‘It's Christmas Time'

As Christmas time comes around so fast each year
It's that time again to fill our homes with festive cheer
Time to meet up, time to relax, time to have that family time
Time to make up, time to remember all you've done together
Time to put aside your problems, time for families to be as one

*******

Time to think and help those less fortunate than you
Time to make that donation, spare a gift, buy those Charity cards
Just give one thing back before you sit down and relax
Christmas time, that special time that should be for all
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

"Cheers to one and all"

 

 

Poppy Day

As our brave hero's sleep, their loved ones weep
Fond memories of those that fell and died for us
Those maimed physically or mentally we respect
All those souls we send to wars to stop unrest and protect
Our brave men and women risk all for us with no fuss
Yes to protect us, to protect others, this is their day
Our thoughts must never go away and to praise them
For all our days as long as we live
It's the Eleventh of November
Armistice Day, Remembrance Day
"Yes Poppy Day!"

 

 

Me & the Moon

The Moon is it a balloon or am I just a buffoon
When we go dark the moon becomes our light
Ah so this must be what turns our day's into night
But a full moon is not every day, no just once a month
Way back in 69 Armstrong walked on it for the first time
As he boldly went where no man had gone before
I was a small boy and amazed at what I saw
So I raced outside looking way up into the sky
As a face is so obvious to see, how far can it really be?
Please Mummy and Daddy I so want to go and see
But can I find a rocket so perhaps it's a balloon for me
Or is that just little old me being a silly buffoon you see.

 

 

"Let's go Shopping"

What a way to spend your Saturday together
When my Good Wife says "Let's go Shopping"
I raise my eyes; try not to ask why, head to the car
Now's not the time to whine, I just get in and drive.
*******
Off we go, the Wife says "I think Lakeside today"
I say "Way Hay"; I know I'm in for a fun day
With the car parks almost full it's going to be busy
What's on the agenda today, Dresses & Shoes, "Yahoo!?"
*******
So we set off on the second floor ready to explore
In and out of the various shops so much to choose from
Came to her favourite shop, time for me to wonder off
I drift around trying to occupy my mind, back in 30 min's time.
*******
Back I come; I can see her, sadly no bags in hand
Saw nothing you liked, No not the dress I want in sight
Boldly onward to the next shop, has that got what she wants
I wait outside again, fingers crossed; will we have joy or pain?
*******
Alas no, still no bags to show "OK where next to go"
Several shops later, my patience start to waiver
I check my watch again, my wife says "your being a pain again"
Can I help it if the Shops don't stock what you want?
*******
Last chance and fingers crossed, one more shop you see
My sense of humour failing, just starting to complain, feet aching
But alas a result in sight, at last a dress just right, colour and size
Thank god for that, perhaps a well deserved cuppa for me.
*******
Never found the Shoes, never mind another time
We both have had enough, now its time to go home
All the Girlie shops should know, Coffee, Papers, A big settee
Will keep us Guys very happy, Oh and a Telly..... Please..

 

 

Was That Summer (2011)

Can you believe it, Oh my was that summer I hear you say
Blimey where has it gone, as the kids go back today?
All those plans we made as we started the school holidays
Day trips away, plus our long awaited two week holiday
*****
But alas it was difficult; it's the Great British weather you see
As we made our plans, packed our picnics to head off to the Sea
Oh dear yet again we are met with driving rain, what a pain
We come so far, all for us just to have a picnic in our car
*****
Maybe a theme park or just a short mission to our Town Park
Kids up early, excited, as you would expect, looking for a lark
Oh dear, yet again, we are met with rain, what a pain in the park
We come so far, all for us just to have a picnic in the car park
*****
Two weeks away, the Great British family holiday for us
Go north, no go south; it's thought to be the safest way
"Can't wait" the Kids say, as we trek off along the motorways
As strange dark clouds just seem to follow us along the way
*****
Two weeks family quality time, sand, sea and sun, plus fun
But damp starts, grey days, more expense to let the kids play
In and out of Amusements, Cinema's and trips to the local pool
Feel so unlucky, cold and wet and a long way away from home
*****
Oh my that's summer gone, it just didn't last that long
Dreary as it was, disappointing, but the kids just get on with it
We had a laugh, the kids generally funny, more often daft
Global warming they say, so where are the hot days
"Oh my was that summer" I hear you say

 

 

Make a Hash of today

Corned beef hash is that meal that can be easily made in just a flash
In a frying pan or a wok but you need to know how many in your flock
This cheap simple recipe is just for two, double up for four will do
All you need is a tin of corned beef, a tin of new cooked potatoes
A nice Spanish onion, Soya sauce, Oil, Vegetable or Olive and you
*******
Just half hour to make, an ideal meal for a day when you are running late
Chop up the onions try not to cry, get them in the pan with oil, start to fry
Add some soy sauce on to the onions stirring as they start to change colour
Then whilst the onions cook out, chop up the corned beef and open the potatoes
Chop up the potatoes into small chunky bits add both to your onion mix
*******
Put a little salt and pepper in and continually stir away on a medium heat ring
Mix the onions, beef and potatoes, stir and turn inside out, push it around
Just 10 min's max is all you need for to find your portion all mashed up you see
Hot plates, baked beans, tined cooked tomatoes or spaghetti to compliment
Alas who knows what you will chose, but you can't lose today as they say
For this is one time in your life when you are right to make a
"Complete hash of it!"

 

 

Down The Pub

It's a lovely day for a walk to the Pub
Time to order up a pint and some nice grub
Find a place to sit, near a fire recently lit
*****
A Pie and a Pint or Half a Bitter and some Crisps
Perhaps a small Brandy or even Half a Shandy
Pork scratching's, Nibbles and those More-ish Nut's
Or what about a nice Ploughman's Lunch
*****
Have a game of Darts, maybe Domino's too
Cribbage, a game of Pool, or just sit on a bar stool
What about Bar Billiards, Skittles or even Shove Hape ney
All those funny old games from the old School
*****
All that fun under one roof and lots more
Karaoke, the local band, perhaps a quiz round
It's so nice to chill and chat and all that
Or just relax and unwind with a large red wine
And "Cheers" to all me old mates.

 

Monkey Man

They say "Monkey see, Monkey do
Don't let them make a Monkey out of you"
Monkeying around is what I like to do
You do have to have fun with your mates
Your pal's, even with the girls, mum as well
*******
Relieve that stress, wear a string vest
Go to a party, be that crazy guest
Lighten up make sure you enjoy life
Old or young go and have some fun
Live life to its best, go out and play
Yes let's make that hay

 

This River

Gnats and sticklebacks swim and fly along by the river's side
As I sit on the bank where long barges and row boats pass me by
I look across the marshes, the flood plains where wildlife is abundant
With all that's wonderful from dragon flies to moorhens passing by
*******
Duck's and drakes swim freely with seven ducklings following on
Anglers casting out, avoiding those swans that seem to dash about
Families and lovers settling down making camp, picnic blankets out
Stinging nettles lurking as dock leaves will need to be pulled up
******
Weirs and dams a plenty, with water flowing fast, lock bound
Gates open, cruiser rising, people wondering around throwing rope
Here comes a canal boat, always looking to heavy to keep afloat
Beautifully decorated in greens, red's and black, such lovely livery art
*****
This river on a sunny day is such a wonderful peaceful place for me
Water glistening and rippling with me sitting down fishing
Because this is the place to be, no worries, just the fish and me
Sitting quietly and calmly with a sandwich and a flask of tea
This is the Stort leading to the Lee leading to the Thames onto the Sea

 

It's Valentine Day

Today is Valentine day, time for us lovers to say
That we love each other so, but that you should know
Our closeness our tenderness makes us the best
Two lovers together, Lots of laughs and giggles forever.
*****************************
With our hearts and minds entwined
We look out for those romantic rhymes
Those Roses are always red, those violets blue
And without a doubt I do know I love you
*****************************
Happy times come, sad times will show
But if either of us is low, then our love will glow
Because we two are one, friends, chums
Each others number ones, just us two will do

 

Snow is Falling

Snow falls all around, Fun times for some
Do we go to work or stay, or have a duvet day?
The AA man say's Stay at home, we just roam
What to do maybe we just sit back and moan.
*******
A little bit of snow and the UK's on a go slow
Roads start to block up and trains get mucked up
Car's break down, AA to stretched to come around
Schools close, where do the kids go, who knows?
*******
Gritters out and about, up and down the main roads
Trouble is we have no grip, our side roads do exist
Bless those Kids having fun sledging down those hills
Wish we could do that, but might need a few more pills.

 

Never Forgotten

Remember One, Remember all, remember those that fall
From the trenches to the deserts, our armed forces stand tall
We must never forget the debt we owe them, one and all
The Young and brave fighting to make sure that we all can stand tall

Armistice Day is our chance to say "Thank you" in our own special way
A poppy, a bowed head, two minutes silence, those thoughts in our head
And some with a wreath to lay, for those that fought from then up to today
We must give those we lost Peace wherever they lay.

