The Hoover or for those who like to be accurate - the vacuum cleaner!

The spiders that live here have little idea

What us poor arachnophobes feel

When they unexpectedly make an appearance

Although they must hear when we squeal

So I have little sympathy when with the hoover

I send them to that web in the sky

But the problem has been with constructing said tool

Which caused hubby to swear if not cry

The cat even ventured from out of the kitchen

To witness this strange, rare event

Of a red bit of plastic held this way and that

to try to decide where it went

When finally we had accomplished the task

Of getting the pieces to fit

My hubby decided it looked cheap and nasty

and said “I don't like it one bit”

He decided the best thing for him now to do

Was take the thing back to the store

And get them to swop it for something much better

Although it might cost a bit more.

So piece by piece twas disassembled

till only one bit was remaining

“I don't think I'm able to get this part out”

He said with much effort and straining.

I thought it was best to stay silent

As he started undoing the screws

He now had an excess of pieces

I felt that this wasn't good news!

The cat had decided to make a swift exit

The fun part was over, he knew

I finally found my lost voice once again

“Err, what are you going to do?”

“Well there's only one option that's left”, he replied

“We'll just have to keep it, make do

So I'll just pop it all back together again

Does that sound alright, dear to you?”

“Oh yes, what a fine sounding plan” I agreed

“I expect 'twill be quicker this time

And then maybe, perhaps we could give it a try

And check that it's working just fine”

Well between you and me, I'm most grateful

The thing worked first time without flaw

For I have to admit, I was wondering

If I could take very much more

So you see what I mean about spiders

And their thoughtless behaviour when here

I won't tolerate any sightings

For I've had quite enough, is that clear?

With hoover I'm armed and I'm dangerous

There's nowhere to run or to hide

It may look a bit cheap and nasty

But I'll brandish my hoover with pride!

Karen Holmes

31 October 2010

Something worth sharing

I always try to be strong, I always try to do things "properly"  Now sometimes that's essential but often it's more important to do things in a way that is best for us - like when we are not well for example.  Today I shared some thoughts and my poem called "faith" in church but I had to sit down to do it as I was so dizzy.  And so today's poem was born.  We sang one of my favourite songs which contains the line "I know that my redeemer lives"  It's a song which declares that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God, now I have struggled at times to accept that, life is not easy and there are dreadful things that happen all over the world and sometimes to us or those we love.  But for me, today, in my situation - nothing can separate me from the love of God, for I know that my Redeemer lives!

When I'm in the place I'm meant to be

And saying the things God planned

I know for sure that I am held

Supported in His hands

When I go at the right pace for me

In the time that is appointed

I know He goes before me

And each word is anointed

When I stop wondering what folk think

And whether they approve

But walk each rocky path by faith

Then mountains will be moved.

When I learn that there's no “right” way

and accept I'm sometimes weak

Putting self aside and letting God

I know that He will speak.

I may not have the energy

Or stamina required

To stand and share God's message

if I'm dizzy or I'm tired..

And so I'll sit instead and share

In weakness if needs be

That still my great Redeemer lives

He's all in all to me!

I won't deny my troubles

Acting like I have no fear

There's no point in pretending

That I'm always full of cheer

I'll always be quite honest

But I'll never stop declaring

That I know that my Redeemer lives

Now that's something worth sharing!

Karen Holmes

31 October 2010

One Of Those Days

One of those days.

It's just one of those days, let me tell you

I awoke at the hour of four

I was shaky, confused and befuddled

My sugar had fell through the floor

I ate about 4 jelly babies

And half of a cereal bar

I knew I was now out of danger

and quickly felt better by far.

I went back to sleep and dreamed sweetly

Of a win of a million or two

The alarm interrupted my spending

I felt a bit miffed, as you do.

I realised I was quite thirsty

My sugar had soared to new heights

I reached for my insulin pen

And turned on my bedside light

I got up, ate porridge for breakfast

Washed down with 2 large cups of tea

Got dressed, showered, washed hair, was ready!

For all that the day held for me.

