News Archive

News Archive

Final balloons

Posted by Fiona Veitch Smith on 20 Apr 2008

A few more "balloon poems", this time by Duncan Watson, Karen Richardson and Helen Fairmaner. All the poems are now available in a brochure on the Welcome desk at the front of church. We hope that people can use them as a tool for intercession as they pray for outreach from the church.

Fear of Flying
Floating at eye level, I’m anchored to
The hand of a small child. Feeling safe, like
I belong, like I’m loved. Once or twice, as
They fight over who holds my string, there is
A perturbing moment in which it seems
I may drift away. Alas it’s not the case,
They love me so, will never let me go.
Outside now amongst a throng. The pastor
Speaks, I barely notice, too busy
Marvelling over adventures I will
Have today. The faithful companion to
This child holding my cord. Will we run through
Fields? Over hills? Will I have pride of place
Within his thoughts, the focus of her life
For just a day? But no, what’s this? They’ve let
Me go! No longer secure, drifting in
The wind. How could they do this to me, the
Object of their adoration. The child
Who held me, loved me for such a short time
Looks, beaming, into the sky. Follows me
Amid other balloons, unnoticed ‘til
Now.  I’d thought I was the only one. The
World below grows small. The crowd, the church, the
Street, the city, the love I thought briefly
Was felt. Was I wrong?
Duncan Watson

The Messenger
A balloon,
A ludicrous way to communicate,
An air-bound speech bubble.
Haphazard,
Accidental.
Landing spot unknown.

A balloon
Shunted by breeze power,
Inconsistent, uncomfortable thrust.
Egg-like,
Beautiful.
Planned to land.

“It's a balloon”
I say to my son.
He grabs it,
His gloved hand smoothes it over,
A freebie, just for us.
I reach out to its purple skin.
I notice
The tag
It hangs
I read…
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart,
With all your soul,
With all your strength.”

A balloon,
A celebration and party essential,
Marking occasions worldwide.
Hand-delivered.
I followed,
I had a bumpy journey.
And I found Life and peace.
Thanks to the one who launched
My resurrection.
Karen Richardson


The Little Balloon
Free and floating.
Floating and free,
Light and breathless,
Joyful balloon.

Free and floating,
Floating and free.
Carried by the wind,
Enjoying the view.

Being lifted to the skies.
The balloon bobs and bounces,
Being taken on a journey.

Not knowing where it came from.
Or where it is going.

Free and floating,
Floating and free.
Fulfilling its purpose,
Where the breath takes it.
Helen Fairmaner