A SPIDER’S WARNING
You really are quite nasty,
In fact I think you’re awful
For kicking spiders from your house,
It should be made unlawful.
I’d made myself so cosy
And settled in your room
And when the darkness fell o’er me
I thought I’d met my doom
And then your wicked henchman,
That dopey looking bloke
He chucked me in the back yard,
I tell you that’s no joke
But I feel that I must warn you,
You’re gonna see me later
Cos I’ll be back with others,
My pater and my mater.
You’ve never met a one like pa,
An evil looking spider
You might have thought that I was big,
Well he is three times wider
Trevor Spark, Darlington

LIFE’S TOO SHORT
Life’s too short to iron knickers,
or towels or nighties or socks.
Life’s too short to spend the evening
asleep in front of the box.
Life’s too short to dry the dishes
on a warm and sunny day.
Life’s too short to dust high shelves
which no-one sees anyway.
Life’s far too short to hoover daily.
Get out, meet friends, have fun
Pause awhile and catch the sunrise
and hear the song of birds at dawn.
Linger awhile and watch the blackbird
pulling worms up from the lawn.
Stop awhile and smell the blossom
or sit and make a daisy-chain.
Take the time to run through
meadows
or splodge in puddles after rain.
Make the time to share with children
their hopes and joys and dreams:
to hold them close and listen
to their mad and wild-cat schemes.
Take a break, sit back and pause.
Remember: life’s too short to iron
drawers
Daphne Clarke, Richmond

A TRIBUTE TO THE QUEEN
For 60 years you have reigned as our Queen
From immature novice to Matron Supreme
For 60 years, you have given your best
Through trials and troubles, your love stood the test.
You travelled the world, our Ambassadress
Despite all the dangers, and feelings of stress.
You kept your composure, you never showed fear
In places exotic, or hovels so drear.
Today we salute you, with banners and cheers
Our wonderful Queen, in your jubilee year.
God bless you, and keep you, and guide all your ways
In peace may you reign for the rest of your days.
Mrs Cowley, Toft Hill