Rhymes off the cuff
Eventide Picnic.
Now this is a theme with a difference
Quite obvious to the likes of you and me
The peace and calm of a Picnic
With the family on the beach by the Sea
I seems they’ve come to the end of the day
As they sit there all alone
Thinking about the nice day they’ve enjoyed
And even the tide is long gone
But the item that makes this scene unique
The plethora of colour in the Sky
From Blue to Grey, Amber and Gold
All pleasing to a watchful eye
The beach now cleared of visitors
The breakwaters clearly in view
The hills of Kent in the distance
As the Thames keeps flowing through
Soon it’s time to close the Hamper
And wend their weary way home
With wonderful memories of a day on the beach
With a Chalkwell Sunset of their own
Dennis Shrubshall 9th December 2020
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Now this is a theme with a difference
Quite obvious to the likes of you and me
The peace and calm of a Picnic
With the family on the beach by the Sea
I seems they’ve come to the end of the day
As they sit there all alone
Thinking about the nice day they’ve enjoyed
And even the tide is long gone
But the item that makes this scene unique
The plethora of colour in the Sky
From Blue to Grey, Amber and Gold
All pleasing to a watchful eye
The beach now cleared of visitors
The breakwaters clearly in view
The hills of Kent in the distance
As the Thames keeps flowing through
Soon it’s time to close the Hamper
And wend their weary way home
With wonderful memories of a day on the beach
With a Chalkwell Sunset of their own
Dennis Shrubshall 9th December 2020
Originally Posted by Poet –
This is lovely, Shrubby, thank you again; Kim x
A Sailor's Farewell
As I walked through the gates for the very last time
And heard them close behind
My eyes were closed by a flood of tears
As the thoughts seemed so refined
The memories, to me, came flooding back
Of happiness and sorrow
As I realized that what was past
Would not be there tomorrow
The furlough’s and the binges
And the women we’ve loved at a cost
The battles in which we’ve taken part
And the colleagues that we’ve lost
Was I right to sign away my life
Not knowing what I could have had
But that was all so long ago
When I was but a mere lad
But the clock can never backward turn
And you’re a “civvie” now
So pick up your bags and forward go
Wipe that worried look from your brow
It’s time to plan your future
For fate can be unkind
You’ll never forget your time in the Andrew
It’s eternal on your mind
Dennis Shrubshall 15th April 2007
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As I walked through the gates for the very last time
And heard them close behind
My eyes were closed by a flood of tears
As the thoughts seemed so refined
The memories, to me, came flooding back
Of happiness and sorrow
As I realized that what was past
Would not be there tomorrow
The furlough’s and the binges
And the women we’ve loved at a cost
The battles in which we’ve taken part
And the colleagues that we’ve lost
Was I right to sign away my life
Not knowing what I could have had
But that was all so long ago
When I was but a mere lad
But the clock can never backward turn
And you’re a “civvie” now
So pick up your bags and forward go
Wipe that worried look from your brow
It’s time to plan your future
For fate can be unkind
You’ll never forget your time in the Andrew
It’s eternal on your mind
Dennis Shrubshall 15th April 2007
Originally Posted by Poet –
Thanks again for this, Shrubby, great stuff. Kim x
Beach Huts
We’ve taken a leisurely stroll today
Right along the Promenade
What at first seemed easy
Became harder yard by yard
We followed the footsteps of many before
Though they must have been fit and strong
By the time we got to Shoeburyness
I was dragging my feet along
So I sat for awhile and stared back
At the route we had just taken
5/6 miles or so it seemed
Unless my feet are mistaken
The Beach Huts closed for the Winter now
Placed high away from the beach
Making sure that with highest tides
They are safely out of reach
Not another soul is within sight
As we gaze right back to the Pier
Just a few dinghies against the wall
A few sailing boats at their moorings
Is all we can see from here
But luckily now our car has arrived
To take us back for a meal and well-earned Beer
Dennis Shrubshall 15th December 2020
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We’ve taken a leisurely stroll today
