Poems By Mary

The garden surrounded by four
With notions and ideas to the fore
My garden is offending? Yet no thought from another
Bees love the wilding of nature
Pollen essential for the survival of us all
Dear neighbour with your tidy lawn
Hedge trimmed to perfection
Stones white on a bed of underlay
No weed dare show  its desire for growth
Hark thee neighbour
With the obsession of neat and tidy lawn
Plastic turf with paving slabs dotted here and there
A plant pot sitting on its perch
With an orderly manner on what must grow
Without encroaching
A tidy mind with little thought
Lacking the wisdom of co- dependence
The bees are not our enemy
Mankind is their own worst enemy
Without the buzz of busy bees
Flitting from one plant to another
Mankind would cease to exist on planet earth
Giving an opportunity to create anew
Mankind shows its presence
How will mankind evolve to become again
A dominant force to be reckoned with
Nature creationism has spread throughout
Wilding the planet
How long will this force of nature ?
Sustain the march of a life force bending to its
will
The tree with its sap
roots embedded deep within the crust of earth
Spreading its tentacles
sharing its strength of growth
A labyrinth of passageways underground
gripping the soil with a network of tunnels
with rivulets of water nourishing all in its path
Solitude broken with the sound of nature
Gentle yet can be foreboding
The ant marching up the hill with its burden carried on its back
The rabbit or hare scurrying to and fro
The squirrel collecting the nuts falling from above
Burying their hoard for future consumption
Darkness falls
The owl with its eyes fixated on what can be seen
Swooping down from its perch
A meal to be caught
The fear and trembling of tiny four footed creatures of the night
Nature is as nature does
Survival of the fittest is the order of life
The tiger kills with the speed of light
The cat plays with the mouse
Mankind yet again makes his presence
Centuries come and go
Small steps of progress are made
With the passing of time
the leaps and bounds of mankind
Shaping the world
Forests disappear to never reappear
Areas of land cultivated to feed the hungry
Mankind can be brutal with its need for survival
The wheels turning from one year to the next
A hundred years of change
There is no crystal ball allowing us a peep
Centuries come and centuries go
Will the life force of the future ?
Be on Planet Earth?
Or out there somewhere in outer space
A galaxy of stars and planets that has been found
Planet Earth may be no more
Having imploded owing to the existence of Mankind ?
Mary G Douglas

O’ ye ‘ who protests too much or 

ye ‘ who protests too little 

Double standards ‘ not playing the game 

One has to ethically draw the line 

Is it fair to middling ‘ or according to one’s 

interpretation? 

There is no rhyme or reason ‘ to the old adage 

What are rules?  There to be broken 

What is in it for me ? Says Principle ? 

As long as l can keep my credibility?

A word ‘ with double standards ? 

Not what you do ‘ as long as not found out ‘ after all says Principle’ l have my reputation 

An upstanding pillar of society ‘ my character 

characterised? by how l see me ‘ in the mirror 

What do you see Principle ? 

Naturally beyond public criticism ‘ 

A pillar of society ‘ as l am portrayed  ‘ after all 

my upbringing ‘ gave me standards’ to set me for life 

I have no need for pausing ‘ on one’s set of standards 

Got me this far ‘ no need to question 

I am the finished article ‘ after all my upbringing ‘ says it all.

I need no lessons on standards of behaviour ‘

Life has many trip wires ‘ socially ‘ and all the other ally’s 

Principe ? can you identify a common error ?

As we all journey through life socially and professionally’ 

Principle’ when l stand in front of my mirror ‘ l see but one reflection ‘ l see myself ‘ as others see me ‘ 

Principle ‘ if judged by others ‘ as not seeing you ‘ as you have pre- judged 

The mirror in the wall ‘ how can it be flawed ?

I see myself as a pillar of society ‘ to be trusted and revered ‘ 

The world keeps spinning on its axis ‘ parallel to the world of those whose ‘ EGO ‘ is spinning with an Ego ‘ we all have one ‘ at home and abroad 

After all ‘ my upbringing gave me standards to set me up for life 

Principle ? as Time marches on ‘ society changes ‘ and can be confusing ? Basic good manners ‘ a mutual respect ‘ 

What is good for the goose ‘ is good for the gander ‘ so it was said ‘ 

Principle ? this begs a question ? the modern world ‘ we all live ‘ work and sleep in’ not according to one’s upbringing ‘ 

As dictated by our generation ‘ 

Different approach to what is considered’ 

Life is a journey of exploring ‘ 

What may be appropriate in one environment ‘ 

yet does not meet the standards ‘ expected 

in another ? 