Then dizziness came out of nowhere

A tiredness I could not suppress

I sat in my chair for a while

Determined to give in and rest..

I thought I'd just quickly view facebook

And check any emails that awaited

But the laptop refused to obey me

My plans were quite simply ill fated

So my morning passed by with frustration

And lunchtime arrived all too soon

A sandwich and healthy banana

To sustain me all afternoon

As soon as I'd eaten I knew I had erred

The pain known as bad indigestion

I don't know whats going so wrong today

But I fear that it does beg the question

Should I have decided to stay safe in bed?

Give way to my slumber and dream

For today is determined to try me

By unplanned events so extreme

That I'm wondering if I should have taken the hint

And stayed fast asleep all day long

Or would that have brought new frustrations

Would things still conspire to go wrong?

It's weird how sometimes this happens

I think I will simply erase

The annoyance and nuisance like happenings

For it's obviously one of those days

Karen Holmes

28 October 2010

Angels

Inspired by friends who had angels guarding them today in a potentially dangerous situation.


Angels

They're watching us throughout the day

Though we're often unaware

Their wings outstretched protectively

Around us everywhere

The narrowest escape we've had

The closest call we've known

Those are the times we recognise

We've angels of our own

But frequently we've no idea

They move unseen, unheard

We've no awareness of them there

When danger has occurred

For swiftly we are moved along

Upheld on angel's wings

They guard us throughout night and day

From every harmful thing.

Angels from the Father's side

They move as He dictates

He knows your movements everyday

And never makes mistakes

He's placed His angels all around

You're always in their view

So don't despair, you're not alone

There's angels watching you.

Karen Holmes

27 October 2010

8 legged beasts meet the hoover

We're getting a new hoover

One with a very long hose

Cos I'm not keen on spiders

As everybody knows

And any nasty spider

Who seeks to cause a ruction

Will find no victory in this place

T'will be overcome by suction

The hoover is a bagless one

On this I'm not too keen

For even when I've sucked it up

The beast can still be seen

And though I hate them (with a passion)

The guilt will be all mine

If I am forced to sit and watch

The poor creature dyin'

I'll be thinking of it's family

All stricken down with grief

I'll be saddened by my selfishness

My uncaring relief

That's why I've bought a hoover

With suction so intense

The 8 legged beast wont stand a chance

I'm sparing no expense

My message to all spiders

Is “stay out of my sight”

You'll live a little longer

And I won't die of fright!

Karen Holmes

26 October 2010

Faith

What is this thing called “faith” I ask

Is it some kind of crutch

Something that when life goes well

Isn't used as much?

Is it a kind of weakness

for those who need support

Something to get me through

When life is getting fraught?

Is it a flimsy hope

something that won't endure

A wishy washy vagueness

Of which I am unsure?

Does it blow hot and cold

Dependent on circumstance

Can I cast it to one side

without a second glance?

Or is it a solid foundation

A river ever flowing

Is it's constancy secure

However things are going?

Can I stand secure

On this unchanging ground

Can I feel safe

when change is all around?

Is it the very essence

Of all I am, Of me

Am I known for real faith

For this one certainty?

I can't say I never question

I don't say I never doubt

But do I return to faith

Do I sort my feelings out?

The answer must be “yes”

My only certain cry

Is faith in Him who loved me so

He was prepared to die

Faith in Him my constant truth

Only He can be

My hope through life, my hope in death

The only hope for me.

Karen Holmes

25 October 2010

Box opening

Do you ever feel that life is random?  Personally I don't think it is, but I do sometimes feel that way!  Do you ever search for words to help someone who struggles?  Do you ever find that words are simply too clumsy?  This poem addresses these issues.

Box Opening

On deal or no deal they open some boxes

And respond with a gasp or a sigh

Sometimes there's cause for great celebration

But often I've known people cry

There's no way of knowing what each box contains

Yet people have game plans they use

Perhaps family birthdays or random events

To help decide which box to choose

And life sometimes seems very random

A bit of a lottery draw

We cannot predict what the future will bring

What your life or mine holds in store

And just like the boxes there's no guarantee

No knowing what each day may reveal

And the strangest thing I have discovered

There's no certainty how you will feel.

