Bitter Sweet Revenge

Bitter Sweet Revenge 

By Sis Unsworth

Valerie stood motionless in the doorway. A deep black cloud seemed to slowly devour her, like an early morning mist that appears from nowhere.

 She had been in a good mood when she arrived that morning. She loved her job as a carer at the Bluebell nursing home. The handover from the night shift had gone smoothly, all had gone well overnight.

The staff nurse had informed them of a new arrival, a Mr's Benson who had arrived the previous evening. She was in room 36, and would they all make themselves known to her. 

Valerie had been quite busy that morning, so it was just before lunch when she arrived at room 36. There she stood when a strange shiver went down her spine, as Mrs Benson looked up and smiled.

Something about her looked familiar, she looked just like a little old lady with a friendly smile on her face. Why then was she feeling this way about her? Trying to pull herself together, Valerie smiled, introduced herself, and welcomed Mrs Benson to the Bluebell nursing home. It was when she turned to leave, that something caught her eye. It was a photo on the bookshelf.

With a deep feeling of foreboding Valerie picked it up. “Who is the lady in this photo?” She enquired.

“Why that’s me!” Mrs Benson replied. “That was me when I was young, I haven’t always looked like this,” she laughed.

Valerie recognised the woman in the photo, it was her old school teacher, known then as Miss Hayden, or ‘the dark witch’ as they all called her. Slowly she replaced the photo, so the dark witch must have been married, who ever would have married her, Valerie pondered. She caught her breath muttered a few words and retreated from the room. 

All Morning she reflected on her discovery, ‘the dark witch’ had ruined her last year at school. All the girls had hated her, she seemed to love to humiliate them, especially in front of the boys. The cane was still in use in schools at that time, and the dark witch did not hold back from using it. Valerie decided not to tell the other carers, if they knew how she felt about Mrs Benson they might report her. However, she was burning inside for revenge which she was finding difficult to control. What made her more angry, was all the other carers thought well of Mrs Benson, saying what a kind old lady she was. This really infuriated her. Somehow she would make the dark witch show her true colours. She began by making Mrs Benson wait for everything when she was on duty. Valerie made sure she was always last to get her tea or receive her mail. Always last to get her meals or last being put to bed.

However, nothing seemed to annoy her, and the more Mrs Benson smiled and thanked her, the angrier she became.

It all came to a head one afternoon. Staff nurse was sorting out the medication, when she was suddenly distracted. Valerie took advantage of the situation; she took some tablets and slipped them into her pocket. Later, she dissolved them in Mrs Benson's tea before she left to go home. 

Valerie didn’t sleep too well, realising what she had done. She hurried to work the next day, and was first of her shift to arrive. The staff nurse was waiting for her. “Mrs Benson has had a bad night, she was quite sick,” she explained. “We have sent for the Doctor, and informed her next of kin who is her brother. He is waiting in the lounge. Would you go and keep him company? We have given him a cup of tea.” 

Valerie obeyed in silence realising the consequences of her actions. Reaching the lounge she found an elderly gentleman who introduced himself as Mr Hayden. “I am Mary’s Brother,” he explained.

“Sorry to hear your sister is poorly, she seemed alright when I left yesterday,” Valerie felt a wave of guilt pass through her. 

“I’m worried about her,” he said. “She moved here to be near me when her husband passed away. She is such a lovely girl, we get on so well, unlike her twin sister, we don’t get on at all!”

 

Copyright Sis Unsworth

 

 

  

 Her Secret Garden

By Sis Unsworth

 

Jill Made a secret garden, when her boys were young,

it was just behind the apple tree, sheltered from the sun.

She used to leave small presents there, as a special gift,

and the pleasure it created, always gave her such a lift.

Whenever the boys found one, excitedly they’d shout,

while Jill pretended she never knew, how those gifts came about.

Like sunrise and sunset, the clouds of time roll by,

you wake and realise, how fast the years did fly.

But nothing lasts forever, and so the past was laid,

then grandchildren came along, and in the garden played.