Principle ‘ does this give one food for thought ‘

on appreciating ‘ 

Life is not all about ‘ moi’.  a modern malaise 

A code of practice ‘ on how one projects one’s image 

Immaterial ‘ to one’s upbringing 

Does not require an Ma ‘ only a degree of common sense 

How one stands out ‘ by no fault ‘ or by default one is judged ‘ 

Society ‘ nowadays ‘ one gets mixed messages 

No wonder children and teenagers ‘ in todays world ‘ are confused ? 

When adult behaviour professionally and socially ‘ give out mixed messages ?

Principle ?  ‘ have you an opinion ‘ on the matter of ‘ principles ‘ on how one should take into consideration ‘ considerations of others ? 

It is my opinion ‘ that my upbringing gave me an opinion on ‘ that is Crystal clear ‘ as l look in the mirror ‘ according to my upbringing ‘ 

has set me up for life . 

Mary G. Douglas 

The day after Christmas’ every crumb eaten 

Was the day to commence the ritual

Stamp collecting ‘ in 1943 essential 

A laborious weekly ritual ‘ if want the Ingredients 

Sugar’ Flour’ mixed dried fruit ‘ dried egg ‘ plus 

Stamp collecting ‘ for the Christmas Cake 

1944 

Mum kept the packets of goodies on a high shelf in the cupboard 

Time passing as Time does ‘ week in week out 

Every four weeks ‘ enough stamps ‘ for one packet of an essential 

Spring came and spring ended with June bringing summer in her wake ‘ meanwhile the packets ‘ with their ingredients for a cake ‘ collection looked enticing ‘ up there on the upper shelf ‘ 

Meanwhile ‘ l was growing ‘ fast and furious ‘

Summer ‘ said goodbye ‘ hello Autumn ‘ the seasons in the Forties were predictable’

I loved Autumn ‘ more than Summer ‘ too hot’ all looked dry ‘ our daily walks to and from Princes Street Gardens ‘ or the Meadows ‘ continually harassed by mum ‘ walk properly ‘ l am walking plopely ‘ never could say the darn word properly ‘ amusing myself ‘ running one buckskin white gloved finger ‘ along the tops of window sills ‘ in & out of the iron railings‘ imagine ‘ one dressed with hat’ bonnet with a loop & tassel’ all to match ‘ buckskin shoes with white socks ‘ mum to busy ‘ a pram with baby sister needing attention ‘ there was a satisfaction ‘ only one blackened buckskin gloved finger ‘ to keep me amused ‘ could have blackened the lot ‘ 

Princes Street ‘ my favourite walk ‘ blessed with a mum ‘ who patiently prepared us daily ‘ for a walk ‘ out in the sunshine ‘ freedom from the grey of the block of flats ‘ street pavements ‘ 

Mum groaned ‘ when l held up my gloved hand for inspection ‘ par for the course ‘

one could not climb a tree ‘ walk along a low set wall ‘ had to do something ‘ one act of rebellion ‘ 

Autumn was kind ‘ warm and inviting ‘ the beauty of the trees ‘ leaves changing colour ‘ 

chestnuts on the ground ‘ knowing ‘ when home ‘ placed on a shovel ‘ til roasted ‘ and splitting ‘ a treat well remembered’ 

As the weeks passed ‘ winter ‘ reared its head ‘

Soon to be ‘ wearing a frosty white mantel’ and nipping the tips of my fingers ‘ 

Mum relieved ‘ our daily routine of an afternoon walk to and from a park or Princes Street ‘ it was not possible to blacken a buckskin gloved finger ‘ as the snow covered all ‘ including the railings ‘ 

around middle of November ‘ my eyes drawn upwards ‘ the cupboard door easily opened ‘ eyes widened’ quite a selection ‘ 

l fetched a chair ‘ found now tall enough ‘ hand stretched ‘ able to wrap my fingers round a packet ‘ quickly jumped off the chair ‘ placed where it belonged ‘ under the kitchen table ‘ 

Went into the walk - in  cupboard off the parlour ( our bedroom during the night ‘ l turned the packet upside down ‘ carefully opening it ‘ Wow !!! full of shiny cherries ‘ ate the lot ‘ when coast cleared ‘ chair in position’ climbed on ‘ stretched my hand upwards’ positioned correctly ‘ this became a weekly practice ‘ mxd fruit ‘ what next ‘ end of November ‘ mum made a decision ‘ the deal table opened up ‘ ideal for baking ‘ mixing bowl ‘ etc; crumbs ! the day of reckoning ‘

she took down the packets ‘ tops all sealed ‘

an odd look of puzzlement ‘ on her face ‘ as she gave each one a shake ‘ l stood there ‘ motionless ‘ watching every move ‘ felt l was encased in a dream ‘ slow motion ‘ then the erruption’ as she shrieked ‘ l was off ‘ the day of retribution ‘ when rumbled ‘ 

mum ‘ said not a word ‘ quietly putting all back in place ‘ the packets’ re positioned on the upper shelf of the cupboard 

Hmmm’ thought l ‘ got off with scoffing my way through the ingredients for the Christmas cake .

Dad arrived home from work ‘ mutter mutter ‘ 

Both made their way to the cupboard ‘ dad picked up ‘ one by one ‘ looked in the packets ‘ he turned ‘ he and l making eye to eye contact 

Nearly five years of age ‘ my eyes ‘ soulful and wide ‘ dad burst out laughing ‘ and mum stood still ‘ her face a picture ‘ now what ? 

An amused look spread over her face ‘ and l was left standing .  

All and sundry ‘ of visits from neighbours’ the tale told of the reason’ why no Christmas Cake 1944

Unbeknown to me ‘ it was a community of 3’

 neighbours’ each with the task of baking for Christmas’ then sharing ‘ 

No word said: Amusement high saved the day 

A Christmas to remember and enjoyed 

Mary G. Douglas 

Judge thee   ‘ not me  ‘ that is the question  

Who is that person ‘ in the mirror ? 

It is l ‘ who is l ‘ ? 

A true image ‘ of me ‘ who is me ? 

I am ‘ the person ‘ who l see ‘ in the mirror 

I have an Ego ‘ my sense of self ‘ 

In a Court of Law ‘ there is a jury ‘ 

Chosen from the public ‘ twelve with impeccable backgrounds’ Judged by whom ? 

Based on what ? 

A lifetime of living a life ‘ true and straight 

Never been in trouble ‘ stick to the ‘ Rule of Law ‘

Behind the curtain ‘ of one’s abode 

The Master ‘ the Mistress of all l survey 

The neighbour on my left ‘ of my abode 

His hedge ‘ it is blocking the view of the sea ‘

The neighbour on my right ‘ is complaining 

My fence is eight foot high ‘ newly erected 

The local authority ‘ has agreed with him

The fence is two foot above ‘ legislation 

Yet the neighbour on my right ‘ is not obliged to cut his hedge ‘ 

Why should l please one ‘ when not best pleased ‘ by another 

Mediation’ has the potential to form an opinion 

Meeting halfway ‘ mutual respect ‘ 

I cannot imagine ‘ this being possible ‘ 

His tone ‘ when putting forward his opinion 

It is patronising ‘ my point of view ‘ does not appear to matter 

Have you considered ‘ it is not intended ‘ 

Well ‘ there is the matter ‘ of an eight foot hedge 

The matter is not for discussion’  

The neighbour on my right ‘ he is not respecting 

My need for isolation’ my rights being eroded 

I am not amused ‘ what is my neighbour ‘s problem ?

All he would see ‘ is a view of my abode ‘ if l lower my fence by two feet ‘ 

What l would see ‘ is a messy garden ‘ a house with a door ‘ in need of a coat of paint ‘ 

You want a view of the sea ‘ blocked by the height of a hedge 

All it needs is chopped by two feet ‘ 

then l could see the horizon ‘ beyond the sea 

I am six foot tall ‘ the hedge ‘ six foot in height ‘

What would you see ‘ 

The sea ‘ the horizon ‘ l feel claustrophobic 

This would ‘ improve my health. 

