Bryan Nichols

Llandrindod Wells, Powys, UK

I was born 1 May 1929 in London and read Law and Economics at the City of London College. My pen name is Nicholas Bryans and I am a writer currently composing my autobiography. I was a boy sailor of 15 on an Armed Merchantman in the Second World War and assisted to sink a German U-Boat in the Atlantic in March of 1945. I married Miss Great Britain and Bluebell Girl, Mary Ann Scarlett Hatton on Christmas Eve 1966. I was an extra in the film "Niagara," where I met Marilyn Monroe and also sang before the Queen & Prince Philip at Christchurch, Niagara Falls in November 1952. I performed with the New National Operatic Society and the West Wickham Operatic Society and am an I.S.T.D. Gold Medalist. My poetry flows from the universe beyond from where strange and wonderful inspiration is received and I am delighted to be with The International Society of Poets.

The Lottery I

I cut the paper up with care
Every piece an even square
And numbered one to forty-nine
Then folded them all neat and fine

My fingers trembled with excitement
As I placed the numbered parchment
Into a bag all deep and wide
Through which my nimble hand would slide

I shook them up with frenzied glee
Then drew them out so carefully
One by one until the sixth
They were indeed the oddest mix

I waited patiently to win
But my chances were so thin
As months passed by without a penny
And anxious moments were so many

I tossed and turned at night with dread
And almost tumbled out of bed
As nightmares haunted me with gloom
And numbers chased me round the room

Figures danced before my eyes
As hopes were dashed with groans and sighs
'Twas evil misery so rare
A life of torment and despair

But then to church I went one day
And saw the numbers on display
The hymns and psalms were all marked up
And looked as though they'd bring me luck

Whilst organ played and church bells rang
My voice with dedication sang
Oh, naughty numbers do not hide
But let ye in my head reside
Reveal yourselves all fancy free
And let me win the lottery

The Lottery II

Be it known that thou couldst win
A life of luxury and sin
Feast on chocolates so fine
And taste the rarest steak and wine

Have a Rolls with seats of leather
And entertain a girl called Heather
With a chauffeur James complete with cap
And iced champagne which flows on tap

Visit all the posh hotels
And savour luxury which quells
A raving thirst for zest of life
Replacing mundane work and strife

Spoil yourself and buy a yacht
Some like it cool and some so hot
A host of ladies you could choose
To join you on your naughty cruise

Then back to home—a mansion rare
With massive grounds and lakes to spare
Servants at your left and right
And chambermaids to chase all night

This could be your new lifestyle
If you ponder for a while
Then pick the numbers with great care
And change them only if you dare