Poems by Julie Button

The stink of rotting vegetables
Makes it unbearable to passers-by,
Heaps of rubbish almost everywhere,
With countless maggots crawling around.

As scantily-dressed, scrawny children play,
Their haggard mothers squat in circles chatting,
Without worries, cares or woes.

Some men, satisfied and happy with life
Sitting idly in a corner and smoke,
While others sit in a circle,
Gambling, shouting when they win.

Shabbily-dressed hawkers, their
Carts loaded with food and fruits
Call out as they push their way
Through dirty old streets and lanes.

Tourists stroll by with keen interest,
Busily clicking their cameras
As they go merrily
On their sight-seeing tours.

Some bargain for what they wish to buy,
And others content to
Sit around the food-stalls,
Experiencing different food.

As night falls,
And cloudless sky twinkle with stars,
People gather everywhere
For an enjoyable night out.

Tomorrow dawns a brand new day!

A little boy
Sad and all alone,
Not knowing
What really happened?
Two nights ago,
Daddy was reading a bedtime story
And mummy came in later
To give a goodnight kiss.
But now in a strange bed,
Strange place
With tears in his eyes
Calling for mummy...
Calling for daddy....
Neither one came,
But instead,
Someone dressed in white
Trying to comfort
The poor, crying boy.
How can they tell him?
What should they tell him?
That once he was happy and laughing
Now he's left wondering
What tomorrow will bring!

The chime of the clock struck midnight!

All was quiet,
As I sat by the window,
Looking at the stars twinkling
Like a thousand eyes in the sky.

The trees stood tall
Their branches so still
The leaves swayed lazily
In the gentle breeze.

The moon shone brightly
Over the sea
And the waves beat softly
Against the sea-wall.

Then suddenly darkness
Was upon us
As the clouds rolled by
Hiding the moon behind it.

It is a beautiful moonlit night
The reflection of the moon
Sparkles in the water;
The palm trees,
Their fan-shaped leaves
Sways in the flickering wind;
The shimmering sand
Glistens with scattered shells;
The rolling waves
Sprays water everywhere
As it hits against the rocks;
And the twinkling stars
Like thousand eyes
Looks down.....
And here I am
Not a care in the world
Just happy and contended
To be lying
Under the starry, tropical sky!

The beautiful blue sky turns
Dark and gloomy
And the clouds rush wildly past;

The water was tranquil and lovely,
But now its vehement waves
Rise fiercely, hitting
The sea-wall.

The savage wind rips
The leaves off the trees,
Forming a carpet on the ground
While the glorious, blooming flowers
Scatter sadly away;

People walk hurriedly on,
Trying to reach their destination
Before the rain comes.

Then the thunder rumbles and
Lightning flashes zigzags across the sky
And alas.....
Here comes the rain!

Sitting quietly under a shady tree
My cheeks wet with tears
And wondering
Why it happened.

In the distance I could hear
The sound of laughter
The music
The singing.

How unfair it is
That someone could be so happy
While I suffered my sadness
All alone.

The chill in the air
Made me shiver
As I recalled
The day of the tragedy.

The screeching tyres
The cries of horror
The loud bang
As the car collided into the fence.

I sat there numbed
My face white as sheet
As I saw
The twisted wreck
And knew that was the end
Of Lionel!

(For Dad...I’ll always love you)

Eleven years have passed
But the memories are still there
Of the good times
We spent together.

You have always been there for me
No matter where or when
Helping me
In every possible way.

The advices you bestowed -
Never give up
Always be honest
Consideration of others.

The comforts you provided -
When I fell
The bee sting
The terrible tragedy.

The helpful suggestions
The long talks
The helping hand
The laughter we shared.

The fun time we had
Working together
But most of all
The love you always gave!

I'll never forget you, Dad
And you're the best in the world!

(For my dear friend David, a Music maker in Mississippi, USA)

When I met you
Everything seems so different,
Your understanding...
Your honesty...
The feelings you show
Towards humanity;
The warmth you generate
When you speak;
The hope you gave
When I was down;
The courage you bestow...
The happiness you radiate...
The hope you provide...
You made it all possible
For dreams to turn to reality
And achievements met;
You, my friend
Has given me all of these
For which I am ever grateful;
And a friendship
I will always treasure!

I love it after the rain
And when the sun starts to shine again........
The droplets of water on the leaves
Glisten in the sun as
they drip gently to the ground;
Shimmering amid the branches
A silken cobweb,
Torn by the raindrops....
Its occupant scurries along
trying to mend its home;
Drenched leaves
cover the ground
like a wet carpet after a flood;
A snake slithers by,
birds peck, searching for worms
while iguanas scuttle
among the fallen twigs and branches;
A rainbow forms its arch
across the sky,
while the clouds roll hurriedly by
to make way for a beautiful
clear, blue sky!