You may think you can gauge your reactions

By what has occurred in the past

There's many a challenge can shake us

And life can change ever so fast

Now things haven't got me defeated

But the box opening lately's been rough

And I'm finding some days are quite tricky

And often incredibly tough

As somebody asked me this morning

“how have you found things today?”

I found that I didn't quite have the right words

For all that I wanted to say

My feelings are constantly changing

There's fear, relief and confusion

The moment I think I am back in control

I discover it's just an illusion.

And I'm grateful that person this morning

Had the insight to understand

That no words of wisdom were needed

But simply held on to my hand

That gesture meant more than you'd know

For it touched something broken inside

As God opened one of His boxes

And love and compassion supplied.

Karen Holmes

October 24 2010

Mr Sparkle

Just for a change, I thought a picture might be in order.  The infamous Mr Sparkle!

Chocolate

What is your favourite chocolate

Mine are coffee creams

I could eat them every single day

They're the stuff of happy dreams

Now this might seem peculiar

But I also love the smell

Of the little after eight packets

You know the ones so well

There's just something about them

Though what I can't explain

If they ever changed the packaging

I bet they wouldn't smell the same

I love to open Roses chocolates

The ones in a huge tin

The sight of so much wickedness

Can cause a girl to sin

The purple ones with caramel

Are larger than the rest

So maybe it's inevitable

That I like those the best

And Thornton's viennese truffles

Now they're a treat indeed

When life is getting troublesome

And luxury you need

For a trip back to my childhood

A bar of Caramac

Though I thought it looked much better

When the packaging was black

Do tell me what's your favourite?

The one's you can't resist

But probably like me you'll find

You have a lengthy list!

For chocolate keeps us going

It keeps the blues at bay

Indulge, give in, allow yourself

Some chocolate every day.

Karen Holmes

22 October 2010

Some day your entire life will flash before your eyes...........

Thank you Frank for your facebook post which triggered these thoughts.

"Some day your entire life will flash before your eyes, make sure it's worth the watching!"

Well they say before we die our life will flash before our eyes

Will mine be quite predictable or something to surprise?

Will the show be worth the watching, will it make me feel proud

Or will I yearn to turn it off, if that would be allowed?

Will it be the sort of movie that bores the world to tears

Or a psychological thriller homing in on my worst fears?

Perhaps it will be comedy with laughter all the way

Or thought provoking drama with something wise to say

Will it be full of people? Or will I star alone?

Will others recognise me, will I be well known?

Will it be a happy story, will it make me smile?

Will I feel that my life achieved anything worthwhile?

I hope I'm proud to own it, I hope at least to say

I wouldn't have done it differently in any major way!

Karen Holmes

21 October 2010

I will wear purple

Today, Wednesday 20 October 2010 I and many people around the world will wear purple out of love and support for the young men who recently took their own lives because of bullying and homophobia. Will you join us?

I will wear purple

When I realise that my actions do impact upon others

I will wear purple

When I recognise that just to think kind thoughts is not enough

I will wear purple

When I comprehend that sitting on the fence is not only uncomfortable but achieves nothing, I will wear purple

When I get over my desire to go with the crowd

I will wear purple

When I stop caring what others will think and start caring about those who struggle

I will wear purple

When I see the repercussions of bullying

I will wear purple

When I see the devastation of homophobia

I will wear purple

When I consider the effectiveness of Jesus' ministry

I will wear purple

When I recall how He upset the religious leaders of his time

I will wear purple

When I stop being “religious” and walk in relationship with Christ

I will wear purple

When I weep with those who weep

I will wear purple

When I realise that in many ways I know nothing of what others suffer

I will wear purple

and when I decide that I want to stand hand in hand with those who hurt

I will wear purple.

Will you?

Karen Holmes

October 2010

Horrid Hospital Appointment

I've a hospital appointment tomorrow

And I really do not want to go

It's horrid, so horrid, just HORRID

And I needed to let you folks know.

