Liverpool again

Today I'm travelling further
since the pandemic started
than I have travelled recently
that pleasure long departed
But later Liverpool I'll see
again and better still
two good friends I have sorely missed
again to see I will
It'll take me six hours on the train
but I have all I need
good music to look forward to
and several books to read

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Gigsters Divine

Though many bands we've seen
it's been six years since last we all
were collectively 'the gigsters'
at least, as I recall
But last night for Divine Comedy
the 'Gigsters' were united
once again all six together
as each had been invited
'Divine' was most appropriate
as superlative this evening
the 'Gigsters' doing what we do
for friendship's steadfast meaning

©Jemverse

Photo of ‘The Gigsters’ – Mike Dillamore. Divine Comedy gig at Brighton Dome 29.4.22 (That’s me – Jem – in the hat on the end)

What life’s for

The Open House, a fine March day
with sunshine bright and warm
joined by all the Crouchers 
and some others per the norm
For we'll not stand on ceremony
and with open arms spread wide
welcome others to it
as we say this name with pride
Friends and family are important
as you'll often hear us shout
as these extra-special moments
are what real life's all about

©Jemverse

The Croucher Clan and several good friends at Brighton’s Open House pub, Mother’s day 2022  –  Photo: Emily Croucher

Like a friend II

Many times in these hours
I have fine honed my craft
some say I am mad
and others I'm daft
but this edge before morning
this whispering time
is perfect for me
for writing a line
when the words like a river
flow from my pen
and the poet embraces
them each like a friend

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Reunion II

The light outside intense today
rain threatened but despite
all that I am yet buoyant
now the mornings here from night

A word of explanation is
quite needed there of course
and I am happy to oblige
for feelings of remorse

As today, a Friday morning
a long weekend it starts for me
with reunion long awaited
of two friends flamboyantly

So today I'm in high spirits
with anticipation for
that time come Monday evening
when we shout the loud encore

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Public Service Broadcasting

Brighton's Dome, a place I've missed
whilst Covid's kept us in
for live music's long hiatus
which has bordered on a sin

But though the virus is still with us
freedom has now found a way
to open up the doors again
'Thank Goodness' hear me say!

As last week with good friends I'd not seen
for two long years returned
to Brighton's Dome for a live gig
a treat we all have earned

And Public Service Broadcasting
delivered with aplomb
the music we have missed so much
and waited for so long

A tonic for the soul and more
the music in our veins
Live gigs for entertainment
which I hope now long remains

©Jemverse

Photo – Public Service Broadcasting, Brighton Dome, October 2021 – Jempics

Last brunch

Last brunch today so IPA
featured as it should
along with a veggie breakfast
from the menu which looked good
Shared with jocund company
conversation for a smile
here at our Al Campo
where we come once in a while

©Jemverse

Photo – Al Campo, Brighton (a gastro bar/cafe/restaurant) – Jempics

42

Things have changed a little
here in Worthing over time
as there was no big wheel here
back in nineteen seventy-nine

Forty-two years passed since then
yet we two still are here
soulmates then and soulmates now
in our forty-second year

They say that love grows stronger over time
well, we'll attest to that
as here we are still holding hands
a total truth in fact

Yes, some things change as years go by
but forever me and you
forty-two years wed and and still
a love steadfast and true

©Jemverse

Photo – Mr and Mrs C – 42 years on – Worthing, July 2021

Wolfgang Days

Picked up a Wolfgang
he came for the day
went back to Shoreham 
for gardens and play
whilst his Mum was at work
and so he’s not alone
as he likes to be with us 
in this home from home

He came to collect me
and I gave him a lub
As he’s one of my people
And part of the club
I showed him my lead
Where it was on the floor
and he put it on
led me back to the door
And then to the car
where I sat on his lap
as they drove me to Shoreham
I’m a lucky chap
For they have a garden
where I can long play
when I visit my people
there for the day

We love days with Wolfgang
and he loves it here
He’s clearly relaxed
and it gives us much cheer
He’s free with his kisses
and well-behaved too
so you’re welcome here Wolfgang
’cos we all love you

©Jemverse

Photo – Wolfgang the Patterdale Terrier on route to Shoreham – Jempics

Walking Days

Around about this time of year
in ones now in the past
my mind has turned to walking
with my brother for a blast
Together we have wandered
many miles o'er many hills
mostly here in Sussex
with the pleasure all that fills

And there will be a time again
when we venture out once more
to follow paths we know so well
and have traversed before
My heart is there a-hankering
for those happy days again
when I can go out walking
with my brother and my friend

But I'm also quite content to wait
until it's safe and free
when we can walk with confidence
my brother Dave and me
And that will be very special
something to look forward to
Once more out there walking
doing what we love to do

 

©Jemverse

Photo – Jem and Dave Croucher on the South Downs Way, Sussex, UK