Mary C. Thomas

Flackwell Heath, Bucks

Born: 5.1.1921 at Vourne End Bucks; Parents: Kathleen and Sebastian Hall-Patch; Education: Godstowe School, High Wycombe, Oakdene School, Beaconsfield, School of Architecture, Regent St. Poly, London War Service - A.T.S. 1942, Att. R.E. at Alderley Edge Cheshire; Occupation: Retired Local Government Officer; Awards: Bronze Medal - Royal Drawing Society, Several Piano Certificates; Remarks: Hopefully, books and literature will always be a part of my life, I wouldn't be without them; Hobbies: pottery, gardening, soft toy-making.

Benediction

I give you blank forgiveness
For words you left unsaid
When comfort's hand was needed
You gave your shoulder for my head.

You gave me back life's sparkle
When all around was dross,
You picked me up to live again
And soothed away my loss.

I give you bland forgiveness
For all the tears I've shed
My soul you gave me back again
When all but hope was dead.

Once more I've got the courage
To face a brand new day
And help you back from sorrow
To laugh, and sing and play.

And all this blank forgiveness
Is shared by you and I,
To walk into tomorrow
And kiss the past Goodbye.

Where There's Life

From the start I was no good at schooling,
I zero'd in all maths and at games.
I had chilblains on fingers all winter
And my toes were exactly the same
I really had no forward thinking
Just discouraged and lonely and sad,
No one believed I could do things,
I was shy - I was odd - I was mad!
How I longed to be just like the others
But it wasn't allowed - not for me
I believed it for years I remember
I've believed it til now, so it seems!
But I know that I can't-
It's true that I shan't-
No! Honestly, I won't.-

But I may!
I was told I was no good at cooking,
So I made up my mind I would try
And I took an exam on the Theory
Yes - I passed- God only knows why!
Then came the business of Russian
With its alphabet funny and odd-
Then flying across the Atlantic
I could do all these things - on my Tod!
But my sex life was futile and hopeless
I was only fit company for fish!
I was told this so often, and loudly
I believed it, but I've now made a wish
I think that I should
If I'm made to, I would-
Oh, if only I could.

But I can!.