On Sunday, the 14th of April, members of Somewhere Else and CASAI (Church Action on Sexual Abuse Issues) met for a time of reflection on the words from Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8. The group of fifteen took time to produce decoupage hearts, whilst reflecting on the passage.  Our friend, Carole Benn then led us in a poetry workshop. People produced poems around the themes of "Space" and "Ten Things about Me".

Everything has its time

Absolutely not based on Ecclesiastes Chapter 3  1 -8!

 

The trouble with Ecclesiastes,

Is that all that rhymes are nasties

Unless you’re in to Cornish Pasties!

 

So time to create

And agitate,

No more hate

God’s love is great.

His amazing grace

For every race,

Colour and creed

And those in need.

 

For his grace is the answer to all,

Picks us up with his love when we fall,

And he hears us when we call,

When we throw it- he catches our ball.

 

The Byrds had a time and season,

A purpose under heaven and reason.

 

The Bryds, how absurd.

Had they heard

God’s word?

 

Has God’s calm,

His holy balm,

His loving arm

Kept you from harm.

 

If not, don’t cry,

Try,

Fly – for in CASAI no one asks why,

No questions that pry,

No need to lie,

For in time

Life will rhyme

And you can climb.

It’s not a crime

You just need time

To see a sign,

And meet the vine

Strong and true

Firm as glue.

For God’s in charge

Of life’s decoupage.

 

 

Andrew Lovelady

 

10 Things I love about Myself

 

 

Here is my voice – crying out passion with vibrating chords of endless sound.

 

Here is my sight – eyes caressing the forms, being one with light.

 

Here is rhythm – percussion, pounding, repeating, my hands dancing, foot tapping, heart racing.

 

Here is my kiss – no words, just love’s impact, whistling a tune of you and me.

 

Here is where I stand – treading the boards on the clouds of the earth, ‘Oh my feet ache.’

 

Here is my flavour – spectrums of taste and colour, eaten well, ‘Tea’s up.’

 

Here is my idea – Sheer and clear, God gives me skin to fly, watch the gulls and flying thoughts.

 

Here is your space – my friend no time to waste, together kindred under heaven.

 

Here is faith – not placed, infinite body, everywhere from me to the master.

 

Here is God – soul’s seat, complete, a gift for life. My heart is yours.

                                                            Paul Duncan

 

Heather’s Haiku and other poems

 

 

Sunday afternoon

 

Sharing round a large table

 

All are fabulous.

 

Paddle in hand, I’m ready!

Keep an eye on that ball!

Small and white,

Bouncing towards me,

Smack! A point on the board,

Over to you.

 

Sometimes in the dark

 

Sometimes in the dark I think

Sleep will never come.

Count backwards, relax, - impossible!

 

Sometimes in the dark I dream

My handbag gone,

Run, frenzied, wake – a real nightmare!

 

Sometimes in the dark I feel

Fulfilled, cherished loved,

Safe in God’s care – an answered prayer.

 

Heather Lovelady

 

Lunch at Shelly’s

 

Plan a quiet day

A purpose under heaven

For every season.

 

 

Interchangeable Haiku

 

 

Having a together time

Need to take some time for me

Space and quiet please.

 

                                     last 2 lines can read –

 

Move away from me

Get lost you bobo!

 

Ode to the Trafford Centre

 

Take the right road out

Shopping dreams and food

Home away from home.

 

Palm Sunday Quiet Day

 

Writing our haiku -

Maybe you can kindly muse

Creativity.

 

Pride

Pride summer season

Celebration of ourselves

Solidarity.

 

Ian Hue

 

Haiku by Alex

 

Will I trust again

Open up my heart anew?

And say ‘I love you.’

 

***

Is it any wonder

I want to hide deep under

Tough times like thunder!

 

***

Bright new days are here

Wiping away every tear

Rising up, no fear.

 

 

***

There’s hurt and pain -

I put on my smile again

No rainbow without rain.

 

 

***

You know my heart’s cry

To my old self I must die

I will heal and fly.

 

Alex Gayward

 

SPACE

Each person needs it,

To be able to breathe deep,

And be their true self.

 

Lorraine Howarth