Poetry and Creative Writing for All

Joanne Hale

You Are in my Thoughts

Yet another woe
Has made you low
Facing life without a smile.
If you ride the storm
In whatever form
It will start to pass in a while.
Though the road you tread is a struggle
Seeking light along your way
The path will ease for you
At the start of each new day.
May your heart be healed and lifted
And let sunshine dry your rain
Let the darkened clouds around you pass
And may you enjoy your life again.

Are You?

Is that how it happens
Your heart misses a beat
You think you’re in love
The feeling’s such a treat

You’re feeling all dreamy
Did someone call your name?
If it has happened
Life will never be the same

You think about them constantly
Your stomach’s in a knot
Wondering if you love them
You care an awful lot

But how will you know
When the love bug hits thee
You’ve been spotted by cupid
And the arrows flow free

Are you in love?
Is that what it is
Your heart is pounding
Or perhaps it is his

Yes, now you’re sure
It fits like a glove
What you must be feeling
Is that you’re in love

Christmas Time

Christmas time
Is almost here
Excitement grows
As it draws near.

What to buy
For Mum and Dad
More hankies and socks?
I’m sure they’d be glad!

Then there’s the children
Who want sweets and toys
Girls wanting dolls
And bikes for the boys.

But they also want X-box
And DVD players
And some designer labelled fashions
Of these they want layers.

It’s a time for the family
To all meet together
And for friends to be on the phone
For even longer than ever!

And what about your cat and dog
Don’t forget them too
A squeaky toy or a dangling fish
And a tasty treat, or two.

So ‘Happy Christmas’ 
To each of you all
Have a wonderful time
This coming Yule.

Enquiries

“Can I help you?” – I say
Because it’s part of my job
Seated in front of me
He opens his gob
“What does this mean?”
He looks at me and asks
What I feel like saying is;
“That you’re a pain in the ass!”
But I don’t – I just smile
And say, “May I look?”
I glance at his letter
I’d have rather read a book
“I’ll just get your papers”
I get up to go
Things that we do
To earn us some dough!
Whilst retaining my seat
I look at his file
Where do I begin?
I start with a smile
“Well, it’s like this”
Is how I begin
Why is his face
Covered in that big grin?
Is he sucking a lemon?
Or maybe a lime
He says, “I understand;

Falling

Sun, moon
Stars, bright
Planets, somewhere
Black, the night

Snow, rain
Fall, softly down
Shaping, patterns
Losing, found

Reaching out
Nothing there
Touching, trying
Empty, bare

Cold, lonely
Feelings, gone
Silent wishes
Brief, strong

Falling, falling
Getting slower
Moving, limbs
Tumbling, lower

Pain, silent
It has to stop
Eventually, happening
Final, final drop.

FATHERS DAY

Once again – it’s Father’s day
A day that’s just for you
For me to show my gratitude
For everything that you do
You always have time for me
Even in your busy day
A friendly word, a joke or two
Your loving smile goes a long way
I hardly ever say, “I love you”
But I feel with all my heart
A love that will never end
It’s been growing from the start
You’ll always be my special friend
Yes Dad – that’s what you are
There could never be another Dad
Who compares to you, by far
Thank you for being wonderful
I love you, yes I do
You are the greatest ever Dad
Thank you for being you.

For life’s ups and downs

I said a little prayer today
To God up high above
I didn’t ask for many things
Just His continual love
I asked Him to take care of you
To offer you some peace
To bring you comfort at this time
And to never, ever cease.
I asked Him to help guide you
Over the rocky road you tread
To show you some improvement
In the troubled times ahead.
I know for sure He heard me
Because He always hears our prayers
He listens to every one of us
And He will show you that He cares.

For Peter

All alone I have wandered
Through the struggle and growth of life
There’s been good times and bad
And heartache had been rife
I’d never known true love
Then along you came
You love me in a special way
What we want from life is the same
I know that you will be there
When the downs of life bring pain
To wipe away my silent tears
And to make me smile again
Your gift of love brings joy to me
It’s something in what you do
I want to say a great big thanks
Just for you being you

Forbidden Love

Forbidden is my love for you, though the feelings are deep and strong
You and I – we belong to another, so being here with you is so wrong.

