Dad

Dad

 

Ah Dad, You gave us more than love

Your passing will not erase memories

Memories of happier times of our youth

You taught us the love of the outdoors

Tried to guide us through the teens

Strove to give us the best

And when Mum’s health failed

You were there day and night

Showing us that love can prevail

That love Dad, was your greatest gift.

 

Bob

ANOMALIES OFTIME

 

Time, constant time,

Measured with dull regularity,

The steady tick of seconds,

Hours, days, weeks, years.

 

Why then does time fly

When you are nearby?

The aches of years slip away

When I gaze upon your face.

 

The years seem to slip away

My body and mind filled with joy,

Your smile, your touch, your nearness,

Heal my broken heart.

 

When we are apart time drags

Here weary feet, makes hours of minutes,

In days my body ages years.

Aches develop deep within my chest.

 

Thank you my love,

For those precious moments of time.

I fondly hold them in my heart,

Drawing upon their joy to face the day.

 

Bob Richards

The Aftermath

THE AFTERMATH

 

With tears and anguish in our hearts

We watch the images of terror repeat

As planes like evil birds of prey

Strike at the innocent of the world

 

Numbly we sit and watch

Images of unspeakable evil

Twin towers reduced to rubble

As fanatics rejoice in the streets

 

How can a man who claims to believe

In a god the creator of all things good

Feel any joy to see such horror

To celebrate the worlds sorrow

 

Yet even as evil rejoiced

Seeing victory among the ruins

Hero’s answered with care and love

Seeking to help and rebuild lives

 

Even before the smoke and dust

Settled in the eerie twilight

Good resisted the urge to strike back

At innocent in another land

 

Symbols do not a nation make

Nor their ruin, civilization destroy

The world did not fall apart in fear

But love and goodness still abounds

 

Ah! Evil your dreadful blow

Unites Nations, Religions and Peoples

Unites the forces of good and love

Unleashes the steadfast power of a dove

 

Like doves of peace we pray

For love, peace around the world

But we are not meek, just calmly strong

Ready to fight for justice, to right this wrong

 

We are ready to fight you evil

For the God you have forsaken

Will listen to our prayers

Will give us wisdom and patience

 

For the God of Islam, Catholic,

Hindu, Buddha and Jews

Is a loving and forgiving God

And will speak with one mighty voice

 

The Gods will grant our warriors

The gift of love and compassion

Do not mistake this for weakness

It is a sign of strength

 

It is easy to be a coward

And strike someone from behind

But we give you warning

We did not pick this fight

 

But we will use our weapons

If we must with bomb and gun

But also with prayer and love

And aid for those less able

 

And as the days and years pall

The masses will flock to Gods banners

Until there is no place to hide

For we know there is a Heaven

 

And it is right here on Earth

There is a key to enter

By people helping people

No mater what race or creed

 

There is a here after

But it is here and now

It is the sound of love and laughter

Not of violence and hate

 

So now we gird God’s armour

And answer his call

We will not rest till hate

Is vanquished from his hall

 

Bob Richards

 

Note written shortly after the events of 9/11

 

Leaves

LEAVES

 

Leaves falling,

Swirling, fleeing before the wind,

Torn fiercely from the branches

By icy fingers.

 

Leaves falling,

Releasing gently, as if on a whim,

Fluttering slowly as if in a dream

To sleep on the earth.

 

Leaves falling,

Brilliant gold, yellow and red,

Celebrate like a colourful part

Just before bed.

 

Leaves falling,

Reminding us our season too is short,

So face our fall season with zest,

Live life to the fullest as we prepare for our rest.

 

Bob Richards