Sylvia Reaney

The past when things were made to last

Remember years ago when things were made to last
Maybe you still own something that is from the past
Could be an old iron, heated on a coal fire
Ironed everything just as good, no dangling electric wire
These modern electric irons don't last for ever and a day
Take it for repairing and told, 'it's no good, throw it away'
Your electric washer not yet three years old
Oh! needs repairing, 'we haven't the parts for this, your washer is far too old'
Food cooked in a coal fired oven, hot dinners were a treat
Especially the tasty Hot Pot, in it tender meat
A penny box of matches lit up everything
Now its a gas lighter, when empty throw away into your bin
You buy modern appliances they don't come very cheap
Not lasting very long they're soon on the scrap heap
In the past hard work wasn't very easy, but had to be endured
Spending yet more money, you have to have your modern gadgets all insured
Things are much easier doing housework every day
But this luxury through the nose we have to pay
We bought ourselves a Sunday paper, sometimes we would buy two
Cut up and recycled and hung up in the loo
Recycling isn't new, to use again, we always had a bash
Once more the old days saved us lots of cash
Skilled workers made most things slowly not in haste
To prove they were everlasting and didn't go to waste
Some things were much better recalling now from our past
Simply because most things were made to last

A boy of twelve

Zohib is a boy who thinks just like a man,
always there to help, doing what he can,
Visits the two of us to ask what he can do,
If we say yes, at once he smiles at you,
Not being very big, in fact he Is quite small,
Zohib feel proud you can walk very tall,
We thank you for being our young friend,
A thank you is priceless and for you they never end.

Lynne and Sylvia

Ten years of the Messenger

I've told you many times what I feel in rhyme
This is no exception it is a special time
Sorry I won't be there with you to celebrate
I send congratulations for your anniversary date
Also to thank you for the work you have all done
I say sincerely, you certainly have won
Our glossy magazine keeps us in the know
And there is plenty that show
In pictures of people having fun and always on the go
I've lived in this area over forty years, looking a many a different scene
Besides if I was to move I wouldn't get my magazine
So happy birthday with lots of good cheer
Wishing you lots more success, as you travel on into each year
I end with these last few words to me it is the crunch
Those like myself not in attendance, will miss out on the savoury lunch