WITH the negative report regarding the local Police force on the front page of Monday's Nottingham Post, surely it is time to take stock.
Police officers, especially constables, are hard-worked members of the community. They do a job that is vital to the continuance of our society.
I feel certain the problem lies higher up in the chain. Indeed, it is time any self-serving, detached factions at the top and in government, both local and national, are taken to task.
It is not too dramatic to say the local policeman stands between us and a growing criminal element that cares nothing for our physical safety and personal possessions.
We are often glibly told it is a matter of cost. We spend countless billions on destroying terrorists far from home. And yet whilst there is a decay in law and order back at home, nibbling away at our stable society, politicians close the purse and plead poverty.
ANTHONY WILKINSON
Clifton Road
Ruddington
I HAVE solved the problem of Christmas presents: just give money in a card.
No shopping, no crowds, no worries. Sorry, there is one worry – where to get the money from!
W DOE
St Albans Road
Arnold
Through the park I walk
And see the puddles we splashed,
Kicking wellies soaking me as I ran.
Crisp leaves in piles
That we kicked and threw.
Running from the warden
Hiding, giggling, hearts pounding.
I feel the warmth of your hand
As we share your glove
And the breeze of your breath
As you kiss my cheek.
A year has passed
And now in the drawer,
Where once were your clothes,
The glove lies.
I slip it on, and bend my fingers
Trying to feel the warmth.
But cold is the glove
And all I remember
Is last Autumn.
LEE HUTCHINSON
Church Drive
Hucknall
What a sad world we live in,
Causing up evil against one another,
Forcing ideals on our world,
Fighting and killing each other.
Most of these fanatics believe
That they are fighting for their faith,
Killing men women and children.
No deity would allow such a disgrace.
We all have our thoughts and beliefs,
We should all treat others with respect.
Innocent people are being slaughtered
Through their propaganda they inject.
No respect for our elderly,
In some care homes every day and night
Carers abusing our loved ones
Surely that cannot be right.
What is this world coming to
When some homes turn a blind eye
At the abuse that has been happening
When families are asking why?
I wish I knew all the answers
For this world to live in peace,
For mankind to take stock
And for all the atrocities to cease.
One day we will stand in front of our creator
To explain the actions we took.
He will then make a decision
Which he will write in his creator's book.
He is the only one who will judge us
For the things we all have done to mankind.
He will make a judgement on our life,
Taking everything into consideration and mind
MALCOLM BRADSHAW
Portland Road
Carlton
I've just had a baby and I'm full of joy,
My baby's a girl ,I thought I'd have a boy,
She's got blue eyes and golden hair
I think I just might call her Clair.
A nurse is coming down the ward and I don't even look,
I don't have any visitors so my head is in a book.
She walked across to my bed, small flowers in her hand,
She said that someone wants to wave and now I feel quite grand.
There standing in the hallway it made me feel so sad,
A handsome man in working clothes, it was my dear old Dad.
He didn't have no time to stay
He blew a kiss and walked away.
Dad came without a warning, what a great surprise,
You can't imagine all my tears they just ran from my eyes.
He whispered that he loved me, as the kiss came from his hand,
He couldn't sit and talk to me, but he knew I'd understand.
The other patients arose from bed
To wave their visitors home.
But the memory of Dad's visit
Made me glad I was alone.
JEAN TAYLOR
Barlock Road
Basford
In the chapel with the roses
And the candle flame so bright
People at their ease
Asking peace and health in sight.
In the chapel with the roses
The scent of love aware
All union of nations
For love and peace adhere.
In the chapel with the roses
Morning noon and night
The flickering of the candle
Catching prisms' calm delight.
As the day comes to a close
And the prayers of all who brought
A faith, a hope of being
And a freedom to be sough
DOROTHY McGOUGH
Larchdene Avenue
Wollaton