Again she loved to leave them gifts, behind the apple tree,

so when they found their treasures their faces filled with glee.

The secret garden filled her life for many many years,

The sounds of their excitement, brought music to her ears,

but once more the mist of time, swept away the laughter.

Though Jill was quite content, with the world that followed after.

She still sits in the garden, where she made that special place

As often treasured memories, are gifts we can’t replace.

Copyright Sis Unsworth

We Will Not Forget!

 We Will Not Forget!

By Sis Unsworth

They were indecisive, back then so long ago,

The weather unpredictable, they weren’t sure they would go.

The channel was so stormy, they were filled with gloom,

But a decision had to be made, and they had to make it soon.

The sailors and the soldiers, would face the stormy sea,

while the RAF would fly above, to help set Europe free.

At last they got the order, to face the angry tide,

those who were believers, prayed god was on their side.

They reached the Normandy beaches, early in the morning,

anxious that the enemy, had not had any warning.

Despite the bad conditions, they did their best to cope,

and by the end of that long day, Europe now had hope.

So remember eighty years ago, they fought without regret,

and the least that we can do for them, is never to forget!

 

Copyright Sis Unsworth

 

 

The Appointment

 The Appointment

 

By Sis Unsworth

 

George was feeling quite poorly, not himself from his point of view

He rang for a doctor's appointment, and was told he was in a queue

At first, he was quite patient, just waiting for his turn,

But after half an hour, he began showing some concern

A voice said they were busy, but would answer him real soon

So frequently they said it, it filled poor George with gloom

He heard the postman knocking, but wouldn’t leave the phone

It surely must be his turn soon, he had a silent moan.

George was feeling hungry, his breakfast had turned cold,

He wanted that appointment, so he continued to hold.

He noticed through the window, it had begun to rain

Earlier he’d put some washing out, it would now be wet again,

The dog was rubbing around his legs, impatient to go out.

“Why don’t you get the washing in,” he heard his wife cry out.

George was feeling so irate, when he heard a voice then say,

“All appointments are now filled, please call another day.”

 

Copyright Sis Unsworth

she realised the truth

 It was a long time before she realised the truth

By Sis Unsworth 

Jill had bought a mirror and placed it in the hall,

as time went by she realised, she wasn’t sure at all.

So she moved it to another place, but didn’t like it there,

she thought it might look better, closer to the stair.

Yet still she felt dissatisfied, something was still wrong,

she must find another place, while she was feeling strong.

Jill tried it in the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom too,

she couldn’t solve the mystery, she didn’t have a clue.

It was a long time, before she realised the truth.

Wherever she hung the mirror, it revealed her fading youth.

 

Copyright Sis Unsworth

 Jills first Easter Egg

By Sis Unsworth

Jill remembered her first Easter egg, all those years ago,

Sweets were still on ration then, but she’d been to young to know.

She remembered the counter, in Woolworths where they did stop

It was always exciting, when her aunt and mum, would shop

They told her of the Easter egg, and she couldn’t wait to see

The only eggs she ever saw, were those they had for tea.

And they were still on ration, she heard her mother say,

So buying a chocolate Easter egg, made it such a special day.

Jill was so excited, it was so hard to bare,

The egg was in a cardboard box, so they handled it with care

Life seems very different now, she reminisced with tears

such a special moment, to treasure through the years.

So as Easter came around again, she felt a bright warm glow

Remembering her first Easter egg, from all those years ago.

 

Copyright Sis Unsworth

 Mother Knows Best 

By Sis Unsworth 

Robin was so frightened and hoped it didn’t show,

His siblings were excited, but he didn’t want to go.

Their parents said “it won’t be long, before we all fly in the sky,”

but Robin had a fear of heights, and was sure that he would cry.

He really was so terrified, and hoped it wouldn’t show,

when the others were excited, and couldn’t wait to go.

He hoped he’d find the courage when it finally came around,

but the thought of being up real high, so far from the ground,

he confided to his mother, who wasn’t very kind,

she told him if he wouldn’t fly, he would be left behind

this so really frightened him, more than the fear of heights,

the thought of being home alone, kept him awake at nights.