It's to check on my eyes since my treatment

And they'll put nasty drops in that sting

They'll make me read letters on charts

And poke me in the eye with some thing

I really don't want to be bothered

On top of the rest of the stuff

I'm resisting the urge to start shouting

That Karen has had quite enough

Lets hope that they see me quite promptly

So I can escape from that place

And if they have told me I'm healthy

I'll have a big smile on my face

Dear readers, there may be no poem

Tomorrow for you to digest

For my eyes might be still rather blurry

And I may well be glad of a rest

But if I'm inspired to wax lyrical

I'll scribble it down with due haste

Just a touch of some keys on my laptop

I'll highlight, then copy and paste!

Karen

October 18^th 2010

Oh Thou who changest not, abide with me

Ok, I'm cheating - new words to an old song.  I sang this today in church and was struck by the line above - what else in life does not change?  Who else in life does not change?

Oh Thou who changest not abide with me.......

Abide with me for sometimes I get scared

Often in life I feel so unprepared

Nothing is constant

Nothing stays the same

Oh thou who changest not, I call Your name.

Abide with me for I can't cope alone

Don't leave me helpless, don't leave me on my own

Stand by my side

And take hold of my hand

Oh thou who changest not, please understand.

Abide with me through every single day

Stay with me always, please don't go away

Though I mess up

and often get things wrong

Be always present God and make me strong

Abide with me for all my hope's in You

Though I can't understand the things you do

Sometimes I falter

Often I am weak

Then through the silence let me hear You speak.

Abide with me, my one unfailing friend

Abide with me until life's very end

Unchanging God

Unfailing King of Kings

Help me each day your wondrous praise to sing.

Karen Holmes

17 October 2010

Winter Draws On!

Winter draws on!

I'm going to sort my cupboards

And my wardrobe one day soon

When I've got a morning free of plans

Or an empty afternoon

When I see my short sleeved garments

All hanging in a line

I get goosebumps all along my arms

And shivers down my spine

I need my big thick jumpers

And my cosy winter fleece

plus gloves to make my hands all snug

And bid those shivers cease

The electric blanket's on the bed

And socks for my cold feet

My winter wardrobe's almost done

My plan is near complete.

Just the winter draws and thermal vest

and a blanket round my knees

Then I'm ready for hibernation

So don't disturb me please!

© Karen Holmes

16 October 2010

Broken World

This is an unusual poem for me but stems from the frustrations of seeing the resources of our world plundered with no thought for tomorrow and also the unfair and inadequate distribution of the world's wealth.  Not wealth as in money but as in food and water, aid which goes astray and does not reach those in need.............we hang our heads in shame.

Broken World

Oh broken world, your head is bowed

And like a river flow your tears

When you consider all the damage

By mankind's actions through the years

Oh broken world, your natural laws are toyed with

shortsighted humans glibly pay no heed

Tomorrow's issues seem of no importance

“Live for today” appears to be our creed

We've pulled down trees, destroyed vast forests

We've used the oil, and seas polluted

The habitat of many species

Has been torn down and plundered, looted

Our selfishness, our self importance

has left us vulnerable and weak

with nature's wisdom disregarded

Our planet's outlook's rather bleak

Oh broken world, your pain is endless

Day follows night but light is sparse

Whilst politician's shuffle paper

more children die, it's such a farce

Oh broken world you wail for lost ones

You tear your clothes in anguished grief

Aid is delayed, it's bounty plundered

For those in need there's no relief

Oh broken world, your blood is on our hands

We've stretched too far resources you provide

We've seen no reason to replenish

but watched unmoved as you have died

And then at God we'll point the finger

Mankind's stupidity denied

We'll raise our eyes and fists at heaven

And ask why God did not provide

Oh broken world, we hang our heads in shame

to see your riches so depleted

We've taken all and given nothing

tomorrow's children robbed and cheated

Oh broken world, defiled, abused

We have to try and somehow save

What still remains of God's creation

And to respect the world He gave.

Karen Holmes

2010

Waiting

I held back this poem yesterday until it was certain that all the miner's had been rescued.

