Pete is a member of the committee.

Autumn
Though it may pitter-patter, or rattle ’gainst the panes,
we always welcome refreshing autumn rains.
Soaking into thirsting soil and very soon is seen,
atop the withered brown grass, a hint of new-leaf green.
Then as if by magic, it happens overnight -
mushrooms dotted all about, their domes so snowy white.
It sometimes seems the old Earth tries one final fling
and just before cold winter, has a second try at spring.
Despite no brilliant flowers, there still are some delights
as red and amber autumn leaves create a wondrous sight.
Burgundy, bright yellow, gold, are all seen in the mix,
as leaves have gently floated down and left bare winter sticks.
© Pete Stratford 17.3.10


Winter Olympics
Olympics in winter, when snow and ice abound,
from Earth’s every corner, contestants gather round.
They vie to win the trophies of bronze and silver, gold,
with wondrous performances, so skilled, and oh so bold.
Rotating off the ski jump, or flying through iced air,
to land with such precision, it seems without a care.
Those figure-skating couples, so lithe, fit and athletic,
make me feel so clumsy, slow and just pathetic!
Cross-country over snowfields they ski, shoot, ski some
more,
with stamina and skill, out in weather bleak and raw.
In both the luge and bobsled, they rocket down the slope,
at speeds my eyes can’t follow, I haven’t got a hope.
At half-pipe, and ski racing, these athletes do amaze,
with skills for which they’ve sacrificed so many of their days.
A lifetime some have practised for just a chance to hold
that shiny metal disc, known as Olympic Gold.
© Pete Stratford 2010