The Wedding by Marga Brodie

Has the big day arrived at last
or is it all a dream
when first we started to plan and plan
from food to colour-sheme.
As every mother of a bride
will quickly need to learn
leave notes and notes and further notes
at every twist and turn.
Another list has to be made
whom shall we invite
not too many for the groom
we need more for the bride.
We suddenly remember
aunts and uncles galore,
some we have not seen for years
some hardly met before.
Must we ask Joe and Auntie Bee
would hardly call them family,
then there is Bessie so plagued by gout
will she be hurt if she’s left out.
There is a lovely shop in The Square
they call it “All-in-White”
they specialise in bridesmaids’ wear
and heavenly gowns for the bride.
For me I do know what I need
a dress to make me look slim,
with lots of shining glittering beads
and a hat with a feathery brim.
Book the Shool, book the Hall
the flowers will be pink,
the caterer’s menu has been picked
be sure to order the drink.
Now for the father of the bride
I can see trouble brewing,
as all we hear from him day and night,
this is financial ruin!
But how his chest will swell with pride
when with the Callah by his side
he prays, Hashem please bless this pair
let them be happy for many a year.
All went of well, the food was great
we danced and danced till it was late.
The speakers excelled, especially the Rov
who wished them Mazel from heaven above
the groom gave a Dvar Torah as befits a learned man
and nobody complained over the seating-plan.

So another faithful home will be built
To keep our People alive,
thereby our destine by fulfilled
by a young Jewish husband and wife.
 

The Tree by Marga Brodie

A man planted a sapling in the middle of a field
“grow up tree and much bessing may you yield”.
As the years went by the tree grew tall
and proved a blessing to one and all.
How green your leaves, how strong your trunk
deep in the soul your roots have sunk
now you are a haven for birds in their nest
and the squirrel too in you finds rest
your branches reach out to embrace the sky
a feeling of awe, a feat for the eye.
At midday when the sun is hot
your shade the reapers request
refreshed by food and cooling drink
for this the tree be blest.
The man who so lovingly put you into the ground
did he realise how much pleasure would be found
from such a simple, easy task
the blessing spread forth for which he did ask.

With a friendly smile, a kindly word
A sapling we can also sow
To bring happiness into a fellowman’s heart.
This too will grow and grow.