By ChatGPT based on a prompt by David Warden Inspired by the BBC Shipping Forecast, this playful reimagining offers a weather report for the human condition. Questions replace certainties, compassion spreads slowly, and the outlook remains cautiously hopeful as we navigate the shared voyage of life. Best read out loud in a resonant and soothing BBC voice. Viking Questions emerging. Certainty decreasing slowly. Curiosity moderate or good. North Utsire Deep reflection. Ancient

Believers tell me that their God never fails to mourn a death. He mourns each thing that once drew breath whether man or humble worm, elephant or pesky germ, whether warthog or a cod that’s had its chips and run its term. Mourning’s all the same to God. Even cabbages, I’m told, each blade of grass and leaves grown gold are mourned on high by grieving God; plus every pea in every pod when slipping down a glutton’s throat gets mourned a little, each by rote. My word! God has a

One by one they fall, these people I have known, or loved, or merely liked – some far removed from worlds in which I lived; some with whom I laughed have also gone. To where I do not know. Oh, you departed: please come back and laugh again so I might laugh with you while railing at what’s yet to come. Tomorrow? Or perhaps a distant day? Who knows? Some knew; but some did not, and left abruptly, shock or sadness trailing in their wake – good friends or vague acquaintances who,

This original poem, ‘Missa’, by Matthew Robinson, follows the structure of the Catholic Mass – moving through Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Osanna, Benedictus and Agnus Dei – but instead of a sacred ritual, it presents a very raw, earthly encounter with suffering, helplessness and aftermath. Missa Kyrie From fifty yards away I laughed to see a creature acting daft. Along the road a tabby cat was prancing like an acrobat and somersaulting everywhere. Perhaps the sun and fresh

By Anthony Lewis NORMALITY Rock statues move in their free state Minds stay still to segregate Ear drums burst by deafless talk Whilst in their snare the gunmen stalk Intractable the land is rich A sutured gash and coarsened stitch A garment worn to hide the wound Sixes all from view entombed In the ground and still alive Normality that must survive © Antz Lewis 1985 Biographical note Growing up in Northern Ireland during the 'Troubles' was a great education in intolerance. L

Saving my Smoting I have got incontrovertible, absolute, divine Proof of Non-God. I have been so incontrovertibly, absolutely, divinely sinful, I should have been smote from here to Kingdom Come. Yes, I should have been smote, not whispering: I’ve had some lucky escapes! Unless – He (or She more like) is saving my smoting for when I least expect it, savouring it Ten Thousand Times over. No, I don’t think so. I think Non-God nods as my sins run round and round and round and

A villanelle by David Seddon Gaze round and comprehend St Peter’s Square. Inhale it in the daytime and at night. Stand in this heart of...

I beg for mercy, Lord most just, For all the wrong that I have wrought; For all my pride, for all my lust, For all my sin, for all my...

by David Seddon

A first-class ticket ......Stopping at every station … alas - it’s the circle line ...... it hurts so much, When will it stop?

By David Seddon What if a human being was a pen? (Let us recall old fountain pens, with ink) How would that make life’s writing differ...

By David Seddon What if a human being was a dog – Tail wagging, yapping ever joyfully – Out early mornings, joining as you jog: Your pal...

By David Seddon What if a human being was a car You wanted to be driven safe and well, Yet still expressed something of what you are Or...

By John Hubbard And how are you getting on? Solicitude struggles not to patronise, enquiring from the inclined head and smiling eyes,...

By David Seddon David is a retired English teacher and an active member of Stockport Humanists FACE-OFF Let’s note man’s inhumanity to...

By David Seddon David is a retired English teacher and an active member of Stockport Humanists Progress George had been great at...

By Alex Williams This month’s theme – World Without Borders – has inspired me to reflect on the origin and legitimacy of the different...

By Alex Williams Humanism finds itself in something of a trap in terms of public image. On the one hand, tolerance for different beliefs...

By Alex Williams Schools are microcosms of society, providing for their students a first taste of what it will be like to be out in the...

By Alex WIlliams The idea of Woke Culture is a very appealing one, especially to those who wish to create and foster a climate in which...