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
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]
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
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
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
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
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?
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
...all about me and my life in words. I write most days, carrying an ideas book around in which I capture a word snapshot of life around me. So there's a lot here about Sussex and the sea and anything else I see that inspires.
The pictures are mine too. Some taken to match a poem; some poems written to match a pic; others chosen because they work well with words written.
Jemverse is life in words. Hope you enjoy the reading as much as I enjoy the writing...