creative writing book final copy

8/12/2019 Creative Writing Book Final Copy

1/43

The start of life is WHOOPS A DAISY!!!

One of the big questions of life is how did it start. Scientists say. It was the single cellsthat floated around for a couple of billion years. Then we were hit by a comet and the

germs of life started to appear. When this happened, the single cell became the double

cell. The double cell became the quadruple cell, and so on, until life on this planet stoodand came forth.I, on the other hand know different. We are now in the year 2015, and I have cracked

time travel. The time machine I have invented could travel to the past only, because that

has happened. The future on the other hand! Does not exist yet, because it has nothappened.

On my journeys back, I found so much life, not known about in our modern times. I

avoided the famous incidents through history. We knew all about what happened. The

wars and the tragedies that occur on this planet. They were not in my sights of things todo.

What I wanted to see was real life, like street life today. As I flipped through the

different times in life. I noticed certain things that were similar to today. People crowdedtogether not to be alone. They wrote things on boards and walls, that had the rules of

these people adhered too.

Then I came to the part where man no longer existed. This was the eye opener of a

lifetime. The time travel machine never moved from its place in time. What was movingwas the ground around me, the hills, the rivers, and the sea. They all moved up down,

with ice, water and storms that were scary.

With all that going on, I then arrived at the time I wanted to see. It was the beginningof life on this planet.

Here I stood at the beginning of time, life wise. As I looked around for those single

cells floating in the water, I wondered when the connection between them would occur. I

walked around looking for those doubles to happen. I went forward in time looking for it,and could not find it. So I went back again to the time scientists said it started and still

found nothing.

So with that, I started to arrange my journey back. A final check on everythingaround me, make sure there is no damage to my craft. Then the one final thing to do

before anyone travels. You need to release the buildup of urine in your bladder.

So following this little adventure, not finding the beginning of life, but then watchingit sprout out from the sea and walk on the land. I am heading home wondering why I

could not find the beginning of life. I then realized the truth about life. I created it when I

launched the urine into that water. I would never see the beginning of life, because I

created it.

This was created by Mind.

Special effects by Mike.Starring Derek Mulhall

Dedicated to the planet earth for existing


2/43

Encounter

I was driving on a country lane, listening to music. I had not been this way before but

it was a lovely clear night and I wanted to get out of my house for a while.

I had just got into the car and driven off, hoping that I would not get too lost-my sense

of direction is practically non existent-just ask my friends!

I had found a great music station which was playing songs from the 1980s so I washaving great fun singing along to favourite and forgotten tracks.

As I drove along I thought about my life, my friends and family, all the while driving

deeper into the country.

All at once the radio station began to crackle and fade out! The car lights dimmed

and then went out. The car stopped!

I could hear a rumbling sound and could see a light coming towards me.My heart was beating so fast I could hardly breathe. The light was directly above me

now and I could see something held in the beamthe something was struggling and

then all once the something was in the car next to me!

The light moved away, along with the rumbling soundthe lights and the music

returned and the car started up.

I slowly turned my head to discover FOX MULDER in the passenger seat! He smiledand swallowed and said

Then I woke up!

KSandra Broome13/06/2013


3/43

Mind MoodsI am in a theatre listening to classical music. There is a large

audience but all remain quiet. I am sat with my eyes closed calmly

drifting to another place in time.

I feel really peaceful and calm my mind then takes me to a tropical

island. I am now sat on the beach. The sand is warm and not too

hot. It is so quiet I can hear the waves lapping onto the shore.

I decide to paddle in the sea, the deep blue sea. The water is so

clear I can actually see fish swimming. They are brightly coloured

darting from one direction to another in and out of the Coral. The

water is warm but I feel cold.

I feel so cold my mind takes me to probably the coldest place in

the world the South Pole.Just me and the Walrus plus the odd Polar Bear.

Everywhere I look is pure white. There is not a cloud in the sky. It

is so peaceful. In the distance I see smoke. I decide to investigate

and head of in the direction of the smoke.

The snow is tightly packed so it is easy to walk on. After about 15

minutes I arrive at the scene of the fire.

There is a little building and a fire next to it. There is a little man

sat on a chair, fishing rod in hand. There is a small hole in the ice.The man is fishing for his supper.

An Eskimo thats what he is!

All of a sudden my mind takes me to a Geography class at school.

It was about Eskimos Mrs. Bamford was our teacher.

I hear a funny ringing sound getting louder and louder. I open my

eyes and realize I am still in bed and that it was all a dream.

SO PEACEFUL

Michael Walker


4/43

Good and badin one dayTHE DAY IS THE 29

thAUGUST THE

DEVIL NEST I.E. JOBCENTRE.WHERE I WILL MEET A MAN

CALLED MR C TO TALK ABOUT

JOBS AND GETTING BACK TO WORK

WHERE I GET TO MEET THE DEVIL

AND ALL HIS MATES AND AFTERTHEY HAVE LEFT ME WITHOUT NO

HOPE IN LIFE I PICK MY SELF UP AS

AM OF TO SEE MY GRANDSON HE IS

TWO YEARS OLD ON THIS DAY SO

IT WILL BE A HAPPY DAY FOR

SOME OF THE TIME.

THE END


5/43

In Thy Tomb

Seminal doctrine

Do you know exactly what I mean?

Could this have been a dream?

Ripped apart at the seemsSuffocated deep in the tomb

I wondered if I was trapped in the womb

As they brought me in my doom.

I saw a sight and I was scared

Zombies attacked and I was not prepared

I tried to escape

I made a burst for the gates

I saw all Hell

The Devil as well

And the Ghouls circled around the Graves

I saw the grey misty fog

Has it now become my time

To be buried deep beneath the earthWe are all in this together

A Satanic re-birth

I see the tormented soulsGlide high into the red sky

Death is inevitable

But there could be a possibility of another world out there.

Not that I care one little bit.

I just think once your dead and thats it

I am the dawn bringer

Ill take you into the dusk

I have been reading the epitaphs

Some dated back to medieval times

Times of sorcery and witchcraft

It made an interesting read

This was exactly what I did needThe dead now feed

But dont be frightened

Theres always a way out


6/43

Water by Carol Pope

Water is something taken for granted. Turn the tap on and there it

is. We drink it straight from the tap how lucky we are to be able to

do such a thing.

When people and families in far off countries have to rely onpuddles and dirty rivers think if you can how often you turn the tap

on. How many of us use a washing up bowl to stop it running

down the sink. So much water gets wasted this way. Your bath or

shower can also be very wasteful. A shower saves water if you use

it sensibly, in about four minutes they reckon it can be done.