Yet passion keeps me coming back, I want it from you more and more
The chemistry is electric between us, you fill my being deep down to the core.

You have such a hold over me, your power – it rushes through my veins
I’m addicted to you – just like heroin, and this feeling is why I remain.

We’ll continue to meet in secret, and carry on this passionate affair
Sometimes I think it’s all worth the risk, If we were caught, I just wouldn’t care.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my husband, and I know too that you love your wife
The consequences are unimaginable, discovery would cause all sorts of strife.

But the magnetic attraction it draws us, we get lost amid its might along the way
How much longer can our forbidden love continue? When it could be found out any day.

But until such a time may arise, we must enjoy the times that we share
For if they should come to an end, I cannot say that I wouldn’t care.

Life would be so less bearable, If I could not feel you inside
So, for this reason, my love, our attraction we’ll continue to hide.

Ginger Cat

There’s a hole over there, that I haven’t seen before
I could have a big adventure, if I go in to explore

What would I find? Maybe a well dressed mouse
Or a gingerbread family baking a house

I could be a lion in there - big, brave and strong
A ruler of all territory; oh, how I would strut along!

Standing before me, a jazz band of bats
Trapeze artist rabbits, and lots of clockwork rats

Poke my head inside the hole, to see what awaits me there
Ablaze with cartoon characters, playing ludo on a chair

Trumpet playing goldfish, horses placing bets on frogs
Stampeding snails, with cat food tails, and elephants wearing clogs

I could go over and take a look inside the strange new gap
But the sun is out and I’m asleep - taking one of my hourly catnaps!

His Life

He was born at 3.30 in the morning, a difficult birth, must be said.
The labour lasted just short of two days - So, he is hungry, and demands to be fed.

Several years have now passed, and he is 5 years old.
His first day at school, it is looming, he’s excited, he’s brave and he’s bold.

And now he is heading to college, he wants to get himself a degree.
And then he’ll join the RAF - What an adventure that will be.

He’s fighting for his country, who have got tangled up in a war.
The casualties, they are heavy, he’s losing comrades he has known from afar.

His plane is shot down and he’s wounded, he awakes in a military bed.
No more flying for him, he’s told, he’ll have to have a desk job instead.

But that’s not for him – not why he joined up, a pilot was all he’d ever be.
He’s fighting again now, a personal battle, to get back in a fighter jet, soaring and free.

His persistence, it works, and he’s got what he wanted, and a long, worthy career he does have.
He’s retiring now to live in the countryside, enjoying what his comrades died to save.

It’s just passed his 85^th birthday - and he is so tired right now.
His life’s had its ups and down - he’d agree, but, he’s got this far into it, somehow.

They said that he died whilst he was asleep, so peaceful, just as he had yearned.
They buried him alongside his Mum, and he was wearing the medals he’d earned.

I Know

You know, I really do mean it
When I say I know how you feel
I do know what you’re going through
Is painful and very real.
I know you’re not exaggerating
Or pretending in any way
It really is a trying time
Getting harder every day.
I do know what you’re going through
As I have been there too
And time right now, just brings you pain
There seems like no let up for you.
I won’t pretend it’s easy
You’ll cope in your own way
You take your time – go at your own pace
And take things day by day.
I know this seems unreal now
But things will improve, it’s true
Step by step, you’ll smile again
With each day that is new.

I wanted you to know

I never need a reason
But I wanted you to know
Why you mean so much to me
And why I love you so.

I love you for your kindness
And the tenderness you show
Sometimes things are not too good
But you always seem to know.

You really are my soul mate
My lover and my friend
I know you’ll always be there
And that your love will never end.

There could never be another
Who in any way can compete
I know I will always love you
Because you’ve made my life complete.

It’s Murder

Poisoned or shot
     How about a knife
Maybe something else
     How do you end a life?

Batter to death
     Or kill with a car
Use suffocation
     Crush bones with a bar

Possible ways
     Spinning in mind
Counting the days
     Until the best way you find

There has to be pain
     When the murder goes ahead
Adrenaline rushing through veins
     Someone will soon be dead

Hatred – with feeling
     Someone has to die
There is always a motive
     When you’re finally questioned why

It’s Snowing!

