2020 Writing Contest
POETRY : SECOND PLACE
Neighbours
Marianne Cole
We usually think of neighbours As just the guys next door But there are often times A neighbour is much more . For sure it is the helping hands That are so freely given And go so quickly back and forth Whene ’ er the need ’ s arisen . Or then there are the special times That neighbours get the call Like branding in the springtime Or drives home in the fall . But yet the role of neighbour Can often go beyond When news of trials and hardships Cause far-off strangers to respond . A tragedy ’ s reported And hearts kick into gear With thoughts of love and caring They quickly volunteer .
And distance is not a barrier To giving with the heart In ways distinctly varied As many do their part . The help may come in money In time , or goods , or words But each so specially given By compassion each is spurred . Yes a neighbour can be someone Who ’ s really close at heart And feels the grief , the hurt , the loss And now some comfort does impart . So you see , it ’ s just not living Beside the guy next door But the role of being a neighbour Is really so much more . It ’ s sharing , caring , helping As each one does a part But most of all it ’ s giving With an understanding heart .
The last of the 2020 Writing Contest winning entries . Winners of the 2021 Writing Contest will be announced in the spring issue of news & views .
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