Have you ever thought how your water supply gets into your

house? No well think on. All the miles of underground pipes and

junctions where the water first comes from.How many reservoirs there are all over the country? Rochdale has

lots all around it and if you like walking they are great. Some take

longer to go round than others and if you have a dog or two they

will really enjoy it. (Well maybe)

Back to the water supply

How many times have you seen a burst pipe when you are out and

about? Did you report it? Or think someone else will do it? You

know it doesnt matter to the water suppliers how many calls they

get. It shows people do care, remember we all have to pay for our

water supply, SO go sparingly, use a washing up bowl, fix the

leaking tap, if you are a gardener, consider putting containers out

to catch the water or you can buy barrels to fix to the down spout

to save water you can empty your bowl of washing water onto the

garden soapy water does not hurt the plants or soil.

Think on Think of them that aint got what we got.


7/43

Mister Fixerman

Hello Mister Fixerman

Youre here to fix my life,

So you say Mister Fixerman

You can cure the strife.

With everything you said

Still sitting in my head.

Thank you Mister Fixerman

Because I wont end up dead.

Since you said to me, think up high

My confidence has said I wont die!

So Mister Fixerman

Take these words from me.

With all that you told meMy life is full and free.

So Mister Fixerman

As I grin with glee.

I would like to thank you

Because you fixed me!

Derek Mulhall


8/43

Mother

My mother loved so

Many things, her hobbies were

Shorthand, poetry, arranging flowersAnd the way Cliff Richard sings.

I appreciate my mothers help she

Helped so very much

And my mother helped in such a

Way they call the womanstouch.

One night my mother wasnt wellI helped her like a host.

Later on she came upstairs

With marmalade and toast

My mum went in for competitions

In the magazines she bought.

She was always doing things that

Required a lot of thought.

When I was cold in bed one night

My mum put a blanket on.

It made me feel so nice and warm

I was her happy son.

My mother was a poet

She went in for a test.

They sent her a certificateThat said she was the best

Kevin Shepherd


9/43

Kelvin

It was dark and the lights were out in the city. The only lights that were shinning were thecelestial kinds. I was staring out into the distance on Hollywood hill wondering if she wouldever come back. It was an argument that started it, not between me and her, but her and hermother. Her mother must have said something really bad to make Maria want to disappearlike that. I had had it out with her mother what it was that made her disappear so suddenly butgot no answer. Behind me in the distance I could see a vehicle coming up the rugged road. Itwas the only thing that seemed to be moving under the night sky. The vehicle drew closer andcloser until the headlights were shining in my face. I could tell it was one of those hippieVolkswagen buses from the sixties. I stared into the window but could see the figure in thevan. The door opened and there she stood, Maria in red silk dress. All I could say was wherehad you been I realised from the glare in her eyes she had been taken, but she was backalbeit not the same Maria who had disappeared all those years ago.

The game began, the dealer dealt out the cards, there were six of us at the table not includingthe dealer. I took a peak at my cards, an ace of clubs and an eight of diamonds. My handsbecame very sweaty. I knew the stakes and could see a man behind me with a gun in stingwith his hand resting on it. I didnt need to throw in the chips as the highest hand was thewinner. The first two cards in the middle were the eights of hearts and the queen of hearts, I

had a pair of eights, things looked reasonable from my point of view. I was feeling quiteconfident that I didnt have the lowest hand. The dealer dealt the river. It was the ace ofspades. I had the dead mans hand, again a hand I had had on a few occasions. Just thenthere was a loud band. The man with the lowest hand had his head blown off.

He was 6ft 4 inches tall he was big and fat and wore a suite with four big green buttons. Hewore a pink shirt and always wore a yellow tie. His grin was wide and the top of his head wassmall with little eyes. He wore size 15 shoes and walked like a penguin. But one day as hewas coming out of the regal moon he was mugged by some young lads. Years later he couldstill not get over the incident as he was very badly injured, so one day he decided to make achange. He had saved up a few thousand pounds because of all the time he stayed in andthrough the NHS he had a sex change and a face lift, so he became a she. He now couldhave surgery to have breast implants and has a wonderful 38DD cup. With all the surgery, his

legs were a lovely shiny white colour and he had a pretty face with long blonde hair wore highheels and shed 150 pounds. He changed his name by deed pole to Maria. Now Maria is mine.

Im a winner 40 million. Now let me think what can I spend my money on, a little red cottagein a village with at least 100 acres of land. Forget the animals because I cant be arsedlooking after them. A trials bike and a quad and a 100,000 Mercedes Benz with a lovelyblack and white cat. Not to forget hardly Davidson and a 4 x 4. Definitely a second housenearer to the one I have for a nice big art studio. Maybe a couple of houses abroad that Iwould rent out to others, maybe one in each continent, a car for each house. But I think what Iwould really like to do is have a factory and turn it into a business called planet paint, a nonprofit organisation that would incorporate 3 or four floors with about 10 or eleven large roomsabout 50ft by soft and turning it into a place for all the arts, capable of holding around 100 to150 people at a time so they would all be able to paint do mosaics, use computers, do yoga

and music lessons and all other types of art activities.


10/43

BLIND DATE

It is now Valentines Day.

I have joined an on-line dating service and have arranged to meet Peta 27from Essex, one hell of a looker. Blonde blue eyes with an hour glass

figure.

When I first saw her picture I could not believe she would be interested in

me.The fact that I was a multi millionaire did not enter my mind.

We have been chatting for just over a month now and we know a lot

about each other.She claims to work in a bank in Rochdale. Her hobbies are very similar to

mine. Eating, drinking, walking, exercise in the gym and quiet nights in

watching the telly with a takeaway.We have arranged to meet outside the Town Hall in Rochdale at 7.30. We

are then going to visit a famous Chinese Restaurant and hit some bars on

Deansgate.I had a plan. I have booked a room in a posh hotel on Portland Street. If I

was lucky we could spend the night together. If that didnt work at least I

could have a nice bed to sleep in.I decide to arrive at the Town Hall fifteen minutes before our date.

I am nicely dressed and clean shaven. Flowers and chocolates for Peta 27

from Essex.It is a little cold with frost in the air, nice and crisp. What my Grandfather

would call healthy walking weather.

There are a few people walking by, heads down with hands in pocket.

Trying to keep the chill out of their bones.Ten minutes to go. I am beginning to feel a little anxious and nervous. So

I decide to have a smoke.Five minutes to go. I am approached by a massive guy who absolutely

smelled of some form of alcohol. I remember seeing him a couple oftimes recently and didnt take much of him.

I am still waiting for Peta 27 from Essex.The guy comes over and asks me for a cigarette. Judging by his size, I

decide to offer him one rather than to create a drama.The clock strikes 7.30. No sign of Peta 27 from Essex. The guy then

looks at his watch, comes over and asks me Are you Peter 27 fromEssex!

Michael Walker


11/43

The avenue of lifeAt the start of the avenue, you have your first house.

Then you go onto the avenue, like a little mouse.

Then you find your friends, and play all day.