“It’s snowing! It’s snowing!”
     The little boy cried
Wide-eyed with excitement
     At the whiteness outside

A blanket that covers
     As far as the eye sees
So pure and new
     Even covering the trees

“Let’s go for a sleigh ride!”
     He’s eager and keen
Spoiling the newness
     Leaving tracks where he’s been

Sliding down hills
     Making snowmen
Throwing snowballs
     At his older brother Ben

Toes tingling with cold
     He doesn’t seem to care
All this fun for one small boy
     Surely, it isn’t fair!

Time for bed now
     The day has been long
He’ll awaken in the morning
     To find the snow has all gone

Jasper’s Poem -  (If a dog could talk)

I love you in the morning
When you take me for a walk.
Even when you stand around
With people, when you all talk!
I love you in the afternoon
When you give me my first meal.
And even though its beef, or lamb
I don’t want you to buy me veal!
I love you in the evening
When we lounge and watch TV.
You in your armchair, me on the sofa
Casualty – who cares, as long as you’re with me.
I love you in the nighttime
When you let me roam the place.
And if I feel a bit insecure, or lonely
I visit your room to look at your face.
I love you all of the time
Because you are my wonderful Mum.
And you look after and protect me
When you’re with me – I’m never glum.
I’ll love you even more and more
Until my life is through.
But until that time, I know I’ll just
Keep on loving you.

Just Dreaming

“Stop it – you’re hurting me!”
I heard the girl scream
The image so real
Woke me from my dream

I remembered the man
I’d seen him before
Going into the shop
He came out of the door

It was nothing unusual
To pass in the store
So why was I dreaming?
Of strangers and gore?

They say cheese makes you dream
Bad images you will see
But I hadn’t had cheese
So what else could it be?

Yes! That was it!
I know what it must be
Before going to bed
I’d seen him on T.V!

Moments

Time, ticking
Slowly, away
Never to be
Seen again

Always in the past
Creating memories
Seconds into minutes
Hours into years

At this moment
Now, that moments has gone
Stored in a secret place
On a shelf in the mind

Certain things
Bring them back
A special song
A photograph

Time is still
In a camera’s eye
The moment is kept
Kept forever

Each moment
Passes with time
As I write
Another moment gone

Monday

It’s 7.15am, time to get up
A pot of tea on the table
Have I time for a cup?
A mouthful of toast
As I hurry around
Where are my car keys?
No where to be found
This is all I need
Now I’m going to be late
I’m giving the boss a lift
He won’t like the wait
There are my keys! I run for the car
It’s a good job the boss
Doesn’t live very far
Start up the engine
Turn the radio on
Tune to a station
This is a good song
Drive down the road
The boss will fuss
If this takes much longer
He’ll be catching the bus!
There he is – I pull over
“Jump in”, I cry
“You’re ten minutes late”
He says with a sigh
We arrive at the office
To start a new day
To have lots of money
Who said this is the way!

My Dog (Jamie – born 06/08/1986)

The month was August
     1986 was the year
A bitch gave birth to her puppies
     Each one to be loved so dear

We adopted one of those puppies
     The smallest of the lot
Shetland Sheepdog – Sheltie for short
     He was like a little dot

We christened him Jamie
     That cute little bundle of fluff
He was very ill, but he fought it off
     For a little ‘un – he was tough

“Animals are dumb”
     So the saying goes
But Jamie is intelligent
     From his nose down to his toes

He really is a softy
     He rolls over on the mat
But he lets the canine side down
     For his best friend is a cat!

He’s one of the family and we love him
     But at times he is a pest
Here’s a message in human talk
     “As dogs go – Jamie you are the best!”

New Year’s Eve

Auld Lang Syne being sung
By the crowd at the party
Merry voices are raised
The singing is hearty.

The countdown begins
It’s almost mid-night
Out with the old year
The atmosphere’s right.

“Happy New Year!”
The revellers shout
“Don’t forget your promises!”
Resolutions talked about.

Party poppers popping
Singing coming from most
Kisses and best wishes
And glasses raised in toast.

First day of the New Year
The parties are all done
Settle back in to your routines
Until next New Year’s fun.

