IT’S LENT ONCE AGAIN
It’s Lent once again
That time of year
To de-clutter, A time
To tidy and clear
But it’s not the time
To tidy the garden shed
The garage or the loft
Or even under the bed
Lent is the time when
Spring cleaning begins
When we cleanse our souls
And wash away our sins
HOLY WEEK
Holy Week
Is the last week of Lent
Which precedes Easter
Starting on Lazarus Saturday
It includes Palm Sunday
Maundy Thursday
And Good Friday
And ends on Holy Saturday
LAZARUS SATURDAY
Lazarus Saturday
Is the day preceding
Palm Sunday
Which celebrates the raising
Of Lazarus of Bethany
A day of joy and triumph
Which begins Holy Week
PASCHAL MYSTERY
The Paschal Mystery
Is a concept
Central to Christian belief
When God the Father
Sent his only Son to Earth
To accomplish man’s salvation
Via the passion, death,
And Resurrection
Of Jesus Christ
PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD
With the Roman Rite
Of Palm Sunday
Or Passion Sunday
Holy Week begins
Marking the humble entrance
Of the Messiah
Into Jerusalem on a donkey,
So he could accomplish
His paschal mystery,
But Palm Sunday
Also marks with the
Blessing of palm leaves
The beginning
Of his journey to the cross
EASTERTIDE
Eastertide or Paschaltide
Is a festal season
That begins on Easter Sunday
And lasts for fifty days
Ending on Pentecost Sunday
Celebrated throughout
The Christian world
As a single joyful feast
ONE OF THE TWELVE - JUDAS ISCARIOT
One of the twelve
Judas Iscariot
The betrayer
The taker of coins
The lost soul
Satan’s pawn
Hanged himself
Replaced as an apostle
By Matthias
HOLY MONDAY
Holy Monday is
The Third day of holy week
Is notable for several reason
We are told in The Gospels
That amongst other things
The cursing of the fig tree
The questioning of Jesus' authority
And the Cleansing of the Temple
All took place on Holy Monday
HOLY WEDNESDAY
In Western Christianity,
Holy Wednesday
Is the Wednesday before Easter
The fifth day of holy week
Often called "Spy Wednesday",
To mark the betrayal of Jesus
By his apostle Judas Iscariot
And on Holy Wednesday
He first conspired with the Sanhedrin
To betray the Lord
For thirty pieces of silver
MAUNDY THURSDAY
Maundy Thursday
The sixth day of Holy week
Which remembers the Maundy
The day when Jesus
Washed the feet of his disciples
As well as the last supper
On the feast of Passover
And marks the start
Of the Easter Triduum,
That commemorates
The passion, death,
And resurrection of Christ
FOR A FEW SILVER COINS
One of the twelve
Chosen Apostles
Possessed of Evil?
Or pawn of Christ
Judas Iscariot met
High Priest Caiaphas
And left the temple
With the Sanhedrin bribe
“Thirty pieces of silver”
Bought an apostle
And Christ’s fate was sealed
For after the last supper
In the gardens of Gethsemane
Judas Iscariot delivered
His kiss of betrayal
Condemning them both
By that single act
To an untimely death
Judas by his own hand
And Christ on the cross
GOOD FRIDAY
Good Friday
Marks the day
The Temple Guards
Aided by the Judas kiss
Arrested Jesus
At Gethsemane
Also his interrogation
By High Priest Caiaphas
And the Sanhedrin
Who condemned him to death
Before conveying him before
The Roman governor
Pontius Pilate
Who with reluctance
Ordered his crucifixion
At the place of the Skull
HOLY SATURDAY
Holy Saturday
Is not a Mass
But a time of
Prayer and fasting
And meditating on Christ’s
Passion and Death
His Descent into Hell
And his Resurrection
EASTER VIGIL
The Easter Vigil,
Is the longest and most solemn
It begins after sundown
With The Service of Light
When a new fire is kindled
Symbolising the Light of salvation
Which is used to light
The Paschal candle
Symbolising the Light of Christ
Reminding all that
Christ is Light and life
EASTER SUNDAY
Easter Sunday
Is the most important date
In the Christian calendar
And Celebrates
The Resurrection
Of Jesus Christ
And beginning
The Great Fifty Days
Of Eastertide
ASCENSION DAY
Ascension Day
Is the fortieth day
Of Eastertide
And celebrates
With great solemnity
The Ascension of the Lord
PENTECOST SUNDAY
Pentecost Sunday is
The Feast of Weeks
White Sunday
Is the fiftieth day
And Marks the end
Of Eastertide
Celebrating the descent
Of the Holy Spirit
Upon the Apostles
And all followers
Of Jesus Christ
Sunday, 13 April 2014
Tuesday, 18 March 2014
Tales of Love # 13
DISTANT SUMMER
I look back fondly
Across the years
On that brief affair
So glorious, yet
All too brief
Like a perfect summer
That left its mark
Forever on my heart
RESOLUTE AND STRONG
My love for her
Is resolutely strong
She lifts my heart
Like the sweet song
Of woodland birds
In chorused throng
EVERY CORNER OF THE WORLD (7)
I will sail Around the Cape of Good Hope
where the two great oceans meet
I will follow you to the ends of the earth
Because you’re the only one for me
SHE WAS SO ELEGANT
She was so elegant
And light of step
As if on Angels wings
She was swept
From heavens high
Into my arms
To bless my life
With her charms
MY WIFE IS VERY HOUSE PROUD
My wife is very house proud
A domestic goddess n'est-ce elle pas
She make a Dyson look obsolete
And her food wins a Michelin star
She washes and iron like a Trojan
And keeps the garden tidy and neat
But all this counts for nothing
As I love her because she so sweet
HER BEAUTY WAS LIKE THE SPRING
Her beauty was like the Spring
A smile as warm as Summer sun
Tempestuous like an Autumn gale
And as refreshing as a Winters day
THEIR BODIES LAY ENTWINED
Their bodies lay entwined
As they had so many times before
It was in this final lingering embrace
That she slowly slipped away