Then you look down the avenue and walk away.

As you walk down the avenue and you look around,

Only to enjoy the sights and the sounds.

Then you find a house, to which you are bound.

You also have a wife who is beautiful and sound.

Then you have your children, in your perfect house.

Then they go into the street, just like that little mouse.

Then they look down the avenue and they walk away.

Then they find themselves a house and itstheir place to stay.

Then you talk to your wife, in a very loving way.

You talk to each other, knowing you wont stay.

As you walk down that avenue, then you see that light.

You feel your life is over, because the light it is that bright.

As you go to the other side, then you look back.

With a smile on you face, the avenue the avenue remains intact.

Derek Mulhall


12/43

Text message that made me freeze

I went shopping and forgot my phone. This is something I dont

usually do. I make a point of putting it on my little table near the

door I go out of.

Anyway, I was worried Id left it because I always get a daily

message from my mum to tell me shes ok. Then I can relax and get

on with my day.

I got back from shopping, took my coat off, put the kettle on and

picked my phone up off the table. There were a couple of missed calls

from a message I did not recognise and a text message BUT not the

daily text I get from my mum. It was from my brother! Which was

very unusual because its very rare that I see him and he never texts

me, except for birthdays and Christmas.

I opened the text and it read Please phone me when you can, itsurgent!

I froze and a hundred different things were going through my head

as to what it could be, from my children to my mum being ill.

Of course! I told myself, my mum never texted me today.

Straight away I phoned my brother, scared of what I might hear. It

was his flippin answering machine.

I thought I better text my mum and go from there but first check

with the children.

They were all fine. So now there was only my mum to get in touchwith and I was dreading it.

I sent a text asking her if she was ok and waited for a reply but there

was none.

I phoned my brother again and this time it was ringing by then I was

a wreck!

He answered the phone and I asked him what the urgency was that I

contact him. He said my mother had gone to visit him and had left

her phone at home and was worried because she normally texts me

to let me know shes ok and knew that I would be worried.

Panic over but it just proves how texts can be taken well out ofproportion. Sometimes!!!

Clare Richards


13/43

A TRUE GENTLEMAN

There once was a man, he was such a fine man, with

abundant love and forgiveness in his heart. There arefew people who could forgive the pain and suffering

caused by others, for no other reason than the colour of

his skin, be incarcerated for so many years, forced to

hard labour and finally be released and not be bitter and

twisted.

I know I would find it impossible to forgive and I think I

would be very bitter and angry if it had happened to me.I think he was maybe some kind of ANGEL who walked

on earth. He endured and remained so gentle and caring

to his countrymen, he advocated hope, peace and

forgiveness for all, regardless of colour, race or creed.

RIP Nelson Mandela, you were a true gentleman, the

world was lucky to have you

Ksandra December 2013


14/43

My New Hobby

Its my birthday today. I am now a year older than last year.

My alarm clock begins to sound. I turn in my semi-sleep not

wanting to leave the warmth and comfort of my bed.

I eventually get out of my soft warm bed and put on my clothes. Igo to the bathroom and wash looking in the mirror thinking I look

good for my new age.

Yesterday I decided I would like a new interest in my life. Today I

am going to make that decision come true!

AIKIDO

Ive watched the movies made by Steven Siegal and how Jean

Claude Van Damme didnt give a damn!

I thought Yes!I could be an Aikido 1st

Dan. Keep myselfhealthy and fight like a man.

I had received a flyer two weeks ago explaining the benefits of

Aikido both mental and physical. It can build confidence, help to

defend yourself and meet new friends. Hmm to meet new friends

was one of the main reasons I wanted to take up a new hobby.

First session free!

What have I got to lose? Its free and not too far from home.

I walk to the Dojo. Its a nice day sun is shining and birds are

singing along the way.

The Dojo is ahead of me. I feel a little nervous but also am a little

excited. There is a steep set of metal steps up to the entrance.

I climb the steps creating a loud metallic sound. I open the door

and enter the building.

I quickly scan the room. There are thick rubber floor mats. A few

punch bags, exercise equipment and weights. I am the only person

in the room, not a soul in sight. There are numerous shiningtrophies, old black and white photographs spread all across the

walls of the Dojo.

I am just enjoying the tranquility of the place, when I am

interrupted by the sound of another persons voice.


15/43

I turn suddenly. I dont know the person but I recognize him from

the photographs and maybe all the trophies are his.

The man is in his late years, definitely over sixty years of age. He

is wearing a cardigan, jogging pants, slippers and smoking a

cigarette. My first impressions were he may be the Dojos handyman.

In a way he was!

After a brief discussion it turned out that he was the highest graded

Aikido instructor outside of Japan. Ill be in safe hands I thought.

I ask him about Aikido. He begins to show me a few techniques.

Basically threw me all over the room for fifteen minutes and then

asked me if I was sure about learning Aikido.

After a moments contemplation, which seemed like ages, I reply,Ithink Illstick to stamp collecting END OF!

Michael Walker


16/43

MY WEEKEND OF HELL, MY PAST

AND WHAT I THINK ALL IN ONE

IT STARTED ON SATURDAY. I GOT SOME

LAGER PUT SOME GRAPEFRUIT IN IT. I HAD

TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE SHOP. NOTHING

ON TV SO, WENT ON MY XBOX360. NEXT

DAY IS SUNDAY MY TEAM LOST 3-2 AND

MY DINNER WENT ALL OVER THE FLOOR

SO I HAD TOAST FOR TEA LOL. BANK

HOLIDAY MONDAY WENT TO CAR BOOT

HALF OF THE STUFF DID NOT WORK AND

MY MUM WAS ON ONE BUT AT THE END OF

THE DAY AM NOT GETTING GASSED IN

SYRIA OR KILLED LIKE LOTS OF KIDS AND

WOMAN ON THE TV.IT MADE ME CRY.WHYIS LIFE SO HARD SOME TIME I THINK WE

LIVE IN HELL BUT WHERE THERE IS HELL

THERE IS GOOD IN THE WORLD SO YOU

HAVE TO KEEP YOUR HEAD UP LIKE TAKING

YOUR GRANDKIDS TO THE PARK AND GOING

FISHING WITH YOUR GRANDKIDS WE ALL

NEED TO LOOK AHEAD IN LIFEAND NOTBACK TO THE PAST HAVE TOLD MY MUM SO

MANY TIMES SHE KEEPS ON GOING BACK TO

THE PAST BUT SHE IS NOT THINKING OF THE

GOOD THING BUT THE BAD THINGS I SAY.


