Irene Kelsey

Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, UK

I was born 6th June 1919, in Handsworth, Birmingham. I am a retired Secretary/PA. I am a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. My husband is Edward Kelsey. This is our second marriage. I have a daughter, Lynne, and a son, Roger. I also have three stepsons, Alan, Paul and Stephen. I have eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. I have had six poems published in various anthologies over the last twelve months. I have also written a novel and numerous short stories. I have received a Mensa certificate. I find my poetry is a form of relaxation. Life's experiences are my inspiration.

Children

A little child
So meek and mild
Will soon be classed
As cruel and wild.
And, as they grow
Both tall and wise
Some parents resent
These obligatory ties.

Cars and bikes become the craze
But soon they outgrow this mechanical phase.
It's girl meets boy or boy meets girl.
Then begins the social whirl.
Discos, Lager, Wine bars too -
Crazy hair styles in pink and blue.

Suddenly, in love, they reel.
Wedding bells begin to peal.
Shortly after-
A little child,
So very meek, so very mild.

Home

As we sit beside the fire,
Warm slippers on our feet.
Do we ever stop to think
Of those who seldom eat?

We sit at our tables
Getting stuck into our meals.
But do we ever stop to think
How an empty stomach feels?

When we're tucked up in our beds,
Or in our armchairs curled.
Let us offer up our thanks
That we're not of the Third World.