Right along the Promenade
What at first seemed easy
Became harder yard by yard
We followed the footsteps of many before
Though they must have been fit and strong
By the time we got to Shoeburyness
I was dragging my feet along
So I sat for awhile and stared back
At the route we had just taken
5/6 miles or so it seemed
Unless my feet are mistaken
The Beach Huts closed for the Winter now
Placed high away from the beach
Making sure that with highest tides
They are safely out of reach
Not another soul is within sight
As we gaze right back to the Pier
Just a few dinghies against the wall
A few sailing boats at their moorings
Is all we can see from here
But luckily now our car has arrived
To take us back for a meal and well-earned Beer
Dennis Shrubshall 15th December 2020
Christmas Spirit
The Christmas Spirit is here again
Santa visits every year
And he always waits to the end of December
So the food and vegetables are dear
The Christmas Trees are on display
Everywhere you look
Plenty of Meat, Chicken & Turkeys
In the Butchers for you to cook
Mistletoe and Holly and Baubles for the tree
And every kind of present on sale
For the likes of you and me
The Mince pies and the Crackers
They all stay the same
And sometimes they are buy one get one free
But it’s all a ploy by Santa
To increase the joviality
And encourage all the Ladies to spend
Then spend and spend some more
To make sure when he comes down the Chimney
There are presents to lay all over the floor
In the hope that the children who receive them
With excitement will really enjoy
The host of presents and parcels
Where as kids we only had one toy
So now as this tale I bring to a close
To all readers near and far
If snow comes Santa will come on his Sleigh
But if not may arrive in an expensive 4 X 4 Car
Merry Xmas to you all
Dennis Shrubshall 4th December 2009
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The Christmas Spirit is here again
Santa visits every year
And he always waits to the end of December
So the food and vegetables are dear
The Christmas Trees are on display
Everywhere you look
Plenty of Meat, Chicken & Turkeys
In the Butchers for you to cook
Mistletoe and Holly and Baubles for the tree
And every kind of present on sale
For the likes of you and me
The Mince pies and the Crackers
They all stay the same
And sometimes they are buy one get one free
But it’s all a ploy by Santa
To increase the joviality
And encourage all the Ladies to spend
Then spend and spend some more
To make sure when he comes down the Chimney
There are presents to lay all over the floor
In the hope that the children who receive them
With excitement will really enjoy
The host of presents and parcels
Where as kids we only had one toy
So now as this tale I bring to a close
To all readers near and far
If snow comes Santa will come on his Sleigh
But if not may arrive in an expensive 4 X 4 Car
Merry Xmas to you all
Dennis Shrubshall 4th December 2009
Originally Posted by Poet –
Lovely stuff, Shrubby, thank you. Have a lovely Christmas and I hope you get your fair share of the 'spirit' too. Love, Kim x
Hanukkah
Religion has many stories to tell
And one that has interested me
The origination of Hanukkah
Celebration for the Jewish fraternity
I understand it started in Israel
After the Maccabean revolt
Fighting oppression from the Greeks
This annual tradition was the result
Antiochus the Ruler of the Greeks at that time
Forbid Jewish religious practices then
But the Maccabees then answered in revolution
And eventually prevailed again
The first task they achieved with resolution
The Holy Temple restoration was their aim
To bring back from total desecration
And their religious culture reclaim
The Menorah needed to be re-lit
But only one vial of Olive could be found
Only enough to provide just one day’s light
But by miracle burned 8 days & nights round
Today Jewish folk light Menorah’s each night
For the 8 days of Hanukkah their welcome flame
The ninth flame you’ll see is a “helper”
Known as the”Shamash by name
It’s purpose to ignite the other candles
As the 8 days of Hanukkah pass by
Celebrating that ancient miracle each year
Dedication that nobody can deny
A phrase I understand is often used
Nun, , gimel, hei, shin the message sent
A great miracle happened there long ago
And at Hanukkah it is evident
Young children receive gifts
At this time of the year
With latkes and suganiyot too
A time to rejoice and celebrate
Happy Hanukkah to you
Shalom
Dennis Shrubshall 15th December 2012
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Religion has many stories to tell
And one that has interested me
The origination of Hanukkah
Celebration for the Jewish fraternity
I understand it started in Israel
After the Maccabean revolt
Fighting oppression from the Greeks
This annual tradition was the result
Antiochus the Ruler of the Greeks at that time
Forbid Jewish religious practices then
But the Maccabees then answered in revolution
And eventually prevailed again
The first task they achieved with resolution
The Holy Temple restoration was their aim
To bring back from total desecration
And their religious culture reclaim
The Menorah needed to be re-lit
But only one vial of Olive could be found
Only enough to provide just one day’s light
But by miracle burned 8 days & nights round
Today Jewish folk light Menorah’s each night
For the 8 days of Hanukkah their welcome flame
The ninth flame you’ll see is a “helper”
Known as the”Shamash by name
It’s purpose to ignite the other candles
As the 8 days of Hanukkah pass by
Celebrating that ancient miracle each year
Dedication that nobody can deny
A phrase I understand is often used
Nun, , gimel, hei, shin the message sent
A great miracle happened there long ago
And at Hanukkah it is evident
Young children receive gifts
At this time of the year
With latkes and suganiyot too
A time to rejoice and celebrate
Happy Hanukkah to you
Shalom
Dennis Shrubshall 15th December 2012
Originally Posted by Poet –
Thank you for this, Shrubby, it is interesting and very informative for those of us who have little knowledge of the Jewish faith. Kim x
The Xmas Fairy
I sometimes sit and wonder
Why folks seldom think of me
Cos I’m just a Xmas Fairy
To stand atop the Xmas tree
I’m looking all around me
At the different array of lights
Hanging by the Xmas cards
But they’re turned off at nights
So I just stand here daily
With baubles all around
Present piled beneath me
And the Xmas Carols sound
The Children all adore me
Especially the little Girls
They like my fashionable Fairy Dress
My pretty face and hair with curls
I sometimes think of why I stand
Precariously propped up high
Maybe away from the owners dog
That occasionally walks by
But nobody ever speaks to me
Not even Santa on Xmas Eve
He just walks in with bulging sack
Which under the tree He’ll leave
Then Xmas Day I’ll stand and watch
As the presents are opened wide
By excited Children & parents
To see just what’s inside
And later on the Family meal
Turkey and Tinsel so they say
Accompanied of course by Xmas Pudding’
And Mince pies on this Special Day
I nearly forgot the glasses of wine
Supplied by the genial Host
And during the meal the glasses are raised
And “ A Happy Xmas Everyone” is the toast
With all the activity going on
Nobody seems to think of me
For I’m just a lonely little Xmas Fairy
Stuck on top of the Xmas Tree
Dennis Shrubshall 15th December 2012
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I sometimes sit and wonder
Why folks seldom think of me
Cos I’m just a Xmas Fairy
To stand atop the Xmas tree
I’m looking all around me
At the different array of lights
Hanging by the Xmas cards
But they’re turned off at nights
So I just stand here daily
With baubles all around
Present piled beneath me
And the Xmas Carols sound
The Children all adore me
Especially the little Girls
They like my fashionable Fairy Dress
My pretty face and hair with curls
I sometimes think of why I stand
Precariously propped up high
Maybe away from the owners dog
That occasionally walks by
But nobody ever speaks to me
Not even Santa on Xmas Eve
He just walks in with bulging sack
Which under the tree He’ll leave
Then Xmas Day I’ll stand and watch
As the presents are opened wide
By excited Children & parents
To see just what’s inside
And later on the Family meal
Turkey and Tinsel so they say
Accompanied of course by Xmas Pudding’
And Mince pies on this Special Day
I nearly forgot the glasses of wine
Supplied by the genial Host
And during the meal the glasses are raised
And “ A Happy Xmas Everyone” is the toast
With all the activity going on
Nobody seems to think of me
For I’m just a lonely little Xmas Fairy
Stuck on top of the Xmas Tree
Dennis Shrubshall 15th December 2012
Xmas Day in the workhouse
It was Xmas Day in the workhouse
