Ways to use time

We went for an ice cream
and sat on the beach
it was rather windy
but within easy reach
in the relative shelter
of Old Shoreham town
nestled beneath
the crook of the Down

The sun was all squinty
and April shine bright
good to see people
about and in sight
Almost as if a 
new normal is here
evident on the faces
of all around, cheer

We stopped by politely
at the patisserie
to purchase some quiche
for Sally and me
then made our way homeward
for brunch and a snooze
such is our choice
for the time that we use

©Jemverse

Photo – Sally Croucher

Blessed and content

It doesn’t take much

in fact not much at all

to make something feel

quite so wonderful

So out here in the sun

I am blessed and content

summed up in a moment

and every word meant

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Easter Egg Hunt

I’m devising an Easter egg hunt

it’s a giggle

as I had to squeeze into some spots

with a wiggle

too cunningly hide the eggs

with some guile

as my children have been at this

for quite a while

so they all know the places that

I pick for hiding

which means that deception

is now residing

to find nooks and crannies and

difficult places

to keep them all busy with

smiles on their faces

as all of my children are

grown adults now

the clues have got harder

and harder somehow

But they’ll use their wisdom and

collective endeavour

to solve all the problems I’ve set

‘cos they’re clever

And when they are done and all

eggs have been found

we’ll share some Bucks Fizz with

good cheer all round

For the joy of delivery comes straight

from the heart

and the prize of completion is

just taking part

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Fine days and sunshine

Sitting in my garden
thinking ‘grass – it needs a trim’
but I’m content to sit here
in the sunspot I am in
and sip an IPA I found
in the cupboard waiting there
for just a moment such as this
I’l say with ‘savour faire’

For moments such as these I live
and it’s really been too long
since I have felt the warmth of sun
and heard the Springtime song
So now there’ll be no stopping me
I’ll be out here all the time
lapping up the sun and all
on days when it is fine

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Four flights of steps between

Three rooms, four flights of steps divide
my life these days its seems
and one might question why and what
that self-containment means

But I am not perturbed by it
and not imprisoned I
No captive here, no punishment
I happily get by

For this is life in lockdown
but I am quite content
as I know it’s not forever
so I also have intent

That when all this is over
I’ll be out there every day
and, not confined to shielding
live it in every way

Til then though these three rooms
with four flights of steps between
will stay for my contentment
for I know just what they mean

©Jemverse

Photo – the penultimate flight of steps to my study – Jempics

Contentment in an Englishman’s castle

Yes I’m an Englishman and it is said
that his home is his castle indeed
And I do declare
and here freely share
that I’m happy to stand by that creed

For some would crave more but I’m happy right here
with my lot as with it I’m content
For I’ve so much right here
to fill me with cheer
so each word of that statement is meant

©Jemverse

Holiday VI

Five days off, I can scarce believe it
it’s been a tough few weeks
The hours I’ve worked
have been berserk
few troughs but many peaks

Relaxation guaranteed
the most I’ll make of this
There’ll be some sounds
and walks with hounds
in five days of pure bliss

Don’t get me wrong, I’m passionate
about the work I do
But everyone
needs time for fun
lacklustre to eschew

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Whimsy rests

And similar these late-night hours
the silence out there now
with solar-captured radiance
lighting there the bough
My window looks down to this scene
as to slumber most resign
yet for a moment whimsy rests
upon this view sublime

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Baking

Thought I’d do some baking
not baked in quite a while
as after all a fresh new loaf
is bound to bring a smile
So I found all the ingredients
and kneaded it and proved
then floured it and dusted
with the washing-up removed
Then with half an hour’s baking
a new loaf proudly stood
bringing with it satisfaction
and the smile I knew it would

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Days Passing

These days each day is similar
but I don’t really mind
as there is much to occupy
and fill them all I find
I rise at four when it’s still dark
and spend an hour writing
updating all my poetry blogs
which I find quite exciting
Then weekdays I will work through two
on my window to the world
my laptop there connected
for daily tasks unfurled

Which always leaves me afternoons
when I can have a rest
and do the things I love to do
when days are at their best
Fillings’ not a problem
and I am never bored
for there’s so much to occupy
with all that life has stored
Upstairs I can sit down and play
a game on my Playstation
or in the front room lose myself
in films with fascination

On the middle floor our bedroom
is best for the sunlight
so I might spend some time in there
with books for my delight
And sometimes with some music
I will simply sit and smile
soaking up the sounds
in my best chair for a while
Yes each days these days are similar
but I couldn’t ask for more
as each affords a mystery
of what next waits in store

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics