Those Boys

 Dar Reader,

                                                                           Geraniums

Dear Reader,

I remember some years ago reading about Richard Dawkins views on God. And it made me furious.  He is an atheist, and he still doesn't, it now seems at an older age, actually believe in God, although he get 'some sort of satisfaction from going to evensong in a country church, seen through the same eyes as he sees a village cricket match on the village green.'  

I suspect that many Christians find it quite hard to believe the Christian story.  But they, like me, have huge benefits from vaguely feeling that someone, God or a Higher Being, is looking after us.  That He will welcome our souls to an after life.   And when someone as important as Richard Dawkins says that logically there is no God, it leaves us Christians bereft, disturbed.   

Apparently there are very few Christians left in the UK, and those that are still going to church are all very old.  Young people are not interested in religion, and I don't think they are taught RE anymore in schools. But Jesus Christ left us with the ten commandments, instructions really as to how to lead our lives in a good way.  Looking at the world today I would say we haven't done very well, with the fire, famine and floods everywhere. 

Being a Christian is very comforting to me, and I am sure to lots of you readers of this blog.  "I am always with you" Jesus said.  And I believe Him.

 

                                                                                    *

 

From William Blake, 1800 September 23rd, in Hampshire

The villages of Felpham are not meer Rustics; they are polite and modest.   Meat is cheaper than in London, but the sweet air and the voices of winds, trees and birds, and the odours of the happy ground, makes it a dwelling for immortals.   Work will go on there with God speed. - A roller and two harrows lie before my window.  I met a plow on my first going out at my gate the first morning after my arrival, and the Plowboy said to the Plowman,  'Father, the Gate is Open.'

From Gilbert White,  1781 September 23rd in Hampshire

'Begin to light fires in the parlour.'                                                           

                                                                                *

Those Boys

 

They came with a man

those boys,

guitars and drums

came too

the played non-stop

dum di dum di dum,

 

holidays on faraway beaches,

one boy, a fast runner,

ever a dot on the horizon,

picnics and sunbathing

reading books in sand dunes

swimming out far.

 

Teen years: kohl eye make up

was worn,

silver buckles sparkled on their shoes,

they stayed out late, dancing, clubbing.

Students:  they worked hard,

grew up, had girlfriends,

got degrees.

 

 

Much fun and laughter through those

formative times and much love too.

Years later they are still soul mates,

still her friends.

 

They were the sons she didn't have,

those boys.

 

                                                                           *

With very best wishes, Patricia