Millennium Bridge
Move over darling, we're the capital of enterprise
Innovation builds a future, before your very eyes
Leads you on a historic walk, where two unite as one
Long may it continue, region is exceedingly strong
Eye-catching, blinking marvellous, action innovative
Near the Baltic centre, imaginative and creative
Newcastle, Gateshead, we form a complementary exchange
In combining our resources, we bring a sea of change
Unique, the tide starts to turn our way, economics strike
Makes transport easier for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
Become famous, going to be landmark, in its own right
Renowned, boasts a waterfront, buzzing every day and night
In a thriving golden mile, unrivalled anywhere
Dynamic setting, for lovers of art everywhere
Gathers, attracts visitors, it certainly does thrill
Engineering feat, testimony to the region's skill.
John Neal, Chester-le-Street.
Twins
Two babes came to earth
So small and sweet
To make the life of the mum complete.
But alas, one was forbidden to stay
And went back to God the very same day.
His brother, however, was allowed to try
This earthly life and gave a loud cry
To be cuddled and kissed and held by his mother,
Too small and frail to be missing his brother.
His brother down from God's plane looked on
And whispered his love that would always live on.
To surround his mum and identical twin
For it was God's will indeed, that he should say with him.
For it was decreed that his heavenly task
Was to guide his twin whenever he asked,
For guidance and strength to get through each day
And also to help in his work and his play.
So you see, dear friends, God has a plan
That is not always clear to woman or man,
Some souls are needed to work up above
To lead us and teach us all about love.
These blessed people are special indeed
For they are not sullied by evil or greed.
So one babe was given and one taken back,
But, grieving mother, you never will lack.
God's peace and His love which will fill you with joy
For you have lent Him your own little boy.
Margaret Beetham, Newton Aycliffe.
Store Time
Children crying out aloud,
People pushing through the crowd.
Background music sweetly singing.
All the counters' tills are ringing.
Look at the length of the queue
Time for a pot of tea for two.
Upstairs to the cafeteria
For a slice of Madeira.
To the first floor, down again.
Some just shelter from the rain.
Customers' voices fill the air,
Choosing bargains with great care.
"What price is this or that?"
"Oh, I do like the hat."
Assistants hurry to and fro
They are always on the go.
Now the people are very few
Another day almost through.
Soon the legs will have a rest
Nice store, one of the best.
Thomas Conlon, Kirk Merrington.
I Wonder
How did the dog get a bark?
What causes the terror of a shark?
The cat has a soothing purr,
What makes a sleeping wolf stir?
What gives the eagle a good eye?
And why do pigs live in a sty?
The kangaroo was given a pouch,
On that we can vouch.
The white swan has a graceful neck.
Why do hens scrat and peck?
Bee is the queen and lion the king
That is an amazing thing.
Why does badger forage at night?
Why does mouse give elephant such a fright?
The wise old owl from yonder dell
All the answers to you can tell.
Janet Degnan, Bowes.
My SS Girl
She is my carer and my friend
She has patience without end.
Tall and slim, her short white hair
Is beautifully cut to leave her neck bare.
Her uniform, in white and green
Is always well ironed and spotlessly clean.
Every morning about nine o'clock
She comes to my door (no need to knock).
"Good morning," she calls in a cheery voice
"It's breakfast time - what is your choice?
"Toast or cereal?" I say: "And a big mug of tea."
Aren't I lucky to have such care now I'm 83?
Joyce Stewart, Darlington.
Pipkin
She watches us as she walks about,
Miaow is her little shout.
Four paws and tail up high,
As she passes him by.
Is this a boy she can see,
Sitting on the settee?
Up she jumps on his lap,
For a little comfy cat nap.
Danny O'Keeffe, aged 11, Startforth, Barnard Castle.
General Election
Now the election is all over,
I would like to thank every voter,
Who was fit and able,
And found time to visit the ballot table.
To the lazy and those that didn't bother,
A compulsory £50 fine would have made them dother.
It's a right freely given,
Not to have used it is a sin unforgiven.
My own personal choice was Mr Blair,
Who I think talked honest and fair.
As for the Tories and Mr Hague,
Still tones of Maggie Thatcher's harsh policies in a way.
Mr Kennedy and company of the Lib-Dem,
I think in government would create mayhem.
At the election under Labour the nation did well,
To have changed the formula would have created hell.
Now Labour has the backing for a second term,
A prize they fought for and truly earned.
George Sowerby, High Etherley, Bishop Auckland.
Mum
I though it was a butterfly that touched my cheek one day.
I thought it was the breeze that came and blew my tears away.
I thought it was the sunshine that gently held my hand.
I thought it was the rustle of the leaves just where I stand.
I was missing you mum, so very, very much,
But then I suddenly realised, this was you, your loving touch.
You haven't really left me, you're around me every day.
And this was your way of telling me, in your own special way.
So if there's other people out there and you're feeling real despair,
Just quietly look around you, your loved ones are always there.
Pat Walker, Hipswell, Catterick Garrison.
Echoes
Echoes of empty promises
Echoes of dreams unfulfilled,
Deep inside an emptiness
Which leave the heart quite chilled.
There seems no one to turn to,
For there are no ears to hear,
I'm vulnerable and alone now
No one to see the tears.
There seems nowhere to go now
All paths seem inter-twined,
Overgrown by seeds of the past
So that the future seems hard to find.
I still see the sunshine out there.
I still strive for inner peace,
But for a while life's stopped for me
All hope has come to cease.
Marge Mason, Newton Aycliffe.
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