A selection of Poetry from News and Views
THE JUMBLE SALE
HALLOWEEN
FALLEN LEAVES
LUCERNULA
CHRISTMAS '75.
EPIPHANY
HE COMES
A BITTER VERSE.
GENTLEMEN'S DAY.
BEFORE COMMUNION
AFTER COMMUNION
NOVEMBER AND THE HOLY SOULS
THE STATELY HOMES OF ENGLAND
SOUNDS OF SILENCE
I NEED PRIESTS
ARE YOU THERE LORD?
POEM ON IRELAND
WELSH HILLS
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
TAKE A BUCKET & FILL IT WITH WATER
WORDS OF WISDOM
A NEW LIFE IN CHRIST
WORDS OF LOVE
TRIBUTE TO THE PARISH PRIEST FROM
HIS PARISHIONERS:
THE BIRTH
FOOTPRINTS
BEFORE AN IMAGE
UPON THE IMAGE OF DEATH
POEM TO SUMMER PAST
FRIENDS UNKNOWN
YOUTH GROUP REPORT
A FALL AND A RISING
REFLECTIONS
AUTUMN LEAVES.
AS A TRIBUTE TO MOLLIE.
ON THE TABLE
WHEN YOU FRAY LOOK AT YOUR HANDS
NO ANGELS HERE
THE WORLD IS MINE
THE GIFT.
OLD AGE
WORDS OF WISDOM.
HER LAST ROSARY
THOUGHTS ON THE LORD'S PRAYER
MEMORIES
A PRAYER TO JESUS OUR SAVIOR
FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE.
UNITY IS STRENGTH
MAKING DECISIONS.
MERCI BEAUCOUP
THE PAROCHIAL CENTRE
WHAT IS CHARITY ?
THE ROSARY
TRAMP
COMING OF HOPE
PRAYER OF OUR LADY
WHOM THE GODS DESTROY
POET
HAIL GLORIOUS SAINT GERARD
A PARISHIONER
I LIVE ALONE
1970. The Jumble Sale.
Into the Turner Memorial Hall,
Into the Jumble Sale,
Roared the four hundred.
Bargains to the left of them,
Bargains to the right of them,
Auction to the front of them
And how they spend!
The Author unknown
1973. Halloween
All Halloween when witches fly
And broomsticks sail across the sky,
When banshees wail and goblins cry,
It is All Hallows Eve.
On Pendle's dark, forbidding hill,
Black cats and trolls will roam at will,
When all the countryside is still,
It is All Hallows Eve.
The graveyard sheds a grisly light,
The moon is creepy in its flight,
And evil tries to rule the night,
It is All Hallows Eve.
But good must conquer in the end,
So look to God to be your friend,
Let goodwill be the latest trend,
For every Halloween.
Bert Coles
Back to Menu
Home Page
October 1974
Fallen leaves, fallen leaves,
Lying on the ground,
In parks and roadways, garden paths
and over mossy mound
But now alas amongst the leaves
of russet, gold and tan
The rubbish of the modern world
or litter thrown by man.
Strewn among the Autumn carpet
which Nature is her plan has laid
Ugly plastic, dirty paper
scattered round by human aid.
Everything man has created
compared with Nature is but brief
How nice would be the Autumn landscape
With nothing but the fallen leaf.
Bert Coles.
The little lamp once hung quite near
The cot of baby Roy:
It's light did keep away the fear
Of darkness from the boy.
It smiled upon the infant's sleep
It smiled on him awake:
The Light of Light did gently creep
The care of him to take.
The Little Lamp now hangs quite near
God's altar, and with joy
It smiles again, without a fear,
On Roy, the altar boy.
The Little Lamp a dream once had,
Which might yet come to pass:
That Roy in priestly vestments clad
Approached to sing the Mass.
February 1975 "Lucernula" This poem was
written by Father Gregory Swan in payment for an electrical
adaptation to an old oil filled Sanctuary lamp.
Back to Menu
Home Page
CHRISTMAS '75.
Not so much the glistening snow
That sets the Christmas scene
But rain and fog and cold wet feet
Carol singers in the street
Cheerful people calling greetings
Old folk keeping warm and dry
Not so much the glistening snow
As wise men looking to the sky
Not so much the Christmas tree
That brings the thought to mind
But men in pubs who say 'good health'
Presents on the wardrobe shelf
Warm clothes for those who feel the cold
A smile, a good word to mankind
Not so much the Christmas tree
As Herald Angels call to mind
Not so much the greeting cards
That let the people know
But a Child that's here of humble birth
Angels singing peace on earth
Kings and shepherds sharing joy
Men who love their kith and kin
Not so much the greeting cards
As those who make room at the inn.
Bert Coles
January 1976 Epiphany (Anon).
Eagerly traveling, following a star,
Possessing great courage they wandered afar,
In search of the Christ Child.
Three wise men of old Presented their gifts - myrrh,
frankincense and gold.
Have we. Lord, the longing to go where You lead
And offer our lives, every thought, word and deed?
Not traveling alone but with You by our side,
Your love to sustain us. Your Spirit to guide.
Anon
January 1976 "He Comes -"
He comes my heart trembles and thrills
He comes as long ago as Judah's hills
He comes the gentle Jesus, the virgin's son
Calling the sad and lone
Healing their ills
Tinkle the happy bell, lights softly gleam,
I am not worthy Lord, angels I deem,
Earthwards gaze enviously
Wondering at what they see
Lo my God comes to me,
From heights supreme.
