Stopham Bridge IV

At Stopham Bridge, late summer
with cool waters down below
as the Arun slowly trickles
on a turning tide quite slow

Sitting on the decking of the
White Hart across the way
this view is quite breathtaking
on this peaceful summer day

Tranquil here the setting
this place amongst the best
of my favourites in Sussex
where I'll always come to rest

©Jemverse

Photo – the White Hart Inn from Stopham Bridge (c.1347) – Jempics

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Something about

Something about the hand of the sea
and the tactile nature of things
it leaves in its wake for people to find
to pull at many heart strings

Something about the smooth of the feel
and the salt blended into the grain
that brings inspiration to a poet's mind
for words that will always remain

Something about the beauty that's there
it some flotsam often quite small
for a treasure that's found to have and to hold
is the 'je ne sais quoi' of it all

©Jemverse

Driftwood sculpture by the author from flotsam found on Sussex shores (Photo – Jempics)

Ancient woodlands’ bequest

The bluebells are blooming, it's that time of year
in the garden there under the tree
that gives shade from the sun
when their time has begun
for this lovely bright vision we see

Every year without fail, ancient woodlands' bequest
sees in May this blue reappear
in warming sunshine
when the weather gets fine
for a pleasure that we here hold dear

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Blossoming

The cherry tree in Ham Field
is in full blossom and looks great
so I'm rather pleased we left things
and decided then to wait
til some warmer Springtime weather
before coming to this place
as now we see it in full glory
as it smiles in Summer's face

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Chalky

These chalky trails on Sussex loam
in these green hills above my home
are quite the best so many times
I will return as they are mine
and with a joy I'll shout aloud
this is my Sussex and I'm proud

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Sussex my home

From up here with this vista
three sixty turn around
I can see the hills I've walked upon
on this fair Sussex ground
Some are many miles away
feint shadows in the mist
but all of them both near and far
my feet have trod and kissed
For this kingdom is my Sussex
with its flint and chalky sod
all its hills and pastures
touched by the hand of God
So whenever opportunity
gives me the power to roam
I offer up a prayer of thanks
that Sussex is my home

©Jemverse

Photo – The South Downs of Sussex looking west from Ditchling Beacon – Jempics

Of fortune and privilege

A horse wandered slow on the golden foreshore
as the sun diamonds shone on the sea
and high on the shingle the wolf wagged his tail
with my two daughters and me
Eastward we wandered this vista beside
our fortune and privilege known
a walk on the beach in winter sunshine
here in Sussex this place that is home

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

A spirit freed

The mystery of what's beyond
the gate across this winter field
keeps me guessing in the rain
that winter brings to Sussex Weald

I can see I think a mound of earth
and a house bathed deep in mist
behind the barren trees devoid
of green the spring and summer kissed

And part of me longs there to tread
exploring paths to whence they lead
for this the gift on me bestowed
to celebrate a spirit freed

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

On the beach III

Went for a walk on the beach in the sun
the sea was shiny and green
On the shingle the crunch
for an hour before lunch
the view was the best we had seen

From the West a stiff breeze, refreshing, not chill
whipped the waves as they crashed on the shore
and with the tide on the turn
appetite did we earn
as we walked on the beach here once more

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

The Treasure Party

Enriched I am carried
as if on a cloud
to this place of fulfilment
my head duly bowed
For it is with all honour
and privilege here
that I share in this glory
at this time of year

So in luxury carried
to this opulent place
I am full of awe
at receipt of this grace
For it is quite purely
at nature's behest
that I am invited
as a valued guest

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics