It's the morning after the mourning
the official period done
and though not forgetting Majesty
she's now radiant in the sun
Her long reign now is over
and with Phillip and the rest
she's Queen now where in heaven
everything is just the best
Long live now King Charles the third
a new era for our land
our only wish, continuance of
his Mother's loving hand
[Queen Elizabeth II was queen of the UK and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her passing on 8 September 2022. Her reign of 70 years and 214 days is the longest of any British Monarch and the longest recorded of any female head of state in history. At the moment of her passing the throne accessioned immediately and without ceremony to her eldest son Charles, former Prince of Wales. At 73, he’s the oldest person ever to assume the British throne, a record previously held since 1830 when William IV acceded at age 64].
We didn't get much for most of the summer
which for farmers and gardeners
was a bit of a bummer
And we attest to that fact with good claim
as nothing much grew
which was quite a shame
Yet now in September in buckets it's falling
almost as if it had heard
all our calling
It doesn't look like much I know
but the satisfaction wrought
from half an hour of crafting
inspired by a simple thought
is pleasing and in fact replete
a sense of job well done
working with just what you find
whilst having lots of fun
And that in fact's the essence
of what this allotment brings
to each of us as time we spend
down here whilst growing things
Fresh out the kiln for autumn
oak leave inspired glass
bound for the stall in Lewes
purchased by those who pass
All crafted by my soulmate's hand
I'm hoping one will find
its way into my study
as I am that way inclined
Tactile as they are lovely
hung up to catch the light
these crafted glass creations
make for a lovely sight
Inspired by oak leaves found in a Sussex field to which we go regularly, these glass ‘light catchers’ are the latest batch to emerge from my soulmate Sal’s studio.
Had ten days last month for wonderful things
to all bring a joy and pull at heartstrings
Places to visit and things to see there
taking photos to later re-live and re-share
Ten days of staycation what more could I need
when living in Sussex for this life that I lead?
As Sussex has all the 'joie de vivre' I desire
with its people and places and things I admire
So whenever a moment affords this release
I'm happy in Sussex as at home I find peace
Two thousand years of weathering
this column's stub has seen
in situ still in Sussex where
in all that time it's been
A testament to Roman skill
and craftsmanship to see
that though but just a stub remains
it's here and long will be
So, looking up to Bignor Hill
this ancient land so fair
I stood to ponder that a while
and in that moment share
Its flowers were no more and it
was definitely past its prime
but it was going really cheap
so I paid and made it mine
then took it to the lotty where
I gave it pride of place
a new lavender for the herbal plot
its presence there to grace
And bedraggled though it may be
I will nurture it with care
as it promises next summer
lots more lavender to share
At Stopham Bridge, late summer
with cool waters down below
as the Arun slowly trickles
on a turning tide quite slow
Sitting on the decking of the
White Hart across the way
this view is quite breathtaking
on this peaceful summer day
Tranquil here the setting
this place amongst the best
of my favourites in Sussex
where I'll always come to rest
Sat down at the allotment
in late summer sun
with a welcome can of ale
the weeding here all done
The no dog plots are looking good
and our labour is well spent
as everything is looking great
almost as if with intent
Sal is down there painting
watercolours as she does
in a shady spot, but me
in full sunshine here because
that's what I like to do
we each have different ways
celebrating our enjoyment
of just being in this place
Heavy scent floating in the air
with sunshine after the rain
The music echoes with a sweet
harmonious refrain
Daisy-like the clusters sing
the Elderflower’s song
and breathing deep the fragrance
I hum and sing along
...all about me and my life in words. I write most days, carrying an ideas book around in which I capture a word snapshot of life around me. So there's a lot here about Sussex and the sea and anything else I see that inspires.
The pictures are mine too. Some taken to match a poem; some poems written to match a pic; others chosen because they work well with words written.
Jemverse is life in words. Hope you enjoy the reading as much as I enjoy the writing...
Jemverse 