Doreen Dower

Redruth, Cornwall, UK

I was born 20th June 1937 near Truro. I am a housewife, and mother, to my wonderful son Nick. My husband is Terry Dower. We have been married for 35 years. We enjoy painting, reading, walking and music. I have now retired from my job as a Dinner Lady, and also from being an Adult Education Tutor for Glass Engraving. I have always enjoyed writing poetry, and felt honoured to have been invited to join the International Society of Poets, it is like a fantastic dream to have this chance to communicate my thoughts to so many other people.

The Festival Of Light

A Cornish misty summer morning surrounded by excited company,
We were ready at last, cases packed and a 'andsome dinner time pasty,
waiting for the bus to take us on the first part of our journey
to the ten-day "Festival of Light," to be held in Brittany.

Our own Male Voice Choir was to take part
during the Celebration, among a thousand other Celts
A throng of Galicians, Irish, Welsh, Scots and French.
There to perform in various art, craft and sports events.

We picked up a Tug-of-War team on our way,
they were never much fun especially when they lost.
The tennis - team however were marry and gay,
when they won their finals, we all rejoiced!

There were bands, dancers, singers, sports and chess teams.
you name it they were there,
All creative people with flair and dreams
meeting together, exchanging ideas and learning to share.

Over a thousand Celts were fed each day,
by charming student Chefs, at the Palais de Congress where,
it was a wonderful friendly time to promote the way,
of Understanding, the idea of Peace, "No more War!"

The Hedgehog

I'm so very very tired, and feel so, so very sleepy,
I've been eating well all summer thro,
its made me very heavy, and my eyes are all weepy.
Must find a place to snuggle up. Ah will this do?

This is new I haven't seen it before,
this heap of boxes and things, good to shelter in.
The wind is now so cold, its becoming a bore.
I'll just go inside. What a place! What's that din?

Oh its people. Help! The heap is moving,
someones hitting me with a stick,
Perhaps I'd better get out, go running
before it collapses. I call it a bit thick!

It shouldn't be allowed to happen, what a todo.
Ah, this looks more likely, lets explore.
Whats this, Rockets and Bangers Dangerous For You?
Ah well, someone shut out the light now for snooze once more.

I can't believe it, The cheek, the gall!
I'm being moved, once again I've been woken.
Ah this is better, another empty box with dried grass lining as well,
I tell you mates I'm in clover, never a truer word spoken. Hmmm...