Contrasts, a big pond and an affinity

As a rule you will find me
surrounded by green
I’m often the nicest place
you’ll have seen

The winter skies are
blue/grey and bright
The reflection of snow
glimmers by night

I am generally quiet
where peace has a place
I encourage contentment
A feeling of grace

The bustling city noise
brings me alive
People quickly moving
trying to thrive

My buildings are ancient
have seen many years
They capture emotion
of trials and cheers

The Bistros, the clubs
and the music joints
I have so many
I’ll not disappoint

The fragrance in my
environs you’ll find
will foster a spirit
that brings peace of mind

The smog and emissions
fill up the air
But for me it brings comfort
that here I share

And most who live here
will be known by a name
To my rural surroundings
attest and acclaim

Lovers to most
and friends to a few
My urban life, fame
and always anew

©Jem Croucher & Nadine Jordan, 2017

Photos – (top): Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex, UK [from a postcard owned by the author], (bottom): Marysville, California, USA [from a postcard owned by Cardcow Vintage Postcards]

Contrasts, a big pond & and affinity is a collaboration between Jem Croucher (@ Jemverse) and Nadine Jordan of Marysville, California inspired by the Neighbourhood, created by the Public Blogger.

Dog

This week I have been writing
about an animal each day
So I think I’ll finish with the dog
and let them have their say
I mention this quite glibly
for in my house they’re loud
make their presence known with barks
of which they’re jolly proud

And when not barking they’re asleep
except when eating stuff
And then it’s back to sleep because
life as a dog is tough
But they need all of that energy
for the loving that they bring
And having them around the place
is close to everything

©Jemverse

Photos – (top) Obi Wan Kinobi (aged 2), (middle) Basil Fawlty (aged 15), (bottom) the boys – Jempics

Steep

Descending down to Kingston
the Drovers path was steep
So we all walked slow together
like a little herd of sheep

The sun sank down behind us
but the landscape there below
was still awash with sunshine
and in places still aglow

And over in the distance
Lewes town lay nestled there
Our destination on this day
with walking we had shared

©Jemverse

A long walk to the pub

We went on a long walk to Lewes
Along the old Drovers way
Following the ancient Trail of Juggs
on a wonderful sunny day

The sky was as blue as blue can be
the company jolly and fun
the scenery simply breathtaking
and enjoyed by everyone

It took about four hours
to the Snowdrop for a beer
A really very special day
with laughter, fun and cheer

©Jemverse

Photo – us lot (apart from me as I was taking the pic) on the Juggs Drover path between Brighton & Lewes, East Sussex – Jempics

Brighton for Brunch

To Brighton for brunch on a Sunday
egg muffins and hot cups of tea
Meeting some Crouchers who now live close by
Holly, Grace, Sally and Lee

Later we may do some shopping
I believe there’s a record shop here
so maybe I’ll get some new music
as long as it’s not very dear

To Brighton for brunch on a Sunday
a great way to filter some time
especially here with family
when the company is so fine

©Jemverse

Pub

Sitting in Hobgoblin
with an IPA
Watching raindrops falling down
here I think I’ll stay
It’s warm and it is cosy
conversation in full stride
So staying here for a few beers
Beats getting wet outside

©Jemverse

‘Hobgoblin’ is a pub in Brighton, East Sussex, UK

Friends

On a train out of St Pancras
heading for the coast
It’s been a really good night out
of which we’ve made the most
We’ve had good conversation
as good friends always do
It’s just a pity that these
get togethers are so very few
so we will have to make amends
and get together more
As there are many opportunities
for us six out there in store

©Jemverse

Photo – Robin Fisk