Read Random Ramblings Page 8

Hen Ficerdy

  Follow the muddy, bumpy lane,

  Turn left at the end and left again,

  Through the meadow, across the stile,

  Then continue on for half a mile.

  Cross the road at the ‘Dog and Grouse’

  And soon you’ll see a creepy house.

  That house is the largest around here

  And instills in many a sense of fear

  With its dark grey walls of weathered stone,

  Hidden where the ivy’s grown,

  Under a roof of sharp black slate

  Which bows beneath the chimney’s weight.

  No flowers or plants adorn its grounds,

  Just weathered gravestones on grassy mounds,

  Nettles and brambles tied in tangles

  With glittering webs in all the angles,

  And beyond the bare-boughed silver birch

  An ornate and ancient Gothic church.

  Push open the heavy gates of iron

  Guarded by a fierce stone lion.

  Follow the path of weeds and stones

  Through the yard of buried bones.

  See the windows, dark and deep.

  Wonder what secrets they keep?

  Up the steps - you’re getting near

  To seeing why I sent you here.

  Summon all your courage before

  You grasp the knocker on the door.

  For as the handle begins to turn

  A special lesson you will learn.

  See, inside that house of stone and slate

  A warm fire burns within the grate

  And a family laughs and plays and sings

  And speaks of love and joyful things.

  The mother kind, the father strong,

  The children happy all day long.

  Though big and black and bleak it seems

  This is a home of happy dreams

  Where you will be welcome if you say

  That I have sent you on your way.

  So cast away your fear and pride,

  And don’t judge on what you see outside.

  Hen Ficerdy is Welsh for Old Vicarage. I wrote this poem in recognition of the many large, ancient vicarages, often next to graveyards. I lived in two of them.

  What Makes Christmas Special?

  Could it be the lovely tree

  All trimmed with lights so prettily?

  Or baby’s giggle as she spies

  Presents of assorted size

  All wrapped in shiny paper bright –

  It truly is a glorious sight!

  Could it be the falling snow,

  Or Santa’s jolly “Ho ho ho”?

  The Christmas specials on TV,

  The smiles of people dear to me,

  Delicious food piled on my plate,

  All surely do make Christmas great!

  Maybe it’s that glorious night

  Of carols sung by candlelight,

  Or having precious family time

  And laughing at the pantomime,

  Or cards from those both far and near

  Who send their love this time of year.

  It’s not the tree, the gifts, the snow

  Which serve to warm my spirit so.

  But thinking of the wondrous birth

  Of Christ our Saviour, come to Earth

  A precious babe that glorious day

  Who came to take our sins away.

  Clothed in Covenants

  Devout Mormons wear a special white garment underneath their clothing as a reminder of covenants they have made in the Temple. Many people are confused about this sacred apparel and its purpose. This poem is based on “The Cross in my Pocket” by Mrs Verna Mae Thomas.

  I wear special clothes on my body

  A simple reminder to me

  Of the fact that I will keep covenants

  No matter where I may be.

  These garments are not magic,

  Nor are they a good luck charm

  They are not meant to protect me

  From every physical harm.

  They’re not for identification

  For all the world to see

  But simply an understanding

  Between my Saviour and me.

  When I dress each bright new morning

  In garments fresh and white

  They serve that day to remind me

  To remain clean in His sight.

  They remind me, too, to be modest

  In my words, my deeds, my dress

  And to strive to serve Him better

  That others I may bless.

  When I’m feeling sad or despairing,

  Or in a scary place,

  These garments remind me that always

  I’m encircled about by His grace.

  And when my path seems rocky

  And I feel all hope is gone

  I remember promises given

  The day I first put them on.

  I wear this symbol of purity,

  Hidden away from sight,

  Because in the blood of the Lamb of God

  My garments and sins are washed white.

  So I wear special clothes on my body

  Reminding no one but me

  That Jesus Christ is Lord of my life

  And He has set me free.