Lachlan Taylor

Larbert, Stirlingshire, UK

I was born in the town of Falkirk in 1922. I left school at fourteen and received a day school lower certificate. I started work in 1939 and joined the army in December of 1947. I have had numerous jobs: driving for the police, postman, crane-driver. I married, had no family and lost my wife in a driving accident in France. I was a member of Ayr Auld Kirk but on returning to Falkirk, I have not bothered much with the church. I have always loved reading poetry (of the old type). The poets I love most are Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Shelly, Byron, Burns and Sir Walter Scott. My poetry, I don't think, is for intellectuals. I just pen from anything I hear, see and read. I started submitting my poems to publishers in 1992 have had them in 30 anthologies and 41 magazines. I write maybe 5 per week, some good, some bad.

Love Of A Canine

I don't know what I would do
without a dog about the house
It has been my sole companion
since I lost my faithful spouse.

It seems to realise at times
that I'm sad when I'm alone
And so it gives me friendship
the likes I've never known.

It brings its lead to me each morning
when it wants to go for walks
I think it's trying to arouse me
though the dumb creature cannot talk

I didn't know animals were so clever
and had so much common sense
Now I will never condemn them
from this day and hence.

To God In Heaven

Have faith in God for everything
and you will find what joys it brings
A love that is the sweetest thing
God is love

He is the truth don't leave him ever
keep him within your heart forever
At no time cut those ties to sever
God is the truth

His gifts are never in a small measures
He grants to us our daily pleasures
His faith and love are what we treasure
God is Joy

He brings to us the birds and flowers
the Sun and wind and winter showers
Those are some of his worldly powers
God is the creator.

So let him lead your way along
He will pardon you from any wrong
Praise him each day in heavenly song
God is forever

The Destruction Of Youth

I remember my comrades
so vital and young
They were just like the flowers
whose blossoms have sprung.

Now they lie buried
in far foreign lands
Though the call to the flag
which each country demands.

It is sad that our youth
should die in such ways
Not having the chance
to live out their days.

All wars are destructful
and should never be used
As it leaves many millions
all sad and confused.

With sorrowful widows
and men that are maimed
And where even the victors
don't win as in claimed.

It is up to World Nations
to live all in peace,
Where the horrors of war
will for ever more cease.