LIVE A VERY GOOD LIFE
Live a very good life
Live it honourably and true
And live it to the full
Then I will promise you
That when you look back
As your days begin to wane
And you look back, you’ll
Get to enjoy it all over again
SHE HAS GONE NOW
She has gone now
And has left a hole
Where my heart
Once resided
But her spirit
Is always with me
And hangs in the air
Like a breath of spring
SHE WAS MY COMPASS
She was my compass
And my anchor
She steered me
And held me
She gave me direction
And stability
Without her I am
Lost at sea
And rudderless
I WILL LIFT YOU UP
I will lift you up
On the days
When you are blue
I will reach up
And touch a rainbow
And capture it for you
I WOULD LIKE TO FIND A MOUNTAIN
I would like to find a mountain
Where I can be alone
A place of peace and serenity
A truly tranquil zone
And I will sit and wonder why
You left me on my own
HOW I WAS FOOLED BY YOUR DISGUISE
How I was fooled by your disguise
When at the very start
You had summer in your eyes
But you had winter in your heart
EVERY CORNER OF THE WORLD (8)
From Tierra del Fuegos archipelago
To the land of the rising sun
I will follow you to the ends of the earth
Because for me you’re the only one
GATHER IN THE WOODLAND LILIES
Gather in the woodland lilies
Kissed with natures gentle dew
Lay them on the polished oak
And bid your love a fond adieu
SOFT KISSES, PLANTED
Soft kisses, planted
Like whispers
On expectant lips
Then a smile of coyness
And a blush
The hue of Rose Hips
SHE READ A POEM
She read a poem
Out loud to me
On a quiet afternoon
That touched me,
Awakened me,
Stirred my soul
And my dulled senses
As she read
It flowed over me
Like scented honey
Each word a caress
Each syllable a kiss
A soothing balm
Of evocative beauty
Whose feeling,
In metrical form
Left me unshackled
Releasing me, from
My contented taupe
Free to soar
On poetic wings
THE WORDS FLOWED
The words flowed
like spring melt
Rushing to fill
Every stream of reason
Every rivulet of love
With bitter bile
MY SWEET WORDS OF LOVE
My sweet words of love
Were wasted on her it appears
Because all I got in return
Was the bitter sting of tears
I look back fondly
Across the years
On that brief affair
So glorious, yet
All too brief
Like a perfect summer
That left its mark
Forever on my heart
RESOLUTE AND STRONG
My love for her
Is resolutely strong
She lifts my heart
Like the sweet song
Of woodland birds
In chorused throng
EVERY CORNER OF THE WORLD (7)
I will sail Around the Cape of Good Hope
where the two great oceans meet
I will follow you to the ends of the earth
Because you’re the only one for me
SHE WAS SO ELEGANT
She was so elegant
And light of step
As if on Angels wings
She was swept
From heavens high
Into my arms
To bless my life
With her charms
MY WIFE IS VERY HOUSE PROUD
My wife is very house proud
A domestic goddess n'est-ce elle pas
She make a Dyson look obsolete
And her food wins a Michelin star
She washes and iron like a Trojan
And keeps the garden tidy and neat
But all this counts for nothing
As I love her because she so sweet
HER BEAUTY WAS LIKE THE SPRING
Her beauty was like the Spring
A smile as warm as Summer sun
Tempestuous like an Autumn gale
And as refreshing as a Winters day
THEIR BODIES LAY ENTWINED
Their bodies lay entwined
As they had so many times before
It was in this final lingering embrace
That she slowly slipped away
LIVE A VERY GOOD LIFE
Live a very good life
Live it honourably and true
And live it to the full
Then I will promise you
That when you look back
As your days begin to wane
And you look back, you’ll
Get to enjoy it all over again
SHE HAS GONE NOW
She has gone now
And has left a hole
Where my heart
Once resided
But her spirit
Is always with me
And hangs in the air
Like a breath of spring
SHE WAS MY COMPASS
She was my compass
And my anchor
She steered me
And held me
She gave me direction
And stability
Without her I am
Lost at sea
And rudderless
I WILL LIFT YOU UP
I will lift you up
On the days
When you are blue
I will reach up
And touch a rainbow
And capture it for you
I WOULD LIKE TO FIND A MOUNTAIN
I would like to find a mountain
Where I can be alone
A place of peace and serenity
A truly tranquil zone
And I will sit and wonder why
You left me on my own
HOW I WAS FOOLED BY YOUR DISGUISE
How I was fooled by your disguise
When at the very start
You had summer in your eyes
But you had winter in your heart
EVERY CORNER OF THE WORLD (8)
From Tierra del Fuegos archipelago
To the land of the rising sun
I will follow you to the ends of the earth
Because for me you’re the only one
GATHER IN THE WOODLAND LILIES
Gather in the woodland lilies
Kissed with natures gentle dew
Lay them on the polished oak
And bid your love a fond adieu
SOFT KISSES, PLANTED
Soft kisses, planted
Like whispers
On expectant lips
Then a smile of coyness
And a blush
The hue of Rose Hips
SHE READ A POEM
She read a poem
Out loud to me
On a quiet afternoon
That touched me,
Awakened me,
Stirred my soul
And my dulled senses
As she read
It flowed over me
Like scented honey
Each word a caress
Each syllable a kiss
A soothing balm
Of evocative beauty
Whose feeling,
In metrical form
Left me unshackled
Releasing me, from
My contented taupe
Free to soar
On poetic wings
THE WORDS FLOWED
The words flowed
like spring melt
Rushing to fill
Every stream of reason
Every rivulet of love
With bitter bile
MY SWEET WORDS OF LOVE
My sweet words of love
Were wasted on her it appears
Because all I got in return
Was the bitter sting of tears
A Little Bit Of Humour # 38
ARE YOU WEARING CONTACTS?
