11th July 2024 • The HERALD • Page 85 v THE NEXT HERALD IS OUT ON 1ST AUGUST v Poets Corner HERALD RECRUITMENT Hello, hello. – Hello, hello. by Dorothy Lockyer© I dialled the number on my telephone Listened to the sound of the ringing tone In anticipation, I would soon speak To someone who’d have the answers I seek. A click, a recorded voice in my ear “Your call to us is important” I hear! Please wait, all our lines are busy right now. Your call will be answered, I’m sure, somehow! Listen to the music, not of my choice Hope upon hope that I would hear a voice. Your call is important to us. Save time, Go to our website and reach us online. I don’t have a computer, I groan I’d tell you that if you picked up the ‘phone! You are through to us, listen carefully Press, select your option, then hopefully We can solve all your problems in a flash If you make a mistake, just press the hash! Your call is important to us, tis true You’re number ten in the answering queue! Alas, time has run out, its doom and gloom! But your call is important, so call back soon!! Baby, Oh Baby… by Isobel Smith© e rst car I drove was a Volkswagen Beetle As Hitler declared – the car of the people. ey were basic, no frills, reliable – no doubt Like the old Morris Minor – they never wore out. eir owners just loved them – they never drank oil And when, air-cooled the engine – it never did boil. On li ing the bonnet with people about Who’s nicked the damned engine, observers would shout! Although they looked small, you really could pack Two adults, two kids and the dog in the back. For holidays, luggage went under the nose And the old rear-wheel drive always bites if it snows. We worked through the models as years passed us by e unique sounding engines – then the Golf GTI. I still miss my Beetles, I really do care And ‘though a bit ugly, distinctively rare. My favourites to scrap yards are sadly dispatched A new generation of bugs have been hatched. ey’ve added the Audi and the prices are “WOW” But baby – oh baby – JUST LOOK AT YOU NOW!! From Beaulieu to Buckler’s Hard by Phil Santus© There are the lake and the tidal river, the cottages, house, the church and abbey, and the village is well worth a visit, for Beaulieu translates to ‘beautiful place’ and, indeed, who could disagree? The walk’s a delight of river and woods, of green fields and of riverbank vistas, of distant houses with expansive lawns, and it leaves imprints in the memory, memes of the imagination. Two rows of cottages face each other, across the green which slopes to the river, where the hard was ideal for ship builders whose vision of the world was the oceans as gateways to venture and trade. The future’s a game that we play in our heads but the past is as much of a quandary. As memory fades, is it useful to ask who built these buildings and who made this path? It feels like they’ve been here forever. He looks out of the window As the river runs by Crystal clear waters Under azure blue skies Behind the wild river Stands an old wooden weir Where watercress grows In its water so clear Feeding into the river A small forest stream A delight of wild daffodils And places to dream An old weeping willow Among beeches and firs Calm for the senses Little disturbed Around a bend in the river Lies an old watermill Its motionless paddles Sit silent and still The ghost of the miller Peers out every day Through dusty old windows While his corn grinds away In a nearby valley Lies rich fertile land A farm on the hillside Fresh milk on demand He remembers those old days Days filled with joy Four o-clock milking He was naught but a boy The years have crept on And memories flood back There is little he needs And nothing he lacks He looks out of his window From his room at the view As his carer waits patiently To spoon-feed him stew! WINDOW ON LIFE by David K Wilson© Two Old Boiler Men by David K Wilson© Two old boiler men Late of the Titanic Both on board that fateful day As their ship went down Cold icy water Reaching higher by the moment On her deck the band still played A poignant haunting sound Two old boiler men Friendship on the saddest day A formal handshake was their way As final moments came Explosions heard from down below So many lost in the after-tow Bandsmen sliding far below At the passing of their day Two old boiler men Agree to meet again someday Another time another place Another world perhaps far away Maybe on a vessel steaming well Blessed by heaven not cursed by hell One last step one big splash All hopes then are dashed Same time same day but years away England’s southern shore A model of that fated ship On view to all once more Two old boiler-men Meet up to look around No one sees them no one knows As they re-tread hallowed ground They’ve walked her decks on the ocean floor Resting where she sank before And as they view the model on display A band plays just like yesterday They feel they’re not forgotten Although many years have past When their mighty ship she foundered And lives were ended fast! 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