SDW (South Downs Way)

The South Downs Way
my favourite trail
so as moments come
I'll oft regale
the pleasure I derive from this
just walking here
my perfect bliss

©Jemverse

Photo – The South Downs Way – Clayton Hill, West Sussex – Jempics

Jack and Jill

On the South Downs
high, top the hill
we walked around
the Jack and Jill
two windmills there
and standing still
though long time now
since flour to mill

The view gave all 
the eyes to fill
where we took stock
of our free will
November yet
not really chill
we wandered freely
with no ill

And here atop the
Sussex hill
by the two windmills
Jack and Jill
we live and breathe
and have our fill
for joie de vivre
as this is brill

©Jemverse

Photo – The Jack & Jill Windmills, Clayton, West Sussex, Uk. Jill (foreground) was built in 1821; Jack (background) in 1866

I waved a long shadow

I waved a long shadow
by a favourite tree
in a favourite field
where I love to be
the sunshine was bright
but with rain in the air
though sadly no rainbow
was evident there

But as usual the joy
of the wander we had
in Seven Tree Field
just made our hearts glad
and our little dog, Obi
he ran and he ran
with exuberant gait
with which all dogs can

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

A morning hike

No.7 in the Jemverse series ‘Down in Dorset’

So we all walked back to Charmouth
early morning 'round sunrise
with mist in all the valleys
and a glow atop the rise

Took us about an hour
then we walked right back again
as the sun climbed higher brightly
in the east from whence it came

The splendour nature offered
all around was as a treasure
which all of us admired
good measure for good measure

And with dewdrop diamonds shining
we felt enriched beyond decree
in this really special place
where we wandered peacefully

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Wandering Tranquil

No.3 in the Jemverse series ‘Down in Dorset’

Before the Dorset sun retired
at the end of a fine day
we went for a small wander
down the lanes around this way
At the crossroads we went straight ahead
as it seemed the thing to do
passed by the Crooch Farm courtyard
'neath a cloudless sky of blue

The rays of golden sunshine
glinted precious through the trees
as down the lanes and twittens 
we wandered 'neath the leaves
squeezing into hedgerows
as a seldom car went past
this seemed a quaint existence
most refreshing change to fast

And we smiled a knowing smile
at the peace this place exuded
feeling quite at ease opposed
to anything excluded
Far from it, this was home from home
this Dorset countryside
as slow the sun sank in the West
to match our wandering stride

Conclusion fitting both we thought
as in unison we turned
to retrace our evening footsteps
with a new life lesson learned
For here was pure tranquility
with pace so far removed
from that which we had left behind
yet here with pleasure soothed

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Our haven

This place, this haven
it's all of us
and we all miss it
if because
for some misfortune
or mishap
we have to tell
the little chap
there'll be no running
through the grass
or round the corner
as we pass

So thankfully
that is quite rare
as we are most
weeks always there
and yesterday
was no exception
you'll have gathered
with perception
by glancing at
the picture here
and seeing on
his face such cheer

So no you weren't
at all mistaken
as we are back
at this our haven
In this field
of seven trees
when we can be
quite at our ease
As Obi runs
and Sal and I
watch him there
as we walk by

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Deep Blue

The deep blue of this summer sky
is quite enough for me
here in the field of seven trees
where Obi runs quite free
These really are our special times
this hour each week we spend
and, truth be told, for sanity
on this we both depend
For it is a solace, comfort too
to walk an hour here
at the evening of a weekend
to fill our hearts with cheer

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Sunshine through the V

Caught in the early evening sunshine
through the seventh tree
shining down on this fine field
and captured in the vee

Idyllic are these walks we have
each weekend at this time
an perfect be it raining
or, on days like this, just fine

And the winking of the sunshine
as I caught its setting rays
encapsulates the pleasure
we both get upon these days

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Release II

In Lewes on the river path
we walked beside the Ouse
watched it flow in from the sea
meandering to use
That aged water, aged flow
o'er many years has seen
and where along its grassy banks
many souls have been

In Lewes Wolfgang, Sal and I
in spite of summer rain
walked up beside the river
as we are back here again
That aged water, aged flow
cathartic here today
releasing the endorphins
in every single way

©Jemverse

Photo – The river Ouse at Lewes, East Sussex – Jempics

The best I’ve known

Back on the six-miler
in Sussex from my home
it's great to be up here again
the best walk I have known

And that is saying something
as many trails I've trod
several on the continent
and more on English sod

But it's always back to Sussex
which is hardly a surprise
as this is where my home is
where my heart truly lies

So I laughed aloud with pleasure
when I saw again the view
from Mill Hill to the valley
as if it were brand new

And I relished all the byways
walking slow to detail see
soaking up the atmosphere
so precious here to me

Yes I cherish this six-miler
which I've come to call my own
on my doorstep here in Sussex
quite the best that I have known

©Jemverse

Photo – Mill Hill looking to the Adur Valley, Sussex, UK – Jempics