Norah was one of the founding poets of the London Time
Bank Poetry project (with Kathy, Epi and Islam). She
began writing at 76 and her first collection of poetry was
published in October 2002, at the age of 78. She was born
19th February 1924 and died 13 July 2005. .

Thoughts of an Optimist  (published by West Euston
Third Age Project, London) is now in its second reprint.
Her poem '6:30 in the Morning - Regent's Park' was also
published in London Time: Poetry from London's
time banks (London: nef, 2004, editor: Karen Lyon).

Norah continued to write poetry from her hospital bed
("My Tribute to St. Pancras"). She died July 13th, 2005.

The West Euston Purple Poets will be presenting the first
annual Norah Platt Poetry Prize in honour of Norah at our
celebration of National Poetry Day, October 5th 2006.

Further reading: article, "It's Breaking Out in Verse For
Norah" by Andrew Walker, Camden New Journal, 3
October 2002, page 25 (book launch for Thoughts of
an Optimist, biography and picture of Norah included).



For Norah (a poem by Kathy Randle)
read at the International Womens' Day Dance
March 2006 West Euston Time Bank



NORAH PLATT PRIZE FOR POETRY
The first annual Norah Platt Prize will be presented at the
London Time Bank's National Poetry Day Reading 2006
by Tony Bloor. (deadline: September 29, 2006)
To see the rules of the contest, please click here.


Tony Bloor of the West Euston Third Age Project has
kindly allowed us to reproduce the full text of Norah's
book, Thoughts of An Optimist.

If you would like to use any of Norah's poems
commercially please contact the West Euston Third Age
Project. For private use, please send a donation to the
Guide Dogs for the Blind, in memory of Norah.

................................................................................................................
THOUGHTS OF AN OPTIMIST
by Norah Platt
published by the Third Age Project
2002

................................................................................................................................
1

---

Members of the Third Age Project (TAP) in West Euston, Camden,
have been enjoying Norah Platt's poems for a number of years. This
small publication is an opportunity to share Norah's poems with a
wider audience.

Norah was born in 1924 and left school at 14. She says she was
never academic at school though she has always loved reading.
Norah started writing poems in her sixties and the poems came
initially from the aloneness she felt after the death of Irving, her
husband of 28 years.

Norah became increasingly isolated, until in February 2000 she
joined the Third Age Project that she says made her "feel reborn. It
is not just all the good friends I've made but learning new things like
Tai Chi makes me feel more alive." Tai Chi has become an
important part of Norah's week and she also attends the TAP pottery class and enjoys TAP outings and events. Last year Norah took
part in an intergenerational theatre project with Spare Tyre which
was a great success. A number of poems in this collection refer
to the enjoyment and sense of well being that Norah has found in the
new activities she has started in her 70's, with the Third Age Project.

Norah has a very positive attitude to life that comes over in so many of her poems.

     "I do enjoy life. I can always find something to giggle about. It's
      important to get the priorities - do what you can to help other
      people and make sure you have fun"

We hope you will enjoy reading this collection of poems.

---

©  Norah Platt 2002

................................................................................................................
2

Gratitude

Don't take life for granted
Be grateful for each day
Appreciate things you see
Walking along life's way
Everyone needs a helping hand
Some are too proud to ask
Be tactful when you offer aid
And set about your task
We all have different points of view
Of the way we live our life
But if we help each other
We can cut out lots of strife.

I'm more than a Millionaire

You don't need money to be a millionaire
Just a handful of real good friends, those who really care
Friends who always stand by whatever troubles befall
They're always right besides you when your back's against the wall
Friends I'm describing are very very rare
With God's help I've discovered I'm a millionaire

................................................................................................................
3

Canal Boat Trip

I spent a lovely afternoon
In a boat from Camden Lock
The views were great the weather fine
So calm and never a rock

So many boats we passed them by
So colourful and gay
On the tow path everyone waved
It made a gorgeous day

We had a raffle quite exciting
We all enjoyed the fun
Most unusual of all
There was the shining sun

So much pleasure did we have
Even had a sing
So thank you for the lovely trip
Thanks for everything

................................................................................................................
4

My Favourite Things

Walking along a leafy lane,
After a sudden shower of rain.
Warming toes by an open fire,
Children singing, a Christmas choir.

Guests enjoying a party piece
Proudly saying, "That's MY niece".
Scholars passing their GCE,
Parents and friends as pleased as can be.
The recovery of a real good friend
Thanks to the blessings of God we send.

I may be a bit disabled and moving slow
But with my good friends, I never feel low.
I think I am lucky to be in this good a state
Even though I am seventy eight.
Thanks to Tai Chi, pottery and such
I am convinced I have so much

................................................................................................................
5

6:30 IN THE MORNING - REGENTS PARK


The lights come on one by one
Life in the city has just begun
Newsboys whistling, bringing the news
Hurry, hurry. No time to lose

Buses are moving, people are too
Rushing and racing to get in the queue
No time to stop or talk for a while
Too busy to chat or even to smile

Where do we rush to, what do we gain
Missing so much, just increasing the pain
One day we must stop this mad speeding rate
Sadly sometimes it is just too late

So enjoy life. Cut down on the race
Take it easy. Take second place
You see so much more if you're not in a hurry
So sit down. Relax. Be Happy. Don't worry.

................................................................................................................
6

The Jubilee

A few more days to go
Golden Jubilee is here
Excitement all around the place
Everyone give a cheer
Third Age Project is busy
Lots to do and see
So much joy preparing
The best that it can be
So much already being done
To celebrate Jubilee Day
So come and join us if you can
What more can we say

For Her Majesty the Queen
In celebration of her Golden Jubilee

You've done your duty for fifty years
Lots of smiles just a few tears
You've had some good times some bad
Through it all you've made us glad
With your courage you've made us proud
You must know when you see the crowd
Try to relax and sit awhile
Remember those years and have a smile

................................................................................................................
page7

For Her Majesty the Queen
regarding the sad loss of the Queen Mother

We send you our sympathy
For the loss you have incurred
Your mother is your best friend
I have always heard

So gracious & gentle
We pray for you each day
The words seem difficult
But what a part they play

Think of the war years
So kind to everyone
And the sense of humour
Mischievousness and fun

We can only say God Bless You
In your saddest time

................................................................................................................
page8

Make Life an Adventure

Look to the future, don't dwell on the past
Always keep hoping troubles can't last
Remember the good times and friends you have known
Don't be a pessimist, you're not alone
Make life and adventure as you travel along

Irving

I lost my Irving eighteen years ago
I hope and pray that I am right
And when my time comes, I'll hear him say
Ey up Love! Sit by this light

................................................................................................................
page9

Treasure Every Moment

I have many blessings as other people do
With these few lines I can name a few
I see a summer sky; I feel the April rain
Hear a laughing child, the whistle of a train
I can feel a loving kiss and joyfully return.
So treasure every moment in a joyful way
You know you love each other so say it every day
It can't be said too often in a loving way.
Make sure you share the good things like you share the worst
Sometimes you quarrel. Who cares who gives in first?
To have pride is natural if not overdone
You won't keep warm without that certain one

................................................................................................................
page10

Pre Performance
I'd like to say "I thank you" for all the friends I've made
Between ourselves I never thought I would make the grade
So I'll listen for my cue, be ready when it's due
I'll speak slowly and clearly, the best that I can do
I only hope I don't let you down
So I'll try and keep my crown
So all the very best to us
We are as good as we can be
As it's my very first effort
I must look quite free

Just realised the day has come
My nerve is going too
I hope that I don't freeze up
That is not the thing to do ........HELP!

................................................................................................................
page 11

New Horizons with Third Age

We all went to the London Eye
We were a very happy crowd
The experience was wonderful
I felt so very proud

Our class did a pantomime
Eighteen months ago
It was really marvellous
Better than a TV show

So again I'm very grateful
For the many friends I see
Every Tuesday I toddle off to my class at Tai Chi

I've gained so much with these two years
In health and a happier life
Thanks to the class at Tai Chi
I've cut out a lot of strife

Since going to the Tai Chi class
My fitness is A1
My confidence is better
Life's become such fun

................................................................................................................
page 12

................................................................................................................
page 13

................................................................................................................
page 14

Nelson


I had a fall a while ago
Reasons why I don't know
I'm better now but take it slow
Right eye damaged, Oh what a blow
With friends around I know I'll be alright
Everyone has to fight
Not Norah but Nelson is my name
I'll keep going just the same

I'm glad that I have sight in one
I think that I'm the lucky one

God Bless

Norah

[ps -Dorothy is my mother - Viv]






TO ALL CONNECTED WITH THE THIRD AGE
Christmas 2001
by Norah Platt

I would like to with a Merry Christmas
To all the friends I've met
I hope that all their dreams come true
And even better yet

I have had so much fun
since joining the Tai chi
With seaside trips and demonstrations
No one is luckier than me

So all the best to everyone
Enjoy your Christmas time
Happy New Year to you all
That's the end of my rhyme


A TRIBUTE TO MY VERY BEST FRIEND
by Norah Platt


Thank you for your listening ear
Not as you wish to hear
I'm not perfect you surely know
At least I try and have a go
I'm so grateful for your care
So considerate and fair
I have my faith as you can see
I try and be as good for thee
If I should forget thee some days
Please don't forget me always
An anxious heart as you know is mine
please bless me with your love divine

If you would like to use any of Norah's poems commercially please contact the West Euston Third Age Project. For private use, please send a donation to the Guide Dogs for the Blind, in memory of Norah.