger
And dripped on the table
You raised the glass
Your tongue touching the liquid
Like a woman’s mouth
As you tasted and enjoyed
And I felt the pulse
In my throat
Like the trembling heart
Of a wild bird
You touched my hand
And I rolled all the
Sweetness up inside
To remember forever
Freedom
I stand-alone! On the deserted stage
Of the theatre of life
In the darkness the spotlight is upon me
The auditorium is bare.
But I feel the people and their presence
Like a force reaching out to me
My arms reach out and I speak the words
But no one hears or understands
I’ve watched the actors come and go
They’ve played their part and then moved on
Like puppets in a Punch and Judy show
Pulled hither, thither by the men
Who pull the strings to gain control,
May be before too late they’ll see
We stand alone! All those who’d be
And speak the language of the free
I have played so many parts
Some good, some bad, to move their hearts
But all the acts and actors should recall
None can prevent the final curtains fall
Heritage
They flew the planes
Those boys of ours
O’er miles and miles of sky
Fear and dread their company
So we might never cry.
They fought for King and country
And the right to say we care
They fought for the daffodils
Fields and the trees
Streams and rivers and the right to be free.
We have let it all be sullied
By filth crime and greed
Letting our heritage be destroyed
By people who care nothing
For our culture or our creed.
But the pride is still there
If you care to dig deep
In the ordinary people
Who had no time to weep
To whinge or despair.
While building this country
For others to share
And showing that courage
Loving and care
Are part of this country and culture.
There are those who will criticise
Us from out there
But they envy our humour and will to be fair
So let us remember those boys in blue
Who gave their lives, for me and for you.
Lies
You held my hand
As you stood with me
Among the daffodils
Said ‘’ I love you ‘’
And lied!!
The sky was blue
As you stood with me
With clouds like cotton wool
We were happy
And you lied!!
You gazed down
As you stood with me
With eyes of china blue
Then took my heart so tenderly
And lied!!
Mid’st the green grass
You stood with me
As we looked at the lake and sky
Then said you’d be for ever true
And you lied!!
But then you threw it all away
As you stood with me
Some day I know that you will pay
For saying ‘’ I love you ‘’
And lied !!
Beneath the trees
I stood with you
You asked, did I still love you true
Then I said ‘’ NO ‘’
And I lied
Fireworks
You touch my hand
And the tingle flows
Around and around
Till it reaches my toes.
At the touch of your lips
The feeling grows
And sparks bow out
To my fingertips.
You touch me again
Till my souls on fire
And I am filled
With warm desire.
In time and space
Where two hearts meet
We become one
With the wind rain and sea.
We reach for the sun
The moon and stars
Alone in our world
And nowhere to run.
I am hurled to the sky
Full of heat and fire
As we slake our thirst
When the flames go higher.
Then the calm of the mind
When the storm is through
Is a balm to the soul
With a love so true.
As I look in your eyes
And I wonder how
It all came about
Was it cupids bow?
Or did fate take a hand
In this meeting of minds
That created this fire
Of me and you.
Mirages
Now morning with
It’s shaft of light
Chases the stars
Back to the night.
Then dawns pink
Fingertip is born
To herald the sun
As it greets the morn.
And as it rises
In the sky
Searching out the shadows
Chasing the night away.
We watch! And stand upon
The threshold of the day
And ponder on our dreams
That we have lost along the way.
But the thoughtful
Soul dreams on
In solitude, remembers
Things that were undone.
And we who realise today
That those desires
We lost along the way
They were just mirages!
Like water in the sand
And mirages like dreams
They fade away
As if erased by some gigantic hand.
But we whose spirit is unbowed
Will dream a better dream today.
My Dream
The essence of you lingers on
Like roses after the summers sun.
Whose perfume fills the room, and stays!
At times to haunt me night and day.
A soul mate that was my delight
Stays on! Even though you’re out of sight.
Oh! That I could once more
Go forth with you upon the shore.
Where waves do tumble on the sand
To hide our footprints from the land.
There is no peace within these walls
Where no more, you do come to call.