When they awoke that morning, they knew it was the day,

Robin then prepared himself, he knew he must obey.

His mother pulled him close to her, and whispered in his ear,

“You will really love it child, so put away your fear.

I know, once I was just like you, when taking my first flight.

You will, like me, get used to it, and it will feel alright.”

So he got in front of her, and answered “Mum knows best,”

He was the first to flap his wings, and fly out of the nest.

 

Copyright Sis Unsworth

 We Walked to School

 

By Sis Unsworth

 

Through sunny days, or rain filled sky,

dense London smog, or freezing snow,

no cars for us to travel by,

through all seasons, we would go.

 

Small girls, some dressed in ankle socks,

no matter what the weather.

Hand-knitted scarves, and homemade frocks,

we walked along together

 

Past the old canal, and market square,

with more friends, we would rally.

Through dingy streets, we would chat in pairs,

As we walked down through the alley.

 

Though our skin was chapped, by wind and cold,

this was our life, we knew no other,

Walking to school now is a thing of old,

Now it’s off in the car, with Mother.

 

Copyright Sis Unsworth

Guardian Angel

Guardian Angel 

By Sis Unsworth

‘I would have liked a guardian angel,’ he heard the old man sigh,

‘I’ve never had much luck in life,’ he looked towards the sky,

I didn’t win the lottery, a race, or premium bond,

Or even bought that great big house, of which I’d been so fond,

I really had to work hard, no handouts there for me,

I couldn’t find a pot of gold, or shake the money tree,

If I’d had a guardian angel, what riches would be mine?

I’d be so very happy now, my life would be just fine.’

 

You didn’t hear the whisper or the murmur in the breeze?

‘But all your life I’ve been with you,’ the angel said with ease,

you never suffered illness or had to beg for more,

And who do you think protected you when you went off to war?

I thought you’d count your blessings when I helped you to this stage,

Others weren’t so lucky and never reached your age,

You’ve had a long and healthy life, but how little have you grown,

It’s now you’ll need me most of all ~ see how you cope alone.’

                                                   Copyright Sis Unsworth  

  

 The Wishing Well

By Sis Unsworth

I Walked along that summers day, when first I saw the Well,

A monument to life and hope, no secrets would it tell,

Forgotten dreams of bygone days, so softly guarded there,

Protected by the wishing well, no bounty would it share,

I endeavoured to approach it, and make my wish come true,

To change my life for better, I longed for pastures new,

But wishes like the ‘greener grass’ may not be all they seem,

Someone had been there before me, and shattered my dream.

They’d left a message on the well, “Remember all of you,

Be careful what you wish for, sometimes they do come true.”

 

Copyright Sis Unsworth

 

 Valentines Dilemma

By Sis Unsworth 

Coming up to Valentines, the birds began to sing

indicating nature was preparing now for spring.

Mary felt quite lonely, it really seemed so hard,

she wished like all the others, to get a Valentines card.

She knew the girls at work, would bring all their cards in,

to show them round the office, but she’d have none to bring.

She remembered back last year, it made her feel quite sore,

when Lucy from reception, proudly brought in four.

Valentines day was looming, so she had to think real quick,

to stop humiliation, she’d take a day off sick.

She confided in a close friend, who told her what to do,

She began to feel more confident, now that Valentines was due.

Her friend spoke quite softly, that it wasn’t a disgrace

there are ways of coping, with fear and losing face.

Like you never got cards, while others they got plenty

Her post box on Valentines day, was always bare and empty

Then she whispered in my ear, “it did affect my health

So now I take the easy way, I send them to myself!”

Copyright Sis Unsworth

We Invited Aunt Nellie

We Invited Aunt Nellie

By Sis Unsworth 

Aunt Nellie was an old lady, we heard was on her own

and had to spend all Christmas day, totally alone.

We had our family on the day, but they didn’t make a fuss

so we asked if she would like to come, and spend the day with us.

We did think she had had a drink, as she came through the door,

she tripped on our new carpet, and landed on the floor

we helped her up and she was fine, although she’d fallen flat.

Then when she chose where she would sit, she nearly squashed the cat.

We offered her a Christmas drink, we thought shed like a wine.

She said that she would help herself, that would suit her fine,

she started on the whiskey, then went on the port,

then almost got the brandy, if she hadn’t then got caught.

We all sat round the table, the plates were piled up high,

Nellie ate hers very fast, then sat back with a sigh.

No one wanted Christmas pud, except for Auntie Nell.

Then she asked for seconds with double cream as well.

We couldn’t hear the new King's speech, so loud our Nell did snore

her glass slipped from her hand, and smashed upon the floor

the noise it made woke her up, and she jumped up really quick,

she said she didn’t feel too good, and just then she was sick.

The car came round to take her home, I felt we’d done our best

it really had been busy, but tomorrow we could rest.

We said goodbye, and she did sigh, at that point, I was yawning,

“It has been great,” she said, “can’t wait, I’ll come back in the morning.”

Copyright Sis Unsworth

The Winds of Change

 The Winds of Change

 

By Sis Unsworth

 

When the essence of our Christmas fades,

the trees and the lights come down.

Seasonal bells still ring out, and echo through the town

children’s dreams and wishes, we hope have all come true

Friends and families gather round, to share hopes and memories too

But the winds of change now echo, with hope that it may bring

us glory and the wonder, and the signs of early spring.

Copyright Sis Unsworth

Rayleigh Mount (Nature 02)

 Rayleigh Mount 

By Sis Unsworth

 

A haven is nestled in the center of town,

a place to escape, when you’re feeling down.

The changing seasons bring, visions to behold.

From the clear glow of spring, to Autumns' pure gold.

The mysteries of nature are, too diverse to count,

Blend with pure harmony, in our Rayleigh Mount.

The image of life we all like to see,

a sanctuary for wildlife, abundant and free.

But fear is restrictive, when you go there alone,

I’ve heard some avoid, going there on their own.

Scared for their safety, in that secluded place,

the Mount would be empty, if fear had its way.

They should feel protected, then people would stay

if there were park keepers, protecting the mount,

It would be used more, on every account.

It may banish fear, and help others to see,

the beauty of nature, so natural and free.

But sometimes it's better, the devil you know,

To save Rayleigh Mount, from being a ‘no go’.

They have to save money, that may well be true,

If we can’t pay Park keepers, what else can they do?

I look to the future, and in my mind's eye,

I see it protected, by drones and AI.

 

Copyright Sis Unsworth

 

 We are running out of Time!

 

Sis Unsworth

 

We are running out of time, is what I hear them say.

The ice caps are all melting, pretty soon they’ll slip away.

The forests are diminishing, the wildlife’s going too.

Some say that it’s apparent, and there’s not much we can do.

We are running out of time, and Brexit’s still not done,

just like headless chickens, we’re forever on the run.

The roads are always packed, with people in a hurry,

We are running out of time, the meter needs more money.

I’d like to write much more, and continue with this rhyme,

But I have a writer's meeting, and I’m running out of time

 

Copyright Sis Unsworth

The Indian Summer

 The Indian Summer

By Sis Unsworth 

We had an Indian summer, that took us by surprise.

The colours of this autumn, are enhanced before our eyes.

Lovely dry warm afternoons, the sun in all its glory.

The nights beginning to draw in, but that’s another story.

People in their summer clothes, adorn the parks and streets,

packed tables outside restaurants, and queues waiting for seats.

Nature looked quite puzzled, not sure of anything,

The sky so blue, the earth so warm, it surely can’t be spring?

the Indian summer now is gone, seems it just moved on,

Nature now is less confused, awaiting winter's song.

Then on the weather forecast, someone mentioned snow,

so treasure all your memories, of that lovely autumn glow.

Copyright Sis Unsworth

The Appointment 2

The Appointment

 By Sis Unsworth

 George was feeling quite poorly, and not sure what he   should do.

 So he rang for a doctor's appointment, and was told he   was now in a queue.

 At first he was quietly patient, just waiting for his turn

 but after half an hour, he was showing some concern.

 A voice told him they were busy, but would answer him real soon,  

 so frequently they said it, that it filled poor George with gloom.

 He heard the postman knocking, but wouldn’t leave the phone

iIt surely must be his turn soon, he silently bemoaned. 

 George was feeling hungry, his breakfast had gone cold 

 he wanted that appointment, so still continued to hold 

 He noticed through the window, it had begun to rain. 

 He’d put his washing out earlier, it would now be wet again.

 The dog was rubbing round his legs, impatient to go out, 

 why don’t you get the washing in, he heard his wife then shout 

 George was feeling so irate, when the voice did say,

“All appointments have now gone, please call another day!”

 

Copyright Sis Unsworth

Wrong Time Wrong Place 

By Sis Unsworth 

“Are you sure you can’t find the ring?  I’m beginning to panic, I know I gave it to you at the stag night George.

“No, you didn’t, Bill, you were too busy chasing that girl.  My God the way you were acting, no one would think you were the one getting married. 

“Yes I do remember her, she was a bit of alright, she really did fancy me.  But I did give you the ring!” 

“No, you didn’t Bill, you were so into her you had no time to give me the ring.”

“I gave it to you just before we went on the Whiskey chasers when Bobby Smith tried to balance a glass of beer on the barman’s head and nearly got us thrown out…” 

 “No, you didn’t, you were kissing that girl when it happened.”

“No that was after, now for God's sake give me the ring!”

“Gentlemen, Gentlemen, can’t you borrow a ring just for the day and find it later?  How can you expect me to start this service while you are arguing all the time? Now can anyone lend us a ring?  Oh, too late the bride just ran out of the church!”

 

Copyright Sis Unsworth

                                                                                       

 Flash Fiction

By Sis Unsworth

Mary was a reader, and loved to spend her time,

with articles, haiku, and very often rhyme.

Mostly she loved Flash fiction, she read it when she could,

it helped keep her brain active, and made her feel so good.

Novels were too long for her, she couldn’t concentrate,

to find out how it ended, Mary couldn’t wait.

Flash fiction was the answer, it suited her just fine,

she’d read one in the checkout queue, when she was last in line.

A journey never bored her, she never made a fuss,

and always had one with her, when riding on the bus.

She took them to the doctors, in case she had to wait,

they always come in handy, when her takeaway was late.

But her favourite time to read, was when the clock struck nine,

when she could read Flash fiction, with a very large red wine.

 

Copyright Sis Unsworth

 The Beach Hut

By Sis Unsworth

Bob did so love to decorate, he really was a treasure,

he’d painted out this old beach hut, to him it was a pleasure.

It really looked a picture, the best hut on the beach,

he thought the new girl on the block, may now be in his reach.

Kay was such a pretty girl, who’d just moved down his street,

but all the local lads around, were also keen to meet.

Bob heard she owned a beach hut, in need of loving care,

with little hesitation, he was the first one there.

He helped her pick out colour paints, they found it so much fun,

For sure she would be pleased with him, when the job was done.

He had arrived this morning, on such a perfect day,

he knew she’d call in later, so he started right away.

There were so many beach huts, stretched along the sand,

certain this would be the best, he’d made it look real grand.

Bob cleaned it out so thoroughly, and painted it with care,

Kay said she’d come this afternoon, so would meet him there.

He thought she would go out with him, when the job was done,

So worked hard through the afternoon, until the setting sun.

Suddenly he saw her, as she came across the sand,

things were going perfectly, just the way he’d planned.

she looked so pleased to see him, it made him feel so good,

admired his work with wonder, just how he’d hoped she would.

Kay said “It looks so beautiful, the best one that’s for sure,

The only problem I can see is, my hut’s the one next door!!!”

 

Copyright Sis Unsworth