Waiting

69 days below ground

A fate we can't contemplate

Knowing that others were in control

And all that remained was to wait

At first they could not have known

If they'd ever get out alive

Their terror I cannot imagine

As they waited for help to arrive

Then the wait whilst they built the escape shaft

And the longing to reunite

With their loved ones who stood by, quite helpless

And watched the incredible sight

The waiting, interminable waiting

with normal life paused, put on hold

And the rest of the world waited with them

For this strange, epic tale to unfold

Today as the rescue bid started

An acute sense of waiting began

Men, women and children suspended in time

Awaiting a glimpse of their man.

What emotional turmoil from start to the finish

As those final tense rescues evolved

The waiting at long last is over

What a joy for each person involved.

©Karen Holmes

13 October 2010

Anna

Today I heard the sad news that a neighbour has died, here's my small tribute to a lovely lady

Anna

I'll always remember you, Anna

You were valued by all in the street

You'd go up the road for your paper

and were always a pleasure to meet.

Yet you'd thank me for stopping and chatting

and I'd tell you “now don't be so daft”

We'd stand there and put the whole world to rights

And often we'd have quite a laugh

And that day in the cold, snowy weather

when I asked if you needed some shopping

then you said, “come inside, come into the warm"

You made tea and I ended up stopping.

You spoke of your church and I told you of mine

and you told me such tales of the past

You talked of your family and when they were young

The afternoon went very fast.

No, it won't be the same here without you

There's many nearby who'd agree

But I'll always remember you, Anna

For that chat and a nice cup of tea.

Bewdley Festival

I'm too tired to think of a poem
I've been out to Bewdley today
For the annual festival frolics
We go every year, by the way


We meet up at our local bus stop
Raise a cheer when our transport arrives
we get very excited at nothing
It's because we all lead such sad lives


But that's the idea you see folks
we pick the most boring event
Each year we declare that we won't go again
And always regret that we went!


But really it gives us great pleasure
and livens up every October
For after the talk we go to the pub
On the bus home we're never quite sober


Drink a toast to the festival planners
Who never have failed us yet
Next year when we look at the programme
We'll discuss, "are we going?" - You bet!

A Small Observation

An Small Observation

Whatever your thoughts about God may be

May I share just a small observation

If there's nobody bigger than us out there

We're in rather a grave situation.

For no plan of this age seems effective

Whate'r those in power try to prove

Myopia rules! We're shortsighted

And life doesn't seem to improve.

Today let us ponder together

The truth that we're in quite a mess

for it seems no one gives their attention

To the issues that should be addressed.

And I know of my own fallibility

I'm guilty as charged, I admit

With decisions I've made in my lifetime

I've often messed up quite a bit.

So, to clarify, here's where I'm standing

On the Rock, my unshakable ground

Though I'm battered and bruised He will not let me go

In Him, I'm secure, safe and sound.

© Karen Holmes

10 October 2010

Our stories weave together

This poem came from the memory of someone once saying to me "I don't think anyone has ever heard Karen's story" I thought of how we often find that when we share experiences we have often been through similar things.  Even though at first glance we may feel our experiences are totally different they often evoke the same feelings, fear, hope, anger - and many more.  We hesitate sometimes to share our story but more and more it seems to me that we need to realise that our lives do have relevance and do contribute to the world in which we live.  We help others when we share and often we help ourselves too.

Our stories weave together

Has anyone heard your story
From start to very end?
Has anyone tried to understand
To really comprehend?
Does it seem so complicated
That you’d not know where to start?
Are there no words that are adequate
To share what’s in your heart?

Do you think that it won’t matter
If your story’s never told
Or imagine that you’ll tell the tale
One day when you’re old
Do you guard your journey closely
In case it doesn’t make the grade
Have you almost bared your soul
Then changed your mind and silent stayed?

Perhaps you feel it’s not worth telling
Not notable enough
Or think you can contain it
For you’re made of “sterner stuff”
Yet occasionally you long to tell
To say, “If you but knew”
For it seems stranger than fiction
Though it’s all completely true.