Just past the hour of three
When in walked a man in his Santa Gear
He was "P!!!!ed" as a newt could be
The children all eyed him with surprise
His Wife looked at him with utter disgrace
He just smiled and muttered Merry Xmas everyone
Tripped over the dog and fell flat on his face
But being a retired and ancient Mariner
He's soon on his feet and making amends
And joined them celebrating Xmas at Dinner
Mum & Dad and the Family all best of friends
Dennis Shrubshall
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It was Xmas Day in the workhouse
Just past the hour of three
When in walked a man in his Santa Gear
He was "P!!!!ed" as a newt could be
The children all eyed him with surprise
His Wife looked at him with utter disgrace
He just smiled and muttered Merry Xmas everyone
Tripped over the dog and fell flat on his face
But being a retired and ancient Mariner
He's soon on his feet and making amends
And joined them celebrating Xmas at Dinner
Mum & Dad and the Family all best of friends
Dennis Shrubshall
Originally Posted by Poet –
Thank you for this one, Shrubby, and for the Christmas Fairy too. Hope you have a lovely Christmas; love Kim xx
Shrubby A brilliant poem Hope you have a good one Lets hope 2021 is better than 2020 Cheers
Young Love
When in troubled times like these
Everyone needs something to lighten their Soul
To take them away from torment
And let them enjoy a former role
And here we see a few people
On the Beach enjoying relaxation
Driving away their daily cares
Which may cause certain frustration
But here in a jaded Sunset
As though ignoring the World from ther mind
Obviously two alone in their world of Love
This young couple leave more than footsteps behind
A really important occasion in life
As the young man settles down on one knee
And utters those time honoured words
“Darling will you marry me”
And after consideration
With the answer in a warm embrace
Both amble off arm in arm
With loving smiles on each other’s face
Turning their backs on the Beach and the Sea
The World is their Oyster it now seems
Striding towards a new future
And hopefully fulfilment of both their dreams
Dennis Shrubshall 12th January 2021
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When in troubled times like these
Everyone needs something to lighten their Soul
To take them away from torment
And let them enjoy a former role
And here we see a few people
On the Beach enjoying relaxation
Driving away their daily cares
Which may cause certain frustration
But here in a jaded Sunset
As though ignoring the World from ther mind
Obviously two alone in their world of Love
This young couple leave more than footsteps behind
A really important occasion in life
As the young man settles down on one knee
And utters those time honoured words
“Darling will you marry me”
And after consideration
With the answer in a warm embrace
Both amble off arm in arm
With loving smiles on each other’s face
Turning their backs on the Beach and the Sea
The World is their Oyster it now seems
Striding towards a new future
And hopefully fulfilment of both their dreams
Dennis Shrubshall 12th January 2021
Originally Posted by Poet –
This is so beautiful, Shrubby, just love it. Thank you again.Wishing you a Very Happy and Healthy New Year, love Kim xx
Forked Lightning
Walking along the beach at twilight
In the cool evening air
The scene before us was amazing
In the midst of a storm we’re unaware
Above us the Sky a plethora of colour
Grey and Black and Silver mixed
Changing to Mauve Amber and Gold
Settling on the Horizon with our eyes
Keeping our eyes transfixed
The water calm on a flowing tide
Just a couple of Sailing Boats in sight
As gently on their moorings they ride
The water reflecting the scene above
Creating this beautiful image so Austere
How does a person interpret this scene
Without a slight tinge of fear
The advent of a sudden flash of lightning
Illuminating the scene below
Another example of Mother Nature’s wonder
This wonderful display as though
Chasing the Sunset to nightfall
In the hope of a bright tomorrow
The weather for some may bring happiness
But a few disappointment and sorrow
Dennis Shrubshall 12th January 2021
.jpg)
Walking along the beach at twilight
In the cool evening air
The scene before us was amazing
In the midst of a storm we’re unaware
Above us the Sky a plethora of colour
Grey and Black and Silver mixed
Changing to Mauve Amber and Gold
Settling on the Horizon with our eyes
Keeping our eyes transfixed
The water calm on a flowing tide
Just a couple of Sailing Boats in sight
As gently on their moorings they ride
The water reflecting the scene above
Creating this beautiful image so Austere
How does a person interpret this scene
Without a slight tinge of fear
The advent of a sudden flash of lightning
Illuminating the scene below
Another example of Mother Nature’s wonder
This wonderful display as though
Chasing the Sunset to nightfall
In the hope of a bright tomorrow
The weather for some may bring happiness
But a few disappointment and sorrow
Dennis Shrubshall 12th January 2021
Regulations
Here we are on the edge of a Metropolis
Renowned for leisure and relaxation
Just a windblown Seafront
Sadly affected by Regulations
Not a single person in sight
As far as the eye can see
And in the foreground a Public Notice
Embracing stupidity
The scene devoid of vehicles
Where normally Thousands of people would be
Why is there a warning posted
Next to a Parking sign for anyone to see
How does one distinguish the difference
Between Stupidity and Sanity
For the area is patrolled by local Police
To make sure that no vehicle stops
And as for loading and unloading
The area is devoid of shops
If you think this image is funny
As I’m sure do many others
In times like these we need to giggle and laugh
And wonder why the local Council bothers
Dennis Shrubshall 14th January 2021
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Here we are on the edge of a Metropolis
Renowned for leisure and relaxation
Just a windblown Seafront
Sadly affected by Regulations
Not a single person in sight
As far as the eye can see
And in the foreground a Public Notice
Embracing stupidity
The scene devoid of vehicles
Where normally Thousands of people would be
Why is there a warning posted
Next to a Parking sign for anyone to see
How does one distinguish the difference
Between Stupidity and Sanity
For the area is patrolled by local Police
To make sure that no vehicle stops
And as for loading and unloading
The area is devoid of shops
If you think this image is funny
As I’m sure do many others
In times like these we need to giggle and laugh
And wonder why the local Council bothers
Dennis Shrubshall 14th January 2021
Originally Posted by Poet –
Great stuff, Shrubby, and how true - thank you again. Love, Kim x
Hamble Point
Watching the last of twilight hours
Staring across the Hamble
Overshadowed by an angry Sky
And so your thoughts may ramble
The Sea so calm and gentle
And an angry Sky above
Brings back thought of former days
Of a Marina life that sailors love
The overcast Sky a myriad of colours
Starting with a pale shade of Blue
Then Silver Black and shades of Grey
And the last of the golden Sunset shining through
Not a vessel can be seen on the water
Here at this hour of Twilight
Just the Memories of Summer days past
With hundreds of boats in sight
For here we are looking at Hamble Point
Home of a Marina large
Where all the local Sailors gather in Season
And their various duties discharge
Perhaps in these troubled times
An adage is hidden here
Into each life some rain must fall
Until the future shines bright and clear
Dennis Shrubshall 17th January 2021
.jpg)
Watching the last of twilight hours
Staring across the Hamble
Overshadowed by an angry Sky
And so your thoughts may ramble
The Sea so calm and gentle
And an angry Sky above
Brings back thought of former days
Of a Marina life that sailors love
The overcast Sky a myriad of colours
Starting with a pale shade of Blue
Then Silver Black and shades of Grey
And the last of the golden Sunset shining through
Not a vessel can be seen on the water
Here at this hour of Twilight
Just the Memories of Summer days past
With hundreds of boats in sight
For here we are looking at Hamble Point
Home of a Marina large
Where all the local Sailors gather in Season
And their various duties discharge
Perhaps in these troubled times
An adage is hidden here
Into each life some rain must fall
Until the future shines bright and clear
Dennis Shrubshall 17th January 2021
Serenity 2
If you were asked to describe the scene above
Knowing the way our World is today
Perhaps you may think of perfect Peace
Which is here blatantly on display
Not a ripple on the water
Just reflections of the Sky over head
Created by the fading Sunset
Mauve Amber and Gold instead
The Pier providing a dividing line
As though this image was planned
Proudly standing over the years
As an important link between Sea and land
But soon maybe things will return to normality
Hopefully across the World it will reach
And the example of perfect Serenity
A constant reminder of a relaxing walk on the beach
Dennis Shrubshall 17th January 2021
.jpg)
If you were asked to describe the scene above
Knowing the way our World is today
Perhaps you may think of perfect Peace
Which is here blatantly on display
Not a ripple on the water
Just reflections of the Sky over head
Created by the fading Sunset
Mauve Amber and Gold instead
The Pier providing a dividing line
As though this image was planned
Proudly standing over the years
As an important link between Sea and land
But soon maybe things will return to normality
Hopefully across the World it will reach
And the example of perfect Serenity
A constant reminder of a relaxing walk on the beach
Dennis Shrubshall 17th January 2021
Canvey Island crossing
Looking back in time now
Over a good many a decade
A relic of how it it used to be
When a crossing to Canvey Island was made
No longer relying on the Ferry
Or stepping stones at low tide
But now they had a second hand bridge
So they could stay in their Vehicles and ride
For this was the only way on and off the Island
As you needed to cross Benfleet Creek
And this would have been the scene in Mid Winter
When one of the seasons was bleak
And once you got to the mainland at Benfleet
There was the Railway Line to navigate
Awaiting the opening of the Level Crossing
And the Signalman to open the Crossing Gate
I cast my mind back 60 years
And that was how it was then
Except the bridge could be raised for boats to pass
And lowered to the causeway again
For this was the only road onto Canvey Island
But things have altered so much until today
This road is now linked to an underpass of the railway
And there is also a main entry and exit motorway
Dennis Shrubshall 19th January2021
.jpg)
Looking back in time now
Over a good many a decade
A relic of how it it used to be
When a crossing to Canvey Island was made
No longer relying on the Ferry
Or stepping stones at low tide
But now they had a second hand bridge
So they could stay in their Vehicles and ride
For this was the only way on and off the Island
As you needed to cross Benfleet Creek
And this would have been the scene in Mid Winter
When one of the seasons was bleak
And once you got to the mainland at Benfleet
There was the Railway Line to navigate
Awaiting the opening of the Level Crossing
And the Signalman to open the Crossing Gate
I cast my mind back 60 years
And that was how it was then
Except the bridge could be raised for boats to pass
And lowered to the causeway again
For this was the only road onto Canvey Island
But things have altered so much until today
This road is now linked to an underpass of the railway
And there is also a main entry and exit motorway
Dennis Shrubshall 19th January2021
Originally Posted by Poet –
More great memories, Shrubby, thank you; Kim x
Winter
Looking back in time now
To this scene just a few years ago
Depicting how a part of Britain looked
After a gentle flurry of Snow
For it’s something that we seldom see
Recurring each 25/30 years
A really serious fall of Snow
One of the country’s serious fears
But this is the image of a pleasant walk
On such a Winter’s day
But the scene holds a few secrets
A Telephonr box from times now past
And no motor traffic on the roads
Just the chill of Winter
And whatever it forbodes
So as we sit in comfort and warm
With a sunny bright day outside
Just a memory from a while ago
An example of Winter signified
Dennis Shrubshall 22nd January 2021
.jpg)
Looking back in time now
To this scene just a few years ago
Depicting how a part of Britain looked
After a gentle flurry of Snow
For it’s something that we seldom see
Recurring each 25/30 years
A really serious fall of Snow
One of the country’s serious fears
But this is the image of a pleasant walk
On such a Winter’s day
But the scene holds a few secrets
A Telephonr box from times now past
And no motor traffic on the roads
Just the chill of Winter
And whatever it forbodes
So as we sit in comfort and warm
With a sunny bright day outside
Just a memory from a while ago
An example of Winter signified
Dennis Shrubshall 22nd January 2021
The Kursaal.
