A Quick Game of "Word and Question"

The Rules of the game:

1) Take a random word from a book, dictionary, newspaper, cereal packet or whatever.
2) Pick out a question from any number of sources. I've found one or two from internet ads, Facebook etc.
3) Write a piece of verse or prose which attempts to answer the question, while making sure to include the word.

Here are three of my latest offerings:

Word: Plaster
Question: Are you writing a book?

If I was to sit down and write a book
(And I am a true book-lover),
I'd fill it with words to inspire great hope,
And plaster my name on the cover!

Word: Cheaper
Question: Why is finding a job such a struggle?

The ideal job is hard to find.
The best get snapped up quickly.
I have to advertise myself
And lay the charm on thickly.
I need to let my new boss know
I'm really quite a keeper.
I'll do the job of ten good men
But do it ten times cheaper!

Word: Voices
Question: Is this poetry?

Most people think that poetry
Is just words set to rhythm and rhyme.
I don't think that it's ever that simple
To achieve such a feat so sublime.
To me, poetry's an expression
Of the voices inside of your head.
I don't have great wit, but my writing
Keeps me sane. Without it, I'm dead!

A Christmas Morality Tale

I remember, so clearly, one Christmas Eve night
When my brother was being precocious.
He decided he wanted to stay up and play.
His behaviour was simply atrocious.
Dad tried to remind him that Santa was coming,
And he didn't reward naughty boys.
If he wasn't asleep when St Nick arrived,
Someone else would get all his toys.
My brother just shrugged and then carried on playing,
Saying "Santa's not real anyway!"
My father went quiet, and left him alone,
But, when we awoke Christmas Day,
I found lots of presents surrounding my bed.
My brother had not done so well!
One great big box! That was all that he had!
He was crestfallen - that I could tell!
But he gamely set to, tearing through several layers
Till he finally won through to the prize.
An onion!!! No other has ever brought forth
Such pitiful tears to ones eyes!!!

The moral's as plain as the nose on your face!
Remember to do as you're told!
'Cos Santa Claus knows if you're bad or you're good!
That's why I plan to be good as gold!!!

Bold Protector

by Dawn Ferrett (2013 revised edition)

Steadfast and proud, he stands alone,

On guard against his foes.

His arms are stiff, his head is light,

He cannot feel his toes.

His clothes are worn and ragged,

But he doesn't seem to fret,

Just keeps a constant vigil,

On watch for signs of threat.

He never will be conquered

Nor ever will he yield.

For he's a valiant scarecrow -

A man outstanding in his field!

I Remember...

A street in the city where we used to play.

Few cars to bother us, we'd frolic all day.

Hopscotch on pavement slabs, skipping to rhyme,

Or ballgames, or running, or just killing time.

If we "popped" to the shops, we would leave the door wide

In case family dropped by. Well, we'd nothing to hide!

There were two corner shops, where they knew us so well.

So, if we misbehaved, then they knew who to tell!

The walk to the playground (which we called "the rec"):

When there was traffic, mum would hold us in check.

Then, through the cemetery, dad would let us run free.

He knew we'd be safe in this sanctuary.

Angel statues to guard us, trees arcing above.

It was like being wrapped in a blanket of love!

Across the main road, through the gate to the park.

Then running again, to the swings. What a lark!

The climbing-frame beckoned, so I gave it a try,

But I'm fearful of heights so can't climb very high.

My brother was dauntless. A true lion-heart!
He would scramble right up to the highest part!!

Then onto the roundabout, spinning like crazy
Till we felt really giddy! The whole world was hazy!
The slide was such fun! We would land with a bump!
The rocking-horse - with four seats on it's rump!

We had little money, but those days were sublime!
I now and then wish I could travel through time,
Back to those days when the world seemed to glow.
Those halcyon days in the long, long ago.