Stuart Vanner (Remove filter)
Turning 40
Forty is, they say, when life begins.
And is it time to look back at your sins?
As you have finally reached middle age,
It is now time to turn life's page.
Now you are forty are you also wiser?
And have you started to become a miser?
Is your hair turning grey?
Do you stop caring what others say?
And on your life have you applied the brakes?
And do you start to find your muscles ache?
...
Tuesday 29th December 2020 5:51 pm
Our Covid Christmas
This year has been different and certainly strange,
So for this Covid Christmas we must all make a change.
With our loved ones we may not be able to share,
But remember them still and know that they do care.
Although Covid-19 makes us all be apart,
Try to be strong and remain stout of heart.
Though at this festive time numbers may be reduced,
Know a wonderful Christmas may still be produc...
Wednesday 16th December 2020 6:30 pm
Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol I used to drink as early as in the morning,
But to myself or for others let this be a warning.
Although for a little while it made feel elated,
After this had worn off depression was created.
Where there was once great joy, after there was gloom.
It turned me from a happy place into an empty room.
It gave me such confidence for which I gave it thanks,
But then it turned from that ...
Thursday 10th December 2020 5:38 pm
Over Corona
We've had such a long time with this Covid-19,
The greatest pandemic that there's ever been.
With huge numbers infected and some having died,
To stop this virus we have all certainly tried.
Now it seems that we may now have a solution,
As vaccines are prepared with mass distribution.
While we all had to live in this dreadful reality,
Can we at last now return to normality?
When all vac...
Friday 4th December 2020 4:48 pm
Trial of Life
Each day contains its challenges.
And by the hand of fickle fate,
It may be full of great despair,
And could drive one to hate.
All life includes its stresses,
And may be turbulent and cruel.
Should we live with only hope,
Oft we may become a fool.
There are many great things in life,
Which should not be dismissed.
But if one should choose to give in,
There's much that can be mi...
Tuesday 17th November 2020 8:49 am
Impatience
With so many things I am too impatient
Which often leads to much frustration.
I have to get things done in time,
A constant quirk I must call mine.
So I get to places far too early,
Then hope this does not make me surly.
Why? I do not understand.
Why don't I stick to what I'd planned.
I'll aim for patience. If I try,
Then perhaps for me time will fly.
So from now on I must take my ti...
Wednesday 11th November 2020 2:30 pm
Romance and Me
Romance it is my company when I am all alone,
It comforts and calms me and puts me in the zone.
It can make me feel that someone else is there,
Who does understand me and always does care.
So by lovely music or beautiful words,
My sentiments are seen or heard.
It can echo all my secret feelings,
And for a stressful day it may be healing.
It hears my heart. It exults my soul.
It reflec...
Sunday 8th November 2020 12:03 pm
Our Covid
All Great Britain has now seen
How dreadful is Covid-19.
While it is hard to make predictions,
We hate all these dismal restrictions.
Has Nottingham reason to be in fear
Now it is placed upon the second tier?
For its people what shall this mean,
As we envisage this depressing scene?
While our politicians fight their wars,
Recall us being long cooped up indoors.
So many people do not ...
Friday 16th October 2020 5:46 am
The Game of Life
Is this life just one big game
In which there are no rules?
We are given different challenges
That we solve with different tools.
We all start in different places,
Then go in our own directions,
But if at times we go awry
We can often make corrections.
Our aim is to be happy
And to avoid distress.
And as we play this complex game
We'l...
Friday 2nd October 2020 7:56 am
Our Pleasures
All people find their pleasures
From a unique and different place
Perhaps listening to music,
Or winning in a race.
For some it may be movies.
For some a lovely meal.
For some it may be shopping,
For which many have great zeal.
Or being at one with nature,
Or sailing on a boat,
Or going on a holiday,
Whether crowded or remote.
Some find it in religion,
Or perhaps reading or writ...
Friday 4th September 2020 4:29 pm
Thunderstorms
We see above us huge black clouds,
And in the sky they take their place,
Ominous this must now appear,
As people know what they'll soon face.
First begins the frightful rain,
Which crashes through the air
Drenching our tremendous Earth,
All around and everywhere.
Then begins great flashing lights,
And the sound of rumbling thunder.
What creates this frightful picture?
It must surely...
Tuesday 18th August 2020 6:55 am
Life is not a Fairy Tale
Life is not a fairy tale,
And often has no happy ending.
It may be a long, forlorn story,
And no moral is it sending.
Life is not a fairy tale,
And it may all be quite disjointed,
And when we see a hopeful glimmer
We end up disappointed.
