13th March 2025 • The HERALD • Page 81 v INDEPENDENT, LOCAL AND PROUD v Poets Corner The copyright of all poems that are published in The Herald belong to the author and must NOT be reproduced without their permission Send your poems to us at 2 High Street, Hythe, Southampton SO45 6AH or email: editor@herald-publishing.co.uk Fishing Fancies by Isobel Smith© e sherman there – on a bank of the river He’s happy with life and could stay there forever He lets his mind wander and dreams of a catch ank none of his buddies would ever dare match! A sherman too, with his rod by the shore With his hat brim well down he will peacefully snore He can dream of his meeting with old King Canute Til the tide creeps on in and ows over his boot! Way out on a loch is a sherman’s boat His eyes just relax as he watches the oat He wonders if Nessie might surface today Any what, for his tale, might a newspaper pay? So shermen all, we forgive your tall tales How catches you’ve had seem to measure like whales Your patience astounds me but don’t get me wrong - As a woman I couldn’t keep quiet that long!! Reaching Retirement by Dorothy Lockyer© Help! I’m married to an OAP I wonder what the future will be? The future is looking exceedingly bright With an Old Age pension firmly in sight. Did you ever think this day would arrive? You should thank the Lord you’re still alive. For many have never passed this way Never collected the pensioners pay. A new word now will roll off your tongue Concession, concession, I’m no longer young! Having said Good Bye to years of youth Alas, you’ve become quite long in the tooth! But never mind, don’t let it get you down Remove your smile and wear a frown There are lots of benefits for getting old No longer having to do as you’re told. When youngsters call you ‘a silly old git’ You can whack them with your walking stick. Remember you’re a Senior Citizen now You just tell them where to go, and how!! Your bus pass is waiting; you can ride on the cheap! It’s a pity the buses don’t run down your street! Your eye test is free, your prescription too There’s no end of the benefits coming to you! Even though now you’re getting old and grey You’re deeply respected in every way We’ll celebrate this special day with you And share your pension, as you’d want us to!! ORPHAN BOY by Jim Dolbear© Homes like matchsticks swept away, When the typhoon struck that day. Now Jai is an orphan boy, With no home lost every toy. e one he prized over all, Was his brand new birthday ball. Like all boys he had a dream, To one day play for a team. With no kin he searched all day. For his ball now swept away. Days went by now in despair, He could not nd it anywhere. Dusk was near where could it be? He saw it stuck up in a tree. He held it like it was gold, His smile something to behold. Now as darkness so ly creeps, He hold the ball and he sleeps. For though he’s lost and is sad, It reminds him of his dad. THE HOME HELP by Chris Howlett© DING DONG Girl at the door An urgent requirement Home help needed No time for judgement. In her nose piercings Ears glint in the sun Thick slap on her face Hair tied in a bun. Lips heavily botoxed Thick eyebrows drawn on Spider lashes out the box Whitened teeth glare in the sun. Tattoos abounding twixt arm and neck Loving Wayne, or Steve but definitely not Derek Lips bright red - danger beware, A lovely young girl without a care. Cleaning and scrubbing she did with aplomb Smiling and laughing all along She brought joy to the day And to the old lady Whose judgmental scowl Had soon faded. Laughter and youth Now found in the house And at the end of it all She got rid of the mouse. THE OLD AIRFIELD by Isobel Smith© In the early morning mist Does the airstrips’ ghost exist? Runway filled with cracks and ruts No more painted Nissen huts. Can I hear the Spitfires roar? They can’t land here anymore No more windsock, no more lights -Take-offs during moonlit nights. Shadow figure – can I see? I can feel his ghost in me He has not been laid to rest Medal ribbons on his chest. Flying jacket, boots and gloves Leaving England that he loves He never knew that flight would be His very last over England’s sea. When evening comes and I walk there I think about the airmen’s prayer For if I could, I’d do my best To aid his spirits final rest. Alone In A Crowd by David K Wilson© He stood at the edge of the dance floor Trying to seem so discreet A glass in his hand looking casual There was no one he’d planned to meet Friends moved onto the dance floor The music romantic and loud While the band enjoying every moment Playing along to the crowd All it took was one look ‘cross the dance floor One look was all it would be He moved away she moved away Both prayed the other was free He edged his way round the dancers Crowding all over the floor To stand right there beside her She chatted to friends like before He moved in close saying excuse me May I have this last dance with you? She looked and gave him a beautiful smile Saying, I was saving this last dance for you And that dance was one special last dance So slow so lovely so true And the last dance was where it all began With three simple words I love you All it took was one look and it happened A meeting of eyes ‘cross the floor Two hearts beating hard and fast The smiles on each face said it all Two people searching a distance apart Two longing souls and two lonely hearts Until eyes met eyes in an open greeting Two happy people one special meeting I only wish that I was there, ose precious moments both to share. Now you have been taken away from me, And I am le with my memories. You were there when I needed you, When I was lost you helped me through. And guided me along the way, Showed me the path when I went astray. Your smile a pat upon my head, A goodnight kiss when I went to bed. You crept in at the dead of night, To make sure I was tucked in tight. When I cried you comforted me, Told me stories upon your knee. Brought sunshine to my every day, Always found time to laugh and play. ough you have le and I am sad, I will recall good times we had. So until the day we are together, I miss you and love you forever. Gone But Not Forgotten by Jim Dolbear © I’ve become very lazy So I have this notion, I can hide my wrinkles Without cream or lotions. No need for makeup, Not even foundation, I’m sure it will catch on Throughout the nation. It is really easy, Not much of a task. Just wear some shades With your face mask. No More Wrinkles by Marlene Parmenter ©
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