The sun that rises
In the sky,
Will see no more
Of you and I!
So light that shines
Along the shore
Please shine no more
Upon this door.
But cast your beams
Where clouds you can dispel
From hearts more free
And all for them be well.
This dream I had
Whatever it has been
Dashed once again
On rocks that were unseen.
Keep In Touch
The people all came
From miles around
Friends and relations
From far and near
They came with respects
Of flowers and wreaths
Saying their good byes
To one so dear
Their meetings were touching
So loving and kind
The years in between
Had been quite a bind
They ate up the food
And had drinks galore
Chatted and laughed
About things of yore
The things they’d forgotten
For many a year
Some good and some bad things
And shed a tear
As they waved them away
And said their good byes
They shouted “remember today
And please stay in touch”
For lovings not funerals
Weddings and things.
Remember!!
You’re only a phone call away
Never Goodbye
I heard the call
And then I knew
The time had come
For me and you.
To part!
For just a little while
And please!
Just do it with a smile.
For time is measured only by
The love we’ve shared!
So there is no need
For us to ever say goodbye.
So let us then remember times
Of sunshine rivers trees and flowers
With laughter, dreams,
And April showers.
Now you and I
With all our might
Put best foot forward
Into the night.
But darkness it
Will never fall
For love will light
The way for all.
For as we step
Upon that ship
And wave our hands
Remember this!
That friends await us at the harbour
Waving as we come in sight
Sad to leave those behind us
But glad to sail into the light.
Night
The moon upon the water shines
And stars like fireflies
Are mirrored in the sea
Then the rhythm of the waves
Bring peace again to me.
As darkness folds in like a balm
Forming a blanket,
Warm and comforting
Hiding all that does not please
And things that take away my ease.
The everlasting motion of the sea,
Its music as it crashes
On the shore,
Then quietly recedes
To come again once more.
Then shapes of ships upon the shore
And those that glide upon the sea
Faint shapes like phantoms
In the dark
Symbols of the days of yore.
So the peace of night
Wafts gently on the breeze
And lets us dream of unknown things
While looking at the universe
At night beside the sea.
Then dawn throws out her fingertip
And streams across the sky
Searching out the shadows
And destroying one by one
Ready to start a brand new day.
Parting
As the door opened
I could hear the silence
Feel it! Smell it!
Like fear.
No more!
Your step upon the stair
The warmth of your embrace
And your sunny smile.
I feel the emptiness
Cold and unwelcoming
As if no one had
Ever lived there.
Many times I’ve longed
For solitude
But this is a void
A vacumn in my chest.
Where did love go?
Did it disappear slowly?
Like mist on a summer day
Gradually fading away?
For I am left bereft
As though you had died
And left me
In the night.
Passion
The passion’s gone
And when it’s spent
Those words you said,
Oh! Were they meant?
The flames of love
Burn brightly for a while,
But when they’re quenched
What’s left is just a trial.
The kisses you poured
On your lovers head,
Will languish there
Even though they are dead.
And as we proudly boast,
That we can hold
Our passions as they rage
But love, can break the mould!
In its wild form
Destroys, as it gives pleasure.
And in its anger,
Makes its own measure!
Then in its memory
Leaves a pain.
That can not be assuaged,
Whatever the gain.
Though Lords and Kings
Would offer for your hand,
What has been tamed
Destroys! And has to make a stand.
Robert
Dark hills silhouetted against the sky
The wind whistles in the trees
I hear the whinny of the horse
Then it hooves, as horse and rider go by.
They flew like the wind
The horse and the child
Moving as one
Both hearts on fire.
The child rode bareback
No saddle or reins
Or shoes on his feet
Both heels tucked in to share the heat.
A thing of beauty
They were as they came
The boys head right down
As he clung to its mane.
His eyes were alight
With the thrill of the race
And my heart filled with pride
When I gazed on his face.
A free spirit he was
Who didn’t know fear
As he rode with the horse
With no fancy gear.
I will always remember
The horse and the child
And the love that they shared
Out there in the wild.
