Read Poetry from A Poem For Christmas
The £100 Winner of A Poem for Christmas…
Former ballroom dance teacher Madge Brawn was almost dancing for joy when she discovered she had become a national poetry champion.
For Madge, of Little Lever, Bolton, was chosen as the winner of the UK-wide Christmas poem competition held by publishers United Press.
“We had many thousands of entries but Madge’s poem Cold Christmas was chosen as the best,” said Peter Quinn, Managing Director of United Press.
“Due to arthritis my ballroom dancing days are over, but I love writing poetry. And as well as having several of my poems published in anthologies I’ve recently published my own collection, A Pocket Full Of Poems,” explained Madge.
“I love writing poetry and all my work is in rhyme. I particularly enjoy finding the right words to make a poem rhyme perfectly,” said Madge.
“A lot of my poetry is personal and most of it deals with my own life. My winning poem in this competition is all about the struggle to afford to pay for a good Christmas, which is something most people have experienced,” said Madge.
As her prize Madge receives £100 and publication of her poem in a book.
Madge (79) has been married to Ken for 61 years. They have two sons and a granddaughter
COLD CHRISTMAS
Christmas is coming; my purse is getting flat,
Please put a fiver in my old man’s hat.
If you haven’t got a fiver a one pound coin will do,
Or anything to fill my purse, a big thank you to you.
I want to get a turkey but can only buy a wing,
I’d like to wrap some parcels up, but can’t afford the string.
My Christmas tree is falling fast, the baubles lost their glitter,
I don’t think we are going out, we can’t afford the sitter.
So, here we go, another year, my present list is empty,
All I can give is lots of love. Kisses and cuddles a plenty.
I can wrap you up into my arms and give you this love letter,
And hope with all my loving heart that next year will be better.
Madge Brawn
Below you can read excerpts of other work from poets published in A Poem for Christmas.
NOT TO SAY
A blanket of white.
A beautiful sight.
Laid down like a carpet,
by nature.
So that we can compliment
it with
cards, gifts
and parties,
for a colourful Christmas
to celebrate
the one who made
this all real.
RACHEL VAN DEN BERGEN
BOXING DAY MAGIC
There’s a quiet and a crispness in the cold morning air,
A magical stillness in the silence we hear,
No sound breaks the spell, we are only aware
Of a murmuring brook flowing gently, quite near.
The grass around glistens, while we see over there
Frost on the trees adorning branches, once bare,
They now sparkle like silver, as we gaze round and stare
At nature’s own wonderland, spread out everywhere.
We wander along paths, sprinkled white, but made clear
By the mellow winter sun, and we forget all our cares
As we absorb the beauty and peace we can share,
For Christmas is over and Boxing Day is here.
KATHLEEN WYKES
Dedicated to my parents, who loved to walk and enjoy the beauty of Cannock Chase, summer and winter.
GREENWOOD CHRISTMAS
Leaves fall softly to the snows below,
Like the gossamer of angels’ wings,
They drift down on the winds of gentle breezes.
In these gentle woods of memories,
The peace of Christmas nears,
Leaving those who come here with replenished spirit and no tears.
The beauty is in the silence so deep,
Those who are here chose this for their resting place
on this earthly plain,
But their spirits mingle with us who walk these beautiful woods.
As we turn to leave we stand in the stillness of time amongst the snows,
Yet with winter’s colours vibrant around, peace is ours on this still calm Eve of Christmas.
JANICE EDWARDS
Dedicated to those who stand and listen to the silence.
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A GIFT OF LOVE
Christmas passes, comes Epiphany
Another church season to start
But, that wonderful time of his birth
Means little to many
Just an excuse for revelry and mirth
With goodwill, love and gifts, just a part
Of a riotous celebration.
Overlooking one gift, priceless above all
Our Lord’s birthday, a message; God’s call
To us to see him in human form; the Word
Present in the form of that low-born child
Conceived by God and born by Mary mild
Now. That is the real reason for joy and jubilation.
