I've been told that I should stop "moaning,"

That I should find something better to do.

Buy a pair of rose-coloured glasses,

And through these, get a much better view.

If only things were so simple,

If the sun always shone every day.

If we never had thunder and lightening,

If we only had nice things to say.

But I promise I'll never stop "moaning,"

While people live rough on the street.

While the old live a lonely existence,

While some folks have little to eat.

While there are burglars and muggers and rapists,

While there are druggies and drunks in our town.

While our hospital is so overcrowded,

You will have to put up with my frown.

When our schools turn out well adjusted youngsters,

When there are good jobs for all, to be had.

When people are more understanding,

Maybe then I won't feel so bad.

In the meantime, I hope you'll forgive me,

For "moaning" each week in the BEN.

But at least I'll stand up and be counted,

While I've still got some ink in mi' pen. By Brian Derbyshire

Ribchester Grove, Bolton

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.