Are you wearing contacts?
And a different colour at that
In normal light they look great
But in the dark you look like a cat
WHERE HAVE ALL THE READERS GONE?
Where have all the readers gone, long time passing?
Where have all the readers gone, long time ago?
Where have all the readers gone?
UKAuthors have nicked them everyone.
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Oh, when will they ever learn?
SIX BANNED WHEELCHAIR ATHLETES
Six banned Wheelchair athletes
From the Paralympics team GB
Were found to have tested positive
For WD40
A FOREIGN STUDENT FROM CALCUTTA # 1
A foreign student from Calcutta
Accidentally snorted curry powder
Thinking it was cocaine the silly duffer
He survived but he’s still in a Korma
I DON’T HAVE A SATNAV
I don’t have a Satnav
I don’t need one in my life
l have something better
My Satnav is my wife
THE INTERNET IS A CURSE AND NOT A BLESSING
The internet is a curse and not a blessing
When you develop a habit you can’t stop
And max out all of your credit cards
Without setting foot in a single shop
I WAS ONCE A MEDICAL STUDENT # 1
I was once a medical student
But they had to send me home
As I thought “Caesarean section”
Was a district in Rome
A PENSIONER’S BEDTIME
A pensioner’s bedtime
In retirement is quite informal
Two hours after dozing off
In front of the TV is normal
SAMUEL WAS LATE FOR SCHOOL
Samuel was late for School
“It was the sign” in his defense he said
The teachers asked what sign
“The one that says, “Slow, School Ahead””
PUT DOWN # 50
Put downs work the best
For deflecting unwanted attention
But try to be amusing
As this relieves the tension
If he starts spinning you a line
Just say when he quickly bores
“Do you have magical powers?
In this fantasy world of yours?"
AT THE OLYMPICS THE ROMANIANS
At the Olympics the Romanians
Made a clean sweep good and proper
Taking the Gold, Silver and bronze
As well as all the lead and copper
ONE OF THE GREAT BENEFICIAL # 1
One of the great beneficial
Things after you retire
Is that polished shoes
Are considered formal attire
IN HIS TOWN WHEN DAD WAS A BOY
In his town when Dad was a boy
They had a Chinese Chippie
He was a Carpenter from Shanghai
And he was Called Mr Lee
21st CENTURY NURSERY RHYMES # 307
Saw ye Eppie Marly, honey,
The woman that sells anything, honey?
She's lost her virtue and a' her money,
Wi' following a Goodtime Charlie, honey.
ARE YOU WEARING TINTED LENSES?
Are you wearing tinted lenses?
And the colour of vermillion
In normal light they look great
But at night you look like an alien
Are you wearing contacts?
And a different colour at that
In normal light they look great
But in the dark you look like a cat
WHERE HAVE ALL THE READERS GONE?
Where have all the readers gone, long time passing?
Where have all the readers gone, long time ago?
Where have all the readers gone?
UKAuthors have nicked them everyone.
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Oh, when will they ever learn?
SIX BANNED WHEELCHAIR ATHLETES
Six banned Wheelchair athletes
From the Paralympics team GB
Were found to have tested positive
For WD40
A FOREIGN STUDENT FROM CALCUTTA # 1
A foreign student from Calcutta
Accidentally snorted curry powder
Thinking it was cocaine the silly duffer
He survived but he’s still in a Korma
I DON’T HAVE A SATNAV
I don’t have a Satnav
I don’t need one in my life
l have something better
My Satnav is my wife
THE INTERNET IS A CURSE AND NOT A BLESSING
The internet is a curse and not a blessing
When you develop a habit you can’t stop
And max out all of your credit cards
Without setting foot in a single shop
I WAS ONCE A MEDICAL STUDENT # 1
I was once a medical student
But they had to send me home
As I thought “Caesarean section”
Was a district in Rome
A PENSIONER’S BEDTIME
A pensioner’s bedtime
In retirement is quite informal
Two hours after dozing off
In front of the TV is normal
SAMUEL WAS LATE FOR SCHOOL
Samuel was late for School
“It was the sign” in his defense he said
The teachers asked what sign
“The one that says, “Slow, School Ahead””
PUT DOWN # 50
Put downs work the best
For deflecting unwanted attention
But try to be amusing
As this relieves the tension
If he starts spinning you a line
Just say when he quickly bores
“Do you have magical powers?
In this fantasy world of yours?"
AT THE OLYMPICS THE ROMANIANS
At the Olympics the Romanians
Made a clean sweep good and proper
Taking the Gold, Silver and bronze
As well as all the lead and copper
ONE OF THE GREAT BENEFICIAL # 1
One of the great beneficial
Things after you retire
Is that polished shoes
Are considered formal attire
IN HIS TOWN WHEN DAD WAS A BOY
In his town when Dad was a boy
They had a Chinese Chippie
He was a Carpenter from Shanghai
And he was Called Mr Lee
21st CENTURY NURSERY RHYMES # 307
Saw ye Eppie Marly, honey,
The woman that sells anything, honey?
She's lost her virtue and a' her money,
Wi' following a Goodtime Charlie, honey.
ARE YOU WEARING TINTED LENSES?
Are you wearing tinted lenses?
And the colour of vermillion
In normal light they look great
But at night you look like an alien
War ans Warriors
IT’LL BE OVER BY CHRISTMAS
August 4th 1914
The world goes mad
And the Great War Begins
The war to end all wars
“It’ll be over by Christmas”
So they promised
Instead there followed
Four years of death
AIR COMMODORE FERDINAND MAURICE FELIX WEST VC CBE MC
(19 JANUARY 1896 – 8 JULY 1988)
In an Armstrong Whitworth FK 8
West set off at dawn,
Along with his observer,
To search for the enemy
Through a hole in the mist
They spotted their concentration
Avoiding severe ground fire,
Almost immediately
They came under attack
From seven German fighters
West was hit in the leg,
And his radio was destroyed
Skilfully they fought them off
Unable to make home base
West landed behind Allied lines
But despite his injuries
And being in excruciating agony
He insisted on giving his report
Before receiving treatment
And he lost his leg
DON’T PRAY TO YOUR GOD
Don’t pray to your God
When another war begins
Because he doesn’t like war
And he doesn’t care who wins
ROYAL FLYING CORPS - WINGS OVER FRANCE # 4
With the RFC he flew
Over where the ill wind blew
Defending the skies from the Hun
Flying where battle was done
Hazardous sorties over the front
Avoiding enemies on the hunt
Air Commodore Ferdinand Maurice Felix West VC CBE MC (19 JANUARY 1896 – 8 JULY 1988)
DON’T PRAY TO YOUR GOD
Don’t pray to your God
When another war begins
Because he doesn’t like war
And he doesn’t care who wins
ROYAL NAVAL AIR SERVICE - WINGS OVER THE DARDANELLES
1915 in the RNAS he flew
When Ferrijik Junction came into view
He and Gilbert Smylie were sent
And Into action they both went
Under heavy fire Smylie went down
In marsh land outside of town
He set fire to his stricken machine
And quickly set to flee the Scene
Then davies with skill and Gallantry
Landed in sight of the enemy
Rescued his comrade Smylie
And returned him to safety
Vice Admiral Richard Bell Davies VC CB DSO AFC (19 May 1886 – 26 February 1966)
THE SOLDIER STOOD
The soldier stood
And faced the grave
Before the dawn
To salute the brave
VICE ADMIRAL RICHARD BELL DAVIES VC CB DSO AFC
(19 MAY 1886 – 26 FEBRUARY 1966)
Valiantly he fought
Against Germans
And the Turks alike
A young man,
In the prime of life
Diced with death
Not taken by the bullet
Or by the bomb
He fought with gallantry
And abject bravery
THE WORLD HAS BECOME A BLEAKER PLACE
The world has become a bleaker place
And it will never be a safe world again
Death can be delivered unseen from above
I wish I could uninvent the Aeroplane
ROYAL FLYING CORPS - WINGS OVER FRANCE # 5
Valiantly he fought
Against Balloons
And the patrols alike
A young man,
In the prime of life
Fought against
Superior numbers
Above the Forêt de Mormal
Despite horrific injuries
He won the day
And landed safely
Lt Colonel William George "Billy" Barker VC, DSO & Bar, MC & Two Bars (3 November 1894 – 12 March 1930)
LT COLONEL WILLIAM GEORGE "BILLY" BARKER VC, DSO & BAR, MC & TWO BARS
(3 NOVEMBER 1894 – 12 MARCH 1930)
1918 with the RFC he flew
Leaving behind the land he knew
To fly against the superior Hun
When he was nearly undone
Above the Forêt de Mormal
15 against one mere mortal
Barkers Snipe downed three
But he was wounded severely
He got the Snipe down on the floor
But it was the end of Barkers war
ROYAL FLYING CORPS - WINGS OVER FRANCE # 6
Valiantly he fought
Against kite balloons
And the patrols alike
A young man,
In the prime of life
In two short months
In 1918
He wreaked havoc
On the enemy
He died in 1921
In an ironic death
Not taken by the bullet
Or by the bomb
But in a training accident
Flying a Sopwith Snipe
Preparing for an air show
At RAF Hendon
Captain Andrew (Anthony) Frederick Weatherby Beauchamp-Proctor, VC, DSO, MC and bar, DFC (4 September 1894 – 21 June 1921)
THE WORLD HAS BECOME A BLEAKER PLACE
The world has become a bleaker place
And it will never be a safe world again
Death can be delivered unseen from above
I wish I could uninvent the Aeroplane
CAPTAIN ANDREW (ANTHONY) FREDERICK WEATHERBY BEAUCHAMP-PROCTOR, VC, DSO, MC AND BAR, DFC
