I was particularly inspired by John O'Donohue who spoke so eloquently of love, grace and the exploration of the soul. Here is a link to his website:
http://www.jodonohue.com

As a result of listening to John and reading his work, and being drawn to writing a poem of childhood memories I came up with a poem. I had a thought that perhaps the website is a good place to allow folk to become creative and express themselves in poetry, writing or music. These offerings could be placed on the website to share with others. I am sure many would be inspired and encouraged to grow in exploring their spirituality and expressing what lies in the soul, often dormant.

I do believe that expression of this kind draws people together and helps communities bond and grow.

I attach my poetic offering - not great but maybe it may encourage others. The theme is of childhood memories and the circle of life. I was born and grew up in Durham city, playing amidst the mighty Norman cathedral, the river Wear and the woods.

Please share this with others in the parish and air some thoughts.”  

Ian Squire

The Mountain Diaries

The mountains stand alone once more,
The ice age came,
Like the time before,
Flowers so delicate begin to grow,
To begin the process to start to sow,
A new life forming,
One not bland,
The people of Zion,
Rest in God’s hand.

A.J. Cave

Dreams from a younger girl

Butterflies flitting in front of your eyes
From my bedroom window climbing the skies
On canal bank armed with a net
The biggest fish we hoped to get
On the old brick pipe we balanced across
Our old plimsolls rubbing 'gainst the moss
A jam jar with tiddlers or were they sharks?
Glancing across the meadow to where the dog barks
Running carefree among the long grass
Picking daisies and dandelions as we pass
In the field the old bottle site
Ages old hidden from sight
We dug down deep till treasure we found
Not quite gold but glass in the mound
Arms full with our gains we walked on home
Through the gate and across the lawn
Safe back home adventures all done
Do you remember your days in the sun?
Every day then was sunny and bright
Remember them and take in the light

Meg

(This was given to me by a colleague and friend)

Childhood Memories

I know it may be hard to believe for the youngsters among us, but one thing we all have in common is that each of us have all been a child at some point in our lives!

We may still be a child, or at least be “a child at heart”.

We would very much welcome any contributions on this theme of

“Childhood Memories”

These could be reminiscences of the things we will never forget.

Share your childhood memories, those moments where all is just perfect or your appreciation of the little things that we always remember. Memories are a connection to the past and quite often our ‘all’ when things are not quite right. They are nearly always of ‘the good times’ though we rarely appreciate just how precious they are at the time.

If you can put pen to paper to convey the essence of just what memories are made of or to share your own recollections, then please send your submissions in.

If you would like some hints and tips on writing poetry please have a look here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blast/writing/tipsandtools/

http://www.sandraglover.co.uk/tips.htm

For older children and adults:

http://www.ronbell.co.uk/tips.htm

http://www.poetrymagic.co.uk/approaches.html

And if you would like to offer your poetry for publication you can send it here!

http://www.forwardpress.co.uk/g_triumph_house/triumph_house01.htm

Please send your poetry or writing to Ian at ianfy8@btinternet.com or to the Parish Secretary at the Presbytery, marked "for the attention of Ian Squire".

Happy reminiscing!

Best wishes,

Ian Squire

The contribution "Congratulations" forwarded by Maureen O' Connell (because of its layout) will have to appear as a PDF document. To read it click here.

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