Ivy leafed Toadflax

Ivy leafed Toadflax
growing on the wall
pink and really pretty
as the Springtime comes to call
Delicate its flowers
as it spreads this time of year
it's great to see it growing there
to bring some daily cheer

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Second jab

I've had my second vaccine
in fact it was a week ago
but I thought I'd wait a little while
before telling you, you know
I wanted to make sure
that everything was 'hunky dory'
and it absolutely is
hence the telling of this story

So here's a little message
from a poet here to you
whatever you may think
there is one thing that you must do
make sure you get your vaccine
two jabs are all you need
to make the world a safer place
small price to pay indeed

And no we can't be flippant
and still need to take some care
but ensuring your protection
is a no-brainer there
So get the jab when offered
it's the least that you can do
respecting all around us
and a better life for you.

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

See also ‘Jab‘ – published 20 February 2021

Rain came again

The rain came today
we knew that it would
so I'll not go a-watering
though I feel that I should
It feels a bit strange
not to need to go out
but it's good to have change
of that there's no doubt

And the sun will return
as it always does
and then I'll go back 
for a watering because
the ground will then need it
and I will content
be walking down daily 
with all good intent

And sometimes I will
and sometimes I won't
though I know I'll feel guilty
on the days that I don't
but the thing to remember
is the ground will survive
and in sunshine and rain
all the plants there will thrive

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Family things

Another garden, one in Brighton
at the tail end of the week
where we've come for Wagamamas
on order as we speak
Our youngest daughter's residence
below the railway line
On a mellow Friday evening
with the weather warm and fine

Conversation here as always
engaging everyone
as we gather for the evening
for a meal as well as fun
Life enriched with times as these
impossible to measure
our family together on
these days we always treasure

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics (spot the fox)

Dandelion Bouquet

We have an evening pastime
now the 'lotty' is in full swing
a little wander down the road
to do some watering
It's cathartic and a pleasure
and with my air-pods on
I get to hear an album
on my i-phone with a song

It's peaceful there and lovely
and a pleasant thing to do
as well as one with purpose
for our labours to eschew
But most of all this time of year
with Springtime every day
is the yellow at the gatepost
with a dandelion bouquet

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Spectacular III

From Ferry Road and shingle beach
this curving Sussex bay
is quite spectacular to see
from Shoreham I must say
And chagrined to admission I
shamefaced apologise 
as with this upon my doorstep
I should always recognise
that here is unbridled privilege
to simply cast an eye
and take in this glorious vista
when just simply walking by

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

May the fourth be with you

Obi Wan Kinobi
five years ago today
came to join our family
hip-hip, hip-hip, hooray

So May the Fourth
be with you here
with Obi Wan
to bring you cheer

Our Star Wars chap
our 'little brown'
he's such a joy
to have around

So on the fourth
of May each year
we celebrate
to be quite clear

For he remains
a Croucher true
something here
we'll share with you

A small brown dog
of many names
but Star Wars
Obi-Wan remains

©Jemverse

Photo – Obi-Wan Kinobi Croucher in the sun,May 2021 – Jempics

Ways to use time

We went for an ice cream
and sat on the beach
it was rather windy
but within easy reach
in the relative shelter
of Old Shoreham town
nestled beneath
the crook of the Down

The sun was all squinty
and April shine bright
good to see people
about and in sight
Almost as if a 
new normal is here
evident on the faces
of all around, cheer

We stopped by politely
at the patisserie
to purchase some quiche
for Sally and me
then made our way homeward
for brunch and a snooze
such is our choice
for the time that we use

©Jemverse

Photo – Sally Croucher

Treasure Trove II

I get lost in a good bookshop
they are like a treasure trove
and fortunately Lewes town
has them in spades and droves
So of a Wednesday morning
with the sunshine proving warm
we drove there for a browsing
which for us has been the norm
And in a darkened basement
I found Nirvana waiting there
shelves of ancient volumes
just waiting there to share
their secrets with the reader
who will in their pages find
the treasures that I speak of
for the soul and for the mind
Yes, I get lost in a good bookshop
for with patience and good measure
I know that every time I come
I'll find a waiting treasure.

©Jemverse

Photo – Emily Rose Croucher

Beginning IX

aka The Plan (part IV)

9 of 12 in the Jemverse series ’12 months IV’

A new beginning at our 'lotty'
and we're both as pleased as punch
as the planned 'no dig' solution
is paying off from just a hunch
For now we've built with withy
two climbing frames by hand
and planted all the seedlings
we have grown upon our land
And we've strimmed the grass around
so it's looking pretty neat
showing off the lavenders
which are blooming in the heat
Now lots and lots of water
we will add by hose each day
to bring the plan close to fruition
and the vegetables our way

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Part 1 ‘Back to the allotment‘ – 24 March 2021

Part 2 ‘The Plan (Part II)‘ – 18 April 2021

Part 3 ‘The Plan (Part III)‘ – 24 April 2021