AN ASPIRING poet was invited to America when her words caught the eye of judges in an international competition. Christine Beale, from Ivy Church Mews, Runcorn, was browsing a poetry website in March when a competition caught her eye - and she entered her composition entitled Today. The Halton Borough Council Social Services employee at has written poems since 1998. In July she heard back from competition organisers, poetry.com, telling her she was through to the finals in Philadelphia. She jetted out for the three day judging - netting a merit award, a silver bowl trophy for outstanding achievement and an Editor's Choice medallion. Christine said: 'I was thrilled to win so many awards as I got through to the finals of a similar competition in 1998 and got one merit award that time,' she said. 'I've been writing poetry for about six years and have probably written about 100, with three works published in anthologies. It's my ambition to have a book published. 'I just tend to write about everyday things that affect me - in fact I started writing poems almost without realising it. I would come home and if I had a really good day or a bad day, I'd write it all down in a poem, the way some people would do in a diary.' But she said her special inspiration came from her beloved parents, Elsie and Percy Beale, also from Runcorn. 'I wouldn't have done any of this without my mum and dad - they're the ones who said: 'go for it Christine'. Today - by Christine Beale Today I decided I was going to do wonderful things But alas this didn't happen All my intentions were dashed With news of others' unhappiness And try as I may nothing could change the day It kept progressing from one person to another More miserable and angry than the last I thought of ways I could help But to no avail I was left helpless and incapable Even inadequate that my own skills could not Help those less fortunate then myself Have you ever had one of those days? | 
Article
