Solstice

On the shortest day of the year I’ve written this poem the winter solstice which funnily enough I’ve given the title Solstice I hope you enjoy the read

Solstice

The darkest day brings hope
light will return to our skies
as we prepare for the mid winter feast
to celebrate the solstice
excited, children talk about Santa
and the presents they requested
in the letters sent just after Halloween
and being off school for two whole weeks
we dont need no education not during the holidays
at their age they know not of the solstice
or why there is so little light
when school finishes
yet in summer it never gets dark
till almost midnight

© Gayle Smith 2021

When It Comes To Firsts

As I celebrate my club otherwise known as the famous Glasgow Celtic winning a historic quadruple domestic treble and setting a world record unlikely ever to be equalled let alone surpassed I couldn’t help but think that certain pundits and commentators really didn’t want us to win this afternoon. All through the commentary I couldn’t help but notice just how many of them had quite miraculously turned in to 90 minute Hearts fans. No doubt these people will try to undermine Celtic’s achievement for one very simple reason it wasn’t their team who achieved it. So bearing this in mind I thought I had better record my take on our achievement and why we should be proud of our club and our players for all they have given us in the last four seasons and also purely for a history lesson remind the anyone but Celtic brigade who masquerade as journalists of some of the other achievements they may be jealous of. I’ve given it the title When It Comes To Firsts. I hope you enjoy the read and if you’re a Celtic fan I’m pretty sure you will.

When It Comes To Firsts

It should have been played
in the early days of summer
but covid had other plans
now with no fans to cheer them on
Celtic and Hearts took the Hampden turf
to decide the destination of last season’s Scottish Cup
there was history to be made if our hoops played like we can
with excitement in the air supporters gathered round TV screens and IPlayers
to see whose dreams would come true
I knew the result I wanted
but haunted by recent displays
I feared that the pressure of being one game away from immortality
may prove too much to handle
as the game kicked off
it was Celtic who started the brighter
and goals by Christie and Edouard
who scored an Antonin Panenka like penalty
calmed my nerves on such an important occasion
we showed flashes of the inspiration
which had won us three successive trebles
now going for a fourth we were on course
in a first half in which we could have been five or six ahead.
when the referee blew for half time
but then we remembered this was Celtic
and we could see the potential for trouble ahead
so when Boyce scored for Hearts early in the second half
some of us began to get the jitters
and worried if our Christmas may yet be ruined
by too many Santa’s playing in our defence
it was Hazard who prevented a certain equaliser
when one on one with a Hearts forward
he produced a magnificent save
though in saying that their forward really should have scored
when that warning was ignored
it was no surprise when Kingsley eventually equalised
with a goal which should have been prevented
from then till the end of the 90 minutes.
our emotions were put through more ringers than a tumble drier
as plucky opponents attempted to make a liar of fate
if was to be our day we were doing it the hard way
and as extra time started it was Hearts who settled first
fearing our dream was about to be burst
I looked towards the sky and prayed
for a moment of magic
or maybe a miracle to deliver us the glory
it was then that our captain combined with our super sub
as Broony laid it on for Griffiths to put us 3-2 up
on the stroke of half-time in extra time to restore our advantage
but a Hearts side determined to fight to the last
were creating too many chances for my liking
and something told me there were more twists still to come
in this game that had everything
yes it was great entertainment for the neutral fans
but when as I feared, a Ginally goal saw Hearts equalise again
my nerves were in the shredder
as the fear of penalties loomed large
I began to ask myself all sorts of questions
would we regret taking Turnbull off
or substituting Edouard
all sorts of crazy theories started running through my mind
this was no 5-0 game where I could unwind for the last 20 minutes
knowing the job had been completed
we were up against a team who refused to be defeated
digging deep in to their resources of character and will to win
so it’s no exaggeration to say
when spot kicks came I was bricking it
I hated the idea of the cup being decided like this
but this was how it was going to be won
not in the summer sun but the winter cold
as the drama unfolded we were first to crack
Ryan Christie saw his effort saved by
Craig Gordon
but then our number 65 kept the quadruple dream alive
with an excellent stop
and when Mikey slotted home to level things up
the pressure was too much for the Tynecastle side and Hazard saved again
now it was up to Ajar to win the cup
and claim the glory of being the man
who made history in this Christmas final
delivering the quadruple treble
and setting a world record unlikely ever to be equalled
as he walked up to take the kick
the big Norwegian was as cool as you could get
and when in an unforgettable moment of sheer beauty
the ball hit the net I yelled at the top of my voice
I’m sure up there in heaven
my dad heard the thunder like noise and smiled
as he thought to himself we don’t just know our history
we create it setting records for others to chase
knowing our shadows can never be caught
by those in other jerseys
make no mistake we deserved this day
this achievement that some will underplay for only one reason
it wasn’t their team who achieved it
and the record books will remind them of this
and other facts
which no union flag can disguise
we were first to win six in a row
then we were first to nine and first to do it twice
we were the first and so far only Scottish club
to scale the dizzy heights of European glory
winning the big cup and writing the story
others look on with envy
so on this day of all days
we have every right to celebrate
as we remember with pride
that when it comes to firsts
nobody does it like Celtic