Panic

A squealing sound
Soft cry-murmur
What? Where?
Please help
Shallow I breathe
Deepness, gasping
Inhale – withdraw
Pressure, expanding

Rhythm, rapid
Altered image
Flashing pictures
Hot, raging
Fire

Clearing, easy
Everything is fine
Smooth, beating
Still, calm
It has gone
Passed timelessly
Fearless me
Once more
Same pattern
Continuously 

Parting 

I watched you go, you did not cry
I held your hand, as we said goodbye

You closed your eyes, took your last breath
Your pain was all over, as you welcomed death

I cried for you - now the pain is in me
My broken heart, will never be free

Another day passes, my life goes on by
I think of your memory, as I sit here and cry

I remember the good times, there were many we shared
And I always knew, that forever you cared

In time you grew weaker, and I cared for you
I promised I would be there, when the moments became few 

I did it for love - is all that I can say
Your life has gone - death has taken you away

I will carry your memory, right here in my heart
Until the time comes, that I too must part 

Passion Storm

Every breath, quicker than before
My heart pounding fast
Your mouth moves – lower
Searching, finding – I gasp

Passion, deep passion
Dances over me
Uncontrollable feelings
Wild and free

Arching – against you
Tingling deep inside
Oh take me – yes take me
On this deep passion ride

Cries of excitement
From deep within us
Bodies, touching frantically
In hot, beautiful lust

Riding the waves
Pure with pleasure
This moment in time
Is ours to treasure

All is calm now
Feeling so warm
Cuddling together
Until the next passion storm 

Questions

When I am alone
I think of you
I remember your smell
And the things that you do
What are you doing
This moment that is here
Are you laughing I wonder
Yes I ponder, my dear
Do you think of me also
I’d be interested to know
Do you wonder where I am
And what I’m doing also
I hope you are happy
I imagine you are
When we’re not together
You seem to be so far
When will I see you
Another thought of mine
I’m hoping it’s soon
Well, I’ll find out in time
Will you phone me
To arrange our next date
I’ll have to wait and see
And leave it all up to fate 

Rain

Running its race
I watch the rain
Trickling down
My windowpane.

Joining its friends
They form a line
Increasing the chances
Of bettering its time.

Pitter and patter
The hypnotic sound
As it travels the window
On its' way to the ground.

Dripping and splashing
Collecting together
How interesting it can be
Watching the weather.

Rushing in streams
They group to a huddle
Wanting to be next
To land in the puddle.

That is where
Their race it does end
Accomplishing dreams
And meeting a friend. 

Secret

I look from my window
The moon is shining bright
Everywhere is calm
On this warm summers’ night
The stars are sparkling
The night is hazy
People are sleepy
Tired and lazy
Contentment on faces
Of old and young
Skin slightly burning
From the afternoon sun
Creatures are active
They thrive in the dark
I walk through the trees
Carve my name in the bark
I smile to myself
Happiness is all around
I giggle with pleasure
Of the place I have found
Only I know it’s there
It is my secret place
Over the bridge I see the river
Reflecting back my own face
This is where I long to be
Where everything is fine
Do you know where this is?
Of course not – because it’s mine 

Silky 

Special Silky, my first cat, with gorgeous tabby stripes so neat.
Black fur with golden lines amid, and white bits on your feet.

When I was born, you were so good, tolerating my newborn cries.
Three years old, and in your prime, watching over me, with skilful eyes.

As we both grew older - we became good friends, which was easy – for your nature was so good.
When I was toddling, I would hold your tail, painful for you – but you understood.

Your antics – so clever and amusing, your curiosity, it always knew best.
Stalking shadows, chasing lights, or stealthily observing a birds nest.

When fleas bothered and irritated you, Mum fitted you with a collar.
You hated it every single time, each new one made you holler!
You were such a sweet-natured boy, so loving, genteel and kind.
A better temperament couldn’t be wished for, along with such a wise, knowing mind.

You lived to the grand age of nineteen, then it all became too much for you.
Illness came upon you quickly, moving, feeding – was so hard to do.

You ended your life on the vets table, where an injection induced you to sleep.
You closed your eyes and were free from pain, causing your human family to cry so deep.

I am glad that I knew you, Silky, and that you were my first pet.
I know we will be together again, some day, you and me – you bet.

Spider’s Web 

I watched a spider weave its web, from tiny little bits of silver thread, It grew into a masterpiece.

In awe I saw it catch a fly, and while I watched it slowly die, It
became wrapped up like a present.

The spider stored his meal away, to be eaten on another day, when it hungered for a treat.

It ran out to repair a rip, that the fly had made at the end of its trip, and the spider’s new home had been broken.

Fascinated I continued to watch, as it darted out each time to catch, Its dinner, lunch and supper.

Every time the web vibrated, the spider appeared and deliberated, over which meal this one would become.

Raindrops now falling from the overhead cloud, the spider checks the web; he’s very house proud, and finds the web now dripping with crystal jewels.

The rain has stopped, the sun has appeared, and to the web I found I've neared, to see the amazing light display.

What a perfect hour I've just spent, watching the spider become content, and seeing the delights of nature unfolding. 

Spinning 

Spinning, spinning
Round and around
Circles, spirals
Silent, sound

Blackness, darkness
Nothing to see
Moving, in circles
Spinning and fre
Slowly, slowl
How it moves
Hypnotising
Watching, soothes
Freely, winding
On, and on
Will it stop?
It never is done
Single, spiral
Having fun
Never broken
It is one
Curves, increasing
Constant coil
Twisting, progressing
Spirit, softly spoil 

Strangers 

Life itself
Is to see your smile
To hold you close
Just for a while

To kiss your lips
As we embrace
For me to look
At your handsome face

You close your eyes
Me – I watch you
I love the simplicity
In the things that you do

I touch your hair
The colour of sand
Our eyes meet
As you kiss my hand

I knew that I loved you
When you came my way
My darling – who are you?
You never did say 

The Brain Operator 

He sits alone
In a pure white coat
Surrounded by monitors
Keeping things afloat
Camera nine isn’t working
Something must be wrong
He phones the man in charge
To ask what’s going on
“Just a technical fault”
Comes back the mans reply
“Then sort it,” shouts the operator
He shakes his head and sighs
Everything is functioning
Up, down, round and around
Clicking, tapping as it moves
All a familiar sound
Signals being sent
For you to move your head
Next you have a yawn
Something tells you it’s time for bed
The operator can close down now
Puts the monitor on automatic
He chooses a dream for you
Tonight – nothing too dramatic
He leans back in his chair
Checking things are okay
He’s now retiring for the night
It’s been such a busy day 

The Journey 

Moving fast
Free as the wind
Travelling, speed
Racing, along

Wheels turning
Breeze, on my face
No-one else here
Just me.

Sun, beating down
Catch me
If you can
I am moving too fast

Up ahead
The road, stretches
Long, straight
Yes. I’m moving fast

I am free
Alone, happy
A care in the world?
Maybe

Slowing down
Now, I’m stopping
Breathing, easy
My journeys’ end 

The Race 

Tension mounting
“On your marks”
“Get set, go!”
Off into the dark

Racing, running
Faster than fast
Pushing, aggressive
Don’t want to be last

Speed, is building
Nothing is still
Everything moving
A spinning wheel

The final approaches
Who will it be?
All passing quickly
Who will it be?

Got to get there
Want to be first
All of us charging
One big burst

We pass the line
Each competitive horse
Must know – who won?
The winner – of course! 

Thinking About You 

The washings’ in the machine, and I’m thinking what to do.
So I’ve decided to sit down, and write a poem – just for you.

You’re special, caring, and lovely, sincere, gorgeous, intelligent and true
Oh, and did I forget to mention, that you’re perfect – because you’re you.

You make me so very proud, every minute, of every day
I’m so glad to be your Wife - throughout everything – come what may.

I love your little ways, the small things that you do 
The little frown that crosses your brow, when you concentrate on something new.

Your smile is so warming, your eyes – a lovely hue
They shine on me so happily, make me smile when I’m feeling blue.

I love you so much more, with every passing day
This will go on happening, In so many different ways.

Thank you, my love, my angel – my best friend
For giving your all to me, until our lives will end.