(4 SEPTEMBER 1894 – 21 JUNE 1921)
1918 with the RFC he flew
Leaving behind the land he knew
To fly against the superior Hun
When victory after victory he won
Between 8 August 1918,
And 8 October 1918
Twenty-six decisive victories
Against determined enemies
Despite suffering a bad injury
He managed to land safely
THE SOLDIER STOOD
The soldier stood
And faced the grave
Before the dawn
To salute the brave
FLEET AIR ARM - WINGS OVER THE CHANNEL
Valiantly he fought
In an outdated kite
Against Battleships
And modern planes alike
A young man,
In the prime of life
Fighting Superior forces
He led his squadron
From the front
Attacking the Scharnhorst,
The Gneisenau
And Prinz Eugen
But were all shot
From the skies
Lieutenant Commander Eugene Kingsmill Esmonde VC DSO (1 March 1909 – 12 February 1942)
LORD KITCHENER SAID IN HIS FRUSTRATION
Lord Kitchener said in his frustration
Of the indiscreet Politicians and their lives
When you tell one of their number a secret
They went home and told their wives
With the exception of David Lloyd George
Who went home and told everybody’s wives
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER EUGENE KINGSMILL ESMONDE VC DSO
(1 MARCH 1909 – 12 FEBRUARY 1942)
1942 with the Fleet Air Arm he flew
Leaving behind the land he knew
To fly against the superior Hun
When he and his squadron were undone
Against the German Krieg’s Marine
The pride of the German Navy
And against that determined enemy
His squadron fell into the sea
August 4th 1914
The world goes mad
And the Great War Begins
The war to end all wars
“It’ll be over by Christmas”
So they promised
Instead there followed
Four years of death
AIR COMMODORE FERDINAND MAURICE FELIX WEST VC CBE MC
(19 JANUARY 1896 – 8 JULY 1988)
In an Armstrong Whitworth FK 8
West set off at dawn,
Along with his observer,
To search for the enemy
Through a hole in the mist
They spotted their concentration
Avoiding severe ground fire,
Almost immediately
They came under attack
From seven German fighters
West was hit in the leg,
And his radio was destroyed
Skilfully they fought them off
Unable to make home base
West landed behind Allied lines
But despite his injuries
And being in excruciating agony
He insisted on giving his report
Before receiving treatment
And he lost his leg
DON’T PRAY TO YOUR GOD
Don’t pray to your God
When another war begins
Because he doesn’t like war
And he doesn’t care who wins
ROYAL FLYING CORPS - WINGS OVER FRANCE # 4
With the RFC he flew
Over where the ill wind blew
Defending the skies from the Hun
Flying where battle was done
Hazardous sorties over the front
Avoiding enemies on the hunt
Air Commodore Ferdinand Maurice Felix West VC CBE MC (19 JANUARY 1896 – 8 JULY 1988)
DON’T PRAY TO YOUR GOD
Don’t pray to your God
When another war begins
Because he doesn’t like war
And he doesn’t care who wins
ROYAL NAVAL AIR SERVICE - WINGS OVER THE DARDANELLES
1915 in the RNAS he flew
When Ferrijik Junction came into view
He and Gilbert Smylie were sent
And Into action they both went
Under heavy fire Smylie went down
In marsh land outside of town
He set fire to his stricken machine
And quickly set to flee the Scene
Then davies with skill and Gallantry
Landed in sight of the enemy
Rescued his comrade Smylie
And returned him to safety
Vice Admiral Richard Bell Davies VC CB DSO AFC (19 May 1886 – 26 February 1966)
THE SOLDIER STOOD
The soldier stood
And faced the grave
Before the dawn
To salute the brave
VICE ADMIRAL RICHARD BELL DAVIES VC CB DSO AFC
(19 MAY 1886 – 26 FEBRUARY 1966)
Valiantly he fought
Against Germans
And the Turks alike
A young man,
In the prime of life
Diced with death
Not taken by the bullet
Or by the bomb
He fought with gallantry
And abject bravery
THE WORLD HAS BECOME A BLEAKER PLACE
The world has become a bleaker place
And it will never be a safe world again
Death can be delivered unseen from above
I wish I could uninvent the Aeroplane
ROYAL FLYING CORPS - WINGS OVER FRANCE # 5
Valiantly he fought
Against Balloons
And the patrols alike
A young man,
In the prime of life
Fought against
Superior numbers
Above the Forêt de Mormal
Despite horrific injuries
He won the day
And landed safely
Lt Colonel William George "Billy" Barker VC, DSO & Bar, MC & Two Bars (3 November 1894 – 12 March 1930)
LT COLONEL WILLIAM GEORGE "BILLY" BARKER VC, DSO & BAR, MC & TWO BARS
(3 NOVEMBER 1894 – 12 MARCH 1930)
1918 with the RFC he flew
Leaving behind the land he knew
To fly against the superior Hun
When he was nearly undone
Above the Forêt de Mormal
15 against one mere mortal
Barkers Snipe downed three
But he was wounded severely
He got the Snipe down on the floor
But it was the end of Barkers war
ROYAL FLYING CORPS - WINGS OVER FRANCE # 6
Valiantly he fought
Against kite balloons
And the patrols alike
A young man,
In the prime of life
