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The lawn had received its first trim of the year as I, pleasantly weary from the task, relaxed in a comfortable garden chair with my grandson by my side. The afternoon was ending and teatime was almost upon us when, in somewhat reflective mood, this capricious little ditty was composed.
I suddenly realized that my jumble of thoughts was only matched by the manifold shades of green with which Mother Nature adorns my garden each spring.
What I am really trying to say is - well, why not read on and if you have poetry in your soul you will know exactly what I mean!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April Green

Oh dress me now in April green
And I will tell to thee
Of all the wondrous sights I’ve seen
The secret places I have been
The escapades we shared between
Before we’re called for tea.

Oh clothe me now in April green
And I’ll relate to thee
Of stars that light the endless night
The Dogger Bank and German bight
Of submarines and man’s first flight
Before it’s time for tea.

Oh fit me now in April green
And I’ll relay to thee
Of all the rulers there have been
From Harold – King to Liz – our queen
And all the others in between
Before we take our tea.

Bedeck me now in April green
And I’ll recount to thee
Of rivers deep and mountains high
Of castle keeps and Spanish fly
New shorn sheep and why things die
Before we get our tea.

Oh garb me now in April green
And I’ll narrate to thee
The ancient wars twixt York and Lancs
Sub prime debt and clearing banks
Enola Gay and Sherman tanks
‘Fore we acquire our tea.

Adorn me now in April green
And I will sing to thee
Of presents wrapped ‘neath Christmas trees
Of oil untapped ‘neath raging seas
Princesses zapped by royal decrees??
Before we sup our tea.

Parade me now in April green
And I will speak to thee
Of desert isles and waving palms
Cathedral aisles and chanted psalms
Father’s smiles and mother’s arms
‘Fore we partake of tea.

Festoon me now in April green
And I’ll enlighten thee
Of Valentines and lover’s sighs
The world as seen through children’s eyes
Pointless wars through vain men’s lies
Before it’s time for tea.

Oh don me now in April green
And I’ll recite to thee
Blank verse and lyric poetry
Metaphors and similes
The works of William Thackeray
‘Ere we consume our tea.

This April day has sadly flown
Do not think ill of me
My ramblings have been far to long
Whilst putting right the world’s great wrongs
I did not hear the dinner gong

Paul - We’ve missed our tea!

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So much has been said and written recently about the scourge of dementia and in particular Alzheimer's disease. Our resident bard had even considered writing a poem to highlight this terrible condition that now affects so many families throughout the land. However, during his research he came across these touching verses by Owen Darnell and realized they would surpass anything that he was likely to compose and as such has persuaded us to include them here in the BBB.

Do Not Ask Me to Remember

Do not ask me to remember,
Don't try to make me understand,
Let me rest and know you're with me,
Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.

I'm confused beyond your concept,
I am sad and sick and lost.
All I know is that I need you
To be with me at all cost.

Do not lose your patience with me,
Do not scold or curse or cry.
I can't help the way I'm acting,
Can't be different though I try.

Just remember that I need you,
That the best of me is gone,
Please don't fail to stand beside me,
Love me 'til my life is done.

                                      Owen Darnell

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