My horizon on my left is restricted’ 

My privacy on my right ‘ would be invaded 

The world we live in ‘ is full of limitations ‘ 

Many created ‘ self inflicted ‘ others owing 

to being affected ‘ 

Compromise is ‘ who bats the first ball ? 

Why should l ‘ have done nothing wrong ?

Based on what ‘ on what assumptions ‘ 

When l look in the mirror ‘ l see my reflection ‘

l am self - aware of my compassion ‘ 

An ability to know ‘ if in the wrong ‘ 

Apart from that ‘ why should l make the first move 

After all ‘ l am an upright citizen’  never been in trouble with the law ‘ 

On the left ‘ l have a neighbour depriving me a view of the sea 

On my right ‘ l have a neighbour depriving me the right to my privacy.

The world we live in ‘ to the left ‘ the right ‘ to the north and south ‘

My space is my right to protect 

Why should l give one inch of space ‘ to my neighbour on my  left 

Why should l give one inch of space ‘ to my neighbour on my right 

The world is similar ‘ creating pain and sorrow 

The years roll by ‘ one gets older ‘ as do the other ‘ to the left and the right ‘ north and south ‘

The invisible barrier ‘ is within us all ‘

The inability to see both points of view ‘ 

Neither is wrong or right ‘ yet the person in the middle ‘ has this dilemma’ who pleases who ? 

The image in the mirror’ reflected back ‘ 

It is ‘ l’ who is ‘ l’  

A true image of me ‘ who is me ?

I want ‘ l need ‘ to open up my horizons ‘

I feel trapped ‘ not knowing which way to turn ‘

Yet l want my privacy ‘ is it not my right ? 

There is a price to pay ‘ if one looks in the mirror ‘ 

My opinion on the matter ‘ on my right ‘ and the matter on my left ‘ 

If l accept the status quo ‘ l am faced with a decision 

To accept l cannot change ‘ what is on my left ‘

but can change the height by two feet ‘ the fence on my right ‘ 

By lowering the fence by two feet ‘ both myself and my neighbour ‘ of similar height 

Accepting ‘ my neighbour ‘ and ‘ his approach to life .

On my left ‘ the hedge ‘ restricting my horizon ‘

 the need to get out of my comfort zone ‘ 

Look for another way ‘ to see the sea ‘

If l leave my home ‘ and walk to the end of the road ‘ 

I see the sea’ in all its glory ‘ not always calm ‘

There are occasions ‘ the view not to my liking 

As with life ‘ those we love ‘ and hold dearly 

As with the sea ‘ we are at times ‘ all at sea ‘ 

Often in life ‘ we have uncharted waters ‘

Love ‘ mutual respect ‘ not judging ‘ another 

The image in the mirror ‘ is a reflection of our own Ego 

Who are we to judge another ‘

The dynamics of the lives of others ‘ and ‘ Love ‘ mutual request ‘ of those close ‘ families ‘ true friends ‘ 

No malice intended’ misunderstanding’s and assumptions ‘ are not ‘ insurmountable ‘ if one can look in the mirror 

Judge thee ‘ not me 

Mary G. Douglas 

We now have a virtual world 

Algorithms used to alter reality 

0n a journey ‘ in one’s imagination 

Be what we want to be ‘ not who and what we are ‘

The real world ‘ can be altered’ 

If not in full control of the facts ‘

Creating a fantasy in one’s mind 

Truth ‘ if one cannot reach the point’ 

accepting ‘ a break in the ‘ circuit of life’s journey 

The point of the day of reckoning ‘ 

The day one ‘ pauses for reflection 

Is the day of self retribution’ the regrets

over decades past ‘ the ‘ if only ‘ l would now be ‘

What would one now be ? 

Wealthy ‘ regretting the money spent over the years ?

