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