The Bag Lady
She walks the street
From dawn to dusk
Then sleeps in doorways
Through lack of trust.
Her home is anywhere
She puts down for the night,
Packed within the bags
That are kept within her sight.
Who put the fear
Within her soul,
That makes her run
From hole to hole.
Or was the pain
Of life so great
That made her turn
Away from fate.
Hers, a face like many more
Is pressed against the window,
of life!! Always outside
Never knocking at the door.
So let us with
Our arms embrace,
And let her join
The human race.
For who can say
About tomorrow
That we might be
So filled with sorrow.
And we should all remember too
That had the hand of god
Just slipped, there!!
Might have been me or you.
The Kiss
You kissed my mouth!
And your face
Was smooth and wet
The skin quite cold.
I felt the rain
Swirling round my feet
Rivulets sliding from
My hair, down my back.
Your body was warm
Close against mine,
My fingers in your hair
And the heat of your response.
I could hear the gulls
Screaming overhead,
And the crash of the sea
In the wind and rain.
As I touched your face
I wanted to hold this moment!
To explore your features
And remember, for all time.
The softly falling rain
Your kiss!
And the sweetness
Of your love.
That rainy day in September!
Singleton Park
The sky was speed well blue
And above the house
Birds circled and swooped
Filling the air with their chatter.
A scatter of dead leaves
Fluttered across her feet
And she kicked them
Gently away from her.
The house stood
Mellowed with age
Chimneys standing high
Windows like large unseeing eyes.
They seemed to be watching
Waiting for her!
The house reached out to enfold her
But she held back.
Behind her was the drive
With its venue of trees
And beneath them
Daffodils, tulips and crocus.
She knew without turning
The beauty of it,
And the pain came!
With the memories.
Around her, rhododendrons
Were a blaze of colour
And the trees whispering
Quietly above them.
They belonged together
She, and the house
But in another time
And another place.
She turned to go
Quietly as she had come
Putting it behind her
Till the time was right.
Thanksgiving
Oh Dear! As we
Begin another day
We have more
Bills to pay.
The cat’s got flu
And vet’s expensive
My family’s blue
And not inventive.
The washing’s out
So now it’s raining
This housework is
Forever draining.
But then a ray
Of sunshine beams
And shines upon
The leaves of trees.
Now raindrops turned
To diamonds rare
And we can only
Stand and stare.
As in the sky
A rainbow starts
Its vivid hues
A work of art.
So we must give
Our thanks to god
For every day
The silver lining.
He weaves among
The tribulations
The beauty that’s
Forever told.
In his world
For us to treasure
Something we can
Never measure.
The Awakening
The chrysalis lay untouched!
Inside, the butterfly lay
Like a child in the womb
Safe from harm.
In the darkness
It felt the touch of love
It quivered, then settled again
Wanting only the safety of the cocoon.
But the touch came again
Stronger and more insistent
Feeling it, the butterfly stretched
Causing the cocoon to split.
As it felt the beat
Of the love around it
Slowly and carefully
The butterfly emerged.
Not sure what was happening
It looked around
Slowly it unfolded its wings
Stretching them experimentally.
As it fluttered them
In the warmth and sunshine
Of the love that surrounded it
It grew brave and reached out.
Then, fulfilled it stood
Straight and tall
Transformed by love
Shining in the bright sunlight!
But if in haste
To feel its beauty
You press on its
Bright shining wings.
You destroy all the love
And the care
That’s gone in it
Just to taste of the beauty that’s there.
So let it go free
And handle with care
For love is so fragile
But there is nothing to compare.
The Frieze
I feel the magic once again
It enfolds me.
As I see the garden
Spread out before me.
I see the bridge
Broken now!
The ordered garden overgrown
With lavender and sage.
Broken paving hidden
By creeping plants
Gentians and wild strawberry
Growing in profusion.
The sun shining on
The hedgerows
Send a heavy scent
After the rain.
A path leads down
To the river
Under the weeping willows
Who dip their branches in the water.
The magic is there!
Everything stands still
A time frozen
Like a picture on the wall.
I know I will
Never see this moment again
But it’s etched on my mind
And part of eternity.
