Katie Kent

Bromley, Kent, UK

I was born in Co. Galway, Ireland, into a farming family. I had a happy life with my three sisters and four brothers. My sisters and three brothers all emigrated, leaving one brother to help run the farm. I came to England in 1939 and worked as a nurse. I remained in the profession throughout WW2 and married a British soldier, Sgt. J.A. Kent R.E., in 1940. We had three daughters, Patricia, Pamela and Sheila. Sadly, after 45 years of marriage, my husband died. My hobbies are reading, T.V., gardening and my two cats, Trusty and Flooky. I also write publishable short stories.

Old Big Ben

God bless old big Ben
The unchanging friend
Standing majestically in Westminster Palace
Amid pomp and circumstance,
World politics and upheavals.

With amazing grace
She keeps timing and chiming along,
In all changing scenes of life
Through all kinds of weather
Rock firm she stands as ever.

Worth her weight in gold and prestige
How we would miss her if she fell ill
The loveliest clock ever
To grace the city of Westminster
A national institution she is
Renowned the world over for her dignity,
Striking and chiming ability.
God bless old big ben!
She's a wonderful gem.

Old Tara

My cat Tara
Was sharp swift and full of fun;
A gift from high
In the garden a smoking gun
Ever alert to predators.
Velvet paws in the house
The loveliest cat ever
To grace the family home.

Tara didn't like sudden bangs,
Guy Fawkes shenanigans
She would ban.
She would come to my side
Tail up: purr purr
Trying to tell me her cat news,
A true and faithful friend.

The years rolled on
Her eyes grew dim.
No more quick movements to her stride.
In my heart I knew one day
The vet would say,
There's nothing more I can do for Tara!

She staggered to me one evening
Bade me a cat's goodbye,
Crept to a geranium pot
In a quiet spot on the floor,
Trying to hide her agony
And keep her dignity.
There she died like the warrior she was.
Tara is now at peace
Her memory will never grow old.