Sitting amidst
the glistening sand...
Warm and soft under my feet;
The breeze
blows softly against my face;
While the sea,
so blue and tranquil,
flows gently at the water’s edge;
The palm trees......
Their fronds shading the sun,
So bright and hot;
Seagulls hover above the water
looking for food,
While other birds
perch on the branches,
merrily singing away.
Crabs sidle to their homes.....
Lizards glide through seaweed and shells
washed up by the tide;
Little insects scurry along
like soldiers marching on;
And looking up at a glorious
clear, blue sky.....
Oh.....to live on an island!

(For Lloyd, who inspired me with his Navy days)

The lightning flashes fiercely,
zigzagging
and bursts open the sky
with lights so bright
like a display of fireworks;
The sound of thunder
deafens my ears
with its loud rumbling;
The ship rocks violently
as waves hit so hard against
the sides,
spraying water everywhere
making visibility almost impossible;
The rain falls heavily upon the deck,
The tempestuous wind
rips the sails to shreds;
Then a loud, cracking sound..........
the mast breaks and snaps
into bits
as it falls and hits the deep, dark
treacherous ocean;
Strange creatures
lurk underneath,
looking for shelter from this
Tempest!

Sitting on the patio
listening to the sound
of a babbling brook
flowing by the side
of a lonely farmhouse
on a radiant, Summer’s morn;
Birds singing merrily
as they hop from branch to branch
of the maple tree;
The beautiful clear, blue sky,
The brilliant sun
shining lustrously,
Throughout the plains,
As the warmth of the sun
touches my skin
and the feeling of tranquillity
as I watch
the cattle grazing
over yonder
on the luscious green of the hills;
Newly-shorn sheep
their lambs prancing
as they greet another wonderful day
living on the farm!

As the snow falls gently,
its fallen flakes,
covering the branches of the trees
turning them white
and forming icicles on their leaves;
Hardened ice atop the pond
where once its sparkling water
shone in the glowing sun;
The ground thick with snow
crunches under my feet
as I trudge towards the snowman
with a black top hat,
A carrot nose and bright red scarf
looking all forlorn;
Children with their thick coats,
Gloves, boots and scarves,
Merrily playing and throwing snowballs
at each other;
And beyond the horizon
the sun peeps faintly
through the clouds,
The snow-capped mountains
glimmer in the sun;
And alas......
a red-breasted robin
perches on a branch
all lost and alone!

Walking by the water’s edge
along the beach
with tears in my eyes
I feel a wrenching pain
right inside me;
I have been hurt before
many times........
So why is this different?
Why does it make me feel
like I’m to blame;
I try to recall
what happened.....
How it happened....
And why it happened;
The tears keep flowing down my cheeks,
I wish I didn’t feel this bad
and hope that the pain
inside me will stop.
But instead it gets worse
with every step that I take.
And then suddenly
I feel paralysed......
I just stand there
hoping,
That rain might come
and wash all the hurt away!

Across the rolling hills
and far beyond the horizon
the sun rises
to meet a brand new day!

The vibrant colors
of yellow and orange
splash across the sky......
capturing a welcoming sight!

The dark, starry night sky
glimmers in the sunrise
and opens up
to a clear, blue sky!

The birds chirp merrily
from the Sycamore tree,
and zoom down
to catch their prey.

The shadowy images of the trees
in the darkness of the night,
stand tall and proud
in the warmth of the sun.

And as the sun shines brilliantly
upon the brightly-colored flowers,
It says
thank you for a beautiful sunny day!

Lord, please look after David
and please help him
by laying your healing hands
upon him;
And as he goes through this moment
that he has been
waiting for such a long time,
Guide him with your love
and shine on him
a bright light
so that he can see
a great life ahead of him;
Also let it be known that
the pain he suffered
and endured so much,
he was not alone,
You were with him;
So please, Lord
as you help him with his recovery
give him strength
each and everyday
of his waking hours.

Amid the throngs of people,
The brightly colored lions
dance to the rhythm
of the beating gongs;

Lanterns galore
adorning the sidewalks
and the shops
all aglow with its vibrancy;

Loud noise ringing in my ears....
sparks flying high towards the sky.......
As each restaurant welcomes the new year
with the lighting of the fire-crackers.

Families and friends
greet each other with endearment
as they welcome
another lunar year!

The beautiful blue sky
suddenly turns overcast
as grey clouds roll
hurriedly by;
The palms,
Their fronds swaying
to the gentle breeze,
As the waves
from the ocean
rush fiercely to the sand;
The raindrops on my face...
The wind blowing my hair...
My bare feet sink
as I walk on cold, wet sand;
Seagulls perches on rocks,
Huddle together
their feathers ruffle with the wind....
People hurrying by
trying to find shelter from the rain;
Oh what a fantastic feeling
to be free as a bird....
to be walking on the beach
on a rainy day!

As I sit here
suffering in silence...
You speak to me
with words so kind, loving
and comforting to my ears..
And whatever pain
I feel, seems to
disappear immediately
and I know that
I can conquer the world...
Face anyone....
Anything....
As long as you are here
by my side
To guide me....
To cherish me....
To protect me.....
To love me....
As nothing else matters
only your tender loving care!

12 years ago on this date
was a very sad day...
I can still remember
so clearly,
as I sat in the hospital room
where you have been
lying there helplessly
for the last 20 days;
I keep praying and hoping
for a miracle!
Every day and night I would sit there
thinking how it all started......and
why is this happening now?
With tears in my eyes
I recall how happy you were
talking about going away
For Christmas........
Something you have never done before!
The excitement...
The planning....
Everything was booked and in place,
All you need was to pack......BUT
instead....a different packing was needed;
As you took ill
couple of days before your departure!
Then the ambulance came....
And took you on a stretcher...
I realize then how scare I was!
I couldn’t show it....
I had to be brave....
As I felt that everything is closing in on me.
I didn’t want to believe
that the reality of this day is coming
sooner than I would like to...
As I tried to overcome this strange
feelings inside me!

Sitting alone in a darkened room
and wondering about tomorrow
How can I face everyone?
Looking at me
with pity in their eyes
and thinking
what a waste
for a young life
to be taken
in such a shocking and tragic way!
And alas..........
In one day
my happiness was suddenly severed
and overtaken by sadness....
As I recalled
the wedding plan...
The guest lists...
The Cruise...
All the dreams
and all the hopes
shattered in one day!
As I realized
that yesterday’s happening
Is real......
As the feelings of
Loneliness.....
Emptiness...
Fell upon me...

Standing alone by the pier
she remembers the time
when they had to say goodbye,
With tears in her eyes
she watched him sail away;
Now on a warm, tropical
moonlit night
as she stood there on the pier
with the stars shinning brightly
like diamonds in the sky;
The wind blowing gently
through her long, black hair,
The thought of seeing him again
put a smile on her face;
She recalls the first time they met....
How distinguish and handsome
in his Naval uniform;
Now he’s coming home...
She looks up at the moon
smiling down on her,
She sighs with relief
and feels a tremendous happiness
for tomorrow they will be
united once again!

If only she knew the truth!

The glorious colors
And the radiance
Of red, yellow and brown
Carpet of autumn leaves,
Scattered all around
The ground
And crunched
Under our feet
While strolling
By the lakeside;
The brilliant sunshine
The glittering water
The cool, gentle breeze
The feeling of tranquillity
The magical moments
So fervently felt
As we stopped to watch
The magnificent
Mulberry tree
With its splendiferous
Sprays of russet and
Yellow canopy
Of overhanging leaves
Dispersing violently
As the wind intensifies
Its velocity
With a vengeance
And just as suddenly
The whole tree is left
Standing bare!

As the sun sinks
Slowly in the West,
The vibrant colors
Of yellow and orange
Explode the sky
As it covers
Where once
The sun shone brightly
Across the clear blue sky......
The reflections in the water
Now darkened by the night sky,
As we stroll hand in hand
By the riverside,
And as the sun disappears
Beyond the horizon....
Darkness falls...
All is quiet....
Hush.....
Here comes the night!

Walking on the beach
one day,
I chance to meet a Scottish lad
so nice and polite,
friendly and full of life;
We sat under the palm trees,
talking and laughing.
And as the time went by
I realized that
the more I spend with him
the more I feel that life
is so much fun.
Twilight came and all was quiet
except the sound of the waves
rippling against the shore;
And as I looked up at the night sky
I could see the twinkling stars
and the glorious moon
with its reflection in the water;
He extended his hand
to help me up
and held it
as we walked on
by the water’s edge;
Then the joy and happiness
that radiated through him
made me feel young and alive;
Oh! To have such a friend
is so very precious!

