General Chat

I'M GLAD YOUR IN MY DASH I read of a man who stood to speak At the funeral of a friend. He refered to the dates on her tombstone From the beginning to the end. He noted that first came her date of birth And spoke the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all, Was the "dash" between those years. 1934-1998 For that dash represents all the time That she spent alive on earth... And now only those who loved her Know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we own, The cars...the house...the cash, What matters is how we live and love And how we spend our dash. Are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left, That can still be rearranged. If we could just slow down enough To consider what's true and real, And always try to understand The way other people feel. And be less quick to anger, And show appreciation more And love the people in our lives Like we;ve neve loved before. If we treat each each other with respect And more often wear a smile.. Remembering that this special dash May last only a little while. So when your eulogy's being read With your lifes actions to rehash Would you be proud of the things they say About how you spent your DASH? Not my words but important to us all.

THE SPIRITS TRAVELS. We struggle through life, at moments reaching pinnacles of humbleness and purity of spirit only later to tumble down the mountain to the dark valley, our wills a blown reed in the winds of despair. Not wanting to look at the ugly spirit within the cage of flesh, we loose ourselves in material things and try to hide from God. Hide as we may wherever, God seeks even the most evil of us out for we are part of him, and He draws us again and again towards our higher Spiritual selves. For thousands of years we may travel through countless cycles of Spirit and flesh until we realise that only by giving love, compassion and help to others may we conquer the weakness of our wills and rise to meet our God. Ian Taylor 01.09.1996.

As I looked, I clicked and saw Something I’d not seen before A poem thread. My eyes aglow I thought that I would have a go. I struggled but my poem was pants Oh please you guys give me a chance It came out wrong as you can see But please don’t you give up on me I’m sure that if I try real hard I’m sure that I’ll become a bard A veritable literary coup. Able to entertain you I sound like Robbie, this is not good So wipe this off, I know I would!!!! I tried real hard, but please don’t scoff Cos this is Angie signing off Xx

Ok…you wanted some more…you’ll be sorry!!! BAH HUMBUG!! It started all as usual on early Christmas day. Too damn early if you ask me but kids all want to play. I’m sure that if you close your eyes then you will see the scene Presents piled up too damn high, it really was obscene. Then wrapping paper everywhere, it really was a mess Playstation 2 that cost too much but really was the best. The kids got games and lego, fun to stand on in bare feet And sweets and toys and chocolate, every single type of treat! I got hankies, oh what fun and some really naff smellies, Two writing sets and a silk scarf. This is what pressie hell is. And just to finish of the scene, I hoped it was a dream I sit and listen to a toy fire engine siren scream. I go to weight watchers you know, I’m trying to get thinner, But that goes out the window as I struggle making dinner. The turkey that I got for us was in the oven to cook My cookers naff and prob won’t work if I know my luck. There’s veggies veggies everywhere. I don’t know why I try You can’t get kids to eat em. It’s enough to make you cry!! The time has come to serve it up but the turkey isn’t done My microwave must save the meal. Oh god I’m having fun!!! Finally the meal is over, all stuffed up to the gills. I know that in the morning we’ll have alkaseltzer pills. And grandma’s been at the gin, it really makes her shrewish Grandad’s asleep in the chair. I wish that I was Jewish!! And finally they’re leaving, send them off with a big hug, And all there is left now is me screaming BAH HUMBUG!!!!!

T’was The Day After Christmas ============================ Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house, Every creature was hurtin' even the mouse. The toys were all broken, their batteries dead; Santa passed out, with some ice on his head. Wrapping and ribbons just covered the floor, While upstairs the family continued to snore. And I in my T-shirt, new Reeboks and jeans, I went into the kitchen and started to clean. When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the sink to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the curtains, and threw up the sash. When what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a little white truck, with an oversized mirror. The driver was smiling, so lively and grand; The patch on his jacket said "U.S. POSTMAN." With a handful of bills, he grinned like a fox. Then quickly he stuffed them into our mailbox. Bill after bill, after bill, they still came. Whistling and shouting he called them by name: "Now Dillard's, now Broadway's, now Penny's and Sears Here's Robinson's, Levitz's and Target's and Mervyn's. To the tip or your limit, every store, every mall, Now chargeaway-chargeaway-chargeaway all!" He whooped and he whistled as he finished his work. He filled up the box, and then turned with a jerk. He sprang to his truck and he drove down the road, Driving much faster with just half a load. Then I heard him exclaim with great holiday cheer, "ENJOY WHAT YOU BOUGHT....... YOU'LL BE PAYING ALL YEAR!" ~Author Unknown~

One day I awoke with a thought in my mind People from my past, thats what I must find. I logged straight onto the internet I was amazed at what I did get. Pages and pages of sites i could view took me ages and at the end I said Phew! I picked out a couple that interested me, I wasnt planned for what I did see. Names a plenty for me to choose If i was a light i would have blown a fuse. There is the 1901 census, the FREEBMD and lets not forget this good old site GC. I have been on here since June, results have made me feel over the moon. I have found cousins galore and what is more what became a surprise to my mother I have met a younger 1/2 brother. Fi

Hi, really enjoy reading all the contributions and thought I would add this one. Happy New Year to you all. Frances The Strangers In The Box Come, look with me inside this drawer, In this box I`ve often seen, At the pictures, black and white, Faces proud, still,serene. I wish I knew the people, These strangers in the box, Their names and all their memories Are lost among my socks. I wonder what their lives were like, How did they spend their days? What about their special times? I`ll never know their ways. If only someone had taken time To tell who, what,where or when, These faces of my heritage Would come to life again. Could this become the fate Of the pictures we take today? The faces and the memories Someday to be passed away? Make time to save your stories, Seize the opportunity when it knocks, Or someday you and yours could be The strangers in the box. Pam Harazim

This is from my 83 year old neighbour, I found it really amusing: Eye have a spelling chequer, It came with my pea sea. It plainly marks for my revue miss steaks eye kin not sea. Eye strike a key and type a word and weight for it to say weather eye am wrong oar write it shows me straight a weigh. As soon as a mist ache is maid it nose bee fore two long. And eye can put the error rite, its rare lee ever wrong. I have run this poem threw it, eye am sure your pleased two no. Its letter perfect awl the weigh, my chequer tolled me sew. Copyright 2004 Happy knew yer to everyone! LOL

THOUGHTS OF AN OLD MAN I like to sit here Quietly contemplating my navel And picking my nose. Thinking back to the time So long ago when I was a lad. All short pants and cauliflower ear. Playing in the rain, Making sure I ran through all the puddles ‘Cos I was the only kid with wellies. ( The other kids didn’t know they leaked ). Playing marbles and conkers And fighting on a pile of dog dirt. I remember that. ( Who wouldn’t ). It’s funny how when I look back It was always sunny And when it wasn’t sunny And it rained it seemed to rain sun. Then it was Spring, then Summer, Autumn, Winter and here I am. Older. Much, much older than then. © DJP 1999 Dave

When your down and don't feel like acting the clown just come to the Poets Pot It's got the lot to help you get rid of your frown Love Alaina x

For my Grandfather - the most interesting man I ever met. GALLIPOLI The battle raged upon the bloody field With men back at the front their wounds now healed. In sand-bagged trenches where their comrades fell And left this seething raging living hell. A tide of death swept over all the land And with each ebb and flow it took a man. What chance had we against death’s mighty roar. We were but men, now not men any more. Shells whistled loud and burst before the eyes And mingled with the screams and awful cries Of men with death imprinted on their brains. Oh God why do you test us with these pains. Rifles cracked both near and far away And sent their leaden death to search for prey. If only one would come and search for me, These were my thoughts upon Gallipoli. Then the darkness fell and left us cold, Chilled with a sense of fear that kept it’s hold On all of us who lived these days and nights With nothing but the enemy in our sights. Would I be next killed by a snipers gun, Or Charlie next to me, was he the one. What did it matter. We couldn’t be killed twice And in war life is cheap at any price. Not for us the comfort of our beds, Some pillows on which to rest our aching heads. We had to sleep in all the muck and mire, Constantly aware we were under fire. Then dawn would come around still yet again And cast it’s golden light on bombed terrain. But many future years would prove their worth By healing the scars of war upon the earth. But the scars that war does leave upon the mind Are strange and of a totally different kind. They can’t be seen and seldom can be healed. The scars of war gained on the battlefield. © DJP 1971

Danny boy, now give it a rest, You've had your fun, put us to the test, But some get upset when you change your name, and confusion reigns, it's not playing the game. You can still be our friend Dave in Germany it's not the end, But be yourself honest and true And we will all be friends with you. Ann Glos

Trigger my dog would never win a prize at crufts. he would fail all hands down on any obediance test. hes a bit of a rougue with a twinkle in his eye and very partial to nicking my pork pie. hes lived with me for almost ten years shared many a secret and licked away tears. I have wanted to strangle him when hes peed on the floor or scratched the paintwork off the door. the times hes dragged me threw a hedge in pursuit of a cat i threatened him with the knackers yard. saying "i have had enough of that" Hes a handsome laddie when hes had a bath though his efforts to escape one make me laugh. I love him dearly with all my heart and its killing me now we have to part. sadly I must send him away, for we cannot tend him in the right way. The guilt I feel is beyond compare and yes Trigger i know its not fair. please dont judge me my lovely boy . thanks for all the fun and joy. Be good when it comes to the test and new owners you have to impress. i pray that soon you will find a loving home warm and kind. so long pal , i have to say. you were my champion in every way. your broken hearted terri xx

Terri I am SO very sorry to read your peom about Trigger I'm now sitting here with tears streaming down my face. I feel for you so much Shelli

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - IN MEMORY OF MY GRANDFATHER WHO DIED IN WWI Shows how wrong you can be with Family Tales - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - According to years of family tales there's one that sent us off the rails Maternal Grandad Appleton his story was a real good one! He died in the War to end all Wars To us that's World War One he lasted out to the very last day Just before the end, he was done. He died, so they said, 'cos he wanted a fag His mates had a couple to spare but trying to light it cost him his life, As the Bosche got a bead on the flare. "Never light three cigarettes off one match!" Was the mantra that rings from the past The first two...OK but the third..no no no 'cos the first puff could just be your last. So the legend was born, last day of the war he was "third off the very last match" He'll be easy to find when we search for his death ...and that's when we spotted the catch He didn't appear on the casualty lists though we searched them until we felt ill As page after page of reports of the deaths Haunt us...they're with us all still It was several years later we learned of the truth He hadn't died then, not at all. as for "third off the match" well we'll never know Praps he wasn't heroic at all! He died two years before the end of the war from a bullet, or hand propelled bomb he'd not had a drag at a fag ... he was just One of thousands who died on the Somme! R I P (c) Text 2004 Brian Damerell

oh to be sixteen again when brown was the colour of my hair when life was exciting and everything a dare. when i learnt how to flirt in innocent fun and romance was an adventure just begun when my limbs were slender and curves so slight and i dreamed of princes every night. when i thought i held the world in my hand and everything would be as planned. i would be a writer or actress of fame trail blazing with my name. life has swiftly changed the scene ive been many things between the passing years have taught me much i cant complain not as such. but oh i would be so keen once again to be sixteen

"This we know. All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the children of the earth. We did not weave the web of life, we are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves." ~Ted Perry

I saw this whilst on day out so can't claim credit, but thought it was really very good, The Present: Imagine there is a bank that credits your account each morning with £86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening the bank deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw out every penny, of course!!!! Each of us has such a bank. Its name is TIME. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours. There is no going back. There is no drawing against the "tomorrow". You must live in the present on today's deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness, and success! The clock is running. Make the most of today. To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed a grade. To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby. To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper. To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet. To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the train. To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident. To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND, ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics. Treasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time. And remember that time waits for no one. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present!!

Angels everywhere. Have you ever seen an Angel? No! are you sure? Open your Eyes and look once more. Remember yesterday on the bus? The stranger who gave up his seat without fuss. How about that visit to the Doctors ? when you felt so scared. and the nurse calmed you and showed she cared. The person phoning to see if you were alright. the one that holds you in the night. A workman who whistles when you pass by bringing a sparkle to your eye. The pensioner cracking a saucy joke made you laugh . though youv'e never spoke. Angels surround you every day. showing themselves in a different way So take note for you never know who is walking with you as on your way you go.

Hi guys This isn't one of mine, I have a subscribtion with a poem web site so I get poems of the week sent, just thought I'd add this one coz it's quite nice. There is no greater paradise Than simply being here. The proof is in the agony That willingly we bear. A moment is beatitude; A year, eternal grace; A life, a window wide upon The transcendental face. Our gratitude’s ubiquitous, The stuff of every day, The ground bass of an ecstasy That never goes away. And yet . . . and yet this wonder lies Like grass beneath the snow: Above we fear the brutal wind, Eternal spring below.