Life is not a fairy tale,
And we must accept that it is real,
So when come across a painful time
It is what we truly feel.
Life is not a fairy t...
Wednesday 12th August 2020 8:20 am
Beethoven
Beethoven's music I surely adore.
Tis something I must come back to for more.
He comforts my heart when I am by myself,
And reaches my soul more than anything else.
In his music he shares each part of his life.
He gives us strength where before there was strife.
He shows triumph of spirit over adversity
In each sonata, concerto and in every symphony.
He expresses anger and sadness but ...
Saturday 8th August 2020 6:59 am
Judgements
When we judge another person
We must surely think twice,
For to judge is a weakness,
And should be seen as a vice.
Some judgements be cruel.
Some judgements be kind.
But first look at ourselves,
And then see what we find.
We may think to ourselves,
They are good or they're bad.
That their nature is happy,
Or it seems to be sad.
But what we must not do
Is judge a general group.
...
Wednesday 5th August 2020 8:23 pm
Shakespeare
O, this wonderful and worthy writer,
He examined life to make it brighter.
He wrote plays of comedy, tragedy and history,
Yet much of his life is quite a mystery.
He coined many words and many phrases;
And to this day his work amazes,
Whether we may weep or be made to smile,
Discovering his works is truly worthwhile.
And it seems to have been his lifelong mi...
Sunday 2nd August 2020 3:19 pm
Mental Health Workers
All those who work in mental health -
They have of goodness such great wealth.
Some of them can be quite outstanding,
For they are patient, kind and understanding.
Most are friendly and some are funny;
They do it to help, not for the money.
Even when the patient's rude or snappy,
The staff still aim to make them happy.
They are always calm and don't talk down.
They just want to turn t...
Wednesday 29th July 2020 6:55 pm
Face Masks
We have all been told to cover our faces
In all of the shops and most other places.
This should not be something you are dreading,
As we do this to stop the virus spreading.
Of face masks there now exist a range,
And at first we may all look quite strange.
Are our masks bought or home assembled?
And like Hannibal have we then resembled?
To wear one is surely an expectation,
Those who ...
Wednesday 22nd July 2020 1:37 pm
Our Pain
Our pains - there are many kinds;
Some of body. Some of mind;
And so when we feel distressed
In many ways it is expressed.
With body pains we scream or shout;
And let people know what it's all about;
So they understand just how we feel,
As tis often short and soon will heal.
But our mind's problems are complex,
As they may have some strange effects.
And with such troubles we may r...
Saturday 11th July 2020 3:09 pm
Back to the Shops??
Now that lockdown is finally easing,
Into shops once more people are breezing.
People know that they must still keep apart,
Though in the towns long queues restart,
After such times of stress and strife,
We strive to return to a normal life.
But are we buying what we need?
Or celebrating that we are freed?
Some may see all this as funny,
As people return to spend their money.
...
Friday 19th June 2020 10:36 am
Saving Water
We like to choose how to behave,
But right now water - we must save.
Think - must this water now be used?
And can its usage be reduced?
You may like to bathe or wash your car,
But don't let use of water go too far.
So remember if water is now stored,
For charity there could be a big reward.
Of water there may soon be a dearth,
So save our water to save our Earth.
So do not le...
Tuesday 2nd June 2020 12:29 pm
Zoom
Whilst others may be far away,
You've no need to leave your room,
For you can see and hear them,
Through a device that we call Zoom.
Zoom is a modern method,
Of which people should now know.
It is a common meeting place
Where everyone now seems to go.
Your meeting may be a one off.
You may have many in succession.
You might just meet one person,
Or have lots of them in a se...
Sunday 24th May 2020 12:28 pm
On the Piano
On the piano, I always love to play
Splendid tunes all through the day.
I like to tinkle on those keys.
It brings me joy and brings me peace.
Such music gives me such delight;
It surely makes my soul take flight.
It is a balm - to my mind healing,
Or simply gives a lovely feeling.
Of all composers that there are -
Beethoven is strongest by far.
All his sonatas, which I admire
Can be...
Sunday 17th May 2020 8:45 am
End of Lockdown
What shall we do when this time has passed?
And from lockdown we'll be free at last.
We'll leave our homes and go outside
To roam all the towns or countryside.
We'll join our families and all our friends,
And this time there'll surely be no ends.
And our freedom we'll appreciate,
And each day will feel great.
We'll eat and drink in our favourite pubs,
And meet all member of our clubs,
...