In two short months
In 1918
He wreaked havoc
On the enemy
He died in 1921
In an ironic death
Not taken by the bullet
Or by the bomb
But in a training accident
Flying a Sopwith Snipe
Preparing for an air show
At RAF Hendon
Captain Andrew (Anthony) Frederick Weatherby Beauchamp-Proctor, VC, DSO, MC and bar, DFC (4 September 1894 – 21 June 1921)
THE WORLD HAS BECOME A BLEAKER PLACE
The world has become a bleaker place
And it will never be a safe world again
Death can be delivered unseen from above
I wish I could uninvent the Aeroplane
CAPTAIN ANDREW (ANTHONY) FREDERICK WEATHERBY BEAUCHAMP-PROCTOR, VC, DSO, MC AND BAR, DFC
(4 SEPTEMBER 1894 – 21 JUNE 1921)
1918 with the RFC he flew
Leaving behind the land he knew
To fly against the superior Hun
When victory after victory he won
Between 8 August 1918,
And 8 October 1918
Twenty-six decisive victories
Against determined enemies
Despite suffering a bad injury
He managed to land safely
THE SOLDIER STOOD
The soldier stood
And faced the grave
Before the dawn
To salute the brave
FLEET AIR ARM - WINGS OVER THE CHANNEL
Valiantly he fought
In an outdated kite
Against Battleships
And modern planes alike
A young man,
In the prime of life
Fighting Superior forces
He led his squadron
From the front
Attacking the Scharnhorst,
The Gneisenau
And Prinz Eugen
But were all shot
From the skies
Lieutenant Commander Eugene Kingsmill Esmonde VC DSO (1 March 1909 – 12 February 1942)
LORD KITCHENER SAID IN HIS FRUSTRATION
Lord Kitchener said in his frustration
Of the indiscreet Politicians and their lives
When you tell one of their number a secret
They went home and told their wives
With the exception of David Lloyd George
Who went home and told everybody’s wives
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER EUGENE KINGSMILL ESMONDE VC DSO
(1 MARCH 1909 – 12 FEBRUARY 1942)
1942 with the Fleet Air Arm he flew
Leaving behind the land he knew
To fly against the superior Hun
When he and his squadron were undone
Against the German Krieg’s Marine
The pride of the German Navy
And against that determined enemy
His squadron fell into the sea
Mythical Figures
GREEK DEMETER
Greek Demeter
Guardian of the harvest
Goddess of the corn
Mother of Persephone
Goddess of fertility
Protector of matrimony
ROMAN CERES
Roman Ceres
Guardian of the harvest
Goddess of the corn
Mother of Proserpina
Goddess of fertility
Protector of matrimony
EIDOTHEA
Sea-nymph Eidothea,
Gifted with prophecy
Daughter of Proteus
The shape-shifting sea God
BEAUTIFUL VENUS
Beautiful Venus
Goddess of love
Turner of heads
Nurturer of hearts
NEMESIS
Nemesis, Greek goddess
Of divine retribution
And deliverer of vengeance
Against acts of hubris
SUN GOD PHOEBUS
Sun God Phoebus
Greek God of light
God of prophesy
Poetry, music and healing
Son of Zeus and Leto
Twin brother of Artemis
ROMAN SUN GOD APOLLO
Sun God Apollo
Roman God of light
God of prophesy
Poetry, music and healing
Son of Zeus and Leto
Twin brother of Dianna
GREEK SUN GOD APOLLO
Sun God Apollo
Greek God of light
God of prophesy
Poetry, music and healing
Son of Zeus and Leto
Twin brother of Artemis
ROMAN GODDESS DIANA
Roman Goddess Diana
The virgin Goddess
Of the hunt and the moon
Daughter of Zeus and Leto
Twin sister of Apollo
GREEK GODDESS ARTEMIS
Greek Goddess Artemis
The virgin Goddess
Of the hunt and the moon
Daughter of Zeus and Leto
Twin sister of Phoebus
PHOEBE GODDESS OF THE MOON
Phoebe Goddess of the moon
Radiant, bright, prophetic
Titan goddess Phoebe
With an oracular intellect
APSARA
Apsaras are female spirits
Of the clouds and waters
In Hindu and Buddhist mythology
Celestial nymphs and celestial maidens
They are beautiful,
Supernatural beings
Youthful and elegant,
Dancing to the music
Of the Gandharvas,
In the palaces of the gods,
Entertainers and seducers
Of Gods and men
Ethereal beings
Who inhabit the skies
URVASHI
One of the Apsara
Urvashi is a female spirits
Of the clouds and waters
In Hindu and Buddhist mythology
A celestial nymph
And celestial maiden
A beautiful supernatural being
Youthful and elegant,
Who dances to the music
Of the Gandharvas,
In the palaces of the Gods,
Entertainer and seducer
Of Gods and men
An ethereal being
Inhabiting the skies
MENAKA
One of the Apsara
Menaka is a female spirits
Of the clouds and waters
In Hindu and Buddhist mythology
A celestial nymph
And celestial maiden
A beautiful supernatural being
Youthful and elegant,
Who dances to the music
Of the Gandharvas,
In the palaces of the Gods,
Entertainer and seducer
Of Gods and men
An ethereal being
Inhabiting the skies
TILLOTTAMA
One of the Apsara
Tillottama is a female spirits
Of the clouds and waters
In Hindu and Buddhist mythology
A celestial nymph
And celestial maiden
A beautiful supernatural being
Youthful and elegant,
Who dances to the music
Of the Gandharvas,
