Category Archives: Poetry

Historical geometry

Posted on May 14, 2020 by Hugh Thompson

Pythagoras found fame from drinking maths; of course, that’s so last year’s hypot-e-nuse — all of which is ancient Greek to me, as Pathe news I much prefer to see.   All sides are square, so choose which one you … Continue reading →

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A contemporary war song

Posted on May 14, 2020 by Hugh Thompson

Five-and-seventy years have swiftly flown since V. E. Day when World War II was over in Europe. Terns and gulls still swoop to keep bluebirds off those chalky cliffs of Dover.   Nazi aircraft ceased thence to molest the security … Continue reading →

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White socks with sandals

Posted on February 6, 2020 by Hugh Thompson

The poet Jenny Joseph published a very untypical, tongue-in-cheek ditty in 1965 entitled ‘Warning’. She was irritated when it was voted Britain’s most popular post-war poem in a TV poll by the BBC the following year. You may recognise it … Continue reading →

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VINTAGE WINE FROM WOUNDED VINE

Posted on February 6, 2020 by Hugh Thompson

‘To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness.’ (Bertrand Russell) To forego things we so enjoy is vital to our happiness. This gospel of philosopher Bertrand Russell, atheist, greets one’s arrival at the … Continue reading →

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RAHAB’S DAY

Posted on February 6, 2020 by Hugh Thompson

A poetic narrative Once again her imagination was drawn to the legendary beauty of the fair land of Canaan that stretched beyond the confines of this Jordan Valley. How often had her visitors described the spacious regions of rolling hills … Continue reading →

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King David’s Song of Ultimate Victory

Posted on February 6, 2020 by Hugh Thompson

King David’s Song of Ultimate Victory (2 Samuel 22; Psalm 18) A.I love you, YHWH, my shield and deliverer (Psalm 18:1-6) 1. YHWH I love you, you are my Strength. YHWH’s my Rock of Defence … and Deliverer; 2. my … Continue reading →

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OH! VISIT US AGAIN (Habakkuk 3)

Posted on January 29, 2020 by Hugh Thompson

I. Its Setting (2:20 – 3:1) YHWH sits enthroned within his home beyond; let earth’s inhabitants pause – hold their breath – in silent, awesome wonder before His Majesty. Your spokesman Habakkuk responds in such a way in this reflective … Continue reading →

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ENTHRONEMENT PROCESSIONAL (Psalm 68)

Posted on January 29, 2020 by Hugh Thompson

I. Assembling – Victory Shout (v 1-3) Let God . . . rise . . . up! May his foes be scattered! Yes! may all who hate him flee his awesome presence. May your gusts of breath clear the smoke … Continue reading →

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HEAVEN’S HISTORY-MAKING WORSHIP

Posted on January 25, 2020 by Hugh Thompson

HEAVEN’S HISTORY-MAKING WORSHIP (Experienced in Four Dramatic Apocalyptic Visions) ACT I: The Drama of the Seven-Sealed Scroll Scene 1: Worship of the Creator – Who ‘was’ (4:1-11) As I looked in my vision I presently saw the portal to heaven, … Continue reading →

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AFTER THE FLOOD

Posted on January 15, 2020 by Hugh Thompson

How lonesome is the soul in pain! Angst’s constant deafening roar drowns every voice of reason, faith or solace. God’s silent sun beams rainbows through my cataract of tears – his covenant promise that the future is secure. Apres le … Continue reading →

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RECORDED DELIVERY TO THE ALGARVE

Posted on January 15, 2020 by Hugh Thompson

RECORDED DELIVERY TO THE ALGARVE Inspired by James chapter 1, New Living Translation To all my scattered relatives in Christ, your brother James sends greetings heartily. Troubles are sure to visit you – that is a fact of life – … Continue reading →

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CONCORDE de la MER

Posted on January 15, 2020 by Hugh Thompson

‘To what shall I liken the kingdom of God?’ (Jesus of Nazareth) The streamlined dolphin, Concorde of the seas, in his home-grown wet suit sleek as woven silk – gymnast of the ocean he rides the waves with ease in … Continue reading →

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BORN FREE, FLY HIGH

Posted on January 15, 2020 by Hugh Thompson

‘Hatched in heaven’s high-crag eyrie, ride with ease its native thermals. Settle not for barnyard scratch-patch, earthbound one-way street that leads you, Paxo-stuffed, to Christmas roasting!’ Thus I had preached. The church had lift-off into airborne praise on hearing of … Continue reading →

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ST. VALENTINE’S EVE, 2000

Posted on January 11, 2020 by Hugh Thompson

While engaged in very active worship at King’s Church, Birkenhead on Sunday morning, February 13, 2000, Julie Rice, who had recently shorn her long tresses for a new millennium hair-style, collapsed without warning, going straight home to the presence of … Continue reading →

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CHRISTOPHER ROBIN’S ‘DUTCH UNCLE’

Posted on January 11, 2020 by Hugh Thompson

Little boy sits on the edge of his bed, slumped, in his loneliness, drooping his head; hush! hush! advise him don’t dare – he’s just thrown a potted plant thumping downstair! What’s all the fuss about? Who is to blame? … Continue reading →

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ALL-AGE CHILDREN RANGE FREE

Posted on January 11, 2020 by Hugh Thompson

Very often we wish: ‘Serve me heaven in a dish’, And for Paradise long As in Bing Crosby’s song – ‘Oh give me a home Where the buffalo roam And the deer and the antelope play’ – Our desires crooned … Continue reading →

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I TRY NOT TO LAUGH

Posted on January 11, 2020 by Hugh Thompson

AFTER TWO DAYS ON A MEN’S SURGICAL WARD We’re in stitches, of course, though we feel ‘all cut up’; But, oh don’t make us laugh lest our wounds we should rip. I feel sure I have starred in a theatre … Continue reading →

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HARK! THE SOUNDLESS SNOWDROPS’ BELLS

Posted on January 11, 2020 by Hugh Thompson

Ten dainty, tremulous snowdrops shake their lonesome bells in breezeless air this dreary January day, evoking in my muted heart (dumbed down with many a winter’s woe) such delicate harmonies of hope. Tinkling tunes, inklings of Spring, my discordant dirges … Continue reading →

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