Poetry and Prose

"A Prayer"

Every single evening

As I'm lying in my bed,

This tiny little prayer

Keeps running through my head -

God bless all my family

Where-ever they may be.

Keep them warm and safe from harm

For they're so close to me.

And God, there is one more thing

I wish that you could do.

Hope you don't mind me asking -

Bless my computer too.

Now I know that it's not normal

To bless a motherboard.

But listen just a second

While I explain to you 'My Lord'.

You see, that little metal box

Holds more than odds and ends -

Inside those little compartments

Rest so many of my FRIENDS.

I know so much about them

By the kindness that they give;

And this little scrap of metal

Takes me into where they live.

By faith is how I know them -

Much the same as you.

We share in what life brings us -

And from that our friendship grew.

Please take an extra minute

From your duties up above, 

To bless those in my address book -

That's filled with so much love !

Where-ever else this prayer may reach;

To each and every friend -

Bless each e-mail inbox

And the person who hits Send.

When you update our heavenly list

On your own CD-ROM

Remember each who've said this prayer

Sent up to God.com !  

Amen.

Contributed by Elsie Berner  2003

"The Ups of Down"

What a wonderful place this County Down

With its scenic Strangford Lough and shores

And the beautiful Mountains of Mourne

Where one could roam - for hours and hours.

From Killyleagh - a seaside town with its fairytale castle and home of the Irish immigrants lament stile

To - rambling Rathfriland on the hill

Where Bronte's tales and inspirations

Of Bann Valley - intrigue some people still.

Rostrevor to Warrenpoint - a picturesque coastal drive

Kilbroney Forest Park - with magnificent panoramic views

Of Carlingford Lough and the daunting Cooley Mountains

Sure makes one so thankful - just to be alive.

Downpatrick - it's the county town of Down

Surveyed by the patron saint from upon the hill at Saul

Struell Wells - Down Cathedral - the Cricket Ground

The Museum - Arts Centre - Interesting culture to enthral.

Now Bangor town - a lively place - so much to see

Tall ships - luxury cruisers - boats large and small

Leisurely promenade walks - a bustling shoppers paradise

Its got almost everything - to suit one and all.

Glorious County Down - the riviera of Northern Ireland with 'al fresco' socialising around Strangford Lough

And the sunshine holiday haven town of Newcastle where - the beautiful Mournes sweep down to the sea

Of all the places around the world

Down is the place to be.

Mary E Bridges 2001

"No Greater Love"

Your love for me is ...

Wider than the ocean,

Deeper than the sea,

Farther than the horizon ...

Or where the eye can see.

You showed it by your dying,

And hanging on that cross,

And coping with that unbearable pain,

To prove your love for us.

No one else could suffer,

What you had to suffer there,

With nails in your hands and feet,

And the crown of thorns in your hair.

So thank you Jesus ... from my heart,

For saving me that day,

And paying with your life ...

So that I could be born again.

Erica Gordon 2003

"Christmas"

Anticipation and excitement is everywhere,

You can almost touch it…

And feel it in the air,

People rushing from shop to shop,

No time to stop…

No time to take stock,

With presents to buy,

And food to get in.

And all the hustle and fuss...

Do these people remember the real meaning of Christmas!

And why Jesus was born for us!

The little ones look forward to Santa...

And what presents he might bring...

But we should make sure they know it's Jesus's Birthday,

And why their Christmas carols they sing,

So give thanks to God....

Who reigns above!

As we celebrate this day...

And give thanks for the baby Jesus!

Born on CHRISTMAS DAY!

"My Angel"

Oh my angel!

Enfold me in the softness of your

wings... and lift me high,

Away from this torment …

That makes me feel I want to die,

In the softness of your wings,

I can feel safe and secure,

Of your guardianship and love…

I always feel sure,

Keep me safe and secure within,

Keep me there... until I can begin…

To absorb the strength I can get from You,

Your love and comfort to help me through…

When you feel that I am ready to go,

Unfurl your wings… but don't let me go!

Stay by me for eternity…

My beautiful angel.. don't ever leave me!

Erica Gordon 2000