Wars come, Wars go but we must make sure our Armed Forces know
That we support them and salute them, those we know and the unknown
The 11th November is our day to remember,
God bless them from November to November, one and all.

 

Firework Night

I remember, remember the 5th of November for all those good times we had
Harlow Town Park was the place to be when I was that teenage lad
And now I take my family following in the same footprints as my dear old dad
To see how the town park lights up with that huge bonfire to warm us up
That fun fair spinning around, "Ten 17", so many sights, so many sounds
I just can't wait for the fireworks to whiz their way up into the night's sky
Fireworks can be so much fun when safely done in our Town Park....

 

 

Halloween

It's the last day of October; "Halloween" has crept round again
When all our little Witches, Wizards and Ghosts come out to play
Those pointed hats, blood stained masks, plastic bats and dead rats
Tridents at the ready, parents desperately trying to keep our kids steady

Knock, knock, ring and ring, trick or treat, our kids hoping for sweets
House to house, mums and dads marching along those darkened streets
Willing it not to rain, umbrellas, cold hands, feet feeling the pain
It's Halloween night; the kids like to put on a show, maybe a little fright
You see it's all worthwhile just to see those little devils smile

 

 

Not My Day

Somehow you just know its going to be a bad day
If you get up and put your pants on around the wrong way
You then look out of the window, dark clouds start to form
I just don't think today's the day to mow the lawn
*******
So what's a man to do, is the safest thing to stay in with you?
Always watch a DVD or two, or perhaps just go back to bed with you
But you say "No let's go out anyway, maybe to the shops", "Wa hay" I say
Oh dear shops really not my for me, specially as Spurs are on the telly
*******
Need to come up with a plan, or I will become carrier bag man
So what about lunch at the pub and have a beer or two with you
If I choose the right Pub, Sky sports will let me see my club
Then you say "Well let's go to the garden centre instead"
*******
Oh no what am I to do, this is seriously bad news
I put on my shoes and follow along with you
So you see I don't always get my way, especially today
All I can say it just wasn't going to be my day

I so should have put my pants on the right way.

 

 

 

Fruit & Veg

Vegetables are good for you, Veg can be nice.
Boiled or steamed or even al dente to choose
Spuds, Peas, Cabbage & Carrots, "oh so good" if roasted to
Eat Broccoli, Parsnip's, and Swede that ill make plenty of Iron for you.
Be good eat right, plenty of Veg' will make you right.
****************
Fruit is good for you, fruit is nice.
Lovely big chunks of it, or even half a slice.
Out of the bowl or off the tree, best of all sometimes free
Oranges and Lemons make Vitamin C heaven
Eat a Banana or two; it won't make a monkey out of you.
Be good eat right, Five a day will make it right.

 

 

It's a stir-fry day

I just love it when I have my chance to cook
Do I think of what to cook or just consult Delia's book?
Someone always says "What's cooking", I say "No looking"
Out come me tools, Sharp knives, forks and wooden spoons
*******
Scour the cupboard checking for ingredients, herbs and spices
Saucepan, frying pan, I'm better off with a Wok in my hand
Dice up the onions, no time to cry, oh blimey, tissue's please
A slug of Olive Oil, or butter, but please don't let it boil
*******
Chop up two Chicken Breasts, into nice rugged strips
Slice up the fresh mushrooms, thick and chunky for me
Pepper & Sea Salt, clove of garlic, good seasoning it's to be
Add in the Chicken to the Wok, cook it nice and hot
*******
Cook it well; now add the Mushrooms, veggies as well
Noodles, bean shoots, strips of carrot, stir very well
Keep it turning, a little soy sauce to add next of course
Add a small glass of Chardonnay and a glass for me maybe?
Turn and turn, stir away, don't leave it to rest today
*******
Five minutes up, it's now time to serve up, ladles out
Dish it up; spread the mix about, sprig of Rosemary on top
Make that call "time to sit up" grubs up, hurry up
This will make you happy, "Tell's" dish of the day

"Chicken Stir-Fry"

 

 