M.A. Nixon
February 1976
A committee that God had appointed-
With Council approval of course-
Was looking at t'problems envisaged
In designing and building a 'orse.
When all t'deliberations were finished
They invited God over for tea
And looking at what they'd invented
God prayerfully uttered; "I'll be ..."
But regarding their masterpiece kindly
God lovingly told them; "Of course
A superior creature like what you have made
Could ne'er be mistook for a 'orse
A camel, I'll call it" - the Lord said,
"And now I'll be pleased if you could
Put a classroom 'n'bar in a Social Centre
And thanks for the tea - it's BIN GOod".
B. Pastor.
September 1976
"Gentleman's Day" This is a pretty factual account of the Blessed Sacrament Guild's Bowling Day out in Burton in Kendal.
On Saturday the 14th of August
The 'lads' from St. Gerard’s set forth
For a day on the Green for their bowling
Fishwick's Coach was booked to go North.
Now to Burton we sped in great spirits
Our reception surpassed all our dreams
For the natives paraded in costumes,
With a band, (Not Coldstreams!)
We started with whetting our whistle
Whilst we surveyed these beautiful lands
Then, off to the green in a hurry'
With our bowls in their bags in our hands.
The bowls were running, some sweetly
And some with an 'horrible thud
To the cries of dismay from our partners
Tha clot tha's knocked out our best wood.
The time it passed by. Oh so quickly
And soon it was time for some grub
Fish and Chips or Ham salad, the choice was
With cakes and scones, made at the pub.
Then back to the green for the Finals
This really was battle most strong
There was Barry and Bill versus Peter and Bill
And our cheers were so loud and so long
They say fact is stronger than fiction
This final proved that to be right
Cause one side scored 10, whilst the other got one
And 11 up that gives you a fright.
But some of these lads don't know when they're
beat
And with three three's in a really great run
The issue was now on the very last throw
With the crowd on their toes for the fun.
And so, with a winner and loser declared
With our bowls in their bags in our hands
We mounted our coach and set off again
With joy in our hearts for these lands.
But yet, our day is not over
In Blackpool we had the last fling
For some it was chatting etc.
For others to hear someone sing.
Then homeward we all went together
A happy contented small band
The winners, the losers, the watchers
With our bowls, m their bags in our hand.
Evermore.
September 1976 "Before Communion" from an old leaflet supplied by Alice Nixon late of Ward Street.
Waiting, waiting for my Jesus
Longing for His swift approach
Knowing well how all unworthily
Yet not fearing a reproach
Come sweet Jesus come and heal me
Make me truly all Thine own
Keep my heart for ever near Thee
E'en though sin it oft hath known.
Welcome Jesus, Thou hast heard me
And art now within my breast
Oh that Thou wouldst never leave me
Make Thy heart my only rest
Oft I have wandered from Thy path
Dearest Lord twas all in vain
Naught but Thy pure heart can cheer me
Never let me stray again.
Lord we adore.
November 1976 "November and The Holy Souls. Fr Joseph Brown.
A dull lifeless sun,
Hangs
Like orange vapour,
In cloud and veiling mist
Trees seem lonely
And forsake,
Rigid, bare arms
Reaching in the half light,
As though raised in silent prayer.
This is the day,
Which brings to mind,
Those who have left us,
But are not yet with God.
In the twilight
Of Purgatory,
They await
The full light of the Sun,
The Grace of things we do,
By prayer and good works,
Gives gleams of hope
To the darkness
Of their waiting days,
Till they see God
Face to Face.
Its a holy and wholesome thought,
To pray for the dead,
That they may be loosed
From their sins.
Father Joseph Brown
July 1977 "The Stately Homes of England"
This poem was recited by Alice Nixon (RIP) to Edmund Southworth.
The stately homes
of England
That stood in the days gone by
Were those that were true to the ancient faith
When storms were raging high
Among those spots lies Brindle
Near Hoghton Tower it stands
But the faith of Lancashire Catholics
Is known in many lands
On the Feast 01 Corpus Christ!
When the sun shines clear and bright
Go visit dear old Brindle
And you'll see a touching sight
When at noon a grand procession
In which all with joy take part
Going forth in all its splendour
Headed by men of the Sacred Heart
E. C. Southworth,
October 1977 "Sounds of Silence" Contributed to News and Views in her report of a retreat to Ampleforth by Angela Heyworth.
Hello Matthew, my old friend
I've come to talk with you again
For a monk softly speaking
Gave his talk while I was sleeping
And the subject was not planted in my brain,
will not remain
With the group's awkward silence
In restless straights I walked alone
Narrow aisles of abbey stone
Neath the halo of candle light
I raised my eyes to a pious height
When they were stabbed by a flashing light
What a sight
I broke the rule of silence
And in the morning light I saw
Sixty monks maybe more
Into the Abbey choir they did creep
When from Timothy's stall came a sudden roar
A grunt and snore
He broke the rule of silence
Fools, he said "You do not know,
All my sorry tales of woe
On the Junior House retreat
There are people Edgar will have to beat
For the milk's disappeared and the dishwasher's broke
0 poor bloke
Matron will disturb the silence
And the students tried to cope
he angry Cyril they awoke
With wild abuse flying
Poor Tim was crying
For the words of the boys were
Scribbled on the walls and entrance halls
And to Hell with silence.
(Apologies to Simon and Garfunkel) The above verses from a longer poem
1978
Lord Jesus, there are certain men
Whom you have chosen
And who have chosen you –they are priests
I want to pray for them
You need their love and service
When you chose them you had me in mind
Thank you for this, Lord.
I need Priests to teach me
The good news of your salvation
Your salvation of me
And of the whole worlds
I need priest to remind me to be grateful
For your salvation
They teach me your message
Now trying to help me to know its meaning
In my life, in my family
At my work, in my leisure
I need priests when I have sinned
Priests listen to me, telling you my sins,
Telling you I am sorry for these sins
I want to tell you and because they are listening
I know you are listening.
Priest give me the certainty of your forgiveness,
Because I hear them speak,
I hear you speak’
I value that certainty of your forgiveness,
which I get In the Sacrament of Penance
I need priests to call me to worship,
Your father – my Father – in the sacrifice of the Mass
Your sacrifice which allows me to offer
But I cannot offer it alone
I need Priests for this
Just as you need a priest for this.
And I know that in the Eucharist,
And only in the Eucharist
Can I fully offer my life to you
And to our Father
No priest – No Mass
No Priest – no communion
And I need and value my mass, my communions
With you and with my friends.
I need priests to give me a lead
Not only by what you say
But also by what they do
And by what they are – in their lives.
The bear witness that is unique in the world
Their faith is a help to my faith,
Their concern is a help to my concern,
Their care is a help to caring,
Their love gives me an inkling of your love,
Their leadership helps me to follow – You.
So, Lord, help me to have an intelligent appreciation
a sincere respect, a genuine love for all priests.
And especially the priests whose job it is to give me your
help.
By giving their lives for me through you
They show me how to know you –
To know you, to love you, to serve you,
And this is what you want from me.
Thank you, Lord, for giving me priests.
Help me always to appreciate them
And to pray for them.
With acknowledgments to Father V Fairclough and to Father A W Shaw
September 1978
Lord it sometimes seems to me
that what I want will never be
If like you lord, I had the lot
I'd be content: but then I'm not
So lord, when you are giving out
the gifts that people shout about
Please spare a thought for those like me
Who really want to live like thee
When you give out the daily bread
Save me a slice of cake instead
with jam and icing, fruit and cream -
God, thank you for my greedy dream
Things aren't so bad as what they were
So, please lord, teach me how to care,
To say "I'm wrong" without a frown
and help me smile when I am down
And God, I'd know you really care
if you and I could say we share -everything.
E.N.Dever
February 1979 "Poem on Ireland"
Erin, the tear and smile in thine eyes
lend like the rainbow, that hangs in the sky,
Shining through sorrow's stream,
Saddening through pleasure's beam,
Thy suns, with doubtful gleam, weep while they rise.
Erin, they silent tear never shall cease, Erin, thy languid
smile ne'er shall increase, Till like the Rainbow's light,
thy various tints
Unite and form in Heaven's sight One arch of peace.
T.T. An old parishioner.
Back to Menu
Home Page
December 1979
"Welsh Hills" Is our Poetess still in
the Welsh Hills?
They sit there, encircling me
Whichever way I turn
I did not expect this when first I came to this alien,
Cwm filled land,
From my flat little industrial town.
They draw me somehow - so still, so chaste.
Men say there is no God, no hope for the world. . ..
How can this be ?
When we have been given hills like these.
They grown on me,
First alarming,
Now breathtaking and beautiful.
Strange,
How I, a child of fumes and factories
Could be content to be part of their bleak loneliness
forever,
And feel no separation from my home,
But an emotion which binds the two, so different, together
For no longer are they alien,
No longer are they bleak,
Strange ..............
Anonymous
(My thanks to the poet, a. young lady who recently left her horn in Merseyside to begin a three year University course in Wales
March 1980
"Food for Thought" Contributed by a reader
in Canada.
"I dreamed death came the other night, and Heaven's gate swung wide; with kindly grace an angel ushered me inside. And there to my astonishment stood folks I'd known on earth; Some I'd judged and labeled as unfit, or of little worth. Indignant words rose to my lips, but never were set free, for every face showed stunned surprise, NO ONE EXPECTED ME;
(With many thanks to a reader in Canada. Ed.)
February 1981
It wasn't much that I had done
But Tom said that was grand
We'd had a chat and when I left
I gripped him by the hand.
A small thing really, I had done,
But when you're ill and old,
A friendly call from one who cares,
Is worth far more than gold.
God bless all of you from your S.V.P. Conference Members.
September 1981
TAKE A BUCKET & FILL IT WITH WATER
Sometime when your feeling important;
Sometime when your ego's in bloom;
Sometime when you take it for granted your
the best qualified in the room. Sometime when you feel that
your going
would leave an un-fillable hole;
Just follow this simple instruction and see how it humbles
your soul.
Take a bucket and fill it with water;
Put your hand in it up to your wrist;
Take it out and the hole that's remaining
is a measure of how you'll be missed.
You can splash all you please as you enter,
You can stir up the water galore;
But stop and you'll find in a minute
that it looks quite the same as before.
There's a moral in this quaint example,
Just do the best that you can.
Be proud of yourself,
But remember -
There is no indispensable man.
Anon.
December 1981
'Whom the Gods destroy .....
In despite of the prophet's words
We beat our plough shares into swords.
Our pruning hooks to spears.
We forge horrendous tools for war,
Blindly the lessons we ignore,
Spelt out by blood-drenched years.
Bemused with make belief and lies,
We perpetrate in modern guise
Ancient barbarities.
Whole generations yet unborn,
Inheritors of woe, may mourn
Our inhumanities.
On homes and schools we must spend less;
On welfare health and happiness
We must economise.
Yet Trident and its grisly train
Dread instruments of grief and pain,
We think essential buys.
Blandly we call for strife to cease;
We bid small nations live in peace,
A happy brotherhood
Then we compete to sell them arms,
Vile trade inflicting deadly harms:
The price is paid in blood.
Hungry, the world's poor children cry;
In tragic millions, doomed to die;
We care not why or how;
While wealth beyond all bounds is spent
On vast, destructive armament -
Where is compassion now?
Stanley Finch
February 1982
"Words of Wisdom" S.V.P
Don't for get: -
A cheerful smile a friendly word a sympathetic nod,
Are priceless little treasures
From the storehouse of our God,
They are the priceless things in life
For which no one can pay
And the giver finds rich recompense
In giving them away.
April 1983
Poem inspired by worries about the opening of our Bowling
Green.
Rain poured all Saturday and Sunday morning.
Hail Glorious St. Gerard, dear Saint of our Club
If the rain had come what terrible troub:
But as the sun shone on this our great day,
We thank you St. Gerard and to you will we pray
Hail Glorious St. Gerard, Hail Glorious St. Gerard
Hail Glorious St. Gerard for this our Grand Day.
(With apologies to St. Patrick and everybody else).
January 1984
Have you ever stopped to wonder where your path will lead in life? Have you ever though^of settling down, with a job - a home - a wife? Well, you've lived your life for dancing, drinking whisky, having fun, But it was always clear to you, you were really on the run.
You've never spared the time before to really stop and
think,
Now your life has reached a crossroad, do you swim, or do
you sink?
Well, I was like the rest of you, in trouble most of my
life,
Even when I had a home with Mum, dad and brother Mike.
I've often sat in prison cells just wishing I was home,
Then suddenly I realised without God I was alone.
I didn't have a goal in life, I just lived from day to day,
But the pressure seemed to ease a lot, since I just knelt
down to pray.
One morning in the chapel, at last I got it right,
I knelt before the cross of Christ and asked him into my
life.
No poem could express in words what happened on that day,
A peaceful calm came over me and my troubles eased away.
So don't wait until you're feeling down or feel you need
a friend.
Just put your trust in Jesus, on him you can depend.
Now each day you walk beside me, Lord, and you make me feel
brand new,
For everything is beautiful in life when sharing it with you, Lord Jesus Christ.
A man in Preston Prison.
June 1984
'Love cannot remain by itself - it has no meaning.
Love has to be put into action and that action is service.
How do we put the love for God in action ?
By being faithful to our family,
to the duties that God has entrusted to us.
Whatever form we are,
able or disabled,
rich or poor
- it is not how much we do
but how much love we put in the doing
- a lifelong sharing of love with others'
June 1985 "Tribute to a Parish
Priest"
If he visits his flock, he's nosey. If he doesn't he's a
snob.
If he preaches longer than ten minutes, it's too long.
If he preaches less than ten minutes, he can't have prepared
his sermon.
If he runs a car, he's worldly, if he doesn't he is always
late for appointments.
If he tells a joke at Mass, he's flippant, if he doesn't
he's far too serious.
If he starts the service on time, his watch must be fast,
If he's a minute late, he's keeping the
congregation waiting.
If he takes a holiday, he's never in the parish,
if he
doesn't he's a stick in the mud.
If he runs a gala or bazaar, he's money mad,
if he doesn't
there's no social life in the parish.
If he has the church painted and redecorated, he's
extravagant,
if he doesn't the church Is shabby.
If he's young, he's inexperienced. If he's old, he ought to
retire.
When he dies, there's never been anyone like him.
January 1985
"The Birth"
Cold, dark, dreary was the winter’s night;
Travelling onwards, morn 'til night
A woman on a donkey her husband walking,
Making their way and quietly talking.
The woman is pregnant and very tired
But no room is available - no room to be hired.
They find a stable, dark and damp
There is no light - not even a lamp.
Her time had come, she gave birth to her child,
Jesus his name - born gentle and mild,
Now a star shines over that stable
To lead shepherds and wise men to the cradle.
The wise men came from countries afar –
Guided by that holy star.
To shepherds in the field that night,
Came Angel Gabriel, shining bright.
So that holy night which we remember
We now celebrate in the month of December
God sent His Son to be our light,
And show us the difference between wrong and right.
By Christine Baines - Age 13 pupil of All Hallows R. C. High School
February 1985
"Footprints"
One night, a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand
...
one belonging to him - the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand,
and he noticed that many times along the path of life
there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened
at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
"Lord, You said that once I decided to follow You,
You'd walk with me all the way.
But I've noticed that during the most difficult times in my
life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why in times when I needed You most,
You
would leave me." The Lord replied;
"My precious, precious child,
I love you and I would never, never leave you
during your trials and suffering-
When you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you.'"
Origin unknown.
October 1985
"Before an Image"
'Before a picture of Jesus in my cell" February
12th-13th, 1942
Dear Lord, when looking up to Thee,
I see Thy loving eyes on me;
Love overflows my humble heart,
Knowing what faithful Friend Thou art.
A cup of sorrow I foresee,
Which I accept for love of Thee.
Thy painful way I wish to go;
The only way to God I know.
My soul is full of peace and light:
Although in pain, this light shines bright.
For here Thou keepest to Thy breast
My longing heart, to find there rest.
Leave me here freely all alone,
In cell where never sunlight shone.
Should no one ever speak to me,
This golden silence makes me free!
For though alone, I have no fear;
Never wert Thou, 0 Lord, so near.
Sweet Jesus, please abide with me;
My deepest peace I find in Thee.
Poem composed by Titus Bransdman in the prison of
Scheveningen
November 1985
Venerable Robert Southwell, S.J., 1595
Before my face the picture hangs
That daily should me put in mind
Of those cold names and bitter pangs
That shortly I am Like to find:
But yet, alas! full little I
Do think hereon that I must die.
I often look upon a face,
Most ugly, grisly, bare and thin ;
I often view the hollow place
Where eyes and nose had sometime been:
I see the bones across that lie,
Yet little think that I must die.
My ancestors arc turned to clay,
And many of my mates are gone ;
My youngers daily drop away,
And can I think to escape alone?
No, no, I know that I must die,
And yet my life amend not I.
If none can escape Death's dreadful dart,
If rich and poor his beck obey;
If strong, if wise, if all do smart,
Then I to escape shall have no way.
Oh 1 grant me grace, 0 God, that
My life may mend, sith I must die.
October 1986
"Poem to Summer Past'
The time has come for Bowlers all
To put away their woods.
And think of things they failed to do
Yet should or would or could.
Three teams we’ve had in different leagues
Two men and one of ladies.
Success was very hard to find
Ill luck like unto Hades.
Yet pleasure grand was there to see
The grass was green and running.
Good friendships new and old were made
Sincere for all the funning.
When August came our Race was run
for Winners many prizes.
Both men and women played so well
In all our shapes and sizes.
But all is not completed yet.
Our Dance has still to come.
October seventeen the day
Please come and join the fun,
But all of this would not have been,
without the Backroom Workers.
Our heartfelt thanks we give to them
May you have more supporters,
Littlechap.
May 1987
"Friends Unknown"
If nobody smiled and nobody cheered
and nobody helped us along.
If every man looked after himself
and all good things went to the strong.
If nobody cared just a little for you
and nobody thought about me,
And we all stood alone in the battle of life
What a dreary old world this would be.
But just because of the friends we've
and the joys that in common we share.
We want .to fight on, not because
of ourselves but because of the people who care,
And on giving aryl doing for somebody else
life’s sweetness and splendour depends
All the joy of the world, when you've summed
it up is found in Gods gift of friends.
July 1987
"Youth Group Report'
A poem was, decided I,
A novel way to catch the eye,
What better way could I disperse
The Youth Group Sews than rhyming verse.
Not long ago, but some tine past,
A priest came here to give us Mass,
He answered questions later on
- a good time had by everyone,
Exams are over; so is June
we hope to hold a meeting soon,
(We still do gardens by the way
and hope to help on Field Bay).
A final note, before I'm gone,
to people who would like to join,
Some more new members must be
so move yourselves and "Come on down"
P.S. The time and date when next we meet will surface on the weekly sheet,
Carole Bruce (Secretary - now forcibly retired poet).
July 1987
A FALL AND A RISING
Venerable Richard Sympson, Pr., 1588F
From the Protestant ministry he became a priest. After being- several times imprisoned, he was finally condemned at York, 1588. Having- a reprieve, he appears to have given some semblance of conformity, but was reclaimed by his fellow-prisoners, VV. Garlick and Ludlam, and on July 24 martyred with them, as an eyewitness and poet thus describes.
When Garlick did the ladder kiss,
And Sympson after hie,
Methought that there St. Andrew was
Desirous for to die.
When Ludlam looked smilingly
And joyful did remain,
It seemed St. Stephen was standing by
For to be stoned again.
And what if Sympson seemed to yield
For doubt and dread to die,
He rose again and won the field,
And died more constantly.
His watching, fast, and shirt of hair,
His speech and death and all,
Do record give, do witness bear,
He wailed his former fall.
" To him that shall overcome I will give to sit with Me on My throne."—Apoc. iii. 21. 2J7
September 1987 - Unknown.
Listen to a child and he will teach you
something of love, faith and wonder
Listen, and you will learn from the child
what this old proverb suggests
If there is right in the soul there will be
beauty in the person
If there is beauty in the person, there will
be harmony in the home
If there is harmony in the home there will be
order in the nation
If there is order in the nation there
will be peace in the world.
November 1987 - no Name.
On the first day of October "by the rising of the
sun,
St Gerard’s Celebrations were very well begun,
We thought for starters a Re-Union we would try
But where was the support. It really made us cry.
Better things we had in store. A Harvest Festival was
planned,
The Produce brought was varied. The service really
grand,
This day was bright and beautiful. So to our Parish Hall,
We invited Senior Citizens. Both long and short and all.
For songs and jokes some merry folk did come from
Garstang Town,
They made us laugh and were so bright in
every sort of gown,
To follow this a Jumble Sale of really great proportions.
But all was sold and thanks to all for wonderful
contributions.
Now Summer time is left behind. That wet and weary
season.