Those Were The Days

Something that you hear, it is a common phrase
Take a look back in time, because “Those were the days”.
When tin baths were used; one washed, who was next?
Hand-me-down clothes, no talk about sex.
“Run for the shelter!” - The siren is crying
Hiding in the darkness, whilst the soldiers are dying.
No video players, hardly ever saw a car
No expensive posh pets, just a tadpole in a jar.
There were marbles and jacks, porcelain dolls, hopscotch too
A seat in the flea pit, cost a shilling or two.
Mrs Dales Diary on the wireless, bag of coal for the fire
Squeeze the washing through a mangle, to the laundrette for a washer and dryer.
Chicken once a year at Christmas, plain crisps with a bag of salt
There were steam trains and trams, Kodak box cameras – front doors without bolts.
Black polish on hobnailed boots, no GCSE’s, for us – eleven plus
Pack of ten woodbines, a conductor on the bus.
A guinea or a threpence, quill pens you dipped in ink
Best clothes on a Whitsun, pigtails with ribbons of pink.
An annual trip to somewhere, it was all we could afford
Bag of chips and some scrumpy, we were happy, never bored.
No talk of the ozone layer, we had lots of the sun's rays
Families were big and we were poor - We didn’t care because those were the days!    

Toffee 

We call you ‘Toffee Apple’, or ‘Baby’, or ‘Kitten’ too
We call you several affectionate names, and they all suit you.

You were born, next door, on the 1^st of June - 2003 was the year
You were a tiny ball of ginger fluff, and you kept trying to suck my ear!
The year now is 2005 - and you are two years old
A lot has happened to you, little love, but you were brave and bold.

A car hit you and left you, when you were seven months of age
A broken pelvis – among your injuries, your tail amputated – you awoke in a cage.

At the vets you stayed for a week, and we were very worried for you
We came to see you every day, you gained strength, and you pulled through.

We love you, like a child, to us, you’re our little boy
Your funny ways – they do amuse, yYou are such a treasured joy.

This poem is all about you, Toffee – our wonderful cat
You give us your love, in return, and we’re honoured to have that.

You’re such a little darling, a comedian, it’s true!
So to our special baby - “Thanks for being you”. 

Together 

Start at the beginning 
Take it nice and slow 
Get to know each other 
And let the rest follow

You know the others name
You know their favourite song
The nervousness is passing
I’m sure you’ll get along

It’s been four weeks now
Time spent together
Maybe you’ll be closer
Like birds of a feather

Weeks, months – a year
The future is looking good
Love is growing constantly
Just like you hoped it would

One day you’re getting married
And now you’re husband and wife
Love will conquer everything
For the rest of your life 

Whatever You Are Doing 

Whatever you are doing
Wherever you may be
Look to find the brightest star
And fondly think of me

Even if it is hidden
And you cannot see it shine
Close your eyes and imagine
The star that’s yours and mine

The moon will be there also
Increasing, decreasing – but bright
Watching over you and I
On this, a winters’ night

Whatever you are doing
Always look to the sky
Smile to yourself and remember
It is there for you and I. 

Who Can You Turn To? 

Who can you turn to,
In your darkest despair?
God.
He is the one up there.
Pray to Him
And He will know
Exactly what to do.
He will comfort and
He will heal you too
He really can help
You know.
So pray to Him
To give you strength
And I know that He’ll come through
To help you cope and understand
He is there
So let Him help you.                                                        

Why? 

Why does the grass make my feet wet as I walk in the morn just begun?
And why is it green, not blue, or pink, or golden like the sun?
Why do the waves on the river make patterns as they flow?
And why do swans float against the tide, when the other way’s easier to go?
What makes a squirrel climb a tree and why do birds learn to fly?
And why do crabs walk sideways and don’t get sand it its eye!
Why do fish swim together, instead of swimming alone?
And why don’t they bump one another, why don’t they shout or groan?
What makes the sea so salty? What makes the sun so bright?
What makes the sun shine for me today –
And the moon come out at night?
Why do the stars to twinkle and what makes a baby smile?
And why must I ask why all the while! 

Top

Top

Submission Guidelines: Poems of no more than 30 lines in length each will be considered.