17/43

MUM LET IT REST BUT SHE CANT SO WHEN I

PUT MY PHONE DOWN I DO NOT RING HER

FOR THE NXT 3 MONTHS AND SHE WILL

RING ME AND SAY WHY DO YOU NEVERCOME DOWN AND THAT IS LIFE.YOU ONLY

GET IN LIFE WHAT YOU PUT IN IT LIKE

WHEN I WAS A KID IN LLANDUDNO. I

WOULD GO DOWN TO THE BEACH WITH MY

MATE PETER AND WE WOULD STONE THE

SEAGULLS. I HATED THE BIG FLYING RATS

AND AFTER WE WOULD GO KNICKING

APPLES OR DOING WHAT BAD KIDS DO BEST.

I WISH THOSE DAYS WOULD COME BACK

LIKE TALKING TO MY GRAN AROUND THE

FIRE MAKING TOAST WITH THE FORK IN MY

BREAD AND THEN I PUT IT TO THE FIRE.

LATER MY GRAN WOULD GIVE ME HALF AAPPLE AND ORANGE AND WOULD HAVE THE

OTHER HALF. I WISH THOSE DAYS WOULD

COME BACK AS I MISS MY GRAN SHE WAS A

LADYNOT LIKE MY MUM ALWAYS PUTTING

ME DOWN BUT IF LIFE IS GETTING YOU

DOWN CHANGE IT FOR THE BEST

Donald Farrer


18/43

Narcotic nightmare

All night oil burner wired up on speedOne ounce whizz freak with a habit to feed

Doesnt know his mind is ticking awayA dose of insanity is the price to pay

Snorting coke starts as a hobby

But things turn heavy when arrested by a bobby

Like a manacle it has an iron grip on your cash

And puts years on you till your organs collapse

Stoner, Dope head high on T.H.C.

Sitting on your own buzzing like a bee

Little does he know his brain cell count has shrunk

And his cash flow runs out because of his penchant for skunk

Ecstasy is the way of the committed raverLove doves on hand a weekend to savour

But serotonin in the brain becomes recessiveLater in life a chronic depressive

Heroin cuddles you like a mothers hug

Warm and cosy it takes you for a mug

For the hug of heroin is the bug of the devil

A lifetime of misery is one in which it revels

Beer monster supping his six pints

Followed by the chasers ready for a fight

How can boozers be so fickle?

Its their liver they slowly pickle

Dean Carroll


19/43

Dont Fly!

Oh I need sleep! Its half five in the morning. I never see half

five in the morning! I wasnt even sure it even existed but it

does and I have to face the day.I lazily drag myself out of bed and head for my daughters

room. Rules are rules. One up all up. Its time to get ready for

our big busy day. It only takes twenty minutes and we are up

dressed and washed ready to face the day ahead.

The Taxi arrived at ten past six on a crisp December morning

to take us to the train station. Lydia is dragging her little

suitcase with her packed lunch and breakfast in it and Im

lugging my bag and suitcase with the clothes and food. I feellike my arm is going to pop out of its socket and the journey

hasnt even started.

Sitting at the train station we open a biscuit and wait for the

train. When it arrives we clamber on in the hopes of grabbing

a table. The first thing everyone thinks of when they get on a

train is Is there a free table?

We sit and get comfy, two of us over four chairs and at last the

journey begins.

Its really quite an uneventful start to Christmas. Were

travelling to Manchester from Rochdale and were nowhere

near our destination. All change! Here we go again, off the

train and boarding another to Newton-Le-Willows and its

only half past seven. The waiting room is cold and damp and it

isnt even a room. Its a shed!

Lydia wants to run about and play on the platform but I order

her to sit and behave while we wait for the next train. Shes

really good and she sits and she waits for the next 40 minutes.All aboard!

Llandudno here we come! This is getting exciting. We are still

nowhere near where were headed but were on the third train

of four and its a long enough journey wecan finally take our

coats off and get settled!


20/43

I get a book out and Lydia has her colouring set to be getting

on with. I cant read. Its the law that as a parent you arent

allowed to concentrate on yourself or treat yourself at any

point. I dont knowwhy I bought myself a book. I spend mostof this journey looking at pretty pictures, playing noughts and

crosses and feeding my child. My time is not my own.

Right coats on its time to get off all the stuff packed up

because if it gets left behind shellcry.

Off at Llandudno and into a caf. I need coffee. Its half ten

and its my first brew of the day.

Lydia is taking great care of her suitcase and Im still

struggling with the rest of the things on this adventure.Holyhead. Were finally and very nearly halfway through our

journey. We just have to get to Holyhead and this will be the

last bloody train. This journey is getting a little tedious now

but the end result will be worth it. This is the short run. We

skipped about four stations. Weve gone past RAF Valley and

the Welsh town with the super long name and its just fields

and water out of the windows.

Stand up Lydia! Were getting off again this definitely was

the last train I promise.

Im giving my suitcase away. No its not out of generosity , its

check in and we are boarding the ferry in about twenty

minutes. Finally my arms and shoulders get a rest. Lydia still

has her little pull along and now at lunchtime we board the

ferry. Midday Halfway!

Now you would think that with two hours free on a ferry, I

would be able to enjoy my book, go to the toilet and hit the

shops, wouldnt you?Well you are mistaken. We sit down and get comfy then Lydia

falls asleep across two seats. This means I cant go wandering

or shopping. I could try and get into my book but I have to try

and read and my brain cant focus on reading while I have to

keep one eye on her. Id try and catch forty winks myself but


21/43

you never know who is around and its a mothers job to

protect their child and at all costs.

No sleep for me. Im on watch.

Hooray !! We are finally over the water. We are now on the

Emerald Isle. Finally we are able to see my dad and it feelsgreat but it isnt over yet. The snow and wind in Ireland is

terrible. Dad is picking us up from the Ferry Terminal and

driving us across the width of the country.

Its twenty past two and we are in the car, snug as two bugs in

a rug. Now I can rest!

Dad tells me the journey from the terminal to his house

shouldnt take longer than three hours. Well be home in time

for tea. Im smiling at the thought of being warm and in ahome.

Dad was mistaken!

It took three hours just to get out of Dublin centre. Traffic was

a nightmare a snail could have over taken us.

The weather took a turn for the worse in those three hours.

The traffic suddenly dispersed when we hit the motorway but

the blizzard hadnt. It was a white out. We had over one

hundred miles to go and we were travelling at walking pace. A

good few miles an hour. You couldnt see the front of the car

let alone anything else. It was just a white wall.

After about two more hours the weather cleared and so did the

snow on the road.

It was like someone had flicked a switch and there was

nothing.

The car sped up as did our conversations in the excitement of

nearing our destination. Down one unnamed road off another

unnamed road and until finally, after being in the car for sixand a half hours, we reached my Dads cottage. Its a beautiful

little thing with two open fires.

The journey was over but a new Christmas adventure had

begun. 14 hours later.

Sharon Kay


22/43

Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth

The Jubilee of a

Queen like ours

We stand in glory andCheer for hours

Prince Charles is there

He stands so grand

The cymbals clash in

The Jubilee band

The Queen is there andWe understand

Why the Jubilee is

So grand

For sixty years upon

The throne

And think of how

Prince Harrys grown

Shes been the queen

For all these years

A queen in our hearts

A one that cares

In her splendour

Shining bright

The Queen Elizabeth isA wonderful sight

Kevin Shepherd


23/43

The Confidence Card

Look into the sky and see

Something else you want to be.

With your hands you can touch

Search it and then clutch it.

If its not what it seems

Then follow your dreams.

First what it seems

Then what it means.

Find total delight

When you know its right.

Then think about your future

It really is that bright.

Derek Mulhall


24/43

Air

I gotta bag of the stuff, mixed in my lungs with all the rest of the

fumer, its for a special occasion, when I sail my ship and thewinds dont blow, and the sails long for the breeze, I will open it

like Odysseus friends, and see my ship sail the seas, it was given

to me by hairche, to help me reach that foreign land, where I

cant remember cant forget, where no man inhabits, long long

ago sometime when the river where crystal clear and the rocks

made of pure metal, a lady gave birth to a boy, his eyes were of

honey, his skin was of milk, it was here where he was washed

and bathed, a storm swept over the land sent from hole in theground, the sky turned black, the rivers turned red and the air

turned poisonous, runShe said and never look back, until the

day doom, and dont forget who caused this mess and take the

air he breathes.

Kelvin.


25/43

Pet

An animal that I would love to have as a companion is awolf. Of course this is not really feasible in an urban

area like Rochdale!

Wolves have always fascinated me, their social structure,

and the way they look.

As a great fan of the horror genre, of course werewolves

are brought to mind!

I remember watching a TV programme called DUESOUTH in which the main character was a Canadian

Mountie who had a wolf as a companion. The wolf was

called DIEFENBAKKER I think, the wolf was very

protective of the Mountie and the relationship between

them was wonderful.


26/43

Mother

My mother loved so

Many things, her hobbies were

Shorthand, poetry, arranging flowersAnd the way Cliff Richard sings.

I appreciate my mothers help she

Helped so very much

And my mother helped in such a

Way they call the womanstouch.

One night my mother wasnt wellI helped her like a host.

Later on she came upstairs

With marmalade and toast

My mum went in for competitions

In the magazines she bought.

She was always doing things that

Required a lot of thought.

When I was cold in bed one night

My mum put a blanket on.

It made me feel so nice and warm

I was her happy son.

My mother was a poet

She went in for a test.

They sent her a certificateThat said she was the best

Kevin Shepherd


27/43

Water Boy

Im swimming in a sea of lies.

I got water welling in my eyes.

My cloud covers the skies but youre still my only friend.

I was dreaming of a nymph.

My head was on a plinth and my well was running dry.

I want to stretch my nerves.

I want to lose the curves and I want to grow my hair.

My loneliness is dying.

Cant sleep at night for trying.

I dreamt that I was flying over the ocean crying

The well inside me drying

Im sinking in the sea.

The salt is killing me

But Im still treading water

Trying to remember many years ago when once I loved your

daughter

Kelvin C.


28/43

PARACHUTE JUMP

Im gonna do a parachute jump

To raise some money for Mind

I think it would be wonderful

To be far from people unkind

To float down to the ground

So silent it would be

Until the last few seconds

Then all the sounds increase

The moment has come for my descent

My heart is pounding so

I have to get in line

Ready set go!

1 para 2 para 3 para I shout

Check parachute!

Spread arms and legs out

Look up to see its open

No tears or damage seen

Get pulled up, my senses awoken

Then heavenly quiet, so peaceful it seems

Descending so slowly, it seems for eons

Then suddenly sounds arriving

Whooshing in my ears

Speeding up so fast

Its time to prepare for landingYes its time at last

Bring my legs together

Pull toggles left then right

Get those knees bent

The ground a lovely sight

Land and roll, I am so glad

I made a perfect descent!

Ksandra December 2013


29/43

SPLISH, SPLASH, OH GOSH !!!

Water is the hardest and softest of all the elements in the world. It

can change and adapt to any shape or form. It can enter places

where nothing else can.

It can dissolve in to steam into the atmosphere, all gone, but can

come back as rain or snow from the mighty white clouds.

It can become solid like ice but can also melt into a liquid.

It can change the shape of cliffs and rocks via the massive briny sea

over many years.

It will also be about when we are not.

You can find water anywhere even underground in caves. It can be

solid like a stalagmite.

Instant water at home pumped in by pipes and one turn of the tap it

is there. Pull out the plug and it is gone. Turn on the tap and it is

back.

You cant beat it even when you heat it.

It will come back time after time in the form of beer and wine.

Water is the best it covers the planet over 60 percent.

It is part of the giant glaciers in the north and south poles.

If it melts were in trouble, build another ark at the double.

The animals will arrive two by two.

Are there any we would leave behind?

Thank you from

Rochdale Mind.


30/43

My Brother Cares

Colin has a service that

Gives me what I need

He gives away so faithfully,My brother works with speed.

When hes completed

Every chore

He sends a package

Through your door

Colin buys the things I needThat he can see on the internet.

He always knows of what you want,

And knows of what to get.

He came around in a rented truck

Filled with tables, cupboards and chairs.

My brother is so very good

It is plain to see he cares.

My brother Colin helps

Me live

With all the help that

He can give.

He always wants to

Lend a hand,

And hes always thereTo understand.

Kevin Shepherd


31/43

Three Days of My LifeOnce when I was living with Bill and Mary, at the house in Appley Bridge, near Wigan.

We went out on a daytrip to a vintage air and car rally at Woodvale Aerodrome near

Southport in the county of Merseyside.

Just before me, Auntie Mary and Uncle Bill went onto this daytrip. I was talking to Bill

and Marys ex son in law, whose name was Nigel Hudson, about the last time we wenton a day trip to Woodvale a couple of years before that time. After speaking to him about

it, I suddenly realized that Auntie Mary was listening to every single word I said to Nigelas she was in her and Uncle Bills bedroom getting ready for our trip out to Woodvale for

the full day.

After Auntie Mary, myself and Uncle Bill got into the car. Uncle Bill started going onabout how stupid I was at times and said that I would be coming straight back to the car

and spending the full day there all by myself while both him and Auntie Mary went and

enjoyed the exhibition. If I got stupid in any way at all. So at that point, I got rather

heartbroken and ended up choking with tears in my eyes. I was that upset. I then startedmuttering about my favorite places under my breath and Auntie Mary turned around

abruptly asking me what I had said and at first I gave her the answer Nothing!As soon as I had given Auntie Mary this reply, Uncle Bill shouted quite loud and asked

me the exact same question that Auntie Mary had asked me.At that point, Auntie Mary turned back around to me, said that I said something about

Scotland and then really belted my face and my head. I then became really broken

hearted that I ended up crying for my mum and my loved ones.I had got myself a fifty pence piece out of my Dusty Bin money box and sneaked it into a

little green wallet ready to ring my mum up, fully requesting that I went back to live at

home as quick as I could, which was just before we set off from the house in Appley

Bridge to go on to this trip out to Woodvale for the day.A couple of minutes after we set off in the car to go on to this day trip. I brought a

RubiksSnake which was black and white in colour. At that point I was playing with thisitem to keep my mind occupied, plus to keep me from getting too upset.My black and white Rubiks Snake was one of my favourite toys that I really enjoyed

playing with from time to time.

At that point, this is when Uncle Bill started to criticize me about my negative points.One of the things that I can remember Uncle Bill saying was that if I didnt put my

Rubik's snake away he was going to take it off me, totally destroy it and throw it out of

the car window.

Auntie Mary then turned around to me and said that I wouldnt be getting anotherRubiksSnake at all if it did come to the point that Uncle Bill ended up having to destroy

the one that I had. At that point I put my RubiksSnake down and left it alone before

Uncle Bill destroyed it like he said he would if I didnt put it down. This is when I endedup muttering under my breath about my most favourite things in lifeOnce we arrived at Woodvale Aerodrome, we got out of the car and went to look around

at the old vintage vehicles which were on display at the rally just before having lunch.

After we had lunch, me and Auntie Mary went to look around one of the hangars at thedisplay of antiques and I ended up asking Auntie Mary if both she and I could get back to

being friends again. She then turned round and told me to shut up and said that she didnt


32/43

wish to know at all. At that point, I became really upset again and ended up in tears yet

again.

Shortly after I became upset with what Auntie Mary said to me, we both met back upwith Uncle Bill and he suddenly told me to shut up. At that point, I calmed myself down

a little bit. a short while after, I ended up moaning to both Uncle Bill and Auntie Mary by

asking them if we were going to watch the air displays that took place at Woodvale thatday. Uncle Bill suddenly started criticising me and said stop moaning. At that point Ibecame really heartbroken. When this occurred, Uncle Bill asked for me to be put in the

car and just before I got inside it, Auntie Mary ended up repeatedly slapping my face

kicking my behind and my left leg.At that point, I got ever so upset that I ended really choking with tears and at that point I

could not just hold it in. I was so heartbroken.

Once I got back out of the car we went across to look around at the vintage car rally. As

we walked over to this exhibition, I was still quite upset. Uncle Bill turned right round tome and said that he wasnt listening to that all day. This point, Auntie Mary said to Uncle

Bill and told him that if I kept on with my crying? She would take me straight back to the

house in Appley Bridge, undress me, bathe me, put me straight to bed like a baby and thatshe would just let Uncle Bill stay at Woodvale to enjoy the rest of the day trip. At this

point, I started to calm myself down a fair bit. As I came round, I suddenly saw a blue

vintage Model T. Ford Van. I told Auntie Mary what I saw and she suddenly turned right

to me and really snapped at me by saying Yes I do know! At that point, I got a little biton to the upset side again but it soon passed.

A short time after, I ended up having a bit of a little grin. Auntie Mary suddenly turned

back around and actually caught me with a grin on my face. At that point, she gave me anevil look and really grumbled at me by snapping out with the words Stop It! to me right

in my face. I really calmed myself down and kept quiet. At the same time I was really

wondering and worrying if Auntie Mary was going to start hitting me again and me

becoming very upset again.I didnt end up getting upset again and Auntie Mary didnt end up hitting me again like I

thought she would. A couple of minutes later I told both Uncle Bill and Auntie Mary how

sorry I really was for what had happened on the day trip and both of them said that it wasquite alright. I just kept myself quiet and kept my guard up for the remainder of the day

trip.

A short time later we went over to the airfield to watch the model planes flying up anddown the runway. We even caught sight of two model fighter jets flying across the

runway as well. A little further into the day, we viewed a display of bi-planes doing a full

range of various aerobatics.

It was getting close to home time so we went back to the car and had a little bit of a relaxbefore heading back home. Uncle Bill had a little bit of a sleep, while Auntie Mary had a

little bit of a read, she even had a little sleep as well. I just sat on the back seat of the car,

kept myself to myself and watched the world go by.

Once both Uncle Bill and Auntie Mary woke up, we drove back home to the house inAppley Bridge. Just as we came out of Woodvale Aerodrome, we heard this very loud

weird buzzing sound and as soon as I looked around, it was a bright yellow super car with

a silver jet engine on the back of the vehicle. This loud noise didnt half make mefrightened and scared.


33/43

Shortly after that super car went past our vehicle, Aunty Mary turned round and looked at

me quite sternly. She then asked me if that big loud noise made me jump. I then answered

her by saying Yes it did very much! As soon as I gave her this very one reply, AuntieMary had the very last word by saying Well Brendon, it might just knock a little bit of

sense into you, into not spoiling any other daytrips for us in the future. Dont you perhaps

think maybe or something? As soon as Auntie Mary said this to me, I just kept myselfquiet for the rest of the journey home to Appley Bridge.A short time later, Uncle Bill went on to me by saying-You are very lucky Brendon that

I didnt make you sit in the car the whole time we were on that trip out at Woodvale, you

are! He then went on to me a little further by saying and you are also very lucky that Ididnt destroy that Rubik Snake just like I would before we got to Woodvale you are! At

that point, I became a little bit on the tearful side again but it soon passed again.

Auntie Mary turned round and said to me You can stop it now you really can Brendon,

you know So for the rest of the journey back to Appley Bridge, I just kept myself quiet.Once we arrived home, we had our evening meal. As we were having tea, Auntie Mary,

then reminded me about my RubiksSnake by saying to me that I wouldnt be getting

another one if Uncle Bill did end up having to destroy the one that I already owned.After tea I went upstairs and spent the rest of the day in my bedroom until bed time.

Later on Auntie Mary called up to tell me that it was my bath time. After I had my bath, I

came downstairs for my supper and Auntie Mary started to criticise me and reminded me

about that daytrip to Woodvale that we went on. She then looked at me with a sarcasticgrin and went on to me a little further by saying to me repeatedly Nice day tomorrow

hey, nice day tomorrow Brendon, shall we have a really nice day tomorrow Brendon shall

we hey?At that point I got a little tearful and reminded Auntie Mary and Uncle Bill how sorry I

really was for what happened on that daytrip to Woodvale. They then replied by saying

Thats quite alright Brendon. At that point I just calmed myself down again and went

upstairs into bed for the night.The trouble with Auntie Mary is that she was rather two faced. One minute she saw me as

this really good person who everyone loved so much and the next minute Auntie Mary

saw me as this really bad person who nobody even liked anymore.Uncle Bill had his moments at times. He wasnt two faced like Auntie Mary was. Uncle

Bill could just be hypercritical at times.