© Gayle Smith 2020

A Celtic Christmas Delivery

This poem is one many letters that Santa would have received over the festive season. It is written from a Celtic fan to give the world’s greatest gift giver a gentle reminder that as Celtic supporters we would like our main present to be delivered not on Christmas day but sometime in the spring and that present is of course the Scottish Premier League Championship. I’ve given it the title A Celtic Christmas Delivery , I hope you enjoy the read and if you’re a Celtic fan I’m sure you will.

A Celtic Christmas Delivery

Dear Santa

We never expect our greatest gift
to arrive on Christmas day
we know you’ve got
the  delivery booked
for paradise in May
to a club who really are
opened to all
with a fan based that’s truly eclectic
we play in the hoops
that the champions wear
we’re the famous Glasgow Celtic

© Gayle Smith 2019

Christmas Commandment

In this very autobiographical Christmas poem I look at the stress and panic of the last minute Christmas shopper as we set ourselves a Christmas commandment to have what society deems to be the best most enjoyable festive season ever. It is for this reason I’ve titled it Christmas Commandment. I hope you enjoy what I think will be a thought provoking read.

This picture taken at my local church shows a Christmas tree seated in front a picture of the three kings. This to me illustrates the conflict between faith and materialism which we all have to balance at this time of year

Christmas Commandment

Things to be bought

in the last minute rush

as I dash round the shops

risking death in the crush

why do I do this

well I don’t understand it?

every year it’s the same

like a Christmas commandment

with the shops full to bursting

we spend hours in the queue

it’s the day before Christmas

it’s a nightmare come true

as we panic and stress

over present decisions

we leave it to Jesus

to help in our mission

It’s a test of our faith

not to mention resolve

It’s the one day a year

when we’re all climbing walls

on this eve Santa visits

both the naughty and nice

for the babe in a manger

who would give us his life

© Gayle Smith 2018

Born In The Cold

This poem was written in 2012 and I wrote it in the hope it would  make us think a wee bit more on the true meaning of Christmas. It’s for that reason I titled it Born In The Cold I hope you enjoy the read.

Born In The Cold

Everyone rushes round the shops
or spends time on the net
to search for a million presents
just in case we forget
the long lost aunt or cousin
we haven’t seen for years
but buy for every Christmas
in a temporary moment of cheer

We’re stressed to the hilt at home and work
we never stop to pause
we max out all our store cards
in the name of Santa Claus
we never think about the poor
who live only minutes away
we don’t want them to invade our thoughts
not on Christmas Day

And yet 2,000 years ago a stable was the place
for a child to be born
who came to earth
as a gift for the human race
what would he say at the fact we neglect
the unemployed and old
the man who died for everyone
was the babe who was born in the cold

 © Gayle Smith 2012

Mince Pies

This poem may appear to be written on a favourite festive food, but look beyond the title and you’ll find it’s really about the greed and self satisfaction that Christmas can sometimes bring and the cold hearted indifference in our attitudes to others and especially to those most in need of our help. I’ve given it the title Mince Pies I hope you find it a challenging and thought provoking read. 

Mince Pies

Mince pies 

a festive favourite 

with custard or on their own 

hot or cold 

perfect with coffee 

or even Irn Bru

comfort food until twelfth night 

then they disapeer from view

till mid November

when suddenly we remember 

that Santa will soon be coming to town 

thanks to adverts and christmas songs 

which are played non stop

on TV screens and shopping centres

in an effort to get us 

to part with our money 

as consumerism runs riot

masquerading as the feel good factor 

we are all told we need 

in a land where greed is sold as good 

is it any wonder we need comfort food

we need mince pies 

to survive the harsh realities 

of the bleakest mid winters 

where those with cold hearts 

walk past shop doorways 

where the dispossessed lie sleeping

as Jack Frost haunts their dreams 

© Gayle Smith 2017 

A Good Result

This poem is written with love and respect for all who attend St Andrew’s Church in Baillieston and tells the story of our recent and highly successful Christmas Fayre I’ve given it the title A Good Result I hope you enjoy the read.
A Good Result
In a church rooted in the local community

the Christmas fayre was busy

my half 11 start meant I had missed

the chance of picking up a bargain

far from disheartened I spent my money

on home baking and small gifts for others

as I shared some chat with stallholders and a Rangers supporting Santa

who said l was on the naughty list

for supporting what he called that other mob

and telling me Santa didn’t come to Celtic fans on Christmas day

I said that was fine as long as he brought our presents in May

in the shape of flags and cups

on hearing this he gave up

as friends smiled and the only other Celtic fan in the parish

gave me a knowing look

next morning I was told we took in over four thousand pounds

on the day with money still being counted

so I think you could call it a success

and at a time when finances are streched

this is a good result
for a church that doesn’t stand still

and with boys and girls brigades and an active guild to support

we are rooted in our community

and when it really counts I am pleased to report

our community is rooted in us.

© Gayle Smith 20217

Beneath The Tree

It’s December so it must be blogmas. This is the time for Christmas themed posts on all things festive, so I start this year’s blogmas with a new poem entitled Beneath The Tree. I hope you enjoy the read.  

 Beneath The Tree 

Presents placed beneath the tree 

hopefully everyone gets what they’ve asked for

on Christmas eve it’s early to bed 

as everyone waits for a visit from Santa 

excited children watch from windows 

I remember when that was me 

on Christmas morning I’d get up early 

and see my presents

beneath the tree 

© Gayle Smith 2017

What I Got For Christmas Proves That I’ve Been One Of The Good Girls

Hey Readers

As everyone is always curious about what our friends got for Christmas I thought I share what I got on the blog.

As you will see in this collection of photographs Santa has been good to me and I have been a very lucky lady with all the presents I received.

Picture (1) Shows the presents I got from my friend Victoria who spoilt me far more than I deserved with gorgeous nail polish, a good quality face cream , and a stunningly beautiful Celtic broach.

Picture (2) Shows some of the River Island haul I got from the money Janette gave me. As you can see, I got a lovely pink long sleeved top and a two pack of black tights. Well black does tend to go with any colour so it works well with any outfit.

Picture (3) Demonstrates the fact that I can be a savvy shopper as I also bought the same top in white and I think you can just about see it in this shot.

Picture (4) Shows the rest of my River Island haul which I wore to the Watch Night Service to welcome in Christmas morning and I think you’ll agree it looks reasonably festive. Well as my friend Fiona says red is the Christmas colour and I like the idea of teaming it up with a black skirt and black sparkly tights to complete the festive look.

Picture (5) For my last picture in this post I have to thank my flatmate’s mum for her generosity as she gave me a Christmas bag with woman’s stuff and a box of roses chocolates which always go down well in our house.

You know, all things considered I think Santa was very good to me this year, but so he should be. Because I’ve heard it said, he knows if you’ve been bad or good so I think by his generosity to me and by what I got for Christmas Santa has proved beyond doubt that I’ve been one of the good girls.

Love And Best Wishes
Gayle X

The Day I Helped Santa Help A Hospice To Give The Greatest Christmas Gift Of All

Hey Readers It’s time to catch up on my Blogmas by sharing my 20th post. This one proves, that not only does Santa exist despite the Grinch’s best attempts to prove otherwise, but he’s also exceptionally busy. Honestly, if he’s preparing lists to deliver toys he’s in Buchanan Street doing charity work. This picture provides the evidence.

Picture (1) Santa Rings His Bells In Buchanan Street 

Now I know some of the skeptical amongst you will say he’s not real but believe me he is and when I spoke to him he said it was important that he did his bit for charity as there are lots of people who will need the help that charities provide during the festive season. The picture below shows the charity he and his team of helpers were collection for on this cold and busy winter Sunday afternoon.
Picture (2) Santa’s Sleigh Bus Has A Special Christmas Message 

I love this picture as it shows Santa’s sleigh bus emblazoned with a sign for  St Margaret’s Hospice. On what was a very busy day for me, I made sure that I stopped for a few minutes and donated what spare change I had to a very worthy cause.  I hope that by taking this action, I helped Santa give some families the greatest gift of all, the gift of care to their loved ones who are too ill to be at their tables and share Christmas with those they love most. 

Love And Best Wishes

Gayle X