22nd June 2023 • The HERALD • Page 81 v THE NEXT HERALD IS OUT ON 13TH JULY v PART TIME SCHOOL RUN DRIVERS REQUIRED We are currently looking for new drivers to fill rewarding, part time roles in our busy, family run business. We specialise in transporting disabled and vulnerable children and young adults with a range of special needs to school’s across Hampshire. All applicants must be physically fit, 100% reliable and punctual with a pleasant attitude towards others. A New Forest District Council Private Hire License would be an advantage, however, we can help you obtain this. In return we offer good rates of pay and a reliable and well maintained company vehicle. Our working days are Monday-Friday and approximately 17-20 hours per week during term times. These positions may suit retired or semi-retired persons but all applicants are welcome. To enquire in the first instance, please email: schooltransportsouthampton@gmail.com HERALD RECRUI TMENT Poets Corner A FAIR COP by Isobel Smith© It was late at night and the patchy fog had cleared When I saw up ahead two yellow jackets had appeared As I moved for the brake, he moved for his gun My heart sank quite low, for I feared I might be done. en he signalled with his torch and pulled me to one side So I set my hand-brake rm, with my window open wide He bent down to speak and check for alcohol, I know ough I was pretty sure that half a shandy wouldn’t show. en he said, come on Madam, I’m looking for some proof – Get out the car and place your hands upon the roof He was tall, he was blond, he was stern but yet polite So a thorough body search would have been a pure delight! Alright, I give in, I have not revealed the truth I did 38 in a 30 limit - his gun unveiled the proof So with a verbal warning and an urge to ‘toe the line’ I was graciously excused, three penalty points and a £40 ne! I Shouldn’t by Margaret Bell© I shouldn’t really but one more piece, I shouldn’t buy it, but it’s just a treat! Hidden away, out of sight, Just incase I need another bite! My mind does wander to where it is, Another square now would just be bliss, No! I say-just be strong, Another piece would be so wrong! Concentrate on something else, Just be positive I tell myself, Like a cat that knows there’s a mouse, I know there is chocolate in this house! Go for a walk or read a book, You’ll see it’s willpower that’s all it took, I can do it, I think I could, I’ll start next week, all will be good!! For WhomThe Bell Tolls by David K Wilson© Hey mouse, let’s do something exciting today What do you suggest bear? I’m ready to play We could explore the woods; play hide and seek Perhaps we can rummage, nd something to eat? Yes, honey, said bear, I’m sure there’s some there e bees I know will be happy to share! As a mouse, nuts and seeds I like, lots and lots But beware of the squirrel, he calls the shots. O through the Forest, where nobody sees rough the brambles and the di erent trees. e mouse is delighted with the forest oor Covered with nuts, seeds and so much more. Bear, his ears twitching at the buzz of a bee We’ll follow that buzz and have honey for tea. e day has sped fast, the moons in the sky e sound of an owl with its haunting cry. I’m afraid said the mouse, the owl might see me I really don’t want to become his tea! Stay close to me, said bear, I’m your best friend I’ll keep you safe, on me you can depend. SILENTLY, BENEATH A TREE by Richard A Labram© Silently, beneath a tree a feline sleek and patient; sharpened claw and steely eye for the unwary, waiting. Once those glinting eyes shone with peaceful pleasure; brightly lit by a re’s glow – her purring silk at leisure. Gently charming those who cared she ensured her every wish; and in the wink of half a smile she mused over every dish. Now the old rug by the re feels the winter warmth again and pines for the recent occupant that sheltered it against the ame. A simple marker under a yew – shows just where in its lea, a feline sleek and patient waits, silently, beneath a tree. My Best Friend by Dorothy Lockyer© Peace in the valley A place far away Far from reality For an hour or a day Away from all stresses For whom the bell tolls Whoever whenever Be brave and be bold It’s a hidden place A place lost in time Back to the beginning A life on the line Hiding abiding In a place far away For a lifetime a moment A year or a day Your own secret valley Let the world pass you by In the highest of mountains Beneath the bluest of skies Forget all the stresses For whom the bell tolls Whoever whenever Be brave and be bold Nature’s Philosophy by Victor Timmons © On Reflection by Jim Dolbear© On days like today we can remember, When we walked in the sun ‘neath the blue skies, And wishing the day would never end. As we stood by the stream near the old oak, Our reflections distorted by the breeze. And the minnows darted from reed to reed, Whilst the ducks landed with hardly a splash. We picked flowers that grew in the wood, To decorate the kitchen window sill, Placed in a jam jar ‘til they faded. Then home to tea and mums “had a nice day” As we tucked into strawberries and cream. And so to bed with a kiss and “sleep tight, See you tomorrow”, mum put out the light. Nocturnal birds in sibilant causerie Forest creatures in distant revelry While nature’s blanket dims their rivalry And stills the air to peaceful reverie How brief is this tranquillity As hostile meetings in darkened shrubbery Remind, if only momentarily at man alone enjoys in camaraderie I look into his lovely face, And his love comes back to me. His adoring eyes look into mine, With love which makes me smile. We’ve been together now for a long long time. My love for him matches his love for me. But the time will come when we must part to other worlds. Him to his ‘doggy world’ and me to mine. Unconditinal Love by George Jenkins© The copyright of all poems that are published in The Herald belong to the author and should NOT be reproduced without their permission
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