Clifford H. DeMeza

East Sussex, UK

Born on 11 January 1939 in Hastings, I vividly remember my childhood during the Second World War. Later I served in the Royal Artillery and the Civil Defense Corps. Educated at Bal Edmund Independent School, St. Leonards Secondary Modern School and later at Maidstone and Midway College and the Open University. I hold a Diploma in Transport subjects, and work for an international bus and railway operating company. I have a strong evangelical Christian faith, and am married to Elizabeth who is also a poet. May you be blessed by reading my work.

Hasting County

1066, that was the year,
When William came with ax and spear.
In Hastings County landed he,
The place they now call Pevensey.
Then on to Senlac field they mustered,
Awaiting Harold, tired and flustered.
October was the month at hand,
The 14th day the battle grand.
They fought all day, those soldiers brave,
But mostly ended in the grave.
William was the victor clear,
With Harold slain, Oh dear ! Oh dear!
A Bayeux Tapestry was sewn,
So the battle could be shown.
William built his Battle Abbey,
Now a little old and shabby.
A castle too on Hastings hill,
Its ruins can be seen there still.
William ruled with Norman cunning,
To keep the Saxons down and running.
Today there is no Hastings County,
East Sussex Council holds the bounty.
Now tourists flock there to be shown,
"1066 Country" as it now is known.

Oh! God Our Help In Ages Past

Oh! God our help in ages past!
Where are you today?
We've looked for You in every church!
Have you gone away?
But wait! That shed up on the hill,
is ringing with great music.
There's praise and dance. A worship band,
We know you're there, we'll choose it.
We'll stay there for a year or five,
While elders preach and youngsters jive.
We'll help to spread your word abroad,
Knowing your spirit is still alive.
Oh God! You're calling us away,
To serve you in another way.
Town centre church is where we're needed,
To spread your word day after day.
Drama in the street with singing,
Intent on souls for Jesus winning.
Our prayers rise up like vortex spinning,
That You ! Oh Lord, will stop them sinning.
That they may know Lord Jesus,
As their Saviour and a friend,
And live for ever in heaven,
Mortal death is not the end.