Spare a few minutes to walk back in time
To those day that’s eem so long ago
Walking around Southend on Sea
As the evening is warmed by the lights as they glow
For this was the centre of life in the community
In the daytime and evening as well
For the Kursaal held so much interest
Why you’d visit is hard to tell
In the day time entertainment for children
Or watch the riders on The Wall of Death
As they roared around up and down
And spectators at the top held their breath
But in the evening another aspect came to life
A centre for those who liked to dance
A really spectacular Ballroom
Where couples met and dreamed of romance
The music supplied by Ray McVay and his band
Long before Pop Groups came to the fore
Just admire a mass of happy people
Dancing round the floor
And when the evening came to conclusion
With the Band playing the Last Waltz
Everyone left quietly to wend their way home
Without any need for the Local Police Force
Perhaps my memory is jaded
But I expect it brings happy memories for others
And for the youngsters of today
Merely a story from their Fathers and Mothers
Dennis Shrubshall 23rd January 2021
.jpg)
Spare a few minutes to walk back in time
To those day that’s eem so long ago
Walking around Southend on Sea
As the evening is warmed by the lights as they glow
For this was the centre of life in the community
In the daytime and evening as well
For the Kursaal held so much interest
Why you’d visit is hard to tell
In the day time entertainment for children
Or watch the riders on The Wall of Death
As they roared around up and down
And spectators at the top held their breath
But in the evening another aspect came to life
A centre for those who liked to dance
A really spectacular Ballroom
Where couples met and dreamed of romance
The music supplied by Ray McVay and his band
Long before Pop Groups came to the fore
Just admire a mass of happy people
Dancing round the floor
And when the evening came to conclusion
With the Band playing the Last Waltz
Everyone left quietly to wend their way home
Without any need for the Local Police Force
Perhaps my memory is jaded
But I expect it brings happy memories for others
And for the youngsters of today
Merely a story from their Fathers and Mothers
Dennis Shrubshall 23rd January 2021
The Professional Soldier
If you were asked a thousand questions
Or maybe even more
About your views on conflict
In any given theatre War
Do you think that it is possible
That given thought, you might
Agree that War is justified
And send our Army to fight
For this must be the situation
That a Government of the day must face
When asked for help from across the World
So that from War with Peace they may replace
For although we live in a small Island
Our Military Men are measured with high esteem
They may be asked to quell a “coups d’etat, in some far flung land
No matter how difficult the task may seem
They fought in the hills of Korea
And in the jungles of Borneo and Malaya too
Not forgetting their fight in the Falkland Islands
And the IRA in Ireland to pursue
Although things have changed with the passing of time
And mostly in the forms of transport they use
No longer do they sit aboard a troopship for weeks
As though on an extended holiday cruise
For they knew that after weeks of inactivity
That when on foreign soil they land
They had to return to fighting fitness, at the double
To get on the with the job in hand
But today the mode of travel is much quicker
As they walk aboard a large Transporter plane
And fly to that far off destination, where
In 24 hours they are in action again
Although it is said in War there is only one winner
And we know the “Grim Reaper “ is his name
If you asked the average British Soldier, what he thinks
Most would answer “ We’ll do our job just the same”
For tho’ the years come and go a Soldier’s job will never change
As with many Family tradition comes to the fore
And they long to wear the Regimental Uniform of their kin
Then adjust to the changing patterns and weapons of War
For these are the men who choose to fight
As Professional Soldiers they must
So as they serve for the Flag , their Country and their Queen
In the knowledge of Great Britain’s utmost trust.
Dennis Shrubshall 1st June 2009
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If you were asked a thousand questions
Or maybe even more
About your views on conflict
In any given theatre War
Do you think that it is possible
That given thought, you might
Agree that War is justified
And send our Army to fight
For this must be the situation
That a Government of the day must face
When asked for help from across the World
So that from War with Peace they may replace
For although we live in a small Island
Our Military Men are measured with high esteem
They may be asked to quell a “coups d’etat, in some far flung land
No matter how difficult the task may seem
They fought in the hills of Korea
And in the jungles of Borneo and Malaya too
Not forgetting their fight in the Falkland Islands
And the IRA in Ireland to pursue
Although things have changed with the passing of time
And mostly in the forms of transport they use
No longer do they sit aboard a troopship for weeks
As though on an extended holiday cruise
For they knew that after weeks of inactivity
That when on foreign soil they land
They had to return to fighting fitness, at the double
To get on the with the job in hand
But today the mode of travel is much quicker
As they walk aboard a large Transporter plane
And fly to that far off destination, where
In 24 hours they are in action again
Although it is said in War there is only one winner
And we know the “Grim Reaper “ is his name
If you asked the average British Soldier, what he thinks
Most would answer “ We’ll do our job just the same”
For tho’ the years come and go a Soldier’s job will never change
As with many Family tradition comes to the fore
And they long to wear the Regimental Uniform of their kin
Then adjust to the changing patterns and weapons of War
For these are the men who choose to fight
As Professional Soldiers they must
So as they serve for the Flag , their Country and their Queen
In the knowledge of Great Britain’s utmost trust.
Dennis Shrubshall 1st June 2009