Yet for all our moans. The Bowlers played on every good
occasion,
To commemorate those pleasant times we held a
Celebration,
A dance was held with Hot Pot too for our delectation.
The Parochial Hall with Trophies spread was like Aladdin’s
Cave,
Father Rupert dispensed to all a prize whose name we
did engrave,
As October ends and dark days come. Let us think of times
just starting,
For friendly folk are round us all with happy joy
imparting.
October 1988
Take my hand 0 Blessed Mother
Hold me closely lest I fall
I am nervous when I'm walking
And on thee I humbly call
Guide me over every crossing
Watch me when I'm on the stairs
Let me know you are beside me
Listen to my fervent prayers
Lead me to my destination
Safely every single day
Help me with each undertaking
as the hours pass away
And when evening falls upon us
and I fear to be alone
Take my hand 0 Blessed Mother
once again and lead me home.
November 1988
On the table side by side,
The Holy Bible and the TV guide,
One is well-worn but cherished with pride,
(Not the Bible - but the TV guide).
One is used daily to help folk decide,
No; it isn't the Bible, it’s the TV guide.
As pages are turned, what shall we see,
Oh, what does it matter, turn on the TV,
So they open the book in which they confide,
(No, Not the Bible, its the TV guide).
The word of God is seldom read,
Maybe a verse as they fall into bed,
Exhausted and sleepy and tired as can be,
Not from reading the Bible, from watching TV,
So then back on the table, side by side,
Is the Holy Bible and the TV guide.
No time for prayer, no time for the word,
The plan of salvation is seldom heard,
Forgiveness for sin so full and free,
Is found in the Bible, not the TV!
January 1989 "Hands"
WHEN YOU FRAY LOOK AT YOUR HANDS
1. The Thumb - Pray for those nearest you
2. First Finger, Strong Authorative
Pray for those leaders, Priests and those
in
Authority
3. Second Finger. The Longest.
Pray for those faraway. Loved
ones.
Missionaries etc.
4. Third Finger. Not a strong one.
Pray for those in Hospital, the
housebound
and the lonely.
5. The Little Finder. The least.
That is yourself,
Stanley Morris
April 1989
If you"; seek perfection you'd better not come here.
For we are only children "no angels will appear.
Mary has a stutter, Johnny wets his bed.
Allison’s been battered, and Tim's underfed.
Lucy wears an hearing aid, Benjamin is lame.
Roger steals from everyone, and Mandy's very plain.
Rona's got an allergy, Tom's a birthmark on his face.
Peter wears thick glasses, and Sally's of mixed race.
Joey isn’t very bright, Jane screams in her sleep.
David is aggressive, and Tanya cannot speak.
All of us have problems our greatest one’s the same.
Having nobody to love us, being turned away again.
You have to take us, as we are, problems, faults the lot
Please don't come looking for an angel,
you're the only hope we've got.
(A girl in children’s home wrote this poem.)
June 1989
THE WORLD IS MINE
Today upon a bus I saw, a lovely girl with golden hair
I envied her ... She seemed so gay ... and wished I were as
fair.
When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down
the isle
She had one foot and wore a crutch, but as she passed a
smile,
0 God, forgive me when I whine
I have two feet ... the World is mine.'
And then I stopped to buy some sweets,
The lad who served them had such charm
I talked to him, He said to me "Its' nice to talk to
folks like you,
You see," he said, "I'm
blind."
Oh God, forgive me when I whine
I have two eyes ... the world is mine.
Than walking down the street,
I saw a child with eyes of blue.
He stood and watch the others play,
It seem he knew not what to do,
I stopped for a moment, then I said, why don't you join the
others dear?
He looked ahead without a word, then I knew he
could not hear*
Oh God, forgive me when I whine,
I have two ears, the world is mine.
With feet to take me where I'd go,
With eyes to see the sunsets glow,
With ears to hear what I would know,
Oh God, forgive me when I whine,
I'm blessed indeed The world is mine
(Anon)
July 1989
I said, "I have no gift, no skill to teach
No speaking in strange tongues, courage to preach
I was not made to lead
Or guide another soul in deepest need
Even in my prayers however much I feel
I do not touch my friends to heal, I have no singer's art
Then deep within my heart I heard His whisper from above,
"My child, I gave you love".
Oh then the tears ran down my face
To know myself ungrateful for His grace
And all my being was filled with praise,
To know that all my days He gave me Love.
M. Steel
October 1989
Day come, nights go,
Can't walk fast
Only slow,
My Hair white and failing out,
Eyes dim, I can't shout
Wrinkled skin over a bony frame
Digestion bad,
I've lots of pain.
I'm in the winter of my life,
No more toil no more strife.
But what have I to offer you
Memories old and some new
Of bygone days and words so wise
I sit and think as daytime flies.
My childhood’s clear
My wedding too, pink carnations, a silver shoe.
Harry’s gone I'll join him soon
In paradise we'll dance and spoon.
Worthy advice I give you now,
Moderation in all things.
Don't worry what tomorrow brings
Love your neighbour as yourself ,
And try to keep the best of health.
Keren Walker
November 1989
I sat in the school of sorrow The Master was teaching there But my eyes were dim with weeping And my heart was oppressed with care Instead of looking upward And seeing his face divine So full of tender compassion For weary hearts like mine I thought only of my burden The Cross that before me lay The clouds that hung thick above me Darkening the light of day. So I couldn't learn my lesson And say, "Thy will be done." So the Master came not near me.
And the laden hours went on.
At last in despair I lifted
My streaming eyes above
And I saw the Master watching
With a look of pitying love
To the Cross-before me he pointed
And I thought I heard Him say,
"My child, thou must take my burden and
learn my task today,
Not now may I tell the reason, it is
enough for thee to know
That I, the Master am watching and appoint thee all thy
woe.'
Then, kneeling, the Cross I lifted
For one glimpse of that face divine
Had given me the strength to bear it
And say, "Your will is mine"
And so I learned my lesson
And through the weary years
His helping hand sustains me
And wipes away my tears
And ever the glorious sunlight
From the heavenly home streams down
Where the school tasks all are ended
And Cross is exchanged for a crown.
Unknown.
August 1990
HER LAST ROSARY
We knelt by our dying mother's bed
In the hush of a starlit night,
Her own priest son the prayers had said,
That speeds the soul for its flight.
But still it lingered, as waiting on
for something yet to be done
Ah! We knew what it was when our father's voice
had the Rosary begun.
For forty years, in the house she had blest
since she came to it first as a bride.
They had knelt for the family Rosary -
the two of them side by side.
And when the little children came
In that room, at my mothers knee,
The very first lessons we ever learned
were the prayers of the Rosary.
And now she had gathered us all once more
for the prayer that she loved the best -
And the dear brown beads we had known so long
were clasped to her dying breast.
And there, as we knelt by her dying bed
in the hush of the starlit night.
While our father's voice led the Rosary,
Our mother's soul took flight.
But we know we will gather once again,
in the home where no partings be
And kneeling at Mother Mary's feet
We'll finish our Rosary,
Unknown
February 1990.
You cannot say the Lord's Prayer and even once say ‘I'
You cannot pray the Lord's Prayer and even once say 'My’
Nor can you pray the Lord's Prayer and not pray for another
,
For when you ask for Daily Bread you must include your
brother
For others are included in each and every plea
From the beginning to the end of it doesn't once say 'ME'.
February 1991
We met, we married, a long time ago
We worked for long hours, when wages were low,
No TV, no radio, no bath, times were hard.
Just a cold water tap, and a "walk down the yard".
No holidays abroad, few carpets on the floors,
We burned coal on the fire, and didn't lock doors
Our children arrived, no pill in those days,
And we brought them all up without any State aid,
They were safe in our lanes, and could play in the park,
And old folk could go for a walk after dark.
No Valium, no drugs, and no L.S.D.
We cured most of our ills with a good cup of tea.
No vandals, no muggings - there was little to rob,
Me. felt we were rich with a couple of 'bob'.
Milkman and farmer, would whistle and sing,
A night at the pictures was one big mad fling.
Now we're alone, and look back through the years,
We don't think of bad time"-, the troubles, the tears,
But remember the blessing? - Our home and our love,
And that we have shared them, we thank God above.
A. Pensioner
January 1991
Lord, hold my hand,
I so need your loving kindness,
Lord, hold my hand,
All through life, in joy or grief.
Lord, hold my hand,
When I’m sick with fear and anxious.
Lord, hold my hand,
In the wonder of relief.
Lord, hold my hand,
When it’s dark and storms are raging.
Lord, hold my hand,
And help me live it through.
Lord, hold my hand,
When I’m lifted, joyful, loving.
Lord, hold my hand,
When I’m trying something new.
Lord, hold my hand,
When I fail or faint or waver.
Lord, hold my hand,
For I know your love is true.
Lord, hold my hand,
For I know your love is true.
Lord, hold my hand,
When I’m lonely, weary, ageing.
Lord, hold my hand,
When there’s only me – and You.
Amen
Unknown.
May 1991
Outside my window raindrop fall,
Like teardrops running down my face
This love for you will
always last
beyond all time and space
I can't reach out and touch you
So I pray that God above
will wrap His arms around you
And embrace you with His love.
I ask that He protect you
Be there should you fall.
I place you in His loving hands,
so He will hear if you should call.
Now I can rest in certainty
That things will turn out right
For He has promised everything
To those who walk in light.
Back to Menu
Home Page
August 1992
When you have suffered or offered
it up for your sins
And suffered again and feel you can't win
God comes to your aid - as he did at the start
His Will to instill deep down in your heart
So you can suffer some more with joy from above
For those who have no way of knowing God cares
Or just how much they really are loved.
So love one another, kneel and pray together
Then we'll all be up there in Paradise.
A Parishioner.
September 1992
UNITY IS STRENGTH
One little prayer ascending
From a man bowed low in prayer
Can pierce the highest heavens
And bring down blessings rare.
Where two or three are gathered
(We have it on God's word)
There God is in the midst of them
Their prayer is surely heard.
Then let us pray together
The greatest prayer, God's own
Father, who art in heaven,
We cry in suppliant tone.
Forgive us all our trespasses,
Thy holy will be done,
Thy name we'll spread in every clime
Till all the fold is one
Give us this day our daily bread,
Temptations keep at bay
And strength will come with unity,
When all together pray.
Reverend Thomas Foy.
October 1992.
Making Decisions.
Lord, it is so hard to know which way to choose, which way
to go.
But you know how my life can best be spent; lead on
then, Lord, and I will live in you,
and only walk where you would have me go.
November 1992
MERCI BEAUCOUP
The time has come this old man thinks,
To say a special word.
Which means so much to many folks, yet never often heard.
I want to say to everyone for all their gifts and wishes.
Yet most of all for friendships sake to me and my dear Mrs.
Their hands stretched out, their smiling faces.
Their words I'll always treasure.
My only hope is this word 'THANKS' will really fill the
measure.
December 1992.
I live alone Dear Lord
During the long dark nights and winter days, life can be
very depressing for the lonely, sick and housebound so the
Following prayer is specially for them, sent in by Agnes
Little.
I live alone Dear Lord
Stay by my side in all my need
Be Thou my guide grant me good health.
For that indeed I pray
To carry on my work from day to day.
Keep pure my mind, my thoughts, my every deed.
Let me be kind, unselfish in .my neighbours
need, Spare me from fire, from flood, malicious tongues,
From thieves, from fear of evil ones.
If sickness or an accident prevails,
Then humbly Lord I pray
Hear Thou my call.
And when I'm feeling low
Or in despair
Lift up my heart and help me in my prayer.
I live alone Dear Lord,
Yet have no fear because
I feel your presence ever near. Amen.
January 1993
"The Parochial Centre"
When you’re feeling sad and low,
No one to talk to, no-where to go,
The Parochial Centre is the place,
Where you will meet a Friendly face.
Come along and you will find,
Lots of interests of every kind,
Wish to slim and feel just great;
Make Weight Watchers your Monday date.
Or if you want to learn to dance,
Tuesday and Sunday will give you the chance.
The Quick Step, Waltz, or Square Tango,
You'll surely want to have a go.
A little flutter is quite alright,
At Parish Bingo on Wednesday night.
Or on Saturday take your chance,
With Bingo followed by Song and Dance.
Maybe you long for a quiet spell,
We have a lounge for that as well.
Bar Staff with a friendly smile,
And a pleasant drink to relax awhile.
Or sit in the Snug if you'd like to see,
Your favourite programme on TV
Maybe just a game of cards,
Darts or Snooker it’s not hard.
So banish those blues and come on down,
To the friendliest place in town.
To start the New Year here's a tip,
Why not apply for membership?
Bill Houlding.
May 1993,
WHAT IS CHARITY ?
It's SILENCE when your words would hurt,
It’s PATIENCE when someone is curt.
It's DEAFNESS when the scandal Flows,
It's THOUGHTFULNESS for another’s woes,
It's PROMPTNESS when stern duty calls,
It’s COURAGE when misfortune falls,
It's REACHING-OUT to others in need,
that is CHARITY indeed.
Unknown
October 1993
THE ROSARY
Clasp it tightly in your hand, it will lead you to the
land - of promise
Jesus said "Believe in Me, there's many ways to set you
free,
to the land - of promise"
"Listen to My Mother's prayer, she is wondrous, she is
fair,
she can easily take you there - to the land of
promise".
Little beads spaced - oh! so right, they have power, they
have might,
pray them in the dark of night, so that we may
find the land - of promise.
Mary's arms are spread out wide, inviting us to step inside,
into the land - of promise.
M.K.
I am free, I am free,
No one else is free like me,
Free to wander, free to roam,
City, country both my home,
Sky my roof, earth my floor,
Country gate, that's my door,
Flowers blooming, trees so tall,
Birds my friends, hear them call,
The moon my lantern, the stars my guide,
Grass my bed as into sleep I slide,
The sun to wake me, bright and new,
Wash in a stream fresh with dew,
Then on the road, new pastures seek,
New places to know, new friends to meet,
The Spring with lambs and budding trees,
The Summer sun, and sighing breeze,
The Autumn leaves of red and brown
The Winter snow upon the ground,
For in this world of want and greed,
I have everything I need,
I'm not troubled, by worry and strife,
For I'm in love, in love with life.
Unknown
In a dream I saw .a hill. All was silent and quite still,
And on the hill, I saw a cross, and round the hill the storm
clouds tossed,
The cross was white it stood so clear, I reached to touch it
seemed so near,
But I could not reach it standing there,
I could only look and stand and stare.
Then all at once a crowd appeared, they all were silent as
they neared,
The great white cross on that bleak hill, but not a sound it
was so still,
And as I looked upon the crowd, I gave a gasp as I looked
around,
For every colour, creed and race, had come to gather in this
place.
Then all at once the wind did blow those dark
and stormy clouds did go,
And the glorious sun, filled the sky,
and the gathered crowd began to cry,
They wept together arm on arm,
Then their joyous shouts disturbed the calm,
On their knees they fell to pray,
And thanked the Lord for this glorious day.
I woke from my dream happy and gay,
And went to meet the coming day,
For a piece of the future I'm sure I saw
Maybe the beginning, the opening of a door.
One day soon, the world will unite
And 0 what a lovely, glorious sight,
For all brothers together under the sun;.
With the cross in the middle, and the Lord looking on.
Prayer of Our Lady
Take my hand, O blessed Mother,
hold me firmly lest I fall,
I am nervous when I am walking
and on you I humbly call.
Guide me over every crossing,
Watch me when I am on the stairs,
Let me know that you’re beside me,
Listen to my fervent prayer>
Bring me to my destination safely
every single day.
Help me with every undertaking
as the hours pass away.
And when evening falls upon us
and I fear to be alone.
Take my hand, O Blessed Mother
and protect me and my home.
Amen