Lavender Rescue

I'm salvaging some lavender
it wasn't happy where it was
so I've found a place, a sunny spot
whence it can thrive because
I'll tend it more and water it
and trim the bits that die
so hopefully some flowers will come
to harvest come July

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

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

Thunderstorm

The warmer air was palpable
so we knew something was coming
electric currents in the air
a tingling on the neck and hair
and rumbles out there humming

Then suddenly the brightest flash
as lightning stabbed the night
The thunder roared
as we applaud
at this most splendid sight

The thunderstorm arrived at last
and with it rain a-plenty
We whooped and cheered
as close it neared
til it and we were empty

©Jemverse

Photo – Julian Martin

Sandcastle

We made the best sandcastle
that a beach has ever seen
it took us several hours to make
a mark where we had been
Little children paused to stare
and admire it with a smile
for it was truly massive
and took all of us a while
It had a moat and curtain walls
bridges, steps and towers
and when we'd finished it we knew
that it was wholly ours
We'd made the best sandcastle
Camber sands has ever seen
and whilst it stands you'll surely know
that Crouchers there have been

©Jemverse

Photo – ‘Seahorse castle’, Camber Sands, Sussex, May 2022 – Jempics

Release

I'm sitting down in Obi's field
as the vice across my chest
has returned with bitter vengeance
so I really need the rest
I've found a lovely spot though
by the fence amongst the yellow
where I can sit and watch the
running of the happy fellow
And breathing deep the Sussex air
I feel the vice break free
releasing all the pressure
that this asthma brings to me

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Camber Sands

For a birthday treat our children
took us to Camber Sands
a weekend at Badger Cottage
neath the sand dunes tall and grand
They'd all kept it a secret
but it's known and open now
as the six of us are here
with our dog cos he's allowed

©Jemverse

Photo – Camber Sands, East Sussex – from the top of the dunes 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

Tea with the Queen

We're suited and booted and dressed to the nines
with whistles and dresses for these special times
as with honour bestowed to the palace we go
for tea with the Queen in her garden you know
A privilege shared with the hundreds invited
we're both feeling nervous but very excited
for we know when we get there all will be fine
as it's not every day with the Queen that you dine

©Jemverse

The embossed card which accompanied my formal invitation to the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, London on Wednesday 11 May 2022 (photo – Jempics)

Two Squirrels

Two squirrels playing in the tree
scurrying about
But as to who was chasing who
I think there was some doubt
Suffice to say it seemed to me
that they were having fun
as I passed by quite nonchalantly
in early May's bright sun

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Ancient woodlands’ bequest

The bluebells are blooming, it's that time of year
in the garden there under the tree
that gives shade from the sun
when their time has begun
for this lovely bright vision we see

Every year without fail, ancient woodlands' bequest
sees in May this blue reappear
in warming sunshine
when the weather gets fine
for a pleasure that we here hold dear

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics