Read Poetry from The Gift Of Love
THE DOVE OF MY HEART
The dove flew towards me
My soul jumped to meet it
That bird soft and loving
Nestled in the folds of my heart
That song it sings, as it spreads its wings
Fills my heart and soul, every part
The melody sweet
My joy is complete
God's loving spirit has claimed His seat
Judy Edwards
Dedicated to Pete and all our family, Peggy and Martin for all your support and Living Waters Church family.
Judy Edwards said: "This poem is particularly meaningful to me. I wrote it at the age of 16 from personal experience of my faith. I started my career with United Press in 2007 when I was a regional winner in the National Poetry Anthology competition. I have had 12 poems published since. I am currently working on Diary 2010, the poetry competition and other topics. I have covered numerous subjects for my work including nature, animals, holidays and my life. My husband Pete and I enjoy walks, photography, visiting National Trust properties, watercolour painting and church activities. I hope to publish my own anthology soon."
PROMISES
I once vowed to someone I would never let her down
That I would always love her and forever be around
I swore that I could free her from the demons in her life
If she would only trust me and agree to be my wife
I once told her father that the apple of his eye
Was truly loved and never would be given cause to cry
I promised him that I would make her happy and content
And treat her like an angel because she was heaven sent
I once told her mother that the daughter she once bore
Was all that I could ask for and forever would adore
I told her I would move the earth to fill her hearts desire
My love for her was so complete my need for her entire
I never made a promise
I intended not to keep
They have become my demons
And they haunt me in my sleep
Andrew Fletcher
MISSING YOU SO
The trouble is I know you so well
You have been crying I can tell
Oh how it hurts, yes I know it does
Think of the happy times, that's us
The places we travelled to and fro
The places we have seen as you know
That flame of love has not gone out
Just look around you, yes I'm about
Candle burns so bright where I abide
And one day we will be side by side
Someone had to go first you see
It was not your turn to go, it was me
Please dry your eyes, let them see
The things around you are part of me
Just look at the waves rolling in and out
I miss you so, there is no doubt
I'm away from you for a short spell
So when you cry the tears I can tell
We will be back together in a little while
So until then, please try to smile
Reginald Durrance
IN LOVELY GAGE PARK
As I sit here in lovely gage park
My mind, and heart is constantly with thee
The beauty I see before my eyes
Would be multiplied over and over
If only I were with thee.
The wind is sighing in the trees
Perhaps she will carry my thoughts
Of love to thee.
The bonnie rose gardens
Their fragrance so sweet.
Such a peaceful day
Only your presence would mak it complete
When I was with you
The hours would fleet by
On lightning wings.
Now the hours
Held by the chains of your absence
Draw slowly, I miss you so much.
Alexander Baird
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FIVE DECADES
Five decades past I have survived
I discovered truth as others lied
I learned to forgive, this made me strong
They continue to hurt, stay painfully wrong
I twinkle with laughter to conceal my tears
Seek only peace in these golden years
I experienced such fun in a frolic past
Found faithful friends love made to last
Employ sweet dreams all ready to wield
Avoid darkest valleys explore greener fields
Most precious the sight of my very first child
An untarnished love captured eternal inside
I learn something new every day
To spur me on and signal the way
Enchanted stories so much to unfold
Of triumphed battles as I grow old
Replicate missions for a brand new day
In ecstatic rapture as I kneel down and pray
Well heeled and travelled many places I've seen
Feel no regrets to what might have been
In jubilant splendour I peek into the past
Golden days are idyllic, forever last
Susan Stacey
BOBBY
They found him tied to a an old oak tree
He was frightened, hungry and sad
For Bobby, once a beautiful dog
Had been cruelly neglected
Which was despicable and very bad.
his once lovely coat was full of fleas
His bones protruded through
And the RSPCA who found him
Were horrified and very upset too
For their love and devotion and veterinary skills
Are world renowned
Every praise is due.
Now beautiful Bobby has returned
With the RSPCA's dedication and care
For the great gift of love
Can work miracles
To all humans and animals everywhere.
Joan Kernick
LOST LOVE
I cannot cope with this
I'm confused ... an abyss
Has opened under me
Not where I want to be
Don't know what I'll do
Strange feelings crossing through
Incessant pain it brought
Prove tougher than I thought
Not easy to describe
Immerse in a diatribe
It parted with demure
For lost love there's no cure
Barry Freedom
Born in Cuba, Barry Freedom has interests including writing, films and listening to and playing music. “I started writing 30 years ago after a dear friend and excellent writer encouraged me to do so after reading my work,” he explained. “My work is influenced by love and I would describe myself as a love poet. I would like to be remembered as a good writer of novels, short stories and especially romantic poetry.” Aged 60, Barry has written over 300 poems and this is his sixth to be published.
SPECIAL MOMENT ON VALENTINE
Words for a valentine written in a poem
Thoughts that entwine to explain how beauty has a shine
Spoken from the heart it hurts every time
Romance inspires emotion, feelings to give love a chance
To generate fuel of passion, touching our souls, wow
So much allegiance
Dancing flames of a camp fire thinking a place to go
France or maybe the lucky three leaf clove!
Mind now silenced
As looking up above the moon's raise beaming
As a spotlight, stars that sparkle
So breathtaking being beside you
This dream come true, hasn't flashed by a glance
Flowers, chocolates, surprises on this romantic day
That's all nice but for me reading your eyes, kissing your lips
Now that makes my heart chime
Jamie Dewey
SACRED MEMORIES
I remember well, so long ago
When I was young and fell in love
Her hair was gold with eyes of blue
With the beauty of the flowers.
Times were hard and we were poor
But each day our love grew stronger
We vowed our love beneath the sunset
Reflected through calm waters.
We picnicked in the parks and beaches
Country walks and coach day outings,
To me she was my angel, and my gift of love.
But happiness was not to be, when you were taken ill
The good Lord freed you from your suffering
In my arms you fell asleep.
I sit beside your silent grave
And shed a silent tear.
I could feel her loving arms around me
Saying, Thank you John for everything
In the memories we once shared.
Jim Carlin
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TIME FOR US
So many memories
The stolen hours we spent together
Hiding our feelings from others
Your voice on the phone
Turning my day upside down
Precious moments never to be forgotten
Always hoping there would be a chance for us
Trying not to put pressure to bare
But wanting you so much
Trying not to picture the future without you
Because I know in my heart
The choice you would make
So again I have to take second best
Knowing I will never have
The person I really love
Filling my life with other things
So as to try and push the memories away
I had always hoped there would be a time for us
Where we could walk hand in hand
Not having to hide
But we all have our destiny
Mine is not to be with you
Sue Moody
BELONGING
There are many kinds of love that can be shown
Some last forever they are so well sown
Like the love between parent and child
This growth is unconditional and never mild
Along life’s way meeting many friends too
Their companionship remains constant and true
Then your first love stays always in your heart
Even after testing years you do fall apart
Courtships and marriage follow along life’s way
With constant love you share many a happy day
The ups and downs of life become very great
But you overcome all if you have the right mate
They accept you for what you truly are
To them you remain the perfect star
Until, illness threatens, no longer life is a game
The finality of it means nothing can be the same
When sadness comes and you must part
You hold dear the shared joys within your heart
Mollie Day
Dedicated to my late husband, family and many friends who have helped me so very much.
Born in Bishop’s Stortford, Mollie Day has interests including photography and letter writing. “I started writing about 18 months ago as a form of escapism because I had serious worries at the time,” she explained. “I want my work to be meaningful and I would describe my style as free flowing.” Mollie is a retired careers advisor with an ambition to remain robust for a long time yet. “I would love to meet Russell Watson because I am a fan of his music and I admire how well he has recovered from his illness,” added Mollie.
TO THEE
I send to thee:
A sweeping stream of rose petals and kisses
Touching you like a ray of sunshine
On a warm summer's day
We dance in the stream
As the sun sets
Splashing and playing
The world spirals and unravels
And we are revealed
You stand
Beautiful spirit man
Whole in your strength, grace and wisdom
Realised in your essence and actualised is your truth
Isabel Tepper
FULL CIRCLE
Walking hand in hand along life’s pathway,
Sharing many memories, so comfortable together,
With thoughts that can never be severed.
There were many days when times were bad
And hardships came along,
They saw many changes, but through it all were strong
There were some good times and some bad times,
So many experiences of life
Some moments of great happiness spent as husband and wife,
They saw their family thrive and grow,
Then go their separate ways,
Now grandchildren come to visit, making more happy days.
Their hair has now turned to silver
And they share retirement years
But the gift of love has seen them through their happiness and tears,
Now they can take things easy and enjoy the quieter days,
For the fullness of life is now upon them
With its relaxing and peaceful ways.
Jan Imeson
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MOOD DIARY
Dearly beloved wife and loving mother
How did you mask so magnificently and cheerfully
The true depth of your mental anguish,
And physical suffering.
Four long days in a row, on minus four
Someone is here, behind me, following me,
But I can’t reach,
so real, I nearly say, go away
But leave the kitchen instead.
Someone is calling, I check the answer phone
No small light is flashing.
A new voice today, sneering,
Go on, do it, you know you want to.
Old voice, pompous and censorious,
Says my name, how could you?
All my antibiotics are gone
I wish, I really wish I were, no more pain
I’ve taken the stated daily dose of co-codamol
But I’m still in pain.
Why?
Geoffrey Martin
Dedicated to Antoinette Martin, my dearly beloved wife and loving mother of Christopher, who passed away in February 2009.
LOVE IN THE ETERNITY OF TIME
To love in the eternity of time
The spirit of life for the unborn soul
And the essence of love before my birth
Is innate in nature and entwined as one
Harmonies in heaven are sent to adore him
A prayer for romantic passion
In the heart of his fair courtship
Transcends the years across the constant horizon
As the sun rises, feelings awaken aflowering
And each day draws onwards, loving him
Like rainbows across the chromatic sky
Sunbursts in streams of pure emotion
Expressed in poetic rays of being
In moments we were meant for infinity
Intonations in words are prosaic phrases
As the intrinsic knowledge enlightens thoughts
Is the predestination of our ultimate union
Neverending as I long for his amour
Midday to midnight as I encounter his sweet kisses
This is my love in the realm of the universe
Elizabeth Tittensor
LOVE IS
Candles burning, love's turning
Coming closer and closer still.
Barriers falling, love's calling
Gentle lips touch, growing kiss.
Feelings warming, love's forming
Probing deeper and deeper still.
Hearts aching, loves breaking
Touching, caressing, exploring further
Bodies writhing, love's striking
Aroused, lost in intimate pleasure.
Lovers mating, love's awakening
Complete wrapped, in a sensual cocoon.
Doubts weakening, love's deepening
Two together, blossoming become one.
Heads spinning, love's winning
Passion driven, welcome emotion.
Lover returning, love’s alive burning
Captured souls given, succumbed to another.
Hearts racing, love's embracing
As the world keeps revolving, love is evolving.
Martine Gafney
THREE PHOTOGRAPHS
On the corner of my writing desk
So lovingly displayed,
Stand three very old, framed photographs,
That span more than one decade.
The first one, taken when we were wed,
Our love was so plain to see,
The trusting way I looked at him,
And the loving way he looked at me.
Then later on, as still he stands,
Affection showing for our friend,
How precious were those happy years,
Years we thought would never end.
More recently, just us two again,
His illness showing in his face,
Not knowing how, so very soon
He’d be gone forever, from this place.
Three very old, small photographs,
Covering a lifetime’s span,
How grateful I feel, deep in my heart,
That God gave me such a loving man.
Lucy D Williams
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THE BEST GIFT
I’ve had many gifts, that bring much joy
There is one gift that’s touched me the most
I can’t physically touch it, but I know it’s there
The gift of love, knowing others care
A warm feeling, makes you feel complete
Like going to the movies and having the front seat
Love only brings joy, there is no pain
Anyone being deceitful, is working in vain
No words describe the feeling, I won’t even try
When you feel love, you can just fly
Where words fail, music can speak
Even then you may never find, the answers you seek
The best gift is unconditional love
I appreciate, this gift from above
It’s not like a string of pearls, or items you lack
This is a gift, you don’t send back
Michèle Wood
REFLECTIONS
Reflections on a quiet day
Send messages of love
But will he hear
Moments to store in one’s heart
Jealously guarded
But will he care
Casual times spent beside him
Being supportive and strong
Protect him from fear
Strong arms to encircle this person
I cry for him
With him I will share
Who is this one that I love
My life I would put on the line for?
One day he’ll know
Who is this one that I love?
This mortal that I love against all else
My son
Reflections on a quiet day, send messages of love
My song he hears
Christine Watkins
MY LOVE FOR YOU
My love for you
Is like the red budded rose
Unfolding into petalled beauty
Under high summer’s noon.
My love for you
Is like the trees’ branches
Blooming into green of summer
Into glory of autumn’s golden reds.
My love for you
Is like the cool pinnacle
Of a mountain’s snow tipped peak
Yhe deep serenity of the
Mirrored lake at its feet.
My love for you
Is like the flight of the
Eagle soaring the heavens.
The trusting sleep
Of the newborn lamb.
My love for you
Will last as long as
Moonlight and starlight
As long as the sun rises
And sets within heaven’s peace.
June Birch
WHAT IS LOVE?
What is love? Tis a thick jam sandwich
What is love? Tis an ice-cream in a crowd
What is love? Tis two eggs and bacon
What is love? Tis one’s first teenage kiss
What is love? Tis looking into eyes that meet
What is love? Tis holding hands outside your first home
What is love? Tis the patter of little feet
What is love? Tis leaving your child at school
What is love? Tis listening to their breathing
What is love? Tis kissing under your child’s Christmas tree
What is love? Tis holding hands as the sun sets
What is love? Tis waking up in paradise together
Ron Atkin
Dedicated to my mother who gave me a rare jam sandwich during the second world war when bread was rationed.
Ron Aitkin said: “I have been creating with a brush since the age of 10. I graduated from the Royal Academy of Arts and have been featured in numerous publications and have paintings in public and private collections throughout the world. As a psychic spiritual healer, I have written three books, two of which revive ancient teachings that I refer to as The Song of the Sea. My published works communicate my belief of how the Biblical Christ performed miracles such as Feeding The Five Thousand and Walking On Water - please find me on Amazon.”
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