It seems to me that often
All we hear are mighty deeds
Its easy to dismiss ourselves
And the daily lives we lead
If you think about it carefully
It’s a fact you can’t refute
Each of us impacts on others
By all we contribute

So your story matters deeply
In the lifespan of this world
Your fears and all your hopes and dreams
Perhaps yet unfulfilled
We don’t live in isolation
But touch other lives as well
Someone else might just be waiting
For the story you will tell.
 

Has anyone heard your story?
Well, for your sake and for mine
I hope there’s someone you can trust
When  you feel it’s the right time
For the day may soon be coming
When your story helps me through
And perhaps the story of my life
Is relevant to you

We think we’re independent
But lives are intertwined
Experiences are sometimes shared
And frequently we’ll find
That when we let our guard down
A mutual gain we’ll see
So I will share my story
If you’ll share yours with me.

Karen Holmes
9 October 2010

The Daily Routine (the shower song)

The Daily Routine (the shower song)

I'm writing this verse in the shower

It's making the paper all wet

Of all of the silliest things I have done

This must be the daftest one yet.

I was wakened around 7.30

To the sound of my cockerel alarm

I'm inclined to sleep through all the others

But this farmyard one works like a charm.

I wake at that time by necessity

For it's then that my first jab is due

It's a bit of a pain if I'm honest

Though it keeps me alive this is true.

So I first prick my finger to check out my sugar

To see if it's high or it's low

Then reach for my Novopen, check it for air

And dial up 9 units or so.

My legs are quite lumpy so I must ensure

I pick a fresh spot every time

That's why I don't wear my bikini (!)

You wouldn't if you'd legs like mine!

So then time for breakfast, another jab first

A miracle quick acting stuff

But sadly it cannot advise me

When I've eaten more than enough.

And now my inhaler, 2 puffs twice a day

Brush my teeth for two minutes and hope

It keeps all the cavities far from my mouth

With dentists I just cannot cope.

Once I'm dressed I am ready for Facebook

And maybe the postman will bring

A letter about a rich relative

Who has died and left me everything!

At lunchtime I gauge what I'm eating

For somehow I have to decide

How much of my insulin I should inject

For the food that is going inside.

Then a hypo will suddenly throw me

My vision goes first then I shake

So out come the black jelly babies

They're my favourites, make no mistake.

Another quick jab before tea time

And more calculations to make

If I end up high or low later

I'll have to correct my mistake

My final jab at 7.30

Should control my sugar level all night

But don't be deceived dear people

The dose isn't always quite right.

And before I can sleep and dream sweetly

There's tablets I that I have to take

Perhaps you'll forgive me for thinking

that I would be glad of a break

And that's why I need all of you lot

To boost my morale every day

For without you I'd just lose the plot

Whereas with you I'm only half way!

Karen Holmes

8 October 2010

You can't unthink a thought

Have you ever noticed that once you've thought something, you can't "unthink" it?  In the past I have wished I could "unthink" things.  Maybe if I went along with the crowd it would be easier.  Ultimately though we have to be true to ourselves or we will have no peace.  You may even help somebody else along the way.........

You can't unthink a thought

Silent thoughts, unspoken feelings

Hidden views unbidden came

Once a thought is entertained

You cannot push it down again

Sweep them to a dirty corner

Do not ever glance their way

Though it seems they're undetected

They get stronger every day.

Scared to look at them more fully

Fear will only make them grow

Those around are unaware

But it's enough that you still know

Do not let them stay untended

They will tangle in your mind

Tackle them, you'll end up stronger

Don't be scared of what you'll find

Easier to think like others?

Go along with all the crowd?

Don't make ripples, Don't make waves

Different thinking's not allowed!

Sooner though, or maybe later

There will come a time, you'll find

When for unexpected reasons

You'll be forced to speak your mind.

Interestingly you'll then discover

strength you didn't know was yours

When you stand on your convictions

Making truth your aim, your cause

You'll walk taller, hold your head high

To yourself you must be true

Let integrity and honour

Shine through all you say and do.

Karen

7 October 2010