GOODBYE

                                                                     LV

I've done so many farewells,
I'm an expert at saying "Goodbye"
I laugh and chatter gaily
To stop myself wanting to cry.

My first farewell was traumatic,
I left family, friends and home -
Exchanging a warm and caring young life
For a cold and indifferent unknown.

So when a Goodbye's in the offing
I pin a firm smile on  my face,
For "I love you and I'll miss you"
This isn't the time or the place.

A light and teasing banter
Helps keep spirits high;
A hug a kiss - I'll see you then,
Goodbye - my dear - goodbye.

A final smile and wave
Then you must walk away,
Like peeling a plaster off slowly,
It's more painful if you stay.

Goodbye means God be with you
And what can I say
Than "God be with you my dear one
Every single day"

I joined a writing group and this was one of the assignments.

IN THE GOOD OLD (POVERTY STRICKEN) DAYS

                                                                             LIV

When I was young and slender
High fashion I couldn't afford
So I bought my clothes from Oxfam
Before they sent them abroad.

My personal couturiers
Were all Charity shops
Who charged a pound or two for skirts
And even less for tops.

My night wear came from jumble sales
Some was almost free -
It's only worn in bed at night
So who is going to see.

My friends and I swapped clothes and hints
In those poverty stricken days.
We vied to see who could cook mince
In the most economical ways.

The years that passed were prosperous
Our nest egg, it grew bigger,
I put on weight and now alas,
I have an ample figure.

Money's no longer a problem, but
By one of life's little quirks,
My spare tyre has proved to be
The spanner in the works!

April 1988

To Velia