It's time for a Barbie

It's the Weekend; it's a lovely day, so let's have a Barbie
Get the Sausages out, those nice burgers to think about
Dust down the stove; stack up the coals, Lighter fuel....Loads
Strike a match, step back, and wait for the flash, where's my eye lash.
*******
The inferno begins, I settle down with a few beers and the paper
Look up flames have died down, apron on Master Chief bound
"Oh no" it's all gone out again, "doh" more mucking about
Once again more of that Lighter fuel, splash it about, "Woosh"
*******
An hour later and a couple or more beers for me
Check the Barbie, at last white coals to see, "Yippee"
Unwrap the meat, Made up me Jollop, apply to the heat
Turn those bangers and burgers; try not to cook to fast.
*******
Call for the Salad to be made up, nice green stuff please
Back to the inferno, "Ah" Fats making it burn so fast
Blow out the flames, keep calm, spread the meat around
Nearly time to eat, check back on the meat, not to black hopefully.
*******
Time to serve up, plates at the ready, I turn me back
Blimey the meats are more than ready
My wife says "Well Done" I say "thank you"
No! the meats well done, but you have had your fun.

 

 

My Recipe for Life!

Today is the first day of the rest of our lives
Have fun, work hard, enjoy your self. Survive
Look forward not back, make the most of life
Don’t just sit back, Don’t stand back make an impact
*******
Life throws us curved balls, problems to try us all
Don’t wilt or shy away, live to fight another day
Why does it always rain on me, blue skies will show
You make your own way, don’t be led astray
*******
Keep life simple, do things the easy way
Never be afraid to have your say, be first
Always make sure not to make matters worse
Listen and learn will always make for a better day.
*******
Be optimistic, keep stuff simple and straight forward
Look people in the eye, respect and be honest, reward
Help your family and friends, keep an open mind to all
Don’t let people put you down, make sure you stand tall
*******
Life can be tough, Life can be sad, but not all days will be bad
Be positive, keep calm, life doesn’t set out to cause you harm
Whatever you do today will affect tomorrow
This is my recipe for life, It’s worked for me…..

 

 

Come on England (Part Two) - Is it an English thing!

Is it an English thing when we think we should win we lose
We build up our hopes only to find we are stuck on the ropes
We think we must win, and then the other teams start to play
Why can't we do it the easy way, but no that's for another day.
*******
The country gets behind its team, Flags fly, and we wear our shirts
We get excited; we shout and scream, we try to set the scene
Crowds gather the pubs are full; we go and buy big TV screens
We sing the National Anthem; we stand up and sing with pride
Our team stands only some sing, do they know what we are expecting?
*******
We want half time to come, so the team can rally round
We hope our manager can turn our team, lift those spirits
Boost their moral, make their confidence grow, he should know
So here we go, oh no it's not another poor old England show
Is it time to boo the boys, throw out our toys, or just get annoyed.
*******
We must put poor performances behind us, it's time to show
He who dares wins, good for the SAS, must be good for the team
We must keep behind our boys, Players it's time to fulfil your dreams
Throw caution to the wind we know we can win, we can beat the best.

"Come on England"

 

 

It's Father's Day

It’s Fathers Day this Sunday

A special day for you to have your say

You’re Dad, your friend, your hero to the end

The special one, your mate, your chum.

*****

Thanks to all the Dads the world over

We thank you for being there, for your care

It’s you’re special day, sit back and relax

And let us have our say

 

“Happy Fathers Day”

 

 

 

Come on England

At long last the World Cup is here for 2010 
Could this be our time for us fans to cheer? 
So can we do it, can Rio lift this elusive World Cup
From 11th June to 11th July we need all our English luck. 
******* 
Will Rooney lead from the front, how many goals? He will score 
Can Terry, James, Lampard and Gerrard finally have their say? 
‘Back Home’ fingers will be crossed, no penalties to come our way 
Can Sunday 11th July really be ours, perhaps our champagne day? 
******* 
Our England Team will need to be at its very, very best 
It looks like an easy group but let’s not get cock-a-hoop 
From Taylor, Hoddle, Robson and Ericson all tried and failed 
Not since 66, Sir Alf Ramsey, Hurst, Peters and Charlton have we won. 
******* 
So it’s USA, Algeria and Slovenia to get past first 
And then the World Cup can bring on its best 
For England to do it we will need to beat the rest 
Crouchie to score maybe do that robot dance once more. 
******* 
Will Heskey play, can Defoe shine and will Lennon run down the line 
Bring on Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Spain and even those Germans 
Am I dreaming? We can go all the way, time to get behind our team 
With 3 Lions on our chests were cheering for England, we will be the best!!! 
******* 
It’s time for Football to come home, World Cup Willie won’t moan 
We can do it! Please Fabio Capello don’t make us groan. 

“COME ON ENGLAND” 

 

 

A Bucket & Spade day

Today the Sun shinned, very nice at the time

So tough to be in work, it just calls out to shirk

A day at the coast, that’s what it’s all about

A day out of the office will make me twist and shout

*****************************

Perhaps its time for a bucket and spade day

This should really replace that promised duvet day

Loads of fine yellow sand, blue seas and sizzling sun

It’s really a great way to have some chilled out fun

*****************************

A sandy boat or castle to build, with buckets to fill

Lie on that beach, then someone buries my feet

Fly the kite, or have a bite on a lovely ice cream

Its now the time to apply my expensive sun screen

*****************************

A kiss me quick hat, and a blow up beach ball

Kicking it around until a small boy falls

Tears and screams, oops say sorry to mum you fool

Best have more fun, far away from this angry mum

*****************************

The rickety parasol, a deck chair to unfold

A towel around the waist, oops don’t let it fall

Cossie on, dip in the sea, blimey it’s all gone wrinkly

Don’t look now that’s only for me to see

*****************************

A quick swim and maybe a pee, no toilets you see

Back stroke, breast stroke, snorkelling on the Sea

Paddling along singing a song; “Ah” a jelly fish to flea

Oh no, that blighters gone and just stung me

*****************************

Back to shore, so much more to explore

And it must be time for a nice cup of Tea

Now that’s a way to spend a bucket and spade day

Right out of the office and away…… “Oh please!!!”

 

 

 

Gordon Brown

Poor old Gordon Brown

Gordon Brown our no longer Prime Minister

I found him OK but others thought him sinister

That labour man with big plans but now he stands down

From Blair's "New Labour", his Chancellor and right hand man

Our Prime Minister never elected but lived in Number 10

With Darling and Balls plus Harriet Harmen his loyal Number 2

His first election as PM with the nation voting to oust him

The Scottish man, he now leaves, Poor old Gordon Brown.

 

 

My Harlow Town

You're going to Harlow Town, why do you frown
Many lovely people here in and around our Town
I've been here for 50 Years, from Boy to Man
A great place for me and my family I've found.
*******
Originally the "New Town" alias "The Pram Town"
With lots to do providing you look around
A new leisure centre is coming out of the ground
The Playhouse for those theatrically and culturally bound
*******
The Square for youngsters wanting new musical sounds
Or even how to learn to play in a rock or R&B band
Then there's the Town Park, for Skate boards and Fun Fair land
Paddling pools, Kids Play parks and our own Spuriers band stand.
*******
Up to the Town Centre to spend our well earned money
In the Harvey Centre or Water Gardens, oh lots of shops
Plus our museum with those old Bikes, and Roman remains
Or a stroll or a lark with a walk along the river with Art
*******
From Sir Frederick Gibberd our towns Architect and founder
To Sir Henry Moore for our art in the town, his sculptures around
One Glen Hoddle our famous footballer, England manager to boot
And Rik Mayall from "The Young Ones", The Beckham's close by too.
*******
This is Harlow, the place and the life for me
Those green avenues and wooded places
Go out and explore, don't sit and wait indoors
This town has so much to offer and much much more.

 

 

Election Time 2010

Blimey its that time again, Election time 
Who do we vote for, those that went before 
Or chose a new lot, Blues, yellow's or even those Green's 
Pick one of those or go for someone extreme 
Who do we trust to look after our precious nation? 
A party to do right by us all make us great again 
Solve our huge Countries debt without too much strain 
Don't make the poor man pay for those Bankers bad days 
We need a government to be honest and true 
True to us that's me and you, sons and Daughters too 
MP's that are honest and brave, there for us 
Do the job they are paid for with no fuss 
A Prime Minister to stand tall, look after us all 
Save us from terrorism and those nastiest of all 
Give our kids decent education, equal opportunities 
Keep our kids safe, Healthy and wise, set the example. 
A PM to make our Hospitals the best in the world 
Kill that waiting time; give us a NHS to respect 
A Police Force that works to Punish and 
Protect Our Armed Forces armed and equipped with the best. 
So who will it be, Brown, Cameron or Clegg 
Your vote counts, so make your mark 
From 7 in the morning till 10 in the dark 
Please Vote, your country needs you. 
Yes its Thursday 6th May; 
It’s our Day. 

 

 

These poems are written by Terry Douglas who has lived in Harlow for 50 years. 

Activ Harlow would like to express our thanks to Terry for sending us these poems and hope that he will provide many more contributions in the future.

If you are reading these and have become inspired to write about Harlow, please let us know and you too could have your work published on Activ Harlow.

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All works on this page are copyright of Terry Douglas. No reproduction, either in part or in full, is permitted without express written permission of the author.

 

 

 

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