In My Fifteenth Year

  

 

In the year 1971

Just out of Combermere

I walked into an institution

Void of any fear.

 

Not so in earlier years

With the terror of the strap

Flailing left, right and centre

Wherever there was lack.

 

I could never escape

This scourge of St. Giles’

Unless I left at the first opportunity

And put it behind for miles.

 

My very first attempt

Was in the Grinna’s Class 3

Where I passed with flying colours;

Thank God I was free.

 

 

 

Into Combermere

And back to St Giles’ again,

This time, however, let me tell you,

It was a different pain.

 

 

 

Twenty-four years there

And on to St. Mary’s for six,

Ten in the Ministry of Education

And that for me was it.

 

Now in my fifteenth year

I have had no regret,

The wife encouraged me to come home

And with that I was set.

 

I had had a good run

Going beyond duty’s call,

I enjoyed the students to the fullest

And gave them my all.

 

 

 

But when the 40^th came

I decided enough is enough

And so, I bid all of them farewell,

No more huff and puff.

 

Fifteen years almost

But not on the breadline,

I am living off the little pension:

Both me and mine.

 

  

I thank my God daily

From a heart of appreciation

That he has given me so many years

Having left the profession.

 

And for whatever is left

I will take one day at a time

And whenever I come into surplus

To someone I’ll be kind.

 

And this does not mean

I won’t help out of my need

For God has been gracious to me,

Very gracious indeed.

 

With my fifteenth year

Yet to be completed

I will continually give God thanks

For how I’ve been treated.

 

Stewart Russell © January 22, 2026

 

From 1G to 5G

 

Have a good day

Is the oft offered expression

But of what value is a good day

If godly is not also mentioned?

 

From 1G to 2G:

Have a good and godly day

Is more appropriate

To brighten up the pilgrim’s way.

 

It is the basis for 3G

As we receive the grace of God

Hence, good, godly and gracious

His unmerited favour applaud.

Have a good and godly day

And a gracious one as well,

What a powerful connection

That we can others tell!

 

The internet is currently 4G

And this is truly great,

The speed is definitely faster

And better time we make.

 

So, have a good and godly day

That’s also gracious and great

With such a 4G connection

Love will vanquish hate.

From very basic beginnings

To the more complex,

1G, 2G, 3G and 4G

But no 5G connection as yet.

 

It’s time to introduce 5G

Which is supremely satisfying,

Such a wonderful G to input now

And one that’s super gratifying.

 

Gratifying is 5G

Combined with the other four,

Any day characterized by these

Will bring satisfaction galore.

These will generate a connection

Not inferior to any other

And the reception that you’ll experience

Will not give you cause to bother.

 

Have a good and godly day!

One that’s also gracious and great,

Make it also gratifying

As with others you integrate.

 

From such a 5G connection

There is no chance of fall-out

Good, godly, gracious, great and gratifying

5 G is the best without doubt.

 

Have a good, godly, gracious, great and gratifying day!

What a salutation to give!

As we share and receive as much

We’ll have all the more reason to live.

 

Stewart Russell © October 26, 2020