The next morning we got ourselves out of bed, washed, dressed and had our breakfast.After we had breakfast, Auntie Mary started getting a bit of a dig at me by asking Like I

said to you at bed time last night, are we going to have a really enjoyable day today

without any nastiness, Brendon, are we or something hey!

That is exactly what a bastard Auntie Mary really was at times. She wasnt botheredabout me having a nice day out somewhere, she was only bothered about her and Uncle

Bill having a nice daytrip out somewhere.

We got ourselves into the car for our second day out to Woodvale. This time Alwyn and

Becky came with us three to Woodvale. So that made me feel a lot more easier in myself.Alwyn and Becky came in their own car to Woodvale. Once we all arrived there we all

got together and had our lunch.


34/43

After lunch, Auntie Mary. Myself and Becky went over to the miniature railway which

me and Becky went for a ride on the train. Auntie Mary stayed behind and waved to us

both as we set off on the little train.Halfway through the ride, the miniature train suddenly derailed and a few of us fell off

and got slightly hurt. The minute this happened, Auntie Mary came straight over to me

and Becky as we both felt a little bit of pain. Auntie Mary then comforted both me andBecky as we ended up really crying as we felt the pain after we fell of the train.After both me and Becky stopped crying, Auntie Mary and us two met back up with

Uncle Bill and Alwyn for lunch. Alwyn and Becky brought the two red setter dogs that

were called Beth and Gwen with all of us to Woodvale for the day. After we all hadlunch, we all departed from each other for the afternoon.

Me, Auntie Mary and Uncle Bill went around to look at all of the exhibitions. Alwyn and

Becky went and did their very own thing for the afternoon. We then got back together as

the evening closed in. We then went back to the house in Appley Bridge and had our tea.On the third trip out to Woodvale, the full day went very smoothly. The obstacle in the

way of the final day out to Woodvale was that Uncle Bill was a little hypercritical at

times by telling me to wake up a few times but other than that, the third and final day outto Woodvale went really well!

Brendon Burke


35/43

GOODBYE TO ADDICTION

In the beginning so warm and new

You promised my pain youd see me through

Your warm embrace became my cage

With a hollow gaze and pointless rage

The lies inside behind my eyesBrought unheard pleas and damaged lives

You promised me much but took so much moreYou put me on my knees upon the floor

For ten thousand days I did dwellIn that painfully lonely self made hell

Our time together does finally end

You lying twisting nasty friend

You tried to take the best of meYou cannot have the rest of me

A life anew has begun today

With the guiding steps that show the way

Through all that time I had a dreamTo live my life free and clean

Today Im clean and truly free

My life again has become for me

With these steps we truly find

A way to live with all mankind

Steven Walker


36/43

Anne Roberts

I was born April 2nd

1976 in the Coombe hospital in Dublin. The reason for this was due to my mum

being disabled. The Doctors were taking no chances.

I lived in Cavan which is a county on the Republics side of the boarder. Which, my dad who was in

the army, regularly patrolled along with his squad from Tannah Barracks that used to be in Cootehill.

I was brought up in a rural village which was six miles from Cavan Town and six miles to Cootehill.

Life in rural Ireland is very different from the Rochdale I now find myself in.

Every Sunday, regardless of the weather, Mass was attended along with the village, whoever was not

there was guaranteed to be the centre of the local gossip unless they were elderly or like my Mama

disabled.

My family was the odd one out with my father being a soldier, we wereseparated in a way from the

rest of the village.

We lived in a dilapidated Prefab house from the council that had 1 working plug and no hot water. It

was my responsibility at 10 years old to care for my Granny, Mama and my little Brother once my Dad

had emigrated. If we were separate before we certainly were now!

The house we lived in was atop a rather steep hill just wide enough of a road for a single car to go up

or down. With thick hedgerows (perfect for wild strawberries and primroses to thrive!)

Storms were regular and always fierce. I can still remember the lights flickering before the electric

went. How the strong winds made the tree tops bend toward the floor. The crashes of thunder that

made the windows rattle in their frames. Then there was the spectacular shows from the sheet and

fork lightening as it ripped through the dark heavy sky.

I always thought it was strange to see the Priest arrive amidst the natural display. Its with age I

realise now it was where he was checking everyone was alright.

I remember walking the lanes in fog and frost where everything was white and glistening in the hazy

sunshine. Watching our breath stream out in white plumes. In the classroom it was heated with a big

pot bellied stove. The milk would be frozen when it arrived. In order to thaw it out it would be placed in

the crate beside the fire.

Playtime after the storm was an exploration time! Where fallen trees were examined and climbed.

Christmas was a magical time! Where the snow fell in white blankets across the fields and houses.

Every class had a special part in the performance with singing, dancing, stories and music. The young

kids would be dressed up as angels in their Dads white shirts. Tinsel being us ed for the Halo.

The play was performed in a corrugated Shed for want of another word. Many local people also

performed. It was a full day event. A few days later saw midnight mass where I loved the carols being

sung. It was the end that was my favourite where we would come out of mass to the sound of carols

being played by the Bunnae Brass Band.

One day my wish is for my children to experience this too.

Anne Roberts


37/43

WAR

The people who fought in the war

They put their sacks against the wall

People, fighting, shooting as well

Please stay away from the well

Shelter, Shelter

You have to go come on (Yo!)

War planes soldiers bombs fire out

Lots of people scream and shout

GET OUT!

BONFIRE NIGHT

All these sparkles

Nice and bright

Be careful you dont burn your hands

Watch the little girl doesnt fall on the ground

Treacle toffee, cinders too

One for me and one for you

Please stay away from the fire

All those people singing in the choir.

Karen Scanlon


38/43

Go Back in TimeI think I would go back to 1939. The beginning of World War 2, to the East End ofLondon an area known as PoplarIt was a very poor area with back to back houses all in rows with only a narrowstreet in front of you, so everyone was into everyones front door and i f you had a

visitor from far away? The net curtains would start to twitch.Midyear there was a whisper that war was going to come. We didnt think anotherwar would happen but it did. It will all be done and dusted in a few months time! Itwasnt.Food was the most important at the time (or nearly!) I was lucky I had anallotment down the bottom of our street, so did some other families. We sharedbetween ourselves and sold some tateys because everyone needed tateys. Ourfew hens kept us in eggs and sometimes one would be killed and boy was that atreat! We used every bit of it, even stewed the carcass to make soup.Then the bombing started. That was so frightening, there was a shelter at thebottom of the street but I didnt go there all the time as it was too crowded.

Sometimes the allotment seemed the best place to be. In the shed there was aparaffin stove and an old chair to sleep in, if you got a chance!My dog always came with me and my two ferrets (they were used to go rabbitingwith) There was nothing better than fresh rabbit stew or rabbit pie.Sometimes you couldnt get much flour or lard as rationing came in and thingswere hard to find.

