Few trees

3 of 3 in the ‘Tree’ series from Jemverse

There are few trees up here but still
the view is quite breathtaking
so I don’t mind a bit because
it’s freedom in the making
On our doorsteps here but still
few people get this far
A mystery as up here the view
is quite spectacular

There are few trees but never mind
good people, here’s the thing
the vista that your eyes will see
will cause your heart to sing
For here there is fair Sussex
in its glory bright and green
which I can promise you is quite
the best that you’ll have seen

©Jemverse

Photo – the Sussex Weald from Ditchling Beacon, Sussex – Jempics

From Three Trees

2 of 3 in the ‘Tree’ series from Jemverse

From ‘Three Trees’ on the Beacon
with sunshine in the field
the view is always wonderful
out across the Weald
As you can see for miles
to the hill line way up north
across the scattered villages
as clouds pass back and forth
This place it is idyllic
high up on South Downs Way
made better by the sunshine
on this lovely mid-March day

©Jemverse

Photo – Three Trees – Ditchling Down – South Downs Way – Sussex – Jempics

Fortitude

Each evening on the journey home
we drive beside the sea
‘neath a big sky that sweeping view
How fortunate are we?
The shingle beach right there beside
the road just yards away
a pleasure bringing fortitude
on each and every day

©Jemverse

Photo – the bay of Sussex, Southern England – Jempics

In Stanmer Woods

In Stanmer Woods the trees stand tall
and sheltered down below
I stand as if on tippy-toe
as I’m quietly in the know
For up above the wind blows free
with frigid winter blast
yet down upon the bracken floor
there’s stillness here to last

Seldom green still at this time
the crisp of winter clings
yet snowdrops on the barren ground
swift the Springtime brings
In Stanmer Woods there’s evidence
of Mother Nature’s pride
and here I can embrace it
with my arms held open wide

©Jemverse

Photo – Stanmer Woods, Sussex – Jempics

Of Beacons and Mud

Went for a walk for a birthday
All of us met at the Star
heading off to the Beacon
via Falmer so not all that far
Up through the woods over Stanmer
frolicking under the trees
rained a lot here so the mud was
quite frequently up to our knees

The sunshine made an appearance
and the rain kept away for the day
replaced with wind that was boisterous
and with us for most of the day
But we found our way to the Beacon
and took pictures there of the Weald
before heading downwards to Ditchling
down steep paths and more muddy yield

The Bull was packed and was heaving
but we found a table where we
could sit for a while with a pint and a laugh
by the window when it became free
And then it was all back to Shoreham
legs aching and needing a rest
safe in the knowledge that days like these
are always the absolute best

©Jemverse

My eldest daughter – Emily Rose (forefront right) – hosts a traditional walk every year for her birthday. This year we walked from Falmer to Ditchling via Stanmer Woods. Photo – Jempics

Thoughts of walking

My brother sent a text
reminding me to book
some dates in May when
we’ll take another look
and with a best foot forward
and packs and beating heart
we’ll head into the Sussex hills
another walk to start

These are for days of talking
and taking in the view
of muddying our boots
and the walking things we do
These are for camaraderie
and sheltering from the rain
and walking with my brother
in the Sussex hills again

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Emmaus

To Emmaus for a rummaging
in the bric-a-brac arcade
and later for an omelette
quickly for us made
We found a jug for flowers
but nothing else today
just nice to come and have a browse
upon a Saturday

Pondered for a moment
looking at the ruins here
of what was once a priory
back in yesteryear
And then we headed homeward
for a nice hot cup of tea
The new jug proudly on the shelf
for everyone to see

©Jemverse

Photo – Priory ruins, Emmaus, Old Portslade, Sussex, Uk – Jempics

Emmaus Communities enable people to move on from homelessness, providing work and a home in a supportive, family environment. Companions, as residents are known, work full time collecting and reselling donated furniture. This work supports the Community financially and enables residents to develop skills, rebuild their self-respect and help others in greater need. The Old Portslade Emmaus community has 53 resident companions and runs a second-hand bric-a-brac, furniture and clothes store along with an award-winning cafe.