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Some years ago I entered a poetry competition that was being promoted by the Knutsford Guardian. The aim of the exercise was to say something about yourself and the area in which you lived. I won it. I was rather surprised, as, although I often dabble with a little poetry from time-to-time, I put very little effort into this one. The words just came to me in a few minutes. It says something about my needs and outlook, and also how I feel so very lucky to be living in this wonderful part of the UK. I would like to share it with you. I do hope you enjoy it.

God's Country

If you can talk to God and hear Him,
If you can see Him in the sky,
Please give to Him a message,
Ask him not to pass me by.

Tell him sometimes I just need a hand
To lift life's heavy load.
And I really would appreciate
Some help along the road.

And how He lifts me with the Cheshire Plains,
The Macclesfield hills,
The ripples of the Bolin
With all its turns and spills.

My thanks for Tatton in the summer.
I could watch the deer all day.
And for helping guide my footfalls
To the next step on the way.

Prestbury village main street
With its conducive atmosphere.
There's something wafting in the air
Which says, "We're glad you're here".

If there's a heaven on this earth,
As somewhere it must be.
It's a long way North of Birmingham.
At least it is for me.

Mike Tolchard