Wednesday 13th May 2020 5:36 pm
The Happy Mermaid
There once was a beautiful mermaid,
She lived down in the sea.
She sang just like an angel,
And she always smiled with glee.
There once was a beautiful mermaid,
She had lovely long blue hair.
Her eyes - they were like diamonds,
And her skin was soft and fair.
There once was a beautiful mermaid,
And she loved to swish her tail.
She'd swim all through the oceans,
And on the w...
Tuesday 5th May 2020 12:47 pm
Captain Tom Moore
A man we all know - Captain Tom Moore,
A veteran from the second world war,
He has just reached one hundred years,
And whose recent feat roused many cheers.
A hundred times he paced his grounds,
Which quickly raised millions of pounds.
To the NHS will go that money,
From a challenge that at first seemed funny.
He showed that age is just a number,
Which should be nothing to encu...
Friday 1st May 2020 12:03 pm
Our Earth
If there's one thing that we should love more,
Which is there every day for us to adore,
Around and round it has forever whirled.
This our beautiful and natural world.
Love all of it's glorious features,
And learn to love all living creatures.
The plants and flowers of every colour
Make our lives seem so much fuller.
The Sun shines down; it is always there,
One thing that all ...
Thursday 23rd April 2020 10:09 am
Sweet Contentment
Sweet contentment I do revere,
It gives me hope and takes my fear.
When I'm content I feel so fine.
It makes me feel the world is mine.
Sweet contentment I love in each situation,
And gives for my life such appreciation.
I feel that I can do almost anything,
And of the world I am the king.
Sweet contentment I surely treasure,
It is feeling that I cannot measure.
It makes me feel safe...
Wednesday 1st April 2020 6:38 pm
NHS Workers
All remember and do not forget
Those to whom we owe our greatest debt.
They help us when we are in distress;
It is all of those who work for the NHS.
Around the clock they are always there,
And all this time they surely care.
Though it is something that we just expect
From those who deserve more respect.
Each worker endlessly strives
To cure and save all of our lives.
So sure...
Friday 27th March 2020 3:57 pm
Moving Forwards
If we find ourselves endlessly struggling,
And with many problems we are juggling.
If we become lost or should we suffer,
There is but one way to become tougher.
We must pull together and unite.
We must all stand up for what is right.
We must be strong. We must be brave,
And not be scared or be afraid.
We must try to see the light ahead
Without despair but with hope instead.
So don't...
Saturday 21st March 2020 5:02 pm
Honour
Obey your honour and try to understand
That justice and truth must go hand in hand.
So try to be honest and try to be good
Never stray from doing just as you should.
So go into the world; perform great noble deeds.
Be courteous but don't be full of greed.
And whatever you say, be you old or youthful,
Endeavour to make all of those words truthful.
Then maybe you'd have a right to ...
Friday 13th March 2020 8:33 pm
On the Up
However bad life may become.
Whatever problems you must face.
However many enemies you that make.
How many times you fall from grace.
However hopeless you may feel.
However deep seems your despair.
However cruel this world appears
And when all things seem so unfair.
Know that life can turn around.
And a new dawn will come about.
So however dark your well of fear,
Know you'll find yo...
Tuesday 10th March 2020 7:03 pm
Spring
We adore the spring, such lovely weather,
When blue sky and sun come out together.
The blossom blooms, as do the flowers,
And we may expect some April showers.
See chirping birds and buzzing bees.
Feel the temperate air and gentle breeze.
View the plants and trees, we see them greening
And may be time for us to start spring cleaning
What a perfect time to be outside.
To roam thi...
Sunday 1st March 2020 10:58 am
My Confidence
My confidence might be a house of cards,
And topple over with no safeguards.
My confidence might be a pane of glass,
And be seen through and easily smash.
My confidence might be a rare mink vase,
Worth much but breaks to a thousand shards.
My confidence might be a beautiful flower,
And crushed with just a little power.
But my confidence might be a bar of gold.
Strong and valuab...
Saturday 29th February 2020 4:08 pm
Wheel of Fortune
Every time you greatly suffer,
And with your life be disappointed.
And you feel that there is no hope,
And all things seem so disjointed.
Every time you feel lost,
And ask yourself: What can I see?
And you feel that there is no future,
To find a purpose for being me.
When you feel the whole world mocks you,
And that it always seems so cruel.
When you feel you have no place in life,
...
Sunday 23rd February 2020 1:06 pm
Rooms of the Mind
Our states of mind are like different rooms.
Some of wonder. Some of gloom.
We go out of one and in another.
