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

Virtual beers

From Liverpool to Shoreham
quite a distance any day
but in these days of lockdown
seems a million miles away
But that distance is diminished
at a stroke with all good cheer
when we friends WhatsApp together
to share a virtual beer

Yes the long forbidden travel
may keep us distanced yet
but that alone won’t stop us
and we’re at pains to not forget
that a friendship knows no boundary
and distance isn’t one
So we will keep on meeting
til this pandemic’s done

Whetting whistle with the virtual beer
sharing anecdotes on line
raising glasses to our friendship
we look forward to this time
And until that glorious day when we
can share a real one face to face
this on-line time together
is our virtual beering grace

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Too good to miss

“Nothing ventured, nothing gained”
the ancient proverb word
so we put best foot forward
and proceeded undeterred
Maintaining social distance
for our safety guaranteed
we met for conversation
with an appetite to feed

A meeting up of family
apart for far too long
this little slice of happiness
to fill our hearts with song
And, as long as we are careful
we will see some more of this
rekindling of a friendship
which is far too good to miss

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

The Beach Hut Arms

Came down to the beach hut
on a very windy day
it wasn’t very warm but
I didn’t mind cos, hey…
The reason I was here
with the sea so very near
was to meet at social distance
with a good friend for a beer

And as the weather forecast
was for rain we didn’t care
as the chance to share a beer
with a chat was great down there
So I rather think that this
is something I will often do
A beer at social distance
with a cracking seaside view

©Jemverse

Photo – ‘The Beach Hut Arms’ – Jempics

Sunshine as a friend

Yellow, warming
lifts my soul
Catches, comforts
makes me whole
Brings a shoulder
to console
the sunshine as a friend

Gives a smile
when scarce are they
Keeps the blues
quite well away
Brings a welcome
to the day
the sunshine as a friend

Heals me always
ever there
Sometimes hidden
sometimes rare
But always with
a joy to share
the sunshine as a friend

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Of Beacons and Mud

Went for a walk for a birthday
All of us met at the Star
heading off to the Beacon
via Falmer so not all that far
Up through the woods over Stanmer
frolicking under the trees
rained a lot here so the mud was
quite frequently up to our knees

The sunshine made an appearance
and the rain kept away for the day
replaced with wind that was boisterous
and with us for most of the day
But we found our way to the Beacon
and took pictures there of the Weald
before heading downwards to Ditchling
down steep paths and more muddy yield

The Bull was packed and was heaving
but we found a table where we
could sit for a while with a pint and a laugh
by the window when it became free
And then it was all back to Shoreham
legs aching and needing a rest
safe in the knowledge that days like these
are always the absolute best

©Jemverse

My eldest daughter – Emily Rose (forefront right) – hosts a traditional walk every year for her birthday. This year we walked from Falmer to Ditchling via Stanmer Woods. Photo – Jempics

Days gone by (Auld Lang Syne)

And so these few words
at the end of ten years
to wrap up a decade
of laughter and tears

We’re all ten years older
with the wisdom that brings
and we all must have seen
many wonderful things

Some which have brought us
joy and some gladness
and others some grief
and immeasurable sadness

And yet here we all are
as the twenty-teens end
looking forward as one
as family and friend

To another new decade
with all that is fine
as we all raise our voices
to the ‘auld lang syne’

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics