Barbara Brewin

PLEASE SAVE OUR NATIVE TASMANIAN DEVILS FROM EXTINCTION.

2009-05-14T06:37:00.000-07:00

Please enjoy the read about this very private and shy little animal.

Beautiful Tasmania with its mountains, rain forests, valleys and hills

Has Tasmanian devils living in the wild bringing visitors such thrills.

They only live here and no where else in the world

But sadly their population is threatened with ills.

Many have facial tumours, which spread like wildfire

The situation for them is getting quite dire.

No cure has been found, though research is rife

We must find a cure soon, to save heartbreak and strife

These young native devils fight each other for food,

Their manners are appalling and really quite rude!

They bite one another to be king of the castle

Instilling infections which does them no good.

They really are quaint, though they would bite off your hand

Eating meat, fur and bones and anything else they can land

The babies are just darling, so pretty, soft and sweet

Please find a fairy godmother to wave a magic wand.

At Launceston Zoo there are devils galore

We pray we may save them to bring many more.

Much money is needed to bring this about.

Please put in all your dollars so the devils may score.

These wonderful animals need all the help they can get

To be sure a cure for this awful illness will be met

So please spare a thought and give every penny you can

Remember the Tasmanian tiger, extinguished by man?

Please send your donations to Launceston Zoo,

Whose research work on saving the Devils is one of too few.

Make sure we secure the devils future out there safe in the wild

For future generations to know and love them too.

PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY

Barbara Brewin 22nd Januasry 2009 All rights reserved

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS WONDERFUL CREATURE...

THE BIRTHDAY OF A BABY KING

2008-11-10T05:57:00.002-08:00

Fairy stars twinkling in the sky so high

Banishing the dark clouds, who leave with a sigh

Lacy snowflakes form a white cloak over the earth

In readiness for a miraculous and heaven sent birth.

A baby King born in Bethlehem

Not for him opulence, jewels nor even a diadem

But a roadway strewn with thorns along the way

God’s only son, Jesus born in a lowly stable to-day.

In manger of straw, lowly born, so few clothes to keep him warm

Mary and Joseph sheltering from life’s storm

This new born baby is God’s gift to mankind

In the hope that the world peace, hope and love will find.

Some Shepherds left their flocks that night

They had to see for themselves this heavenly sight

Three Wise Men, riding on camel back, sages of their day

Gave gold, frankincense and myrrh away.

The brightest star in heaven shone out so bright

Over all Bethlehem it shed its light that night

Angels played their harpsichords in joy

To celebrate the Christmas birth of this special little boy.

Little Donkey stood quietly by the lowly , manger

To nuzzle and protect the new born baby from danger

Cows and sheep their watch did keep

Keeping quiet as Baby Jesus was fast asleep.

God’s promised Son was born this night

The choirs of Angels were a joyous sight

Peace Joy –and hope; the whole world rejoices

Its Christmas Day – let’s celebrate with happy voices.

APRIL TRUMPETS SPRING

2008-11-10T05:57:00.001-08:00

April the fourth month of the year

Full of hope, sunshine, showers and good cheer

Giggling raindrops soak the earth

As all of nature wakes to its rebirth

Bulbs peep gently through the ground

Birds pick twigs with joyful sound

Flying off their fresh nests to build

So with new fledglings they will be filled.

Daffodils trumpet in their golden hue

Wild bluebells ring out in their white and blue

Yellow primroses fly April’s banner

Drenching the hedgerows in majestic manner

Pink ragged robins dot the lanes

White kek with its lacy window panes

Hedgerows sprouting out in green array

Trees their leaves awakening in the breeze to sway,

Streams and rivers gurgling away

Ducks and geese have flown in to stay

April and nature blend into one

The best month of the year come wind, rain or sun.

© Barbara Brewin Nov 29 2008 All rights reserved.

For your (Turkish) Delight party invite

2008-09-04T07:56:00.001-07:00

Sweetshop had shut up for the day
The Maltesers decided they were going away
They packed their gear in a Dairy Box
To climb a Glacier called Mint Fox

The sweets were now all wide awake
There was All Sorts of fun to make
The Chocolate Mice ran to and fro
As the Mars Bars to Mothers Pub did go

The Kit Kats spotted the chocolate mice
Who ran circles round the Coconut Ice
The Bounty cried because it was in dry dock
Time showed After Eight on the big wall clock.

The Marathons were training very hard
Some Pear Drops and Spangles standing on guard
The Smarties were looking for a Treet
They moved up market to Quality Street.

The clever Jelly Tots got carried away
Too lazy to walk, they used a Milk Tray
The Dolly Mixtures danced and sang
To All Gold heavy metal music -Bubble Gum went off with a bang.

The Coconut Mushrooms went timid and shy
Wine Gums and Chocolate Buttons looking up to the sky
To see The Sherbet Flying Saucers whizzing around
The Liquorice Torpedoes stayed firmly on the ground

The Jelly Tots decided to loop the loop
Chocolate Cigarettes played Polo20and Hula Hoop
Sherbet Dips joined their friend Liquorice Straw
The Crème Eggs were lying flat out on the floor.

Even the Minstrels loved this free for all party
The Humbugs were picking a fight with a Smartie
But they all agreed a good Feast was had by all
As they danced the night away at the Aniseed Ball.

(c) Barbara Brewin 27thAugust 2008 All rights reserved

The Litte Flowepot

2008-08-04T07:40:00.001-07:00

A little flower pot all alone,

Looking for a loving home.

Over the years he had grown many flowers,

Inside the window and away from the showers.

Geraniums, chrysanths and many more

Reds, pinks, yellows and blue azure.

He had so many tales to tell,

His sad little eyes began to well.

Life had been good at the very start,

He was shiny and new and VERY smart.

He tended the plants with loving care,

Some water here, some water there.

The bumblebees would call to say

"May we please take some nectar to-day?"

Their black and yellow striped suits they wore

To go and make honey in their store.

The little flower pot loved this life,

Away from all the toil and strife.

Then one day he slipped and fell,

The flowers knew that he was not well.

The little flower pot wept and cried

Thrown on the compost heap on his side

A little hedgehog scurrying by,

Said “little flowerpot do not cry.”

Autumn and winter turned into spring,

The little flower pot was caught up in string

And safe inside his sheltered lea

Two baby hedgehogs played with glee.

The little flower pot lives again,

In sunshine, tempest, storm and rain.

His hedgehog family he guards with pride

His face a grin from side to side.

Gypsy

Happy August!

2008-08-04T07:38:00.001-07:00

Here comes August once again

Always smiling, wind, shine or rain

Time for holidays and fun

Under a happy warming sun.

School is over, hip hooray

Six long weeks of happy play

No more lessons, no more work

Yes we want to laze and shirk.

Off to the beach we go for a swim

Sun tan lotion from limb to limb

Then to sun bathe on the beach

Picnic Hamper within reach.

Ice cream cones to cool us down

Punch and Judy act the clown

Children buildings homes of sand

Happy laughter throughout the land.

So happy August please try and stay

We don’t want you ever to go away.

As family and friends all meet together

Every year under your umbrella,

Barbara Brewin

The Little Frog

2008-08-04T07:37:00.001-07:00

A little frog came out one day

All he wanted to do was play

He looked around with his great big eyes,

But all he could see were some dragon flies.

Pink and yellow, blue and gold

They hovered overhead, a joy to behold

The little frog just said “good day”

You have your fun, Ill be on my way.

The lily pond lay just ahead

Large shiny leaves and one beautiful spread

Of White and golden lily heads

Nestling majestically in their beds.

A large lily pad came bobbing past

Ill make a boat, and it will have a mast.

The little frog jumped into the pond

But the leaf carried on floating to far beyond.

The little frog was all alone

“What shall I do? He said with a groan

A beautiful mermaid sat nearby

She smiled and the little frog went all shy

They sat in silence side by side

The mermaid’s tail her joy and pride

They sealed their meeting with a kiss

The frog turned into a prince, sheer bliss

Gypsy

The Birthday Card

2008-08-04T07:36:00.002-07:00

I brought a birthday card yesterday
For my son on his natal day
It’s something I do on this date each year.
So why do I want to shed a tear?

Old Father Time never stands still
Your birthday always brings me a thrill.
Memories of the day you were born
Just before the break of Sunday’s dawn

With jet black hair and cornflower blue eyes
And the sweetest nose, just button size,
You were just so beautiful you see,
I said “you can’t belong to me”.

This beautiful baby changed my life
I was no longer just a wife.
A husband and son who needed me
Just two of us had changed to three.

Like the sands of time which never stand still
The years flew by up and downhill
From baby, toddler, to teens and young man
Just like a bridge the years did span.

A son of whom I am so proud
Although I don’t shout it aloud.
Now you’re a man with your own family
And my three grandchildren, a thrill to me

So happy birthday dearest son
I cry because your card just says “Love from Mum”
If only your dad were here to say
“Happy birthday son on this your day.”

© Barbara Brewin 01.08.08 All rights reserved

The Spider's Web

2008-08-04T07:36:00.001-07:00

The spider spins away all night

Under the beams of the golden moonlight

Her gossamer webs she spins and weaves

It’s beauty spreads from trees and leaves

Her magic silver thread she spins

She has no need for needles and pins

Her magic patterns glisten in the light

Forming ghost like patterns in the night

The spider’s web is a work of art

Sheer magic, beauty from the heart

When winter comes all is not lost

The web is covered with a pure white frost

Her lace would grace a wedding gown.

With silver droplets for a crown

As daylight welcomes the day ahead

Our industrious spider goes to bed.

The Old Steam Train

2008-08-04T07:35:00.001-07:00

Standing at the station

Waiting for the train

I hear a loud shrill whistle

There it is again.

Far off in the distance

Chuff Chuff Chuff I hear

Here comes a big black steam engine

It is on fire I fear!

From its chimney pours black smoke

The station’s full of fog

I see the driver stoke the fire

What is he doing with that log?

Step from the platform onto the train

There lingers the smell of a cherished cigar

The shabby seats all creak and groan

“We’re off “ shouts a voice from a megaphone.

The ticket collector comes along

With his dark uniform he stands grimly to attention

Tears the ticket right in half

Well what I said I dare not mention!

The doors are shut, the whistle blows

The guard dips the flag jumps in the guard van

Better get my head inside

Don’t want to be a dead man.

We’re off at last, to puff puff puff

The steam comes wafting back

I wheeze and splutter, cough and choke

Then into a tunnel, everything goes black.

Clickety click, clickety click, clickety click

The wheels go round and round

Out of the tunnel and into the light

Again the whistle blows – we’re seaside bound

Stop at a station by a water tank

Go and see the driver and his mate

They’re taking on water to turn to steam

This is a smell you love to hate.

We're nearly now at journey’s end

What an adventure this has been

Why would I put myself through all this you ask?

To relive the wonderful days of steam

The smell of steam goes through my lungs

I breathe in its aroma

You see I’m on a nostalgic memory trip

On a steam train going to Cromer

The English Garden

2008-08-03T08:48:00.001-07:00

Flowers gently swaying in the breeze,
Visited by black and yellow coated bumble bees
They take the pollen from the core
To make honeycomb, in their store.

The bushes lush and green with leaves
A ladybird climbs up with ease
Her dress red and black spotted polka dot
She sits near a wasp in the sunniest spot

A red admiral butterfly hovers above
His delicate wings like a gossamer glove
He leaves behind him a chrysalis cocoon
So many more butterflies will follow quite soon.

Our Blackbird friends now join the fray
They need twigs to build their nests in May
They forage round and look for worms
Mum and Dad taking it each in turns.

The coloured fish swim in the pond all day
Trying to chase toads and frogs away.
Blue and pink dragonflies fly over low
The newts look on with their bellies an orange glow.

The other birds pay a garden visit too
Redbreast robin, sparrow, thrush to name but a few
The starlings push to be first into the bird bath
Splashing water all over the path.

Squirrels, dormice, hedgehogs, a shrew
Even at night time they come out to view
The wild life animals - such a joy to behold.
These are life’s riches more precious than gold.

© Barbara Brewin 30.07.2008 All rights reserved

THE MAGIC BROOMSTICK

2008-07-04T02:16:00.001-07:00

There is a magic broomstick

Upon which witches ride,

On dark and spooky windy nights

Up into the air it glides.

Soaring over trees and hills

It travels far and wide

The magic cat sits on the back

His black face a grin from side to side.

Mr.Moon peeps through the clouds

As they scud across the sky

He provides light and guidance through the night

As the magic broomstick whizzes by.

The witches cackle as they ride,

They don’t mean any harm,

In pointed hats and long black cloaks

They drop a good luck charm.

So if you look up into the sky

On a dark October night

You’ll most likely see the broomstick

And the witches magic light.

The magic broomstick casts good spells

On children everywhere

Then in a puff of magic smoke

The broomstick vanishes into thin air.

c. Barbara Brewin 1st July 2008

RAINDROPS

2008-07-04T02:14:00.000-07:00

Raindrops falling from the sky

Onto the earth so hard and dry

Scorched grass reaching out to drink

Dying flowers are on the brink.

Pearl drop tears fall from each cloud

Like small diamonds on a shroud

Smell the freshness of the air

The cleansing of the land so fair.

The pools of water lay around

The flowers and birds with joy rebound.

They can all now drink and quench their thirst

Once again into song they burst.

The sun comes out in a glorious blaze,

Spreading out his glorious rays.

The tear drops dazzle sparkling white,

A rainbow follows to delight.

So many colours all together

A magic arc of coloured pleasure

Red orange yellow green and blues

Indigo and violet are the rainbow’s hues.

This is magic at its best

Seen from north south east and west

See the rainbow bright and bold.

Find the magic pot of gold.

THE SOLDIERS’ WAR (A tribute)

2008-07-04T02:12:00.000-07:00

The burning sand, the scorching sun

In the distance the sound of a gun.

Slow moving vehicles crawl at snails pace

Heading gingerly towards some safe place.

Far from home, in the blistering heat

They head towards camp and a safe place to eat.

Next they hear a thunderous roar,

Jump from the jeep and lie on the floor.

Hearts pumping quickly, but thank God still alive,

Do a quick head count, there’s four should be five.

A bullet riddled body lies a few yards ahead,

Is he still breathing or is he now dead?

Mortars and gunfire and plenty of strafe,

Is anywhere in this God forsaken country safe?

They cannot desert their colleague and mate

He must be rescued even if it’s too late.

The shells whiz by them, bullets overhead

Better move quickly or they’ll all soon be dead.

Covering each other to fight off the Taliban.

Fantastic, great team work, they’ve rescued their man.

Blast on the radio, a chopper’s on its way

To carry our five heroes to hospital, safely away.

They are always putting their lives on the line

To make war torn places safe for all time.

Now to all our brave men and women we salute you

You just get sent out to a war zone and do what you have to

When you joined up you knew you may have to fight wars

And perhaps lose your lives for a good or bad cause.

You knew when you enlisted the risks there could be

But someone has to do it and I’m glad it’s not me.

When you swore your allegiance; you made your own choice.

But please come back home safely, so we all can rejoice.

c. Barbara Brewin 1st July 2008

Bonfire Night

2008-07-02T01:37:00.000-07:00

Children collecting twigs and leaves

Pulling conkers from the trees

Piles of boxes, piles of clothes

Onto the Bonfire everything goes.

Rickety old pushchair, full of junk

This year’s Guy is quite a hunk

Penny for the Guy is the children’s call

Give more than a penny and we can have a ball.

Magic lanterns twinkle in the night

Orange pumpkins filled with candlelight

The smell of roasted chestnuts fills the air

Mugs of hot soup and warm clothes to wear

The time is ready for the fun to begin,

Check under that fire to see no ones hidden

Make sure no hedgehogs asleep in their nest

And that there are no dormice having a rest.

Now the bonfire is set alight, to childrens screams of pure delight

The smoke and flames spiral up into the moonlit night.

Jumping jacks, rockets and Catherine wheels

With bangers and sparklers fast on their heels.

Poor Mr Guy does not stand a chance

As the flames on the fire make him jiggle and dance

His sorry form soon disappears

Some of the little children are now in tears?

The sky is such a pretty sight

All lit up with its magic light

Stars and spangles, rings and flashes

Soon the bonfire will be a pile of ashes.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night each year?

The Houses of Parliament I hear you shout loud and clear

Guy Fawkes once tried to burn them down

He wanted to be King and wear the crown.

So every year it’s the same old thing,

Bangers and rockets and one great big din.

Keep the cats and dogs and pets inside

You enjoy yourselves –as for me I’m a spoilsport and am going to hide!!

Blog-

2008-06-26T07:14:00.001-07:00

Hi andrew. Many thanks and I will send another cheque. Sorry about that. Thanks for the info and here is an e mail. do you just mean like this? Sorry to be so thick.

Will see what happens. I still cannot understand how anyone will know it is there!!!!!

HEEELP

Grandma's rocking chair.doc

2008-06-25T03:06:00.003-07:00

GRANDMA’S ROCKING CHAIR

Grandma sits in her rocking chair,

Wisps of silver in her hair.

She sits me on her voluptuous lap,

As tales of yore she does recap.

Id touch the whiskers on her chin,

“You’re growing a beard” I’d think with a grin

Her lavender scent wafted through the air

As Grandma sat in her rocking chair

A lacy handkerchief on her chest

As the babies fought for the teats on he breast

The milk dried up, there was nothing to eat

Grandma would take in washing to make ends meet.

Granddad had gone away to the war

Then a telegraph man came to the door.

He would not be coming home again

No more thrill of meeting him off the train.

Grandma knew she had to go on

For the sake of the kids she had to be strong

She would knit and sew, wash and clean.

Polish the shoes with spit to make them gleam.

The kids carried a pie to the bake house one day.

What no cooker you ask? Oh dear no way.

On the way home they dropped the pie

Will we get a good hiding they’d cry?

Yes times was ard, and they were poor

No money coming through the door.

Bu Grandma said that she was rich

How come I thought as she gave me a kiss?

CONTINUED 21^st June 2008

Grandma rich, how could this be?

I thought as she rocked me gently on her knee

The children’s mouths got harder to feed

Clothes and shoes were their main need.

As the moon and the stars shone outside so bright.

Grandma would sing to the children every night.

For dinner was a Yorkshire pudding so round

It would fill them up without a sound.

Meat was a luxury, twice a year

No sweets no treats no toys no beer

But love and care given beyond recall

Were the greatest treasure of them all

So as Grandma rocked in her rocking chair

She taught me a lesson beyond compare.

I learned about, compassion, care and love

The RICHEST thing from heaven above.

I hear the creak of the rocking chair.

I look but Grandma is no longer there.

The smell of lavender wafts through the air

As I sit in Grandma’s rocking chair

Gypsy

The Runaway Train

2008-06-25T03:06:00.001-07:00

The runaway train

T'was in the year of '89 on that old Great Western line,
When the winter wind was blowin' shrill,
The rails were froze, the wheels were cold, then the air brakes wouldn't hold,
And Number 9 came roaring down the hill -- oh!

The runaway train came down the track and she blew,
The runaway train came down the track and she blew,
The runaway train came down the track, her whistle wide and her throttle back,
And she blew, blew, blew, blew, blew.

The engineer said the train must halt and she blew,
The engineer said the train must halt and she blew,
The engineer said the train must halt -- he said it was all the fireman's fault,
And she blew, blew, blew, blew, blew.

The fireman said he rang the bell and she blew,
The fireman said he rang the bell and she blew,
The fireman said he rang the bell -- the engineer said "You did like h***!"
And she blew, blew, blew, blew, blew.

The porter got an awful fright and she blew,
The porter got an awful fright and she blew,
The porter got an awful fright -- he got so scared he near turned white,
And she blew, blew, blew, blew, blew.

A donkey was standing in the way and she blew,
A donkey was standing in the way and she blew,
A donkey was standing in the way and all they found was just his bray,
And she blew, blew, blew, blew, blew.

The conductor said there'd be a wreck and she blew,
The conductor said there'd be a wreck and she blew,
The conductor said there'd be a wreck and he felt the chills run up his neck,
And she blew, blew, blew, blew, blew. The runaway train went over the hill and she blew,
The runaway train went over the hill and she blew,
The runaway train went over the hill and the last we heard she was going still,
And she blew, blew, blew, blew, blew.

Wishing Well

2008-06-25T03:05:00.001-07:00

THE WISHING WELL

The Wishing Well stood for year and years

A beacon for lovers, for laughs and tears.

People came from far and wide,

So many coins they tossed inside.

So many secrets had been told,

Of hopes and wishes, dreams to hold,

Of sorrows past, for good times in store,

For peace and happiness and so much more.

Lovers strolling hand in hand,

(Perhaps hoping for a wedding band?)

From both young and old, to rich and poor

Just trying to see what Lady Luck had in store.

The Wishing Well wished with all his heart

That the dreams and wishes he could impart.

But he knew that this would never do.

He holds his secrets for ever for me and you.

Gypsy

THE LITTLE LONEOLY BELL.doc

2008-06-25T03:04:00.001-07:00

THE LONELY LITTLE BELL

A little bell in a steeple lived

With all the other bells

Some were big, and some were small

But he was the tiniest of them all.

Each Sunday morning at eleven am

The bells would peal out loud

Across the country far and wide,

They would play their tunes with pride.

The little bell was very sad

His peal could not be heard

The other bells were far too grand

He felt that no chance did he stand

The other bells just laughed at him,

Poked fun and jokes and jeered.

But the little bell said you have your fun

One day my time will come”

Then one dark night Disaster hit

Fork lightening hit the spire

The big old bells had pealed their last.

Their future was now their past.

But wait a moment, all’s not lost

The little bell survived

He now plays happily on his own

Whilst the old bells sulk and groan.

So big may not always be the best

And he who laughs last wins all

Will it last? only time alone will tell,

But hark hear the laughter of a happy little bell

c. gypsyb1998