About mid February our street got a hit. Three houses were flattened completely.That was hellish to see but we all mucked in and helped to get what we could outof the rubble (not much) but we managed.People in the street just stuck together. We hadnt got much but we helped eachother and shared what bit we did have.The bombing got much worse in London (and other areas). The docks wereregular target as ships came up the Thames to unload wood, coal and food.Many ships were sunk and many sailors and workmen were killed or injured.Our street was one of the lucky onesno one in it got killed or injuredonlyvery frightened. The damage was just three houses gone forever, the rest,broken windows and the odd chimney pot. We were lucky!

As the war went on I decided to volunteer for war work. I didnt want to go in afactory. So I became an ambulance driver that was something I can tell you.The area I went mostly was a wreck, whole streets flattened, streets almostimpassable. Hosepipes by the dozen all over the street but you had to drive overthem, all day and all night it carried on. Driving an ambulance you see bricks andbelongings all over the place, very sad to see.Many people had their pets put to sleep. When the bombs started to drop, theydidnt understand. So just ran. Many were run over and left at the side of theroad, just to die.One really bad raid was a morning one, about 10.30. The coal man was on the

same street as my ambulance. (Life still went on) as a house crumbled the horsetook fright, he ran a few yards and fell, never to get up again. One of the firementook pity on him and shot him to put him out of pain.


39/43

I saw many horrors, both human and animals. In a way it was worse for theanimals as they didnt understand the noise and the mess created that washappening.

After about 12 to 18 months, people started to send their children to thecountryside. Children from our street went to Kent on farms where they could

help pick hops or just play.Some mums went with them, they lived in chalets and tents. They were safe orso they thought. Bombers going home would drop the odd few bombs anywhere

just to lighten their load for going back home across the channel to France andthen to Germany so best to get rid.People still played in parks and any other open space even though it wasnt thesafest place to be. Under the stairs or down the cellar if you had one was thebest. You took cushions and flasks, some butties, a blanket for the kids andalways a supply of candles and matches.Electric and water often was missing but we managed and we survived thathorror. Most of us were better people for it. The children came home for

Christmas if possible.The war ended at the end of 1945. Normal life did not return very quickly.Rationing carried on for many months. Some families never came back to thegood old East End. They found a new life. My job came to an end and I reallymissed it.

After all that had happened during those years of war I decided to become anAnimal Welfare Officer. Myself and a group of willing people found a derelictproperty and got to work.Roofing was the biggest problem but we got it up and running.The animals we usually got in were ferrets, dogs, a few horses, goats, hens andducks. Most stayed until they died others went to new homes. My allotment is stillgoing strong. I have now retired from animal welfare (I still keep my eyes open). Ihave a few ferrets and one dog.Its my time now. I love walking. So my dog and I go out for many hours a week. Ikeep my old car on the road as she loves to go places and we do go out a lot.The war years made me a stronger person. The rescue is still running as a muchlarger organization, is well funded and looking good. The animals are all happy,loved and looked after.

Carol Pope


40/43

Sitting

Sitting, staring watching telly

All they want to do is feed their belly

Singing songs all night long

I think they want to watch King Kong

After watching what they want they go out

Go to the pub and drink some stout

While they listen to their friends sing and shout

Waiting for their taxi back home

They have to wait on the car zone.

When their taxi comes to pick them all up

They said theyre not going back to the pub

Putting their feet up on the seats

Oh this seems such a treat

Why do people do that?

I dont know its just where theyre sat

Going by the lights

There is a big fight

Police are there

They have sat a man on a chair

Other people have to stare

But I suppose they do care

Wondering whats going on

Im glad its not any of my sons.

Karen Scanlon


41/43

My Cup

Got so much to do with so little energy

Think what I need is some gummyberry juice

My cat saw a ghost this morning.

The sun is shining the sky is blue but still theres nothing to do

Walk in circles around the sun, swim in the sea and tread

Wait for a day that never comes, talking to myself in an empty room

I need some action to light my fire.

I need someone to take me higher

Everything happens somewhere else

But nothing I hear is worth the chance.

I saw a bird this morning land on a tree.

It came to my window to talk to me

It said dont worry theres so much time.

I see everything from a power line

Wait a while youll feel much better.

Write down your thoughts

Send her a poem a song or a letter

It will lift you up

Your future is written in the bottom of your cup.

Kelvin Choudary


42/43

The week before Christmas

It is the week before Christmas and the elves are working overtime inSantas workshop. The workshop was a huge log cabin on the outside, on the

inside however it was covered top to bottom in shiny, sparkly Christmas

decorations.A massive Christmas tree stands majestically in the centre of the room, multi

coloured lights twinkle and sparkle. Shiny red and gold baubles shineamongst pine needle branches. Scattered through the branches were clusters

of pine cones.

Large rows of work benches line the edges of the workshop. In the centre of

the benched square sits a huge red velvet bag.

The Yetis and the polar bears help by making hot chocolate and baking

cookies. Which is vital for giving the elves the energy to make toys for thechildren of the world. Santa delivers to them on Christmas Eve. Santa wascurrently developing a new toy it was going to be a type of board game that

could be played by both boys and girls. He had told them however he was

struggling to come up with a design for it as well as a name.

The bin beside his desk was overflowing with pieces of paper that had beenscrewed up into balls of varying sizes. The floor around the bin had also

become a graveyard to the screwed up paper balls.

Mrs. Clause gently knocks on the door to Santas study, in her other handshe holds a tray with a mug of steaming hot chocolate, sandwiches and

freshly baked cookies. She peers around the door, Santa is stood looking outof the window with his hands in the back pockets of his trousers. Mrs. Claus

smiles and gently clears her throat to get his attention. Slowly he turns away

from the window. Hows it going dear? asks Mrs. Clause as she clears a

space on the desk big enough for the tray to fit without tipping. Still tryingto think to be honest dearest Santa says as he bends down to kiss her.

Anne Marie Roberts


43/43

Smokers Assembly

From the gloomy bar into sun shining bright

Out come the smokers, sparking up Marlboro lights

Rich and poor theres no contrasting them

Around every pub entrance stand the smokers convention

Men and women in all lifes guises

From filtered tips to roll ups a fog of smoke rises

Nicotine heads chat the fag ash birds up

Then back in the bar for a lager to sup

Ash and dog ends litter the concrete floor

While vigilant doormen patrol the pubs main door

Lungs are bloated with nicotine smoke

As the abstainers pass through, on toxins they choke

The smokers assembly starts from morning to night

Taking breaks from ale supping on Bensons they bite

Some of it is social some of its need

They come outside for an addiction to feed

Dean Carroll

creative writing book final copy

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