Page 5 - summer edition2 2023

index
Cake

A Poetry Group, led by Pat Yates, is held once a month in most months of the year, for people who like to
write poetry from ballads to limericks, sonnets to doggerel. Each attendee at the group, if s/he prefers, is

invited to bring a poem which the person liked and would like to share. Frequently there is a suggested

topic and - almost always - cake.

On one recent occasion there was a hiatus while ideas for subjects was agreed. Then someone’s eyes saw

the crumbs on the plates and, half seriously, suggested Cake. The idea, first laughed off, was agreed and
five writers agreed that their verses could be offered for News and Views. These verses, as with so many
cakes, are offered as separate slices - some here and some later in the edition.

The power of Cake

Cake walk The light in her eyes is set with just the right tone
Cake talk Enhanced sparkle and warmth.
Poetry on the rise.
Her smile adjusted to ‘So pleased you’re here’,
Hazel Dawkins Arms and posture signalling ‘Welcome’.

A weary souls steps over the threshold

Kindness drawing her in
Unsure if what she carries is permitted.

Should she leave her battered heart at the door?

But no, just boots are shed

With carpet soft and sumptuous
Feet sinking
Family portraits of togetherness on the wall,

An enfolding sense of homeliness

Causes her to pause

and ponder notions of belonging.

Through latched and wooden door
Sweet, enticing aromas
Bring her to a sanctuary
Where logs and fire glow.

Teacups clink and kettles steams,
And then there is cake

Magnificent and freshly baked
Currants plump, apple moist and mesmerising.

‘A piece of cake?’

A cake of peace.
Tension draining from her very bones.
In that moment, a friendship sealed.

Nikki Vesey

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