A song for the way

5 of 5 in the Jemverse ’31’ series

We lost sight of our accordion player
as we wandered, singing our song
But he was just lagging behind us
as we slowly ambled along

So, reaching the base of escarpment
Fulking Village just ahead there to find
We turned and up there high above us
we found him in the sunshine

Reunited, the company’s spirits
in song were rekindled anew
and together we lifted our voices
For that’s what we wanderers do

©Jemverse

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Fulking

4 of 5 in the Jemverse ’31’ series

In the valley lies Fulking
down there in the Weald
amidst all the green
of fallow and field
Destination today
as we wander along
all full of good spirits
and bursting to song

©Jemverse

Tradition

3 of 5 in the Jemverse ’31’ series

It’s becoming a tradition
as this is the second year
February seventeen
and a walk to have a beer
We’re spoilt for choice in Sussex
with the hills to take us there
So here’s to many more years still
this special day to share

©Jemverse

Breathtaking II

2 of 5 in the Jemverse ’31’ series

The view up here on Devil’s Dyke
looking to the West
is I think in Sussex
one of the very best
In the fading distance
Chanctonbury Ring
and rolling up to that far point
the hills that make me sing

©Jemverse

Piper in the Weald

1 of 5 in the Jemverse ’31’ series

Heading down Fulking Escarpment
with a piper to herald the way
The entourage headed down to the pub
on this lovely February day
The view of the Weald was breathtaking
as it always is in the sun
The company laughing and happy
and having plenty of fun

©Jemverse

A pint at The Bridge

Back up at The Bridge Hotel
between the city walls
Overlooking Gateshead
On the Tyne, Newcastle calls

With High Bridge to the right
and the castle to the left
beaming in the sunshine
though it’s history’s bereft

A Tiny Rebel ale is
a refreshing pint of beer
in the pub I will return to
whenever I am here

©Jemverse

The silver sea

Stood and looked out on
a shining silver sea
the far horizon deep and blue
and beckoning to me
It was cold there on the shingle
Winter’s grip an iron chill
But the sunshine on the water
was good and vibrant still

It was a pleasant moment
though I could not linger long
the biting wind encouraging
a walk along the Prom
Warmed, my stride improving
I headed to the west
Worthing pier behind me
with the sea for interest

The shine upon the water
remained a visual feast
and even though it was so cold
I didn’t mind the least
For here I’m in my element
with my life-long friend the sea
Never ceasing to provide
a wonder here for me

©Jemverse

The Desert Quartet

He’s just one of four
by Elizabeth Frink
looking down on me now
as I sip a hot drink
‘The Desert Quartet’
adorn the arcade
there from the eighties
when they were made

Pride they have mustered
as the years come and go
looking down on the people
who walk to and fro
And here they will stay
in Worthing I think
an epitaph to
Dame Elizabeth Frink

©Jemverse

“The Desert Quartet” (1985) – Montague Shopping Arcade, Worthing, West Sussex – by Dame Elizabeth Frink (1930-1993). 

Two little pigeons

Two little pigeons
after some food
I’ve got a flat white
don’t mean to be rude
But no little morsels
have I to give you
so away pesky pigeons
‘Be off with you. Shoo!’

©Jemverse

A little chap and the catflap

It’s really quite an awkward thing
when just a little chap
and I’ve never understood the art
of pushing the cat-flap

Basil (the much older dog)
does it all the time
But I get stuck and have to wait
sometimes with a whine

And yes, I have a longer nose
but it’s sensitive you know
so I’m cautious where I poke it
whilst down here quite so low

For I’m only just a little chap
and always on my guard
I’m good at licks and barking
but some things are too hard

So when (like the door) it’s open
the cat-flap I’ll jump through
But pushing with my precious nose?
A thing I’ll never do!

©Jemverse