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Terry Godwin Poem
Count not the time you have lived including today,
Not by the clock, in whose time you did love, work and play.
Count the times the joy and happiness to many you have brought,
Giving praise, encouragement, joy, to those when sad and distraught.
Value it by the time with loved ones and friends you have shared.
Treasure the time when you loved your closest and friends and truly cared.
Think of the good things you are going to give, do or say.
For you and many, your kindness will make it a great day.
Time goes quicker as the aged and ancients will confirm and know.
We pray we are healthy, not alone, happy when our time has come to go.
The age you feel now often depends on the happiness in your heart,
Let the world remember you with a smile when you finally depart.
How long will you live? How old are you now?
Only fate and you can decide when you take your final bow.
Count the happy memories however large or small,
When you helped, gave love, with content walked tall.
Love the world and it will love you back too,
You will live longer, be happier, now you have your cue.
This way you could be in for a long and happy bat.
Only you can decide, life is as simple as that.
Copyright © Terry Godwin | Year Posted 2017
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Terry Godwin Poem
I remember, I remember my garden of joy,
It gave me great happiness when I was a boy
At the bottom of the garden was a delightful stream,
When alone, I would sit beside it, meditate and dream.
In the garden stood an ancient apple tree,
In the spring time its coloured buds were a joy to see.
In the autumn the russet apples were harvested in,
Our neighbours also enjoy surplus apples from our bin.
At summertime my two friends would come in and play cricket,
Game stopped when the batsman knocked the ball into the thicket.
On summer evenings Mum or Dad read us a story in the eventide,
Other children came in, lemonade and biscuits mum did provide.
Subject to weather mum packed a picnic on a Sunday afternoon,
To meet the local villagers, to gossip, farmers sold their eggs, that was a boon The villagers would meet, discus each others fortune, on the village green, There all the local gossip everyone could tell or glean.
The young ones played football, cricket or handball,
The girls often beat the boys, that did not go down well.
Some times in the evening Dad would take me down to listen to the local band, Some music I did not like, some I thought was grand.
I left home at twenty one to work in the city,
My little village is now a small town, what a pity.
I have photo’s to remind me of my happy past,
With an expanding world villages like mine will never last.
Copyright © Terry Godwin | Year Posted 2016
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Terry Godwin Poem
This poem was inspired by a wonderful day, I was privileged to be invited to her majesty the Queen’s garden party 2015 in the grounds of Buckingham palace.
Human nature thrives on praise, a thank you given with a smile,
It makes you feel appreciated, loved, happy, life feels worthwhile.
As a simple gesture by the most important lady in our land,
Inviting you to her garden party makes you feel simply grand.
Our noble Queen Elizabeth graciously sends out invitations every year,
To those in our society who have enhanced it with love, inspiration and good cheer.
The Queen appreciates there are those who make this world a happier place,
Helping those in need, the elderly, the sick, inspiring our young folk the future to face.
This world never has enough happiness, contentment, relaxation and cheer,
To those who provide this important ingredient in our lives, we treasure dear.
Look deep into your heart, is there any small act of happiness you can do?
However great or small, it will make you happy and others too.
Our noble Queen sets her examples opening her doors to welcome you all,
To those who give their love, dedication and support to life’s ever
demanding call.
The Queen’s garden parties are a shining light in this troubled world of ours,
It is further enhanced with a display of glorious flowers.
To many who have been blessed to be invited to this event,
It will be remembered as a day of happiness, awe and wonderment.
It is a once in a lifetime invitation for folk like you and me,
Not many get invited to go to Buckingham Palace and join the Queen for
tea.
Let us hope the Queen and her heirs will not stop this heart- warming event,
It unites the Royal House with our Nation, praising our good folk, sincerely meant.
On behalf of our visitors I thank you for inviting us here today.
These parties are appreciated; we all hope they will continue to stay
Copyright © Terry Godwin | Year Posted 2016
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Terry Godwin Poem
I sit alone and watch an enchanting sunset complete its day,
I want you to sit by my side until we become old and grey.
I relax knowing our love is strong and you are far away.
I won’t hold you in my arms for another month they say.
She went home overseas to tell her parents about our great day.
She was invited home to be blessed and receive a dowry.
Her parents were delighted when they heard she was going to marry me.
They are both disabled, not able to come to the wedding you see.
They are a loving family, holding a party to celebrate this event,
I have already written to them confirming my love and intent.
I am organising our wedding in the church in our village,
The church contains so many memories and our heritage.
My heart beats with love when I think of you as my bride,
It is not long now, it seems forever, waiting for you to be by my side.
I blow you a kiss, it has a long way to go,
The gentle breeze will carry it to you, I know, I know.
Copyright © Terry Godwin | Year Posted 2016
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Terry Godwin Poem
Touching my hand was a wet doggy.
Whatever my fate was going to be,
My dog, my hero would be with me,
If he was in terror it did not show,
I was the weak one that I know.
