Helen Allan

Glasgow, Scotland

Helen is an accomplished poet of international renown whose many accolades include the Editor's Choice Award for outstanding achievements in poetry from The National Library of Poetry, U.S.A. in 1993 and Membership in The International Society of Poets 1993-95. Her work has appeared in highly respected anthologies including Distinguished Poets of America. She has had five books of poetry published in London. Helen is a retired school teacher and at present lives and works in her native Glasgow. Her poems have appeared in Glasgow and Strathclyde Poetry anthology. Helen says, "Writing my verses has been wonderful and I sincerely hope they will give pleasure and joy to all readers."

The Tattered Flag

A soldier lad lay dreaming,
Near a battlefield one day,
In his mind he was scheming,
How to win victory.

He heard his captain calling,
"Rise and fire rapidly",
Then he began bawling,
"Yes Sir, right away".

Next he charged forth bravely
To meet the enemy
But he was wounded gravely
And lay in misery.

Then he saw the tattered flag
And 'midst a hail of fire,
He rose and took that precious rag,
And proudly waved it higher.

Lo and behold he did succeed,
In rallying his comrades all,
And the courage of his noble deed,
History would recall.

Scotland's Treasure

Lofty peaks on high
Where eagles proudly fly
Scotland's precious treasure
Of value beyond measure,
Towers of majesty
Custodians of history
Jewels of creation
Bequeathed to our nation.

Long may you reign
O'er Scotland's terrain
Sentinels of renown
Gems of her crown.
Lordly and graciously
Standing resplendently
Glorious, majestic and grand
Dear Mountains of Scotland

The 20th Century's Exit

The twentieth century
Will rate in history
As the epitome
Of advanced technology.

Man has broken through
Many barriers that's true
And that world beyond the blue
Has been explored by a few.

Truly the moon landing
Was sealed by man's branding
And that feat most outstanding
Surpassed all understanding.

Upon land and sea
Man faced challenge constantly
And succeeded dauntlessly
In achieving victory.

And the new millennium
When it finally doth come
Will receive a great welcome
With gusto and momentum.