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

In Sussex

Rainshadow on November sea
braced against the weather we
into strong sou’ westerly
In Sussex where we live

Sunbeams struggle in the grey
on this brisk November day
as we venture out to play
in Sussex where we live

This coastal strip our comfort here
always bringing plenty cheer
no matter what the time of year
In Sussex where we live

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Swans (haiku)

Swans on Widewater
nestled behind the beach
here on Sussex coast

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

[The ‘Widewater’ lagoon running along the Brighton Road between Lancing and Shoreham in West Sussex, UK is a brackish strip of tidal water. Sandwiched between the road and the sea and protected by a man-made shingle bank on the seaward side, it’s about a mile long and a haven for birds].

Wet paws

It was quite damp in Obi’s field
near Ashurst, Sunday last
the rain came down like stair rods
and the sky was overcast
the ground was rather sodden
more marshland than a field
the penalty for being
in the flat of Sussex Weald

There were puddles deep as rivers
round the bases of the tree
and I’m glad that we wore wellies
as the depth came to our knees
But we enjoyed the squelching
and Obi had his run
as up here at the Houndie House
we always have some fun

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Stopham Bridge III

In Sussex there’s a bridge
Built in fourteen twenty-two
now closing on six hundred years
since its fine stones were new
It spans the river Arun
near Stopham Village where
it’s provided here a crossing
for local folk to share

And it is I think my favourite place
in Sussex where I live
somewhere I’ll return to and
to it my homage give
For it brings me an exuberance
of pure unbridled joy
I’ve had the pleasure of repeating
ever since I was a boy

©Jemverse

Photo – Stopham Bridge, Sussex, UK – Jempics