With agile body and eyes that could see
He swiftly, surely guided me,
Masonry was flying through the air,
Debris was scattered everywhere.
Down those stairs we fairly flew,
Now sparks and flames shooting everywhere,
We survived somehow, It’s true,
We managed to escape with just seconds to spare.
Our wounds were gently tended,
In time, our bodies mended.
But the memories of that fateful day.
Will never ever go away.
Twas just an ordinary day on the forty second floor,
Then it was gone, there are no floors anymore.
Our story’s not quite finished; Bob helped me to survive,
My dog, he got a special medal, me …..I am still alive *end of manuscript
That night I spent recovering in a hospital bed
A miraculous escape all the papers said.
The reporter’s photo’d me till I was black and blue.
I cuddled Bob so the world knew he was a hero too.
That night I don’t think I slept at all,
thinking of the crumbling walls and fire ball.
Though I am blind God gave me Bob to compensate
Because of that, I don’t stand at heaven’s gate.
Two thousand, nine hundred and seventy-seven died because of that terrorist attack,
Tens of thousands will live to endure the terrible flak.
Loss of family, loved ones, colleagues, friends who died,
Will be remembered for many a day.
War is war, and the terrorist who did this terrible deed,
Will meet the “American” revenge soon I pray
With the loss of the twin towers,
America answered the enemy by building freedom tower.
You see why America sits high in the world’s freedom hall.
She did not bow to the enemy,
she faced them, and walked tall.
Well done America the free world needs you;
we really appreciate your support in whatever you do.
The Twin Towers in New York was attacked on September 11th 2001 by terrorist’s planes which were crashed into them, killing 2977. On going through poems sent to me, for reading as presenter in the Sunlight Centre in Gillingham, Kent. England a few years ago, I received this hand written poem, I cannot find the poet’s name who wrote this I think the content is great, so I have passed it on to you to contemplate. It had no title. I have tidied it up and added verse to give it a strong finish. It reminds us all that terrorism at the moment seems far away, but they can strike anywhere and at any time. Now follows the manuscript as received.
That night I spent recovering in a hospital bed
A miraculous escape all the papers said.
The reporters photo’d me till I was black and blue,
I cuddled Bob so the world knew he was a hero too.
That night I don’t think I slept at all,
thinking of the crumbling walls and fire ball.
Though I am blind God gave me Bob to compensate
Because of that, I don’t stand at heaven’s gate.
Two thousand, nine hundred and seventy seven died because of that terrorist attack,
Tens of thousands will live to endure the terrible flak.
Loss of family, loved ones, colleagues, friends who died,
will be remembered for many a day.
War is war, and the terrorist who did this terrible deed,
will meet the “American” revenge soon I pray.
Others jumped from windows, taking fatal dives.
The stairs were breaking up as people rushed by,
Who could blame them, they didn’t want to die,
Soon I was alone, stumbling and choking in the smog,
I felt there was no hope for a blind man and his dog.
“Bob”, my loyal guide dog,
Was, as always by my side,
Trembling, he guided me through the smog,
And over the bodies of people who died.
Bob had always been more than my guide,
He was family and friend.
I didn’t want him by my side.
Until the grizzly end
.
I knew then what I had to do,
“Go Bob, leave” I cried,
If he ran now, he could be safe
He must not stay here, till he died.
I loosed the leash, and shouted” Go” again,
He licked my hand, and next to me he stayed,
I thought, “What’s up with Bob, he never disobeys,
“If he stays here, he, till I die,
I thought, dismayed.
Four times I tried to make him go,
His life depended on it, but how could he know,
Although in mortal terror that damn dog would not heed,
No matter how I screamed at him, he would not obey and leave.
My heart was heavy with despair, just one thing left to do,
With angry voice I screamed at him “LEAVE, I don’t want you!”
I lashed out with a hefty kick, felt my boot strike bone,
I heard him yelp with fear and pain…and then I was alone.
The stairway walls were hot, oxygen becoming depleted,
I picked me way down, stair by stair; I must not be defeated,
Twisted metal and masonry, walls heaving and shaking,
I even felt the steps beneath my feet disintegrating
Down was the only way to go,
I prayed for my dog, I loved him so,
I hoped that he’d run very fast, and that he’d got free,
I couldn’t bear it if he’d died, because he’d stayed with me.
I heard the clattering of feet
Of some fireman coming up
“Keep going, pal, they shouted through the heat
“We saw your dog on the first floor, he’s a plucky pup.”
“Looks like he has made a dash,
He’s limping and he’s got a gash.
Someone’s trying to calm him down.”
I thanked them with a nod and a frown.
I heaved a sigh of great relief,
But what happened next defies belief,
I’d stumbled, then just a I rose,
I didn’t believe it, I felt a wet nose.
Copyright © Terry Godwin | Year Posted 2016
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Terry Godwin Poem
A soldier has come home today,
He has been fighting in lands far away.
A soldier has come home today,
There were no cheers, not a single hooray.
A soldier has come home today,
In a coffin to his loved ones dismay.
A soldier has come home today,
He was mortally wounded, death led the way.
A soldier has come home today,
Back to his homeland to stay.
A soldier has come home today,
He no longer has to kill or slay.
A soldier has come home today,
For protecting our freedom the enemy took his life away.
A soldier has come home today,
Every nation needs brave men to keep the enemy at bay.
A soldier has come home today,
They risks life’s most precious gift in violent affray.
A soldier has come home today,
If die they must, let us pray they go heavens way.
A soldier has come home today,
We honour you and quietly pray.
Our soldier has come home today In this world every mother asks,
“Why does it have to end this way?”
Copyright © Terry Godwin | Year Posted 2016
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Terry Godwin Poem
I have never been to Brighton before,
I was eight, never been on a sea shore.
Mum and Dad were taking us all on a summer's treat,
We could make sand castles, swim,eat ice cream in the summers heat.
Dad had been awarded one hundred pounds for being clever,
Also for supporting his company with his best endeavor.
Dad decided that fifty pounds would be spent on a day out,
The rest to improve Mums kitchen, needed it , no doubt.
My sister Jill and I prayed for the weather to be kind,
It was great to see the sunshine when we pulled up the bedroom blind.
We caught the early train to Brighton Station.
Mum had brought a pic-nic which exceeded our expection.
At the station we marched down to the sea front,
We saw the sea and beach and then find a space we had to hunt.
Dad hired a sunshade to shelter us from the sun.
Dad, Jill and I ran into the sea, splashed about, what fun.
Dad said" When we have had our lunch and dried out,
We will build a sand castle strong and stout.
Then we cool down and swim in the sea again.
Mum reminded dad we had to catch the seven o' clock train.
Mum gave us funny food that we had never had before.
She said it could be a long time you get anymore.
That was the first time I had visited Brighton and enjoyed the day out.
We came four times more, so we know what seasides are all about.
Copyright © Terry Godwin | Year Posted 2017
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Terry Godwin Poem
The Goof Father met Mr. and Mrs. O’Conner in Dublin High Street.
He gave a big smile and with his usual cheery greet,
Beamed out “How are you both today, well and happy I pray.”
Mrs. O’Conner responded sadly” On being happy I cannot say.
We have been married for over four years and we have had no family yet.
The good lord has not smiled down on us we regret.”
The Good Father smiled and said,” Don’t worry, next week I am going to Rome,
I will give you a blessing , light a candle, will ask the the good lord for your family to no longer postpone”.
Four years later the Good Father met Mrs .O’Connner in Dublin High street walking on her own.
He beamed out. “ Hello Mrs. O’Conner , hope you are well, have you any family yet sired?”
Yes Father, I have had four sets of twins and feel so very tired.”
The Good Father smiled and said ,”And where is Mr. O’Conner, I do not see.”
Mrs O’Conner replied” He has gone to Rome to blow the dam candle out,
Best thing don’t you agree?”
Copyright © Terry Godwin | Year Posted 2016
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Terry Godwin Poem
It is the twilight of a glorious setting sun,
Another day has passed, soon another has begun.
The calmness, the quiet, the serinity is a joy to behold.
The infusion of colour, enhancing, entwining, pink and gold.
The harmony is not disturbed when our enchanting birds fly.
You wonder why this picture of elegance and tranquility
should pass us by.
Because without our circumvating sun the world world die.
The sun is departing, it is bidding a memorable farewell,
Sunsets like this in my memory will forever dwell.
Thank you dear Sun for uplifting my soul and heart,
I will now relax and sleep, so a new day I will joyfully start.
Copyright © Terry Godwin | Year Posted 2017
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Terry Godwin Poem
The British Red Poppy to me
Always creates a tear when near,
Half my family
Having died because of war.
All had to volunteer,
That was the thing to do.
My Great Grand father died
At a very early age.Died at at thirty,
Another war hero Was written on the doctors page.
My Grand Dad of whom I hardly knew,
Died going over the top,
Blown to pieces, no body to view.
His two daughters enlisted as nurses,
Killed together when their ferry hit a mine.
When we were winning the war too.
My dad was shot by a sniper,
My dad only lost his arm.
He puts the replacement on,
Every day and removes it at night.
It always hurts but he smiles,
And says he is feeling alright.
I pray to the God who is up there,
If you love us, stop all wars if you care.
Remembrance Day and the Poppy
Are important to me.
We must not forget those who gave their lives valiantly,
So that you and I can walk on our land and be free.
In the quietness of the night,
I give my own thankful prayer.
Our soldiers gave the greatest gift of all,
Protecting us with their love and care
Copyright © Terry Godwin | Year Posted 2016
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