Ivy leafed Toadflax

Ivy leafed Toadflax
growing on the wall
pink and really pretty
as the Springtime comes to call
Delicate its flowers
as it spreads this time of year
it's great to see it growing there
to bring some daily cheer

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Second jab

I've had my second vaccine
in fact it was a week ago
but I thought I'd wait a little while
before telling you, you know
I wanted to make sure
that everything was 'hunky dory'
and it absolutely is
hence the telling of this story

So here's a little message
from a poet here to you
whatever you may think
there is one thing that you must do
make sure you get your vaccine
two jabs are all you need
to make the world a safer place
small price to pay indeed

And no we can't be flippant
and still need to take some care
but ensuring your protection
is a no-brainer there
So get the jab when offered
it's the least that you can do
respecting all around us
and a better life for you.

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

See also ‘Jab‘ – published 20 February 2021

Spectacular III

From Ferry Road and shingle beach
this curving Sussex bay
is quite spectacular to see
from Shoreham I must say
And chagrined to admission I
shamefaced apologise 
as with this upon my doorstep
I should always recognise
that here is unbridled privilege
to simply cast an eye
and take in this glorious vista
when just simply walking by

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

May the fourth be with you

Obi Wan Kinobi
five years ago today
came to join our family
hip-hip, hip-hip, hooray

So May the Fourth
be with you here
with Obi Wan
to bring you cheer

Our Star Wars chap
our 'little brown'
he's such a joy
to have around

So on the fourth
of May each year
we celebrate
to be quite clear

For he remains
a Croucher true
something here
we'll share with you

A small brown dog
of many names
but Star Wars
Obi-Wan remains

©Jemverse

Photo – Obi-Wan Kinobi Croucher in the sun,May 2021 – Jempics

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

Treasure Trove II

I get lost in a good bookshop
they are like a treasure trove
and fortunately Lewes town
has them in spades and droves
So of a Wednesday morning
with the sunshine proving warm
we drove there for a browsing
which for us has been the norm
And in a darkened basement
I found Nirvana waiting there
shelves of ancient volumes
just waiting there to share
their secrets with the reader
who will in their pages find
the treasures that I speak of
for the soul and for the mind
Yes, I get lost in a good bookshop
for with patience and good measure
I know that every time I come
I'll find a waiting treasure.

©Jemverse

Photo – Emily Rose Croucher

Beginning IX

aka The Plan (part IV)

9 of 12 in the Jemverse series ’12 months IV’

A new beginning at our 'lotty'
and we're both as pleased as punch
as the planned 'no dig' solution
is paying off from just a hunch
For now we've built with withy
two climbing frames by hand
and planted all the seedlings
we have grown upon our land
And we've strimmed the grass around
so it's looking pretty neat
showing off the lavenders
which are blooming in the heat
Now lots and lots of water
we will add by hose each day
to bring the plan close to fruition
and the vegetables our way

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Part 1 ‘Back to the allotment‘ – 24 March 2021

Part 2 ‘The Plan (Part II)‘ – 18 April 2021

Part 3 ‘The Plan (Part III)‘ – 24 April 2021

Begging your pardon

The sunshine is glorious

here in the garden

so if you don’t mind

and begging your pardon

I’ll just sit me down

right here and right now

and turn my nose skyward

for the warmth on my brow

…

I’ll not be here long

but it’s really quite rude

not to sit here a while

and never intrude

when the sunshine is high

and it’s lovely like this

which for black dogs like me

is quite close to bliss

©Jemverse

Photo – Wolfgang in the sun – Jempics

Freedom II

Seagull giving it ‘some of that’

on ‘Fatto Mano’s’ there

whilst we walked slow through Brighton

the afternoon to share

Rock buns in Pavilion Gardens

charity shops galore

cheap CDs in the pound shop

and we’re back here once more

The sunshine made the people

and the ambiance so real

almost like a living thing

at fingertips to feel

It’s been a long time coming

but we embraced it here today

tangible this freedom feeling

and this time it’s here to stay

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

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