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
On our last day we went back to Lyme
to look for fossils on the beach
heading westward from the town
to one in easy reach
And found them, oh I think we did
some massive ones at that
in boulders far too heavy
to take home and that's a fact
So I built a sculpture with flat stones
I found and balanced there
quite pleased with my achievement
took photographs to share
And the sun as it had been all week
shone down and warmed and beamed
as we sat down and rested
on the sand and looked and dreamed
For this was our swansong glory
so we wanted it to be
quite special to remember
down in Dorset by the sea
So after ice creams on the Cob
as by these words you'll tell
it has been all of that besides
and memorable as well
So we wandered down to Charmouth
beside the River Char
bathed in October sunshine
with views spectacular
around about three miles
so it didn't take us long
and it was really rather warm
as the sunshine was quite strong
Charmouth was still sleepy
and just as I remembered
from the many years since I last came
in August and September
A one-horse town, two pubs as well
both of which we sampled
as it would have been quite rude
not to visit for example
Then it was back down to the beach
on this Jurassic coast
for fossil hunting in the sun
we've looked forward to the most
And yes, we really found some
amongst the pebbles everywhere
which we'll take home and treasure
to remember our time there
The view up east to Golden Cap
was magnificent of course
although at this late time of year
it's devoid of yellow gorse
But it's no less quite spectacular
breathtaking there to see
on this our Dorset holiday
where we Crouchers love to be
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
We're all quite excited
and the bags are all packed
with wellington boots
and scarves, coats and hats
the route is selected
and we all know the way
as we're finally going
on our holiday
It's the first time the Crouchers
have been away all as one
since two years ago
before Covid had come
so as you can imagine
we are buzzing with glee
for this week together
as one family
And both dogs will be there
as well which is better
so we're hoping for sun
but won't mind if it's wetter
as we will have fun
because we'll all be together
for Dorset adventures
whatever the weather
I'm on Worthing seafront
it's grey and there's rain
but I'm at Bison's beach bar
with a beer once again
Besides I'm on holiday
so I don't really care
as it's just nice to sit
and do nothing down there
By and by I'll go shopping
for what I came here for
and then have a browse
til wandering's no more
Then I'll make my way back
up to the Worthing station
and catch a train home
to avoid the frustration
Of travel when the trains are full
just taking things at ease
as here I am on holiday
to do just as I please
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
And now I am on holiday
no working for a week
the precious time all of us need
and starting as I speak
I suspect there'll be some sunshine
and some days down on the beach
relaxing at the beach hut
as it is in easy reach
And I'll take in the six-miler
on the hills above my home
as I've not done that in quite a while
so walking skills I'll hone
And then there's the allotment
or simply lazing in the sun
or if it rains, to play a game
until the week is done
One thing is for certain
I will make the best of things
on this my little holiday
and whatever this week brings
...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...
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