We are one but many

We are one but many

I walked the road determined and convinced

Wondering what this particular day would hold

I became ware of another walking by my side

With a smile asked me about my destination

I responded that it was my duty to march

They asked for a reason for my intention

I said I marched for freedom and equality

To stand against oppression and discrimination

To stand for the asylum seeker in their quest

To stand for women and their right to choose

So many causes that I wished to follow

All were part of that grand idea of liberty

They smiled and asked could they walk with me

We walked a little further and met another

Passing the time of day on the lawn

He inquired of our purpose and destination

Then joined us because he felt the same

Then we came along a lady hanging washing

Who wondered why we marched along the way

Our purpose struck a chord now we were four

And every mile we walked we added more

Very soon we became a column waving banners

Mocked by some but joined by many

We were the wave of change nobody could ignore

We are one but we are many marching on

Towards a destination where all are equal

Sharing in responsibility as we walk each mile

I see hope hope and opportunity in each smile

Our belief in humanity will be our guide

The destination was to be a central square

Journeys that had led a hundred thousand there

Yet each had started out along the road alone

Now it felt as if we all were coming home

The hooded figures with guns stood in our way

Convinced we were terrorists who should never exist

Until thousands became a million then they turned and ran

Copyright: David Hopcroft January 2026

Invitation to dance with her

Invitation to dance with her

She sent me her pictures to entice

Why shouldn’t we meet since she lived nearby

I looked at one and then had to look twice

She wanted a liaison where no rules would apply

Was she just like the others and what did this mean

Another girl with a vivid imagination to tease

She might have bags of energy but I’d run out of steam

I could barely offer satisfaction let alone please

Like a fool I said yes and we set up a date

A mad rush of blood In for a penny in for a pound

Was I led up the garden path after she’d opened the gate

I’d hobble along and she’d go with a leap and a bound

She was a bundle of energy and she held nothing back

Whatever I offered I would still be in arrears

But she was gentle and kind and she had the knack

I held back the tears as she rolled back my years

All seemed so easy and I grew happier by the hour

Her laughter was infectious and she never stood still

She was working my loins and giving me power

Together we sweated and made it and climbed Pendle Hill

Copyright: David Hopcroft June 2023