Maureen Pickford

Rainbow

Sunshine peeps through rain;
jewelled arc hangs in the air,
...

It was still pitch-black
at nine o'clock,
outside our classroom,
that cold December morning
...

...

Through the dappled shade I explored the ways
Of my new garden. Warm air stirred sweet scent
From all the roses, their silky heads bent
Against the heavy, sultry summer's day.
...

I could poke you with a big stick
But still you wouldn't wake
You're like a camel who stores sleep
Counting field mice instead of sheep.
...

The snow settles
on the bourgeoning
honeysuckle leaves
around our
...

Hail the Michaelmas daisy's
Softly glowing purple haze.
Lit by the sun's wistful gaze
Bringing cooler mellow days.
...

She sits silently weeping in her high backed chair
The stench of stale urine is pervading the air

The young carer, a tight forced smile on his face, looms
...

Bright sunshine sparkles on the sea glimpsed through
Wall arches hung with patterns of rose lace
It gladdens my heart to know that this place
Will always be here to visit with you
...

Wouldn't you just love to find
Ancient treasure left behind?
In the ground, a glint of gold
Buried there by knights of old.
...

A fleeting moment
of excitement,
anticipation
as hard-earned money
...

...

No rain. A drought. And now two years have passed.
Three days desperate trek to save their souls.
They arrive exhausted by their long haul
And queue at camp with humanity's mass.
...

Keep your sense of humour.
For it's your one true friend.
It can stop you self- destructing
And going round the bend!
...

There's a big fat moon
Out on high tonight.
Lying on the bed
I'm bathed in its light.
...

It's harder to hate
It takes up all your energy
And gobbles you up
From the inside out
...

Little daughter standing there
Chubby cheeks and sunlit hair
Dripping wand, she's holding tight
Blowing hard, with all her might
...

Do you believe
In reincarnation?
I'd come back as a
Lady elephant.
...

It's how
you say
what you
leave out
...

Fine Egyptian cotton
Four hundred counted thread
A downy soft pillow
To rest my poor head
...