Beaches

Looking out 'cross windswept beaches
though this one's far from home
a familiar feeling warms me
from all the views I've known
For here I'm in my element
close to the sea, my heart
a synergy that's part of me
and has been from the start

©Jemverse

Photo – the beach at Camber Sands, East Sussex, looking West – Jempics

Lotty looking lovely

The lottie's looking lovely
more like it's owned and loved
instead a patch of weed and grass
abandonment has shoved
and it didn't really take that long
we have a system there you see
as Sally does the strimming
leaving heavy stuff to me
So the lottie's looking lovely
once again our patch of land
on which we'll grow our produce
and keep it looking grand

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Guaranteed

Never a dull day, an adage to hold
whether skies be bright blue or all grey
keep a smile on the face and a glint in the eye
is something to live by each day
Sometime it is harder than others I know
but there's always a place there to find
just a 'je ne sais quoi' or other obscure
to help you relax and unwind
And that glint in the eye, may it never fade
six decades truthful to me
so just give it a chance, try it out for a day
and you'll notice the change, guaranteed

©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)

Back to the loop

It was back to the loop
with a whim and a way
as the sun was quite warm
on this late April day
and I was on leave
and the hills were all green
and the chalk of the trail
is the best I have seen
so I put best foot forward
with this walk 'cos it's there
reacquainting myself
with this pleasure to share

©Jemverse

Photo – The South Downs looking west from Mill Hill, West Sussex (start of Jem’s 6-mile loop) – Jempics

Dogeaster Egghunt

In our garden every year
for as long as I recall
we've had a hunt at Easter
when children have a ball
eggs hidden in strange places
whoops and shouts of joy
all these years in passing
from three girls and a boy
But this year for a difference
I included dog treats too
as they are part of family
so it seemed the thing to do
Yes the children are all grown now
but tradition will not die
so we will just continue
as the years they pass us by

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Mother’s Day 2022

On Mother's Day no flowers to give
for mine has passed away
no chocolates or special treats
to spoil her on this day
But though with tinge of sadness
I recall the life she had
the happiness and laughter
there means I am mostly glad
And her passing was a blessing
when her eight decades they ended
for by grace before pandemic she
to better place transcended
So despite the fact it's three years gone
since Mum, you passed away
I'll raise a glass and with you smile
on this your Mother's Day

©Jemverse

Photo – Ruth Eunice Shrimpton (was Croucher, nee Dainton) 1931-2019

Cue the music

The ambience grew as house lights dimmed
and the crowd with breath abated
whooped and cheered as music played
which they had long awaited
Tickets purchased two years past
with promise to fruition
as the Paris troupe performed and sang
with flamboyant intuition
For each they knew, the cast and crowd
this happening, this evening
was like a breath not breathed before
with wonderment and meaning

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Lost and found II

Hidden in small corner
I found something I'd lost
saved me there the hardship
of counting up a cost
for it was something precious
I hold dear to my heart
and which when separated
felt at loss when there apart
So now it's found I'm happy
reunited once again
continuity rekindled
as together we remain

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Abundance II

Something different every time
in this familiar place
visited most weekends
as it's our saving grace
Obi gets his running time
as we follow, slower gait
and every time throughout the year
new pleasures there await
Something different every time
some small, some larger still
await us when we visit
our abundance to refill

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics