Hiding in the house and not going out
filled with misgivings and feelings of doubt
Not important enough, I'll just hide away
maybe I'll come out on another day

Friends invite us to places, they want us there
unable to explain, feelings impossible to share
These feelings overwhelm me, my life is a mess
my husband's beside me but still I can't confess

My inadequacies take over; I just get through each day
thankful when night comes - another out of the way
but this isn't living; I'm existing day by day
still feeling unsure and hiding away.

Thankfully others see the potential in me
people say "things will get better, just you wait and see"
So the waiting goes on, I ask myself when will this end.
when I participate - I suppose my life will mend
but it takes courage - to walk through that door
especially when you're not sure you can anymore

The first step is the hardest, you think failure's on its way
you think everyone's watching, depression's here to stay
Scared of what people might ask
scared that whatever - you'll fail the task

The amazing thing is others feel this way too
so in one positive thing you know what to do
Encourage them every single step of the day
bring them from darkness to the light of day

Now there are challenges - helping others feel good
if anyone can - you know that you could,
People everywhere all need a friend
someone whose time and patience they'll lend,
and guess what - you know it's true
the perfect candidates's here and guess who it's YOU

THE RETURNING GIFT.

What is you most special gift
You like to give away,
You hand it out to someone
It comes right back to stay.

You give it to your partner
They give it back to you
You give it to your children
And they return it too.

Grandchildren-great grandchildren
As they come around
You like to give them all a share
It comes back in a bound;

Your brothers and your sisters
You are sure they will accept
And then it comes right back to you
Just when you least expect;

What is it then? This precious gift?
It is sent from heaven above
A thing we all should cherish
That special gift called -LOVE.

E.Richardson (age 92yrs)

Poem sent in by E-Mail by a Barbara Welsh-

Many thanks Barbara

I.II tell you the story of Alan Mulllneux.
And of the amazing Eccles cakes. every word I swear is true. We were in the Royal Signals. R.A.F. Laarbruch Germany. It happened in our barrack room, one evening after tea.

Alan had received a parcel, biscuits cakes and other fare. So we gathered round his bedspace. waiting for a share.
We had waited for this parcel for umpteen N.A.A.F.I. breaks. Hoping that inside it were the famous Eccles Cakes.

Now a wager had been laid just the week or before.
That Eccles Cakes would only keep a month or two no more.
Frank Chadwick were the challenger a Whythenshaw lad were ee. Fred Hardicre from Failsworth said ee'd be referee.

So a dozen of the savouries were wrapped up and stowed away. Signed and sealed in Alans Locker till six month to the day.
It were'nt only money that were at stake but the honour of Eccles too.
Alan were sure the secret recipe in the end would see him through.

Six months later it were opened the cakes passed round and eaten. Chaddy were out of pocket well and truly beaten.
So now you've heard the story of just how long it takes. T' prove that nowt lasts longer than genuine Eccles cakes.

See a photo of Alan and Frank.....?

Above poem written and sent in via email by Bill Pearson. 12/01/05

Happy Easter.
THE BEST POEM IN THE WORLD!

I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp--
The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
The alcoholics, the trash

There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.

Herb, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly
Well

I nudged Jesus, "What's the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake.

"And why's everyone so quiet,
So somber? Give me a clue."
"Hush, child," said He, "they're all in shock.
No one thought they'd be seeing you."


Judge NOT.

The above Peom Was Posted On The Forum By ManMates Member, Belinda on Easter Monday 24/03/08

Many Thanks Belinda

-------------------------------------------------------

A POEM FOR CHRISTMAS.

I woke up last night and what did I hear,
but the footstep's of Santa and the tapping of reindeer.
I crept downstair's as quite as a mouse,
only to see Santa in this very house.
He was dressed in red and looked happy and sweet,
like an old jolly fellow anyone would love to meet.
He quickly spun round and smiled at me bright,
then flew up the chimney and vanished in the night,
and away they all flew, like a bird in the sky,
when I heard him shout out as he drove out of sight.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
 
 Louise Wilson. (ted knott's Grandaughter)

Sent in on 26/11/08 By Ted Knott and added to the site on 08/12/08

Many thanks to Louise and Ted