ANYWHERE OUT NORTH

Life in the north is better by far

For one thing the roads still outstretch the car.

Our magnificent scenery is compulsive viewing

and can be witnessed by all without endless queuing.

The cathedrals and castles seem to have stood around forever

as proof that our forebears were strategically clever.

We have long sandy beaches to keep the land and sea parted

The water looks great but it's not for the faint hearted.

With an abundance of sports it goes without saying

There's something for all either watching or playing

You can shop and not drop (they'll deliver all you require)

There's night life and music that can raise the roof higher.

Some of our secrets are out, now I've opened my mouth.

Let's hope the tourists still go east, west and south.

Mr J Sayers

BELFAST, MAY 8, 2007

Two leaders sitting

Both admitting

They'll try with pride

To bridge a great divide

No more beguiling

Two leaders smiling

A challenge for them both

There to take a solemn oath

And free their people

From a horrid war

Free their people

No killing anymore

Enjoy the sunshine

And all the future has in store.

The people waiting

All debating

What is to be

And those who had to flee

Goodbye to sorrow

A new tomorrow

And hope forever more

They can open every door

To peace and goodwill

Bringing lots of joy

Peace and goodwill

For every girl and boy

A brand new design

That no-one will want to destroy.

Two leaders scheming

Northern Ireland dreaming

Good luck to them all

Albert Curle, Ferryhill

ON BEADNELL BEACH

Alone on the beach I watch the moving sea,

I feel as if the world belongs to me,

The clouds in the evening sky are pink and gold,

Beadnell at sunset is wondrous to behold.

The silver moon is a lamp in the dark night sky,

I hear in the silence the sound of a seagull's cry,

The beach is bathed by the sea, a gentle sound,

Here is God's peace, no greater peace is found.

In other lands no peace, no joy is found,

The poor are killed, the rich man's wars abound,

Earth is a killing field, God, do you hear?

When will the people be freed

from despair and fear?

Soon the bright stars will fade in the morning mist,

Again I will walk on the beach which the sea has kissed,

The seagulls above the harbour

will swoop and soar,

Again I will enter God's heaven through nature's door.

Rev John Stephenson, East Herrington, Sunderland.

MEMORIES

Since finishing work, retired they say,

I've done some travelling round,

From Lands End to John O'Groats,

and I've been on foreign ground.

What memories come flooding back,

When I think of where I've been,

Beaches, rivers, buildings, parks,

Are just some of what I've seen.

But the thing I've seen the most of,

Maybe not quite what I'd choose,

I've hung about outside of them,

Those awful ladies loos.

But it's not because

I'm strange or queer,

That they feature in my life,

I'm not loitering with any bad intent,

I'm just waiting for my wife.

Dennis Grimley, Trimdon Village

LEAH WITH THE BIG BLUE EYES

Two big blue eyes

Are shining bright

Lighting up her face.

She's such a happy little thing

Bright as bright can be.

Alert and very quick to see,

Everything there is to see.

God help her safely

Through her life

With health and happiness

And please let her have little strife.

Thank you and God bless.

Betty Watt, Durham

GUNFIGHT

Way back in September 1881

One wild and blustery morn

A notorious gunfight took place

Behind the OK corral.

In Tombstone, Arizona

A legend now was born.

City Marshall Virgil Earp

Well respected in the West

Bravely wore his badge of office

Pinned upon his chest.

With his brothers, Wyatt and Morgan

and friend John Holiday,

A dentist known as Doc

Faced four local cowboys

Who through the town had run amok.

The Clanton and McLaury Brothers

Expecting that the shoot-out

Would bring them fame

Now lie in a churchyard

In the town of Tombstone, Arizona,

Four tombstones carry their name.

Gordon McCallum, Bowburn, Durham.