Coddiwomple

No. 4 in the ‘Colloquy’ series

We coddiwompled in the mud
up at Barcombe Mills
all eight of us together
amidst the Sussex hills

The rain held off but underfoot
the mud was thick and wet
but we all had the best of times
so never cause to fret

The Anchor Inn was closed
but we really didn't mind
as this was just the perfect walk
coddiwompling here to find

©Jemverse

Photo – “The Beans at Barcombe – December 2022” – Jempics

[In the ‘Colloquy’ series, I’m exploring some the of English language’s more obscure words. Some little used, some no longer used but all recondite. ‘Coddiwomple’ is slang for travelling in a purposeful way towards a vague destination]

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Something from nothing

It doesn't look like much I know
but the satisfaction wrought
from half an hour of crafting
inspired by a simple thought
is pleasing and in fact replete
a sense of job well done
working with just what you find
whilst having lots of fun
And that in fact's the essence
of what this allotment brings
to each of us as time we spend
down here whilst growing things

©Jemverse

Photo – my rough and ready yet purposeful composting area, Ham Field Allotments, September 2022 – Jempics

A week of adventures

Concluding the Jemverse series ‘Down in Dorset’ (12 of 12)

We've had a week of adventures
but it's good to be home
full of the joy of
the pleasures we've known

We've had seven more days
of summer and sunshine
and although mid-October
the weather's been so kind

We've been swimming in sea
which wasn't that cold
and walking on beaches
so very old

We've been fossil humting
and found some to keep
and every bright morning
have awoken to sheep

We've shared meals we've each cooked
in a farmhouse sublime
in the heart of West Dorset
for a wonderful time

We've seen film sets for winter
and had ice-creams galore
so good was the flavour
we went back for some more

We've eaten chips on the Cob
looking out at the sea
and walked by the river
dogs, children and me

It's been a week of adventures
and we've loved every one
the Crouchers in Dorset
for frolics and fun

©Jemverse

Photo – Jem (of Jemverse) at Whitchurch Canonicorium, Dorset – October 2021 – Emily Rose Croucher

Courthouse Farm

Part 2 in the Jemverse series ‘Down in Dorset’

In Whitchurch Canonicorum
here at Courthouse Farm
we six came for adventure
in a big converted barn
Deep in the Dorset countryside
but not far from the coast
for a week of fun and frolics
of which we'll make the most

There were sheep in the back garden
and cows across the way
to greet us on arrival
when we got here yesterday
And the warm October sunshine
made the day the very best
confirming here the reason
why we came here for a rest

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

For fun (aka ‘anticipation V’)

Today I am
quite pleased to say
is when it's gone
is my last day
for two whole weeks
as Monday next
we're off to Dorset
(watch this text)

Yes two whole weeks
of holiday
when I can rest
Hip, Hip, Hooray
two whole weeks
to nothing do
which I'd imagine
so would you

And what is more
the six of us
with both the dogs
and little fuss
have a big barn
in Dorset booked
quaint and remote
not overlooked

And for a week
we all will see
much fun and frolics
joy and glee
Six whole days
somewhere not here
for relaxation
and a beer

And through the summer
I have waited
for this time
anticipated
And so when this
Tuesday is done
I'll put my feet up
for some fun

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Shadowplay II

I played with my shadow
in the evening sunshine
it gave me a wave
so I knew it was mine

We both laughed aloud
at the shapes we made there
and didn't much mind
if it made people stare

But as the sun slipped down low
we bade fond adieu
as we know we'll be back
well you would, wouldn't you?

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Family things

Another garden, one in Brighton
at the tail end of the week
where we've come for Wagamamas
on order as we speak
Our youngest daughter's residence
below the railway line
On a mellow Friday evening
with the weather warm and fine

Conversation here as always
engaging everyone
as we gather for the evening
for a meal as well as fun
Life enriched with times as these
impossible to measure
our family together on
these days we always treasure

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics (spot the fox)

Taking me time

It’s midweek and I’m on holiday

and enjoying every day

as rest-respite is needed

now and then from the foray

Five days to think of nothing else

but enjoyment just for me

doing stuff I love to do

most of it here for free

…

And this rest and relaxation

is so cathartic that I find

it’s easy to switch off from work

and totally unwind

So here’s to having holidays

doesn’t matter what you do

as the important thing is having fun

and taking time for you

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Easter Egg Hunt

I’m devising an Easter egg hunt

it’s a giggle

as I had to squeeze into some spots

with a wiggle

too cunningly hide the eggs

with some guile

as my children have been at this

for quite a while

so they all know the places that

I pick for hiding

which means that deception

is now residing

to find nooks and crannies and

difficult places

to keep them all busy with

smiles on their faces

as all of my children are

grown adults now

the clues have got harder

and harder somehow

But they’ll use their wisdom and

collective endeavour

to solve all the problems I’ve set

‘cos they’re clever

And when they are done and all

eggs have been found

we’ll share some Bucks Fizz with

good cheer all round

For the joy of delivery comes straight

from the heart

and the prize of completion is

just taking part

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Holiday VI

Five days off, I can scarce believe it
it’s been a tough few weeks
The hours I’ve worked
have been berserk
few troughs but many peaks

Relaxation guaranteed
the most I’ll make of this
There’ll be some sounds
and walks with hounds
in five days of pure bliss

Don’t get me wrong, I’m passionate
about the work I do
But everyone
needs time for fun
lacklustre to eschew

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics