Measure on measure

The Christmas tree's up
and it's twinkling there
under the window
good spirit to share
It's welcoming glow
is a comforting sight
when I leave in the morning
and return home at night

And the advent sack beckons
a departure this year
from traditional boxes
but still oozing cheer
As every morning we delve
to find a new treasure
from our four grown-up children
for measure on measure

©Jemverse

Photo – our Christmas 21 ‘advent sack’ – Jempics

Our field

So many times
we've both walked this field
with our little dog, Obi
in the heart of the Weald
Just north of Steyning
on the Partridge Green road
it's been here our haven
and many times strode

Each time we come here
something different we see
whilst Obi does running
quite safe and quite free
and we never grow weary
despite knowing it well
as it's wholesome and lovely
which these words I think tell

©Jemverse

Photo – Seven Tree Field – Jempics

The whole I am

Some weeks you just need one
to recharge your soul
for relaxation and rest
and to get you back whole
For when you keep going
bits drop off and fall
and though gradual a process
you're not quite your all

So sometimes a recharge
is the right call to make
to top up the batteries
with respite to take
and you know it makes sense
and is no fake or sham
as the evidence there
is the whole you, I am

©Jemverse

Photo – Gracey Croucher of Emily Rose Croucher in the woods. I chose this one to accompany my words as it sums up to me what ‘free spirit’ and the ‘I am’ is all about. Sometimes it’s good to simply have ‘me’ time.

Happy Place

First time to London
in two years or more
all Crouchers together
for good times galore
So this morning we all
are up with the lark
for coffee and toast
before we embark

We're heading for South Bank
Tate Modern no less
as we've all missed the vibe
we will freely confess
The company jocund
the excitement complete
we can barely contain
and keep still in our seat

Just an hour and a bit
on the train beforehand
when we all meet for breakfast
before the tour grand
And then we'll be back
in that greatest of space
Tate Modern on South Bank
our most happy place

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

A week of adventures

Concluding the Jemverse series ‘Down in Dorset’ (12 of 12)

We've had a week of adventures
but it's good to be home
full of the joy of
the pleasures we've known

We've had seven more days
of summer and sunshine
and although mid-October
the weather's been so kind

We've been swimming in sea
which wasn't that cold
and walking on beaches
so very old

We've been fossil humting
and found some to keep
and every bright morning
have awoken to sheep

We've shared meals we've each cooked
in a farmhouse sublime
in the heart of West Dorset
for a wonderful time

We've seen film sets for winter
and had ice-creams galore
so good was the flavour
we went back for some more

We've eaten chips on the Cob
looking out at the sea
and walked by the river
dogs, children and me

It's been a week of adventures
and we've loved every one
the Crouchers in Dorset
for frolics and fun

©Jemverse

Photo – Jem (of Jemverse) at Whitchurch Canonicorium, Dorset – October 2021 – Emily Rose Croucher

Summer’s swansong II

On this September morning
sunshine greeted me again
and as this could be the summer's swansong
no one could lay the blame
if today instead of working
to the beach I went instead
to seize the opportunity
and by my heart be led

So that's what I resolved to do
'no brainer' some would say
as it's not often in September
that it's as hot as this today
Ne'r a cloud above in sight
the sky the deepest blue
with a breeze from early summer
I'd forgotten that I knew

And of course I found a hagstone
for my collection of such things
another treasure from the place
that pulls at my heartstrings
This beach, this perfect haven
here in Sussex by the sea
which at the summer's swansong
is the only place to be

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics (a ‘hagstone’ is found pebble with a natural hole right through, sculpted by the sea). I have not left a Sussex beach without at least one for as long as I can remember. So I have a great many hagstones now!

Forever eighty-seven

Happy Birthday my Mother
you'd have been ninety today
but forever instead
eighty-seven you'll stay

The time of your passing
though sad was still right
but I still shed a tear
on occasion at night

But on fifth of September
remembering clear
I see that you're smiling
so Happy Birthday, my dear

©Jemverse

Photo – A big eldest son with a little Mum – Sally Croucher

Many times the beach

Yes I know that I've written
many times here before
of this place on the beach
and I suspect there'll be more
but I make no apologies
for that fact here
as this place is a haven
and always brings cheer

A beach full of shingle
beside the blue sea
a most English of channel
and perfect for me
Long days have I spent here
in the summer sun
and many more will I still
until I am done

And that's a long time
many more years I trust
for coming down to the beach
as I know that I must
for as long as I'm mobile
this place it will be
my haven exquisite
so close to the sea

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Beach bliss

I'm on the beach again
surprising I'd say
as it's lovely down here
on this fine summer day
and although it's a weekday
you'd have thought that some might
venture down to the beach
to enjoy the sunlight

Not that I'm bothered
for it's great here for me
on a deserted beach
right next to the sea
And they are the ones
missing out on all this
whilst I lap it up
and revel in the bliss

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

In my room II

In my room
I have my stuff
and it is lovely
here because
it's somewhere I
can come and play
at any time
on any day
sometimes a game
or music here
or writing poems
to bring me cheer
and my small dog
young 'Obi' there
will safely snooze
and with me share
this little room
where I can come
and be myself
and have some fun

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics