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

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

Pond Water

There’s a pub in Brighton called ‘The Pond’
closed of course at present
as every pub in England is
which is a bit unpleasant
It serves a pint they brew themselves
‘Pondwater’ – quite sublime
which I will savour once again
quite soon, I trust, sometime

And though the connotation is
contrary I’ll agree
planting in the pond today
reminded me you see
as planting in pond water
new plants new hope to bring
a thought popped in just as they do
that’s worth remembering

Such are these thoughts, these pleasantries
on which our hopes we pin
with expectation promise
from this Covid time we’re in
And emerge we will victorious
when time is right once more
to savour all these pleasures
which we cherish and adore

©Jemverse

Photos – Jempics

Back to the beach

I haven’t been down to the beach
in quite a long while now
mainly due to lockdown
and a feeling that somehow
if it doesn’t feel quite right
to walk down into town
because of all the idiots
who spread this virus round
then as to get down to the beach
a walk through town is needed
I think my own advice is here
advice that is well heeded
And yes the time is coming
when it will be safe to go
and when that time arrives
I’ll be down there as you know
For the beach right here in Shoreham
is a place I love to be
‘Cos as a Sussex person
it is truly part of me

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Social distance birthdays

It was murky on the Dyke today
and you could not see far
which really was a pity as
the view’s spectacular

You’ll have to take my word for that
because the picture shows you nowt
of what Sussex has to offer
and what the Weald is all about

But our social distance meeting
was just as joyful as they come
to celebrate a birthday
with the way that we do fun

Five of us in both the cars
and Eddie on the phone
the best that we could offer
as we can’t meet up at home

And though murky with cold drizzle
the warmth the meeting brought
gave us all with the special joy
that times like these they ought

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

This field we walk

This field we walk
our saving grace
and for result
we love this place
Changing as
the year goes by
and different things
each time we spy
The joy of seeing
running paws
and flapping ears
to much applauds

And safety too
for here we three
are absolutely
people free
An hour of freedom
walking here
enough to give
us weekly cheer
So really what
more could we crave
when we have this
our joy to save

For it is that
in spades and more
a place we’ve both
come to adore
And Obi too
for this is his
a field to run in
doggy bliss
This field we walk
our saving grace
our hearts are here
within this place

©Jemverse

Photo – Houndie House Field, New Wharf Farm, Horsebridge Common, Sussex, UK – Jempics

The beauty of a tree

i

Silhouetted in the sun
the tree in centre field
stands proud of the water
and looks out to the Weald

And out here east of Steyning
on this lovely winter day
I felt so glad to be alive
I shouted loud ‘hooray’!

Life is made for moments
like this, singular and free
especially when confronted by
the beauty of a tree

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Over Brighton Tonight

A sky atmospheric
over Brighton tonight
met us on the beach
reflecting the light

Spectacular was
the view there that we
had to pause for a while
by the night-blackened sea

To take stock of it all
and to apply a measure
by which we could capture
this wonderful treasure

©Jemverse

Photo – the Brighton night skyline from West Beach, Shoreham – Jempics

Big Sky IV

The pink up in the evening blue
divided by the grey
in a big sky above the field
on this November day

It fills me with a sense of awe
magnificence right there
the heavens just above my head
with which none can compare

And walking as the daylight fades
in lush green of the field
I smile a grateful thank you
for this big sky here revealed

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Revealing Treasure

The longshore drift moves shingle
as the beaches change their shape
revealing all the treasures
that changing times will make
and particularly pleasing
for an inspiration here
is the old Victorian breakwater
to bring me joy and cheer

I have so missed these lovely things
which once graced every shore
replaced now by Norwegian rock
so good to see once more
these contours and this sculpture
fine crafted by the sea
are treasures to be cherished
in the the short time they will be

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics