Friends Like These

As we wake up to hear the news

That may make some feel quite blue

Let it be the moment you stop and think

You never know when you may be on the brink

Matthew Perry made us laugh 

But of his life we just saw half

A life of turmoil, drugs and addiction 

A well documented affliction 

Let’s hope his life had more highs than lows 

How much happiness he had - only he knows

So live each day as if it’s your last 

So when you leave you think - yeah I had a blast! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 29/10/23

Shoplifting - Where Is The Harm?

Shop lifting - Where is the harm?

I can’t feed my family 

I don’t know what to do 

I don’t qualify for food banks

Or any government help 

I work really hard 

But I can’t feed my family

What should I do? 

I’ve got an addiction I just need to feed 

I’ve got no money but can’t fight this urge

It started out harmless - just a bit of fun 

Now IT’S in control

I’m an addict 

I just need to feed it

My mates made me do it 

I was scared not to

I want to fit in 

They coerced me and bullied me

It’s not really a crime 

These shops can afford it

Well, that’s what my mates say 

I used to love my job 

I’d chat with the customers 

We’d laugh and exchange news 

Now I’m always on edge 

And don’t know what to do

I saw that young mother stealing that food

But I know she’s no money 

That man who won’t make eye contact

He has a problem with drugs

I daren’t challenge him as he scares me a little

That young lad who ran in 

Stole a packet of sweets

His face full of guilt

I saw his mates waiting 

Yes I used to love my job

Now I’m just not so sure

My boss says he can no longer pay me

He’s letting me go

He had a heavy heart as he delivered this blow

His profits are down 

Cost are just spiralling 

The increase in stealing is taking its toll

It’s like taking it from his family’s table 

He can no longer pay me - he’s letting me go

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 26/10/23

A Brother’s Goodbye

A Brother’s Goodbye 

The little boy let out a heart wrenching cry

To his big sister he had to say a final goodbye

Her life robbed not by illness or accident 

But by someone who was not an inhabitant 

Gunned down in cold blood - an innocent child 

No longer will her family see her beautiful smile

A whole life ahead of her and it’s been ripped away

Her family will have traumatic memories, which stay 

There are no winners in a long running war

Only atrocities, pain, suffering and so much more.

Joanne C Hicks 23/10/23 copyright ©️ 

Beauty From Within

Beauty From Within 

Will you be my friend said the boy to the girl

Shocked she stopped and pushed aside her brown curl

She nervously ran her fingers over her deep brown skin 

She stepped back - they were not from the same akin

Please said the boy I’d love to be your friend

I think our personalities would truly blend 

The girl looked down feeling a little shy

She didn’t know what to say, how to reply

The boy ventured further - I’m blind you see

So I can only go on what I hear - not see

Your laughter filled the air and your voice is rich and pure 

You talk with compassion and that was the allure

The girl’s face slowly broke into a smile 

She realised the boy had been watching her for a while

The boy didn’t care about the colour of her skin

He knew that a persons beauty comes from within

Joanne C Hicks 23/10/23 copyright ©️ 

Warfare - where is the good in it?

Warfare - where is the good in it? 

Needless destruction all around 

Rubble piled where there once was a town 

People wandering around in a daze

Picking their way amongst a newly formed maze

Innocent children now lonely orphans 

Unable to understand their new misfortune 

The sound of people wailing and crying 

As they realise just how many are dying 

Hearts broken that will never heal 

Do those responsible have hearts of steal?

Sadness and despair fills the air 

Innocent humans trapped by pointless warfare 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 16/10/23

The Path Of Life

The Path Of Life 

I don’t know which way to go 

Along the path of life

Let me tell you a secret - none of us know

It’s like walking on a knife

Don’t look ahead - don’t look behind

Just remember, focus on the moment 

Time isn’t promised so bear this in mind

You’re growing and never really broken 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 15/10/23

Take a moment

Today - take a moment

A moment in time 

A moment in peace 

A moment of calm 

Take a moment….

For you 

❤️