The Horizon
The days move on
And time has gone
That puts space
Between you and me.
And I must tread
This long long road
That fate has deemed
My life should be.
I watch the child
That has your face
Leap forward and embrace
Each day with joy.
Young heart and bones
That has no fear
And reaches out with
Everything, that I hold dear.
Its then I know
What God has planned
For everyone upon
These lands.
That nothing happens
Quite by chance
He knows!! And gives us compensation
In things that make our lives enhanced.
And I know, you are there
Just beyond the far horizon
As you always said you’d be,
Waiting, for me!!
The Children
I heard the voices again
Children’s voices, subdued sometimes
Sometimes giggling
As if they were hiding from one another.
Then calling to one another
“Where are you?”
“I can’t find you!”
“Come out wherever you are.”
The room was full of sunshine
Dust floating on the beams of light
As the wood in the old house
Settled in the warm sun.
I hear them running down stairs
And I step into the hall
“Who are you?” I ask
And there is silence.
I can feel their presence
As though they watch me.
Then I hear their voices again
Giggling and laughing together.
As they run back upstairs
Their footsteps echoing
In the quiet house
Then all is still again.
The past is ever with us
As is the future
And one is enfolded in the other
Time is but a measure.
The happiness of the boys
Enfolds me
Are they in a time warp?
Or just shadows that come and go.
I will never know
Because I have to move on
To create my own impressions
Or shadows to leave behind.
The Magic
As we climbed aboard
The wooden box
Our John, Michael, Teddy and me
That won’t fly! They all shouted with glee.
But we knew the words
Full of magic you know
That would make our
Flying machine go.
We said our good byes
Then off we went
We circled and swooped
Oh! What an event.
They came to the windows
To wave us goodbye
Then over the playground
We went with a cry
Then we flew through the sky
Leaving sparks as we went
And the moon as it rose
Gave us light to descend.
We chattered and laughed
As we landed at home
And told of the fun
That we’d had at Toytown.
We’d go there again
Sometime when it’s right
We murmured to Mum
As she tucked us up tight.
Sometime!! When the magic is right
Then again we can fly through the night.
The Moment
Hold it!
Hold this moment
Here within your hand
Fill it to the brim.
The sun slanting
Through the trees
Making dappled shade
Where waves of daffodils grow.
The coolness of the wood
After the heat of the day
And the smell of the
Woodland and flowers.
It fills the senses
And calms the
Troubled mind
Making all worthwhile again.
But you will never
Have this moment again
Never be able to call it back
Except in memory.
So whatever your moment is
And wherever you are
Hold it fast
And fill it to the brim.
The Moon
The moon that shines
Upon the sea
A path of silver
Reaching down to me.
And waves that beat
Upon the shore
Their music rippling
Out once more.
Cover my footmarks
In the sand
Erasing them like
Some gigantic hand.
But as the waves
Smooth out the sands
So life moves on and
Takes things from our hands.
Every step along
The long long road
Make marks that
Only we can see.
Each footstep that
We took in life
Everyone a stepping-stone
Some happy! Some in strife.
And every mark
Upon that shore
Is there to greet
The moon once more.
For every footmark
There is planned
By one who holds us
In his hand.
The Orchestra
I feel at one
With the wind and rain
Sweeping across the fields
Lashing the countryside.
The sea, as the waves
Crash into the shore
Sending the seagulls flying
Shouting their hoarse cries.
With the trees
As they whisper together
Enfolding me with their strength
Communing, as I stand beneath them.
My spirit reaches out
To the storm and elements
Feeling the fire and passion
In the sky.
The thunder roars
Lightning flashes, cracking and sizzling
A blaze of fire
Lighting up the heavens.
It’s an orchestra
In the sky
Each one making
It’s own music.
But always in time with nature.
The Angel
Destiny holds us in its thrall
But there are many hills
That we must climb
And tasks we must fulfil.
Many shadows we must pass
And many dangers along the track
So we have no time to wallow
In tears or fears that hold us back.
The long hand of fate
Points where we must go
And we can only follow
The path that lies beyond the gate.
But if in sorrow you should take
The wrong road for a little spell
Remember time is measured by
The experience your soul can make.
So don’t be afraid
If you make a mistake
Your angel is there
And is always awake.
Then hold out your hand
And with them conspire
To lighten your load
In this trail of fire.
So be kind to your angel
Remember that it’s there
The next time that you have
A moment you can share.
The Perfect Light
I took my soul to the one
Who’s heart is black as night
I offered it, as the price
If I could cease the fight.
“No rest for you” he said with glee
“Go back and sin some more
Then come back to me
And maybe, I might unlock the door.”
So I gave it to the one
I had loved so dearly
He looked at it and sighed
And said “I don’t want this really!”
Then I took it to my friend
Who said “Dear Soul be still
And you will see it all will be
Put right at the end.”
So I took it to my God
And told him of my shame
“I’ve sinned” I said “ It’s not quite bright
Now I must bear the blame.”
Then he held it in his hand
And weighed it carefully
“It’s had some wear I must admit
But it’s just worn and weary.
Around this soul I see a band
Of gold, that’s shining bright
Of love! And that’s the only thing
That gives the perfect light.”
“So come you in and rest awhile
And I will take, the burden of your sin.”
The Dreamer
Oh! Come my love
And fly with me
For I will take you
To the sea.
Where dolphins frisk
And coral lies in pink tipped mist
As seagulls throw their mocking cries
While soaring silver in the skies.
I will take you to the East
Where Cleopatra and her love did feas
There we’ll lie neath tents of silk
As I feed you dates and milk.
Then I’ll fly you to the sky,
And touch the stars as we go by,
Then leave a blaze of fireworks there
As dawns pink finger tip is born.
We will make the thunder roar,
The sky ablaze with lightening bright,
As I hold you in my arms
Putting all your fears to flight.
Then the sweetness of our love,
Will be like wine, and as we sip,
Remember that the cup will fill,
As I hold it to your lip.
Yes! I will show you stars above
Where time and space do not exist
Then you and I will be complete
The world starburst at our feet.
So come with me and take my hand
And we will reach the promised land.
The Question
The stars and moon move on
And I’m alone! For you are gone
Lost in the universe
Never to return.
How does my heart keep beating,
When it feels such pain
Day follows day
And I question fate in vain!
I stand and look upon the sky
And wonder where it all began
Did we choose to live this life
To pay some price, and if so why?
When will the one who holds the key
In that great bowl they call the sky
Pull back the veil and let me see
It’s all not just a waste of time.
The joy and sorrow pain and fear
We shared, for oh! So many years
Made our love strong
To make up for the many tears.
And when at last my time has gone
You’ll come to meet me on the bridge,
That we have forged with love
And say “Come on then Mom, Well done!!
The Seasons
And now the longest
day has gone,
So we, with summer days
Are done.
But autumn brings
its happy hours
If not the joy
Of April showers.
I watch as trees
Shed from their branches
The leaves turned gold
turned into dancers.
The hazel nuts drop
from the trees
Like rain in springtime
As they’re freed.
And winter comes
with snow-capped hills
Instead of lovely
daffodils.
Squirrel, dormice others too
Gather up the nuts to store
While they find a place to sleep
Knowing there will be no more.
Storing strength to come again
Everything goes down to rest
quietly and beautifully
Having given of its best.
The Senses
We touch with our fingers
The velvet there,
So soft and warm
And the feeling lingers.
We touch with our lips
A lover’s face
Smooth and alive
To our finger tips.
The smell of the hedge rows
And bacon cooking!
Feeling and smelling
A clean shirt or blouse!
And the gentle touch
Of your baby’s fingers.
As they search for your mouth
Then the taste of them lingers.
A glorious sunset!
The rain on your face.
And the wind as it
Scurries all over the place.
The absolute bliss
Of a sunny day
Which lifts the spirit
And drives cares away.
The snow as it falls,
So gentle and slow.
Covering the world
With a white pristine glow.
God gave us these senses
To touch, smell and feel.
But tis we, the busy!!
Who miss the splendour of his love.
The Silence
The Church was empty
It echoed!
Filled with a silence of listening
For the voice of god.
Sunlight slanted through
The beautiful figures
In the stained glass
Of the windows.
Making pools of coloured light
On the floor and pews
Through the dust motes
Which danced on the air.
My footsteps were taken and thrown
To walls and roof, echoing loudly,
So I sat among the peace.
And felt the vibrations of friendly presences.
The candles against the wall
Flickered and flamed,
Fanned by the
Draught from the door.
And I prayed for peace,
For our wonderful country
And those giving their lives
For our freedom!
The ultimate gift of life
And love, for your fellow man
What more could we ask
Of anyone?
The Universe
Are we the chosen then?
Or do we choose?
To come upon this earth
And make our mark
Upon this universe.
Making of this living, sense,
While understanding nothing
Of the meaning of the life,
That’s thrust upon us
In this time and place.
The spirit longing to be free
Cries out “what is there for me”
But gallantly fights on
Not understanding why
But learning much along the way.
Of all the passions of the world
That can control the mind
And make us free
Or bind us to it with its chains
Of things that we desire.
The chains we forge them one by one
And drag them day by day
Forgetting as we journey on
By learning much, we nothing learn
While wanting to be free.
They say we pave our way to hell
With our good intentions
By breaking chains that hold us back
And using our potential
We can be free and make our mark.
Upon the universe
And work for changes.
The Woods
The woods were lovely
Deep and mysterious
Full of the smell
Of the loamy earth.
The trees formed an arch
And the sun filtered through
Making patches of sunlight
On the grass and bushes.
Bluebells formed a carpet
Of blue, so thickly
That I had to tread
Very carefully.
There was silence, so complete
Almost like a cathedral
Except for the occasional
Twitter of a bird.
My mind went back
To days gone by
And I was at peace,
Where I belonged.
Among nature, and my God!!
Time
Across the bridge of time
I hear you call my name
Wait! Wait for me
You cry, and I shiver.
I feel your prescence
And hear the seagulls mocking laughter
As they soar shining silver
In the blue sky.
Love! Intangible! Untouchable
The wind and ocean hush
As we reach across time
To let our spirits touch.
Some where in time
We are accur’sed
And doomed to live apart
In penance for some crime.
Wait! Wait you say
So I turn from others
Not knowing where or when
Or if we’ll ever meet again.
Your voice and face invade my dreams
Though we are far apart
And should we ever meet by chance
I’ll know! By eyes by voice and heart.
Then I will hold this precious time
Hold it! In the palm of my hand
Savour it’s sweetness like nectar or wine
For it may never come again.
Time
Be still my restless soul
The time will surely come
When you will be forever free
Free to reach your goal.
You watch the seasons
Of time, and remember!
How your heart raced
Forward into spring.
Now as autumn approaches
Thoughts come of the dreams
Those that were never realised,
And you fold them away.
Your heart still knows
The feeling of love
And the surge in the mind
To fulfil it!
But the body has slowed
To a gentle pace
And now can only
Watch the race.
Things that were static
Now hit the floor
And you don’t see the wall
When you walk through the door.
The laces in shoes
Get further away
And you have to get close
To hear what folk say.
But you are my soul, forever young!
And ready to face the brand new day.
Trust
The voice said
“Take my hand
And I will lead you
Through the dark
And lonely path.”
“But I am weak”
Said I
“And many doubts assail me
The way is long
And darkness is around me.”
“I am the light
Beyond the tunnel”
The voice replied
“Come put your
Trust in me.”
So step, by step
He took me forward
Through the long
And lonely path
That only I could see.
“Who are you?”
I asked at journeys end
“My friend I cannot see”
“Why! I am love” was the reply
“And you can trust in me.”
Why
Why! Do they now
Make print so small?
So no matter how you try
You can’t see it at all.
And why! Are feet
So far away?
Tights and shoes
Really have me beat.
Why! Do people
Speak so low?
So I can’t hear
It really is so feeble.
Why! Do they walk
So very fast?
Passing by me on the street
And I’ve not even stopped to talk.
And why! Are days
So very cold?
The summer winds
Really are so very bold.
Inside! There’s still a girl
Who dances all the days away.
But time has played its hand
And now I only watch the play.
Winter Days
The nights grow dark
And the wind is cold.
Days are short
As the year grows old.
A time to warm
The hearth at night.
And gaze into
The flames so bright.
Time has slowed
To a gentler pace,
And favourite books
Take pride of place.
The trees have shed
Their raiment now,
And maybe soon
We’ll have some snow.
Our children’s cheeks
Are all aglow,
While on their fingers
They must blow.
As on toboggans
They have fun,
As up and down
The hills they run.
The lights in windows
Spill their light
And cast a beam
Into the night.
So winter has a special place
In the seasons plan, as it shows it’s face.
Yesterday
So into the mists of time
Yesterday has gone
Always leaving in our minds
So many things undone.
And as we travel
Down the road,
That twists and winds away
We can look back to yesterday.
We take our dreams into today
And some how hold them fast
They calm and comfort us
As they remind us of the past.
The memories of what we had
Are what we hold so dear
Phantoms of what has been
Waiting to reappear.
It really seemed we had the time
To let things slip away
But then it turned into today
And yesterday was gone.
Today is only what we have
So we must use it well
Finding strength to make our mark
And somehow make it jell.
For tomorrow comes so quickly
As it then becomes today
Then slips into the mist of time
And becomes yesterday.
Youth
As she walked
With the sun and wind
in her face
Her youth and beauty shone through.
Her head was high
And her legs were bare,
As the sun caught
the hints of red in her hair.
She swayed as she walked
In that age old way,
And her skirt swung in rhythm
As she chassed on display.
A thing of beauty
She was as she came
And we watched and
wished that we were the same.
But she made our day
with a nod and a smile
And a swing of her hips
As she went on her way.
The Child
The church was quiet and dim
Candles giving the only light
As they burned straight
And strong, in the still air
I thought on the child
That was born in a stable
Whose birth was foretold
In the scriptures before him
Mary, the one who was chosen
To bear God’s son
Would always remember
His will would be done
The angel, who in it’s glory
Came in the night, to inform them
Of what they must do
And where they should go
He came to teach us
A new way to live
Of loving each other
And a good way to give
This world is a hard place
So he gave us each other
To comfort and care
Remembering always, that he will be there
So think on the child
On your Christmas day
And give thanks for the blessing
God gave us that day
Short Story
Winter Wonderland
I awoke one morning to a winter wonderland!!
The bedroom was flooded with light, and I thought for a moment I had overslept. But when I looked at my clock it was just 7:30.
So I got out of bed to look through the window, and everything was white, it had been snowing.
No one had walked through the snow so it was completely unmarked! It was like a Christmas card, quiet and still, so I quickly threw some clothes on and combed my hair.
By the time I opened the front door, the young boy from next door was standing in the snow. His face was a picture!! He was wrapped up in coats and scarves and a bobble hat on his head. His cheeks were red and his eyes dancing, as he looked at me and said “isn’t this lovely.”
I agreed with him and we walked around the houses together. We both turned when we reached the corner to look back on the scene; ours were the only footmarks.
In the background were the hills covered in snow and above them the sky was a clear blue. Everything was so quiet, as though the Hurley burley of the world had stopped just for a little while.
As we walked on, we passed bushes where spiders had spun their webs and covered in frost they looked like silver ornaments. The trees were covered in frost and snow, and the air was clear and cold. It made me want to stand and take deep breaths of it.
At the top of the hill the boy left me, and I watched as he walked away leaving big footprints in the snow. I watched till all I could see was the blue of his jacket and his red bobble hat.
I turned back towards home and the warmth of my flat, and as I did the sun came out. It shone on the snow and frost and made it glitter. Then the church bells started to ring.
The sound floated clearly over the fields to where I was standing, and I prayed for peace for this wonderful world of ours.
ÓJoan May Wills
The Last Furlong
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The Last Furlong
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