Money is not always the panacea to contentment 

Peace of mind ‘ if one can be self - forgiving 

When the day one’ pauses for reflection 

When Fiction meets Fact at the Crossroads of one’s life 

Which road is the road  ‘ for moving forwards 

Senior years ‘ decades of building bricks ‘

To live in a house of contentment’

The events of one’s childhood ‘ can be one of amusement 

The more we think we know ‘ the less we know 

The journey to adulthood ‘ an apprenticeship 

the errors of judgement ‘ on reflection ?

Tempered with the passing of time ‘ irrelevant 

If one can reflect ‘ one has tried one’s best 

No one has a crystal ball ‘ if lack of understanding on one’s journey ‘ of the needs of those close to your heart 

are not kept on par ‘ with the why ? 

The world inhabited by children ‘ is not

the world inhabited by adults ‘

adults wrapped up in the moment’ lacking the understanding’ when their comfort zone is interrupted’ 

By the actions of ‘ what is the only option 

Aged ten ‘ found myself moving house 

The familiar streets of Edinburgh ‘ my childhood friends ‘ no goodbyes ? 

On reflection ‘ preference was my life on the streets of Edinburgh 

Suburban life ‘ was a leap ‘ unprepared ‘ 

Loving parents ‘ a new beginning ‘ with little understanding? 

The Paradox of how a new beginning ‘ left one mourning for the old ‘ 

Still had to share a bedroom ‘ with two siblings 

The trip to the local wash house for mum ‘ 

Seamless ‘ huge tub for doing one’s washing 

The huge array of dryers ‘ a blessing 

The friendships built up ‘ the camaraderie ‘

the play area for children ‘ exciting 

The journey to and from one’s home to “ The Steamie ‘ 

The large laundry needs ‘ whites ‘ collected by ‘ the private company ‘ all returned pristine ‘

Out in the suburbs ‘ in our new home ‘ 

It was a large tub ‘ with wash board and wringer ?  

Clothes line in the rear garden ‘ wet or dry washing according to the weather ?

Progress ??  methinks not ‘

when asked by mum to assist ‘ ca’ ing the handle of the roller ‘ 

The only respite ‘ we had a bathroom ‘ 

Yet still had a longing for the old life of my childhood 

The only difference was ‘ the bath ‘ 

Outside the door of the flat ‘ the city streets familiar 

Princes Street ‘ the Meadows , Corstorphine Hill 

Portobello ‘ within waking distance 

Tolcross School ‘ much loved ‘ a wrench 

The house in the suburbs ‘ outside the door 

A world ‘ of change ‘ to a ten year old ‘ 

Within a year ‘ altered with an event ‘ similar to the recent Pandemic’ 

Tuberculosis’ the scourge of the Fifties ‘

Dad was removed from our lives ‘ with no little warning 

The child overnight became an adult ‘

Two years and more ‘ our family unit ‘ broken 

Fortunately’ we had caring extended family which cushioned the blow 

The loss of our dad ‘ mum left to take on the role ‘ a single parent of a family of five 

On reflection my apprenticeship of childhood ‘

Shaped me for the adult world ‘ 

This is a story ‘ the story of my generation 

Life is not fair ‘ said l ‘ when complained ‘ a few dishes ‘ my task as a five year old ‘ 

Life is not fair ‘ replied mum ‘ finish the task ‘ and dry them properly 

Decades times seven plus ‘ 

I give thanks for the parents ‘ who taught me well 

If one is faced with adversity ‘ one just rolls up one’s sleeves ‘ 

Have you got a right elbow ? said mum

When at one of Life’s crossroads ‘ 

Stopped me in my tracks ‘ switching my attention 

At the end of a telephone ‘ in a local phone box 

Stood silent ‘ then came the ‘ punchline ?

The voice of mum ‘ 60 miles between us ‘

Use it ‘ said she ‘ phone went silent 

This was the defining moment ‘ as l left the phone box ‘ the road ahead ‘ mapped out ‘

On reflection ‘ the road ahead ‘ with its twists and turns ‘ 

A journey for each and everyone at home and overseas 

Pointless ‘regretting’ the road ahead for us all 

mapped out ‘ 

Everyone has a story to tell ‘ the telling of the story ‘ is another matter .

Fact of life ‘ if the journey told ‘ is a journey of losses and gains ‘ errors of judgement ‘ natural to us all ‘ 

Career choices ‘ personal choices ‘ such is life 

Hurting no other ‘ yet ‘ growth of ourselves ‘ 

as out of adversity ‘ a challenge faced ‘ 

still in charge’ of one fundamental fact 

when moving onwards and upwards ‘ 

The virtual world ‘ a world of fantasy ‘ cannot give escapism ‘ 

Those words ‘ held fast ‘ dad’s wisdom’ when aged sixteen ‘ 

always be the keeper of your own soul:

And the eyes are the mirror of the soul:

Life is an adventure ‘ it’s a journey ‘ with many twists and turns ‘ 

On reflection ‘ the decades past ‘ 

Now a memory ‘ of acceptance ‘ my apprenticeship of childhood ‘ in preparation for adulthood ‘

The more l think l know ‘ the less l know ‘ 

The fireside chair  can wait ‘ not yet ready ‘ 

Life is an adventure ‘ it’s a journey ‘ with many twists and turns’  

No virtual world ‘ no fantasy desired ‘ 

The real world ‘ we have no crystal ball’

Not yet ‘ the finished article ? 

Mary G. Douglas 

What is the difference between ‘ 

having a conversation and a blether ?

When men meet up ‘ behind the bar 

of their favourite drinking den ‘ a den

being the space ‘ where men congregate 

be it hotel or the local pub ‘ one can spot 

the ‘ this is our domain ‘ there is an aura 

be it a sideways glance ‘ 

What is the difference between’ having 

a conversation and a blether?

Worked behind the bar of an upmarket hotel 

Six decades ago ‘ those who propped up the bar ‘ mainly men ‘ their conversations’ were not private ‘ as their murmurings ‘ filtered ‘

into the quiet space of the bar ‘ the area designated ‘ the barmaid or barman ‘ were privy to many a conversation ‘

albeit between two men ‘ or when a few ‘

unaware that every word spoken ‘ 

interestingly’ the whispering’ more audible ‘ 

This begs a question ? 

Why is it that men engage in conversation ? 

whereas women engage in having a blether ? 

Regardless of how academically educated ‘

a woman of senior years ‘ having a neighbourly chat ‘ be it ‘ a discussion on how to get rid of weeds ? or an observation on ‘ political matters ‘ local or general ‘ 

the general consensus of men ‘ regardless ‘ 

of the academic ‘ coupled with life experiences of women have reached the point of ‘ seniority ‘whereas men ‘ consider themselves ‘ as one of the lads ?  despite the ageing process ‘ creaky knees ‘ a heart condition ‘ the use of a walking stick ‘ as they hobble down to their local ‘ with a throwaway remark ‘ to their long suffering partner ‘ when will dinner be on the table ?  popping down to the local ‘ to have a pint with the lads ‘ 

Over the decades ‘ many changes take place ‘ 

Equality for all ‘ yet who is calling the shots ?

Men are not ‘ in general ‘ found keen to go shopping ‘ hang about long - browsing ‘ yet not necessarily buying ‘ a pastime shared by most women ‘ 

Women in general are not  found keen to go to the local ‘ to have a blether ‘ as proven ‘ with the years of working behind a bar ‘ where men are territorial ‘ huddled together ‘ having a chat‘  unbeknown to them ‘ their chat overhead  by the bar staff ‘ if working alone ‘ highly amused ‘ as often the conversation is on a level of what one hears ‘ when working in a kindergarten or junior school playground ‘schoolboy jokes ‘ ribald or mundane ‘ a form of blethering ‘ throwing off the mantle of ‘ serious business or political matters ‘ unwinding it is considered ‘ essential for relaxing ‘ a form of therapy .

Confidentiality’ assured ‘ bar staff known for their neutrality ‘ what one heard ‘ left unspoken 

The measure of the person ‘ or persons ‘ buying a drink ‘ fully assessed by bar staff 

serving behind the bar ‘

Modern society has changed ‘ unspoken rules of behaviour ‘ the confidante’ is there now such a thing ? let it all be out there ‘ in the media ‘ rightly or wrongly ? 

Judge thee not me ‘ let the one without sin ‘ cast the first stone .

Mary G. Douglas