So, when opening those presents, given with love
Pause and reflect, on the real meaning behind it all
That, two millennium ago, came a gift from above
The baby Lord Jesus, born in a cattle stall.
He too was given in love, for the benefit of mankind
A gift that is more precious each day that goes by,
So let us bless the coming of that baby boy.
FRED CUTLER
ANIMALS WORLDWIDE AT CHRISTMAS TIME
Amazing winter animals around the world unite,
Although extremely clever they know not it’s Christmas night.
Each day the same magical chores, each morning cool and crisp,
Secretly they disappear into their own little world in a wisp.
Strolling through the forest collecting chestnuts in the glade,
I peer and spy a reindeer and squirrel inquisitively gaze,
Robins scurrying in the holly bush and weasels in the brook,
Our faithful wide eyed earthly friends, so sadly misunderstood.
Rainforests, blue oceans, snowy hills and sandy bays,
God’s great gift for all on Earth, not just the human race.
Indian tigers in their jungles, African elephants on their plains,
South American anacondas, all share the air God made.
The flicker of Christmas candles creates a homely scene,
Twinkling lights and warm log fires for some is just a dream.
Indelible Christmas memories, my heart’s feeling so divine,
But our love is the everlasting love of animals for all time.
DIANA DOONER
Dedicated to Suzy, Gabrielle and Roger. The animal world is a better place thanks to you all for caring.
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LONG AGO, FAR AWAY
Long ago, far away,
And at this seasonal occasion,
The infant baby Jesus was born on Christmas Day.
In a stable for a manger, on a bed of hay he lay,
With Mary, Joseph and the three kings,
Who were guided by a star.
While shepherds tended their flocks at night,
An angel of the lord appeared,
With glad tidings of peace and joy,
Of the birth of a new born king.
May the stars shine bright,
And bells ring out across land, sea and sky,
For the coming of our saviour,
Each year at Christmas tide.
JIM CARLIN
CHRISTMAS CHEER
Many children’s faces waiting for time to fly,
Beaming little faces with excitement in their eyes,
Knowing Santa Claus is coming with his sleigh of toys,
And gifts for all the family, but especially girls and boys.
Christmas time is here again with holly and mistletoe,
Turkey, stuffing and Christmas pud, and carols wherever you go.
Parties, crackers and mulled wine, mince pies and Ye Olde Yule log.
Kisses under the mistletoe, and extra cuddles for the dog.
This is a special time of year, joining family and friends,
Enjoying festive fun that we never want to end.
But we never should forget the reason for it all,
That little baby Jesus was born at Christmas in a stall,
Surrounded by angels, shepherds and wise men,
He came on earth to bring us hope, and peace to all men.
So Merry Christmas, God bless all creatures great and small,
May a brand New Year bring peace and love to us all.
JAN IMESON
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SING A SONG FOR CHRISTMAS
Sing a song for Christmas,
But what song can I sing?
A song of hope, with joy and love,
Some blessings from above?
A song beneath the mistletoe,
Just hoping for a kiss,
As all the pretty girls dash by,
With glances that dismiss,
And though I cannot sing a song,
A carol or a round,
The small boy deep inside of me,
Shall make a joyful sound.
JON ELLISON
BING
A knock at the door and the carollers sing,
A beautiful song made famous by Bing.
One of Dad’s favourites and one of mine too,
It’s touching what the memory of one song can do.
I dream of a white Christmas year after year,
And wish that Dad could still be right here.
To enjoy festive re-runs of Bing’s Christmas movie,
Crooning along with Rosemary Clooney.
Sipping his sherry and eating mince pies,
While falling asleep just resting my eyes.
I place the old angel at the top of our tree
And pray that my Dad can look down on me
I turn on the stereo, White Christmas blares out as on cue,
As I raise my glass skyward and say “Dad, this one’s for you”
BEVERLEY BINFIELD
DIVINE DELIGHT
What a wonder and delight to bask
In the glory of the Bethlehem star.
There’s so much light, so much love,
So much blessedness around.
For it has descended to announce
The priceless gift to mankind,
The birth of its everlasting king, God’s son.
Let’s welcome him with the feast in a grand style.
To celebrate Christmas is not enough
To please our tastebuds with sweet puddings
Or mince pies, nor even to enchant our eyes
With red holly that decks the house,
But to become holy inside, like Jesus Christ,
And plant special cheer in other people’s hearts,
To make them jump to the skies
And dream of becoming dancing stars.
To let the whole world unite in the divine delight
This is what Christmas is all about. At Christmas time
There’s a big role for each of us to play,
Like Santa Claus others to entertain.
LUCY CARRINGTON
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THEY BE HOME
Family all be there,
From far and wide,
With Christmas cards with words
Of love and care,
Gifts for Christmas tide.
All sit for festive dinner in the diner,
Family full of laughter and good cheer,
Dine off once a year chine,
Hear what’s happening through out the year.
After their turkey roast
Raise wine glasses to thank the cook,
Toast these of the family departed,
At old photograph look.
Wishes of good luck for the year to come,
Promises to be back next year,
For Christmas dinner, laughter and fun,
From all over the family promise to come.
BRYAN GEORGE CLARKE
GOING HOME
Gunfire, roar of cannon, smoke,
Cries from horses and screams of men,
Amidst this I mortally lie;
No one to tend my pain or listen to my last thought
Or witness my final drain as all around run to their last.
Blood into the mud seeps to meet an old acquaint,
I realise my time is faint;
Surely death will not flounder.
In my hands blood I clutch,
To my bosom a picture of beloved and dear,
I wish they were near.
Tears roll down each cheek, life is so bleak;
But it is of no avail my life is now frail.
Pain intense, and love for my family now not so dense;
Nowhere to hide, nor parent to hold,
Facing death is not so bold.
Death all around and fear so near, for terror is all I hear.
My eyes are closing but I am not afraid,
Because death has never before betrayed
And I will be taken home.
DAVID BONOMI
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THE PERFECT GIFT
Love me though I am undeserving
Love me be my friend
Love me always walk beside me
Love me till the end
Love me though I often fail you
Love me when I am wrong
Love me though storms rage about us
Love me when I am strong
Love me through my imperfections
Love me as I am
Love me as though there is no tomorrow
Love me how you can
Love me until the world stops turning
Love me in all you do
Love me until our hearts stop beating
Love me as I love you
EDNA GLEW
JUST FOR YOU
Eyes shining bright, yet you sit there day and night,
Without words they say you didn’t throw your life away,
Get up from that chair,
Go out, find a Christmas fair.
Collect your hopes and your dreams, for that chair has torn seams,
For gifts like these you cannot buy, special gifts from the sky,
Shops are busy like the bees, opening branches for Christmas trees,
Find your laughter and joy, man, woman, girl or boy,
Tears of happiness in your eyes, not the chair that’s a disguise,
Like the bees need the hive, don’t let Christmas pass you by,
Hope my words you have read, Santa knows the tears you shed,
Go out, collect your honey,
Christmas is not about money.
For this is a present just for you, not a chair feeling blue,
There will be something on his sleigh, but you must give as well as take.
Always remember, you’re never alone.
Angels are with you.
LORRAINE WILLIAMS
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CHRISTMAS MORN
The old clock chimes,
Expectations to meet.
Traditions set, like the TV repeat.
Smothered in tinsel
Stands the twinkling mass
Whilst we drown in our sherry,
Hide in our glass.
Burdens too heavy, snow too deep.
A lifetimes emotion. Broken sleep.
And yet, He delivers and hope is born
Faith renewed on Christmas morn.
Gifts given and eyes to see.
Peace and freedom just to be.
Releasing the pressure and disbelief.
Forgotten heartache; intense relief
Finding trinkets full of pleasure.
Jewels that sparkle, precious treasure.
A sacred devotion to soothe the soul
Love to sustain us.
Bethlehem’s goal.
PAM MELLOR
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