1448

Donna, che in ciel

Mary you who shine down from the heavens

Making the world itself a better place

Today we celebrate that glorious time

You saved us from turmoil and disgrace

Recalling how you stood before your Son

Who was prepared to strike us from above

Assuaging God the Father's angry brow

Turning it to gentleness and love

Showing to the world a mother's care

To overcome our torment and despair

All mankind shook with fear at the attack

But just one glance turned all God's fury back.

The earth is now at rest, the solid rock

Lies quiet in repose at what you've gained;

The sun cuts through clouds, the rainbow's hue

Delights to celebrate your glorious reign,

Men see their payers are answered and proclaim

'See, the sky is calm, the air is clear'

While you, who see your works from up on high,

Accept our prayers for we know you hear.

Your are the star, the radiant Queen of Heaven

To whom all thanks and praises now are given.

Then triumphant mother, you whose power

Shatters the bonds of evil and can save,

Whth hope of life eternal for believers,

Hope for joy that goes beyond the grave,

Mary, bring salvation to us all,

Quench the fire of wrath within the sea,

Give us peace and joy while we're below

And endless life with you eternally.

Brian Hick April 2015

©copyright Sally Hick 6.4.26

 1447

Death of a salesman;

Wonderfully acted but

Oh so depressing.

Brian Hick April 2015

©copyright Sally Hick 4.4.26

 1446

      My first

    Asparagus

    This year.

    First fruits

Of summer joys

      To come.

Brian Hick April 2015

©copyright Sally Hick 1.4.26

 1445

Don't judge, you said; but how am I to live

Without the fleeting comments, angry thoughts,

Unbidden outbursts, snide remarks and looks

Which spill out long before they can be caught?

And even if I have some self-respect,

Can see the other side or try to tweak

The impact of the vitriol, I feel

The chances are I will be seen as weak

Appeasing rather than confronting wrong,

Failing to stand steadfast for the right,

Allowing vicious actions to succeed,

Impotent while they silence the light.

            Yet, as I am thing these things through,

            Judgement is out - and I've dishonoured you.

Brian Hick March 2015

©copyright Sally Hick 31.3.26

 1444

The Red Falcon is

Leaving for the Isle of Wight;

Would I were on board.

Here they only speak

Italian; how do I

Ask for a decaf?

France 1961

In Avignon the

Waiter joked I was always

Writing; I still am.

26 3 15

Re-internment of Richard III

Today of all days

I need a white rose to show

I am for Richard.

Brian Hick March 2015

©copyright Sally Hick 28.3.26

 1443

Southampton

Town Quay, 4pm

Sun breaking through the clouds

My pencil's shadow poised across the page

A pint of Red Cat from the Dancing Man

The Solent silvered in striated light

Red Falcon loading for the Isle of Wight

Prose turns to verse as beer and sun combine

To turn these passing moments into wine.

Brian Hick March 2015

©copyright Sally Hick 25.3.26

 1442

Equinox

The birds have sensed the turning of the days

And rock-bees warm themselves against the wall.

A robin boasts unseen beyond the twitten

Challenging our blackbird's morning call.

Skirting round the oak wood, as I stroll

To fetch the bread for breakfast, tiny points

Of pink smile from the branches which have stood

Barren since the winter dried their joints

Until this morning's sun - poised midway

Between a winter death and summer joy -

Heralded the signs of love to come,

All the gifts that nature can employ;

            As if I can't recall the endless years

            Your love's been there to dry up all my tears.

Brian Hick March 2015

©copyright Sally Hick 23.3.26