Ann Odger

Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK

I was born 8th April 1936. I am a Mother and Grandmother. I recently retired, living alone, having lost my 'soul-mate'. Enjoy doing crosswords, playing the key board and meeting friends in the local pub at weekends. Took to writing poetry February 1996 as an outlet for my feelings, not realizing how many people would enjoy reading it. I have been fortunate in several poems being accepted for anthologies and other poetry books.

Remembrance

I sat and watched you in your sleep
and held your hand afraid to move
the time was close when I would weep
the last things said were words of love.
The final sigh, your breath was gone
I could not move nor wish to leave,
you were my life my dearest John,
why did you leave me now to grieve?
I could not sleep, the pain too strong
why you, not me? I had it planned!
each day eternal, hours too long
I'd give my life to hold your hand.
Months of torment and time to greet,
need for comfort from those who cared,
travel spent in order to meet
your family, the loss we shared.
A treasured friend has made me see
the things in life a different way,
I cannot stay in misery
my wish to join you fades away.

Memories

Crossing the Clyde, a wonderful sight, reflections of water in the light,
pass through Paisley a popular town, (I'll stop and shop on the way down)
Reach Kilwinning and get a car to Annie's flat, it isn't far.
Peace and quiet is what I'll get, time to blether, no chance to fret.
Trips to Saltcoats, Irvine and Ayr, people friendly, the weather fair.
Each visit varies from the last the floods, the snow, an icy blast,
forget the cold, even the rain, not deterred, I'll still come again.
The case is lighter, less to pack, stop at Johnstone on the way back.
Onto Linwood, visit them all, bingo with friends in Tweedie Hall.
A friendly drink while I am out, Linwood Social without a doubt.
Visit The Barras in the city, so little time what a pity
I can't stay long, but let it be my chance to return and I shall see
all that I want of Glasgow town, worth the long journey up (and down!)
Worth all the travel and the cost to visit friends I love the most.

Emerald Isle

The many places I have seen in pages of the magazine,
home to the friends who love to talk of countryside they often walk.
Silent Valley where no bird sings, silent songsters on vibrant wings,
beauty that takes your breath away leaving you with nothing to say.
Lush, green grass with smell so sweet and springy touch beneath the feet.
Majestic and proud, Mountains of Mourn, pink/grey tints in light of dawn,
creeping down to join the sea, granite domes of solemnity,
capped with snow or drenched with rain wait for spring to return again.
Shrouded in mist or kissed by sun towering shadows when day is done.
Hidden by curtains of the night ready to catch first ray of light.
So much beauty, please let it be my joy, this emerald isle to see.