Hello poetry lovers,
I was the poet laureate during my years of working in Leisure. For big and small occasions I wrote stuff.

This was one such...

2 years in job

To those who’ve tolerated
Val, with dreams she has created
listened while she was elated
though enthusiasm grated
as awareness she still stated
was important. Some still hated
her ideas sometimes related
to her job while she berated
lousy pay that she was fated
not assertive and belated
in her attitudes still dated
still naive and still unmated
Impatiently you waited
while her thoughts co ordinated.

Leisure gathering at The Forum 24th September 1986

I am a free spirit..and often subject to other people's criticism...

I am who I am

There are seldom the people to listen
There are always the people to shout
There are always the people with judgement
Who know just what Life’s all about
who will tell you about your behaviour
your feelings are just juvenile
The pain, though acute, will soon lessen
So you’d better be brave and just smile.
It’s discomforting when you are tearful
untidy when you get morose
uncanny when you lose your sparkle
Keep functioning. Don’t get too close.

But sometimes a person will listen
and accept every feeling that’s there
and the time spent together is healing
as the feelings are laid very bare.
And the warmth and the touch of that person
gives comfort when nerves are still taut
when accepting and caring and sharing
reduces the anger so fraught.

I’m so glad you are one of these people
sensitive, soft, strong and rare
In a world fascinating not easy
We explore, as we’re brave and we dare.