Verse or Worse

by James Stuart

 

Poetry for me,

is something I can take or leave.

Don't get me wrong,

I'm not out to deceive.

Early days of childhood,

may have been to blame.

'Tiger, tiger burning bright'

has never been the same,

since I recited

'What immortal hand or eye

could frame thy fearful,

symmetrical drawing!

Y'see I found it boring!

But 'two of the best'

helped keep my memory clear.

As did the teacher's

tweaking ,on my ear.

When I said ' A host of daffy dilly'

which to this kid,

wasn't half as silly

as, Stands the clock at ten to three,

and is there honey still for tea?'

Now what I do find real clean fun

are saucy snippets from John Donne.

Can't  say how many times I've read

that robust poem 'Going to bed'.

And Betjeman's poems really work.

Who can resist his cheeky smirk?

Like I said, I can leave 'em or take 'em,

so long as the poet does not make 'em

beyond my ken.

For like most men.

On things I like I get really keen

Know what I mean. 

This Modern World
By Geoffrey J Harris

This modern world is full of pace

Created by the human race

Time rules our lives in every way

Every minute of the day

Looking back to times past

The pace of life was not so fast

No computers or deadlines to meet

Just a gentle stroll on two good feet

Now its hurry here and hurry there

No time to talk, or stand and stare

No time for others, it’s me, me me

Where will it end, we must wait and see

Much is missed by speeding past

The fields, the birds - so not so fast

A gentler pace, more time to look

All around is an open book

So try to live at a slower pace

It’s better for the human race

More time to think, to see to care

A little slower getting there.