Each one is different to the other.
We know not what we'll find inside.
And we might wish to try and hide.
Some rooms be dark. Some rooms be light.
Some be with joy and some with fright.
Each one may contain certain rules.
With different objects and different tools.
With chall...
Friday 14th February 2020 5:54 pm
Controlling Our Lives?
Do we choose who we really are?
Do we decide what things we do?
Do we have the power to shape our lives?
And make our dreams come true?
Do we have a say what is in store?
And what will be our fate?
Are we in full control our minds?
Can we help it's happy state?
Or do the gods govern this world?
Is there any point in resistance?
But if you ask me who's really in charge,
I say we cont...
Saturday 8th February 2020 8:36 pm
Mornings
I adore each morning,
For so content I do feel.
A new day has arrived.
And it does always appeal.
Yesterday troubles
Are now in the past.
So I look to the future.
Those problems have passed.
I do relish the peace,
And this crisp new air,
Feeling all calm and refreshed.
In this world that we share.
So savour each morning.
As it is here every day,
And with it comes freedom,
I am...
Saturday 8th February 2020 8:42 am
Underdogs
We must champion the underdogs.
We must support the poor and weak.
We must all fight along the side of those
Whose hope and luck seemed bleak.
We must not not give up nor give in,
Till we defeat those who taunt and boast.
For the underdogs - they are the ones
Who need our help the most.
We must conquer all the giants.
We must all be brave and strong.
We must all stand up for ...
Thursday 6th February 2020 3:34 pm
A Better World
We should all feel safe when in the street.
Wherever we may go and whoever we meet.
And if there's one thing that should be clear,
We should not go outside while we live in fear.
Yes, all the people have the right
To live in peace and without a fight.
And it is our right to go out somewhere
To feel secure and free of care.
And I do hope to have an expectation
That people shall have mo...
Friday 31st January 2020 1:51 pm
Lawyers - Victims or Villains
Why do lawyers often get such bad press?
It is because to every case they will always say yes.
For their clients they'll choose to take up the fight.
Regardless of whether they think that it's wrong or it's right.
Will they may make their speeches be harsh or to be funny?
Will they work off their bones if they just get the money?
They can prosecute or they can defend.
But will the truth m...
Tuesday 28th January 2020 2:48 pm
Differences
Every person is quite unique.
They can be boisterous or they can be meek
With different thoughts and different ideas.
With different pleasures and different fears.
Different views and different perceptions.
Different beliefs and misconceptions.
Different dreams. Different ambitions.
Different roles and different positions.
Some may be reclusive, some are outgoing.
Some may be i...
Monday 27th January 2020 9:47 am
Movies
Movies take us to a wonderful place,
One which may be slow or very fast paced.
They can make us smile and can make us laugh.
They can be set in the future or set in the past.
There are action adventures with lots of fighting,
Which can be gripping and very exciting.
Or do you prefer ones of love and romance?
Or ones that are full of music and dance?
And then there are those who l...
Sunday 26th January 2020 6:45 pm
Is there a God?
If there is a God, what does He do?
Does he watch over me and you?
We may all hope that the answer's yes,
But all we can do is make a guess.
Has He the power to control our life?
And decide whether it shall be one of joy or strife.
Is He good and is He just?
And is Jesus one in which we can trust?
Or is it the case that we're alone
That we wander this Earth all on our own.
That we mu...
Friday 24th January 2020 4:51 pm
Masks We Wear
Do we wear a mask or a facade?
Do we disguise who we really are?
Do we laugh or joke or wear a smile?
Though inside we suffer all that while?
Should we say that we are always fine?
Or tell what is really on our mind?
Are we afraid of being judged?
Or that we shall be misunderstood?
Should we keep our troubles to ourselves?
And have no one around to offer help?
...Saturday 11th January 2020 8:04 pm
Our Countryside
This our countryside we must revere.
What would we do if it was not here?
It should all be loved and all be preserved,
To show to everyone it is deserved.
There is no more lovely pleasant scene
Than hills and vales - all covered green.
View the flowers and trees - don't take for granted
All of the things that have been planted.
And if there's something that should...
Saturday 11th January 2020 7:39 am
A New Year
Welcome in this fine new year,
For it has only just arrived.
In spite of worries you faced before
You came through it and survived.
So make it one of hope and joy
And find new ideas and new ambitions.
And know that you shall always cope,
And make successes be your mission.
Let it not be a year of despair
But one of joy for everyone.
And should you find life a bore,
Turn it into one...
Friday 3rd January 2020 1:58 am
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