Elizabeth Harris

Haddington, East Lothian, UK

On 10th February 1920 I was born in the above town. Remaining single, I have greatly enjoyed working in the Women's Land Army during the 2nd World War. Then secretarial duties as well as becoming a resident companion/housekeeper and a part time auxiliary geriatric nurse. Commencing 1995, I have had 6 poems published by Triumph House and another by Arrival Press at 1-2 Wainman Road, Woodston, Petersborough plus one by the International Society of Poets to date. I prefer reading educational books including ancient history and am now compiling a biblical narration with a view to it's publication.


The Elements

The great creator God's earth is known to strain along
Fault or weak lines causing tremors where the earth's
Crust ends the steepest especially in mountain areas where
Seas are deepest.
Quite miraculously due to the disintegration of volcanic
Substances soil fertility ensues for planters indeed
Due to fiery eruptions which these magnetic fields impede
Whilst the wonders of snow is most exciting to behold
As 'tis but a category of crystals according to their
Symmetry whilst hailstones only consist of frozen rain
Altold curiously enough each exquisitely shaped snowflake
Shown consists only of ice and air united whilst each
Flake is so fascinating to watch in their unexpectantly passing
Beauty whilst being sighted. Yet no two identical
Flakes can anyone find whilst one of nature's oddities
Are waterspouts underlined this peculiar phenomena is
Now known to quickly change into a tornado when it
Disbands as water for dry land as these two types
Can so form simultaneously in all weather alike day or night.

A Genuine Experience

A certain robin used to come and visit me
When he roosted at the base of my neighbour's apple tree
Inside an old pail which has set round it's roots
Where this perky lad cared not two hoots.
His cheery song led the dawning
Leaving off abruptly to allow the others of the feathered tribe
To continue till morning
Because this rascal in through my bedroom window next would fly
To see what tidbits he could espy.
A top my dressing table on which lay a large hand-mirror round
With grated cheese placed on the reflection part to be found
Which also sported a soft stuffed bird and a chipmunk marker too
Both positioned as though eating this fame in full view
Which has always sadly disrupted when bobtwitts arrived full steam ahead
To spit peck and knock both about in sudden fit of sheer jealousy instead
Displaying a most baleful glare in his eyes which always seemed to say
Either clear off my pitch or end up dead!
Then after polishing off the food himself in undue haste
He would run along the top of my wardrobe overlooking my bed
Then finally fly down to the foot bed rail to show off his breast so sleek and red
With a most peculiar look which silently said, 'just when will you rise up sleepy head?'
And don't worry as I will come back again soon
So please just remember to replenish the cheese before leaving this room.


All poems Copyright © 1997 Elizabeth Harris. All rights reserved.