Bliss IV

It was really quite hot
but the colour right there
showed me one thing
that the sun had a care
For it with the rain
when that comes gives us this
a garden that’s lovely
for joy and for bliss

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Best foot forward

With best foot forward
I take to the hills
following each chalky trail
It’s different each time
and abundantly fine
bring joy every time without fail

With best foot forward
I find rhythm in step
humming a song in my head
The Sussex air clear
in these hills always near
on these paths that I often tread

With best foot forward
I pause for a rest
taking in the view all around
The beauty sublime
is here to my mind
the best which in Sussex I’ve found

With best foot forward
I carry on to my goal
The reward my view of the Weald
then it’s back down the hill
with several miles still
through woodland and cross open field

With best foot forward
home comes into view
as footsore I break into smile
A magical day
in every which way
this pleasure every once in a while

©Jemverse

Photo – the Sussex Weald from Chanctonbury Ring – Jempics

By any other name

“A rose by any other name
would smell as sweet” as this
that grows within our garden
every year to bring us bliss

The Bard of Stratford knew a thing
or two about his writing
and I’m not pretending for a mo
this poem’s so exciting

But those words he penned for Romeo
and Juliet somehow
remind me of this rose I see
so I’ll pay homage now

As they are used in honour
of a man whom I admire
the bard who wrote of all things
from sadness to satire

So back then to this rose I see
magnificence to splendour
it’s beauty knows no equal
so to it I here surrender

And “a rose by any other name
would smell as sweet” as this
for its fragrance is as perfume
for the heavenly scent it gives

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Quote from Romeo & Juliet – William Shakespeare

First Lavender III

We’ve not been to our allotment
Covid-19’s seen to that
But Emily our daughter
has been keeping it intact
We’re seeing lots of pictures
which she takes from time to time
and I’m pleased to say as ever
that it’s looking mighty fine

But no substitute the pictures
for actually being there
and by that we’re disappointed
as the work we’d like to share
But in spite of that of course
the allotment keeps on growing
and Emily, bless her heart
continues with the sowing

So imagine my delight
when today she brought a gift
Something from our allotment
my spirits for to lift
First lavender in its glory
fragrant, wonderful, sublime
With the promise of abundance
when it’s lavender picking time

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Circular

It’s around about six miles
twelve thousand steps or so
a circle up above the town
where to the hills I go
It works in both directions
but the better one I think
is via the park up to Slonk Hill
with pause to take a drink

And then it’s straight to chalky trail
carved through the Sussex hill
which every time I walk up there
still gives me quite a thrill
For here I’m in my element
God’s country to the fore
with peace and beauty here within
surroundings I adore

My circle takes me onward
through Erringham to Mill
where when I reach the summit
I can see the channel still
And then it’s back to Shoreham
down Mill Lane to my front door
my six-mile circuit done today
until I’m back for more

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Magical II

Night time in our garden
just as lovely as the day
it really is quite magical
and charming I would say
And yes I may be biased
but when a things needs to be said
I think it’s best to get it out
than keep it in my head

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Best ever

I found a hagstone on the beach
it was the best I’ve found
amongst the other pebbles there
just waiting on the ground

It’s flat and Barbara Hepworth-like
a tactile thing to touch
and it will now take pride of place
amongst those I love so much

For though I’ve many hagstones
which I keep in easy reach
this one is the best ever
that I’ve found on Shoreham beach

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics [A hagstone is a natural thing; a stone or pebble sculpted by the sea with a hole right through. I try to find at least one every time I go to the beach – so I have (literally) hundreds. This though is the best I’ve ever found and is now on my keyring].

Patterns in the sand

Patterns in the sand
left there by the sea
sculpted by the longshore drift
so perfect and free

Sometimes with a pebble
or the flow of water there
but always with charming
of which I’m aware

This canvas is fleeting
but I will oft confide
whilst its there for a viewing
at the turn of the tide

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Supermoon rising

On the beach just last evening
with Obi and Sal
we walked on the shingle and saw
with a glow in the east
a visual feast
as a supermoon rose for encore

So we cheered and we clapped
and stood there in awe
as it rose and shone on the sea
A wonderful thing
to make your heart sing
For Sal and for Obi and me

©Jemverse

Photo – supermoon rising over Shoreham beach – Jempics

[Obi is our 5-year old Jack Russell/Dachshund cross; he’s called Obi because he arrived on Star Wars day]

Of sunsets and supermoons

I found a freedom at sunset today
went out for a ride on my bike
Not many cars on the roads still of course
so I could go wherever I liked

Took a route by the airport at first
no planes on the field there in sight
felt a bit odd but then everything is
including an absence of flight

Crossed by the Pad to Old Botolphs road
the sun sinking low in the sky
peddled on down the quiet country lane
as tiny young rabbits hopped by

Paused on the crest to take in the view
the little church waiting down there
then whizzed down the hill freewheeling and fast
with the wind blowing warm in my hair

To the river and sunset over the hill
sinking down low in the west
Caught in this place where the view here I think
is probably one of the best

Then on home to Shoreham-by-Sea where I live
my bike taking me there quite soon
under a blue sky where in the east there arose
a wonderful new supermoon

©Jemverse

Photo – super moon rising over Shoreham – Jempics