In the palaces of the Gods,
Entertainer and seducer
Of Gods and men
An ethereal being
Inhabiting the skies
RAMBHA
One of the Apsara
Rambha is a female spirits
Of the clouds and waters
In Hindu and Buddhist mythology
A celestial nymph
And celestial maiden
A beautiful supernatural being
Youthful and elegant,
Who dances to the music
Of the Gandharvas,
In the palaces of the Gods,
Entertainer and seducer
Of Gods and men
An ethereal being
Inhabiting the skies
SCYLLA
Scylla of Greek myth
Great monster of the sea
Terror of the seas
A fearful monster
The scourge of sailors
Believed in later times,
Scylla was thought
To be a rock in the
Straits of Messina
Greek Demeter
Guardian of the harvest
Goddess of the corn
Mother of Persephone
Goddess of fertility
Protector of matrimony
ROMAN CERES
Roman Ceres
Guardian of the harvest
Goddess of the corn
Mother of Proserpina
Goddess of fertility
Protector of matrimony
EIDOTHEA
Sea-nymph Eidothea,
Gifted with prophecy
Daughter of Proteus
The shape-shifting sea God
BEAUTIFUL VENUS
Beautiful Venus
Goddess of love
Turner of heads
Nurturer of hearts
NEMESIS
Nemesis, Greek goddess
Of divine retribution
And deliverer of vengeance
Against acts of hubris
SUN GOD PHOEBUS
Sun God Phoebus
Greek God of light
God of prophesy
Poetry, music and healing
Son of Zeus and Leto
Twin brother of Artemis
ROMAN SUN GOD APOLLO
Sun God Apollo
Roman God of light
God of prophesy
Poetry, music and healing
Son of Zeus and Leto
Twin brother of Dianna
GREEK SUN GOD APOLLO
Sun God Apollo
Greek God of light
God of prophesy
Poetry, music and healing
Son of Zeus and Leto
Twin brother of Artemis
ROMAN GODDESS DIANA
Roman Goddess Diana
The virgin Goddess
Of the hunt and the moon
Daughter of Zeus and Leto
Twin sister of Apollo
GREEK GODDESS ARTEMIS
Greek Goddess Artemis
The virgin Goddess
Of the hunt and the moon
Daughter of Zeus and Leto
Twin sister of Phoebus
PHOEBE GODDESS OF THE MOON
Phoebe Goddess of the moon
Radiant, bright, prophetic
Titan goddess Phoebe
With an oracular intellect
APSARA
Apsaras are female spirits
Of the clouds and waters
In Hindu and Buddhist mythology
Celestial nymphs and celestial maidens
They are beautiful,
Supernatural beings
Youthful and elegant,
Dancing to the music
Of the Gandharvas,
In the palaces of the gods,
Entertainers and seducers
Of Gods and men
Ethereal beings
Who inhabit the skies
URVASHI
One of the Apsara
Urvashi is a female spirits
Of the clouds and waters
In Hindu and Buddhist mythology
A celestial nymph
And celestial maiden
A beautiful supernatural being
Youthful and elegant,
Who dances to the music
Of the Gandharvas,
In the palaces of the Gods,
Entertainer and seducer
Of Gods and men
An ethereal being
Inhabiting the skies
MENAKA
One of the Apsara
Menaka is a female spirits
Of the clouds and waters
In Hindu and Buddhist mythology
A celestial nymph
And celestial maiden
A beautiful supernatural being
Youthful and elegant,
Who dances to the music
Of the Gandharvas,
In the palaces of the Gods,
Entertainer and seducer
Of Gods and men
An ethereal being
Inhabiting the skies
TILLOTTAMA
One of the Apsara
Tillottama is a female spirits
Of the clouds and waters
In Hindu and Buddhist mythology
A celestial nymph
And celestial maiden
A beautiful supernatural being
Youthful and elegant,
Who dances to the music
Of the Gandharvas,
In the palaces of the Gods,
Entertainer and seducer
Of Gods and men
An ethereal being
Inhabiting the skies
RAMBHA
One of the Apsara
Rambha is a female spirits
Of the clouds and waters
In Hindu and Buddhist mythology
A celestial nymph
And celestial maiden
A beautiful supernatural being
Youthful and elegant,
Who dances to the music
Of the Gandharvas,
In the palaces of the Gods,
Entertainer and seducer
Of Gods and men
An ethereal being
Inhabiting the skies
SCYLLA
Scylla of Greek myth
Great monster of the sea
Terror of the seas
A fearful monster
The scourge of sailors
Believed in later times,
Scylla was thought
To be a rock in the
Straits of Messina
PANCAKE DAY
I LIKE TO TRY TOSSING THE PANCAKES
I like to try tossing the pancakes
But my inadequacy’s its revealing
And the results of my failed efforts
Look like I’ve Artexed the ceiling
IT’S PANCAKE DAY
Light the hob
Mix the batter
Then pour it in the pan
Cook one side
And toss it high
Then catch it if you can
THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A PANCAKE
There’s nothing like a pancake
With lemon curd spread on
And no greater disappointment
When it turns out to be Dijon
AT THE ANNUAL PANCAKE RACE
At the annual pancake race
The winner is always smug Trace
I’m always at the rear of the chase
Limping home in last place
Then I must congratulate Trace
And engage in a false embrace
When I really want to hear the base
Of the frying pan hitting her face
TOSSING THE PANCAKE
Tossing the pancake
How hard could it be?
Well quite difficult
Which surprised me
What an awful mess
After the first three
I gave up after four
That one landed on me
TOSSING A PANCAKE
Tossing a pancake
I can do that
Just get a fry pan
Heat up the fat
Mix up the batter
As easy as that
One on the ceiling
One on the cat
One on the door
One on the mat
One on my head
Like a sweet sticky hat
PANCAKE DAY
For the world at large shrove Tuesday
Precedes Ash Wednesday
For my unfortunate family stove Tuesday
Precedes trash Wednesday
I THOUGHT I’D TRY TOSSING A PANCAKE
I thought I would try tossing a pancake
Well that turned out to be a big mistake
The first three didn’t leave the pan at all
The next two were sliding down the wall
The only one dispatched with any grace
Then splashed hot fat right in my face
IT’S PANCAKE DAY AGAIN
Mix it, pour it
Cook it, toss it
And serve it
A little lemon
A little jam on
Eat it with aplomb
I like to try tossing the pancakes
But my inadequacy’s its revealing
And the results of my failed efforts
Look like I’ve Artexed the ceiling
IT’S PANCAKE DAY
Light the hob
Mix the batter
Then pour it in the pan
Cook one side
And toss it high
Then catch it if you can
THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A PANCAKE
There’s nothing like a pancake
With lemon curd spread on
And no greater disappointment
When it turns out to be Dijon
AT THE ANNUAL PANCAKE RACE
At the annual pancake race
The winner is always smug Trace
I’m always at the rear of the chase
Limping home in last place
Then I must congratulate Trace
And engage in a false embrace
When I really want to hear the base
Of the frying pan hitting her face
TOSSING THE PANCAKE
Tossing the pancake
How hard could it be?
Well quite difficult
Which surprised me
What an awful mess
After the first three
I gave up after four
That one landed on me
TOSSING A PANCAKE
Tossing a pancake
I can do that
Just get a fry pan
Heat up the fat
Mix up the batter
As easy as that
One on the ceiling
One on the cat
One on the door
One on the mat
One on my head
Like a sweet sticky hat
PANCAKE DAY
For the world at large shrove Tuesday
Precedes Ash Wednesday
For my unfortunate family stove Tuesday
Precedes trash Wednesday
I THOUGHT I’D TRY TOSSING A PANCAKE
I thought I would try tossing a pancake
Well that turned out to be a big mistake
The first three didn’t leave the pan at all
The next two were sliding down the wall
The only one dispatched with any grace
Then splashed hot fat right in my face
IT’S PANCAKE DAY AGAIN
Mix it, pour it
Cook it, toss it
And serve it
A little lemon
A little jam on
Eat it with aplomb
Friday, 21 February 2014
Valentines Humour
I JUST BOOKED A TABLE FOR VALENTINE'S DAY
I just booked a table for Valentine's Day
For me and my wife
I hope she likes it, even though she can’t
Play snooker to save her life
THE ST VALENTINE’S DAY MASSACRE
The St Valentine’s Day massacre
That was a bloody occasion
Which just shows what happens
If you don’t make a reservation
ARE YOU WEARING YOUR HEART ON YOUR SLEEVE?
Are you wearing your heart on your sleeve?
I know you’re in love that I truly believe
But I still don’t know if you’re in love with Eve
Or if your preference is for her brother Steve
I just booked a table for Valentine's Day
For me and my wife
I hope she likes it, even though she can’t
Play snooker to save her life
THE ST VALENTINE’S DAY MASSACRE
The St Valentine’s Day massacre
That was a bloody occasion
Which just shows what happens
If you don’t make a reservation
ARE YOU WEARING YOUR HEART ON YOUR SLEEVE?
Are you wearing your heart on your sleeve?
I know you’re in love that I truly believe
But I still don’t know if you’re in love with Eve
Or if your preference is for her brother Steve
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