You come into my life
And bring me joy and laughter,
And someone I can call a daughter
And be so very proud of;
The smile on your pretty, young face
Will always bring happiness
To our family;
Your vibrant personality......
The thoughtful things you do
Your cute, lovable ways;
The light in your eyes
Sparkles when you speak;
The tears we shed
When sharing jokes;
The love you bestow......
The understanding......
The caring......
These are your traits
Which make you a very special person;
The willingness in you
To always give a helping hand;
Your youthfulness.......
Bubbling all over......
The warmth you radiate
And the closeness we’ve come to share......
You are the sunshine in my life!

From the day you were born
You brought me happiness
That I will cherish
For the rest of my life;
You made me proud
To see you grow
From a cute baby
To a tall handsome young man;
You give me love and care
And comfort me when I am down,
You always give me encouragement
To do the things that I find difficult,
And boost up my confidence
When they it is depleted,
The things you do for me
Be they little or big,
Your thoughtfulness........
Your keenness to always help.......
The good times....
The sad times....
Your are always there;
Your comforting words.....
Your comforting touch.....
Help and lighten
The pain and hurt I feel;
The laughter and the jokes we share,
You are and will always be
My pride and joy!
My Son!

The laughter we share
The understanding we have between us....
And as our friendship blossoms
From day to day,
Our respect for each other grows
Deeper and stronger;
A feeling of contentment
As we speak our minds.
And our honesty,
Without hurting each other,
Is so refreshing
In a friendship;
Our patience
In listening....
Our high tolerance
Of each other.....
As we value the sensitivities
And emotions in each other;
But most of all,
This precious friendship
That we share
And means so much to us,
Will always be cherished
And will never be taken away from us.

Far across the horizon
The snow-capped mountains
Frothing at their peaks,
Glisten in the moonlight...
While the cold, naked branches
Of the pine trees
Stand sadly under the
Starry sky.
Here in the valley below,
The snow crunches
Beneath our feet
As we walk towards
The log cabin...
Crackling fire...
Roasted marshmallows....
The feeling of warmth,
As we snuggle
In front of the fireplace
Overlooking the mountains.
Oh what a sight to behold!

Across the miles
Your hand reaches out
And touches me
In a beautiful friendship
That is so precious
And wonderful;
Your caring ways
Your thoughtfulness
The endearments
That you bestow on me,
The happiness
I feel within me,
As thoughts of you
Flood through my mind;
A shinning light
Glows and sparkles
When I see your name;
My heart skips a beat
My mind racing wildly
And I know that
Having a friend like you
Really makes the world
A better place to live;
Like a pearl in an oyster
So rare and so precious
That's what you are to me
And very, very special….
A real gem!

Mesmerised by the beauty
Of this lofty concrete-clad building,
Although stark,
Cold and solitary,
I stood there....
Admiring
And captivated
By its natural surroundings.
I hear the waves
Beating vehemently
Against its wall,
And I see the shaft of light
Shinning so brightly
As night falls,
Warning ships
Of danger,
As they travel through
The darkness.....
The fog.....
Thunderstorms.....
As lightning zigzags across the sky
And the rumble of thunder
So loud and deafening.....
But I feel safe and protected
By the lighthouse!

The hurt I feel inside
Sickens me so much,
And with tears in my eyes
I sit and wonder,
Why me?
And how anyone
Could do that to another being,
And not feel anything themselves
As they go on their merry way,
Without a care in the world
While I suffer in silence.
Time and time again a
Sad reminder of the past
Was said to me,
Without any truth in it;
And a deliberate act of
Hurtful and malicious innuendos
Slung to me from every direction,
Like mud being thrown
To deface a character;
But with every hurtful remark bestowed upon me
I come out a better, stronger person………
A fighter and a survivor
And I'll go on doing and believing
What I think is right……….
Living the life I know best…….
Caring for others……..
And radiate happiness to everyone I meet.

The day you were born
Was such a joyous occasion
And the immense happiness
You radiate
As I held you close in my arms;
Such innocence
So calm
So relax
And so adorable;
My beautiful grandson
You make me so proud;
Safe in my arms
Snuggle close
So sleep
My little one
Wake up to a brand new day
And let my love
Protect you
My precious!

Night goes by
Another day dawns;
Wakening thoughts
Replace sweet dreams;
Dark starry sky
Beautiful sunny day;
The warmth of the sun
Feels heavenly,
As the friendship
Of a special friend
Touches the heart,
Fills it with happiness
And skips a beat
Each and every time
Thoughts of you
Come into vision
And spark wonderful
Cherished memories
Of a friend,
A gem
To be treasured
Everlastingly
In my heart!

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