Dandelion Bouquet

We have an evening pastime
now the 'lotty' is in full swing
a little wander down the road
to do some watering
It's cathartic and a pleasure
and with my air-pods on
I get to hear an album
on my i-phone with a song

It's peaceful there and lovely
and a pleasant thing to do
as well as one with purpose
for our labours to eschew
But most of all this time of year
with Springtime every day
is the yellow at the gatepost
with a dandelion bouquet

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Spectacular III

From Ferry Road and shingle beach
this curving Sussex bay
is quite spectacular to see
from Shoreham I must say
And chagrined to admission I
shamefaced apologise 
as with this upon my doorstep
I should always recognise
that here is unbridled privilege
to simply cast an eye
and take in this glorious vista
when just simply walking by

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

May the fourth be with you

Obi Wan Kinobi
five years ago today
came to join our family
hip-hip, hip-hip, hooray

So May the Fourth
be with you here
with Obi Wan
to bring you cheer

Our Star Wars chap
our 'little brown'
he's such a joy
to have around

So on the fourth
of May each year
we celebrate
to be quite clear

For he remains
a Croucher true
something here
we'll share with you

A small brown dog
of many names
but Star Wars
Obi-Wan remains

©Jemverse

Photo – Obi-Wan Kinobi Croucher in the sun,May 2021 – Jempics

Ways to use time

We went for an ice cream
and sat on the beach
it was rather windy
but within easy reach
in the relative shelter
of Old Shoreham town
nestled beneath
the crook of the Down

The sun was all squinty
and April shine bright
good to see people
about and in sight
Almost as if a 
new normal is here
evident on the faces
of all around, cheer

We stopped by politely
at the patisserie
to purchase some quiche
for Sally and me
then made our way homeward
for brunch and a snooze
such is our choice
for the time that we use

©Jemverse

Photo – Sally Croucher

Treasure Trove II

I get lost in a good bookshop
they are like a treasure trove
and fortunately Lewes town
has them in spades and droves
So of a Wednesday morning
with the sunshine proving warm
we drove there for a browsing
which for us has been the norm
And in a darkened basement
I found Nirvana waiting there
shelves of ancient volumes
just waiting there to share
their secrets with the reader
who will in their pages find
the treasures that I speak of
for the soul and for the mind
Yes, I get lost in a good bookshop
for with patience and good measure
I know that every time I come
I'll find a waiting treasure.

©Jemverse

Photo – Emily Rose Croucher

Beginning IX

aka The Plan (part IV)

9 of 12 in the Jemverse series ’12 months IV’

A new beginning at our 'lotty'
and we're both as pleased as punch
as the planned 'no dig' solution
is paying off from just a hunch
For now we've built with withy
two climbing frames by hand
and planted all the seedlings
we have grown upon our land
And we've strimmed the grass around
so it's looking pretty neat
showing off the lavenders
which are blooming in the heat
Now lots and lots of water
we will add by hose each day
to bring the plan close to fruition
and the vegetables our way

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Part 1 ‘Back to the allotment‘ – 24 March 2021

Part 2 ‘The Plan (Part II)‘ – 18 April 2021

Part 3 ‘The Plan (Part III)‘ – 24 April 2021

The big gay gull

In the grounds of our Emmaus

Old Portslade village, Sussex way

stands proud a wooden sculpture

of a seagull tall and gay

…

The ‘Big Gay Gull’ was built for ‘Pride’

a diverse celebration

in partnership with charities

for summer jubilation

…

Emotion with endurance stays

as ‘Big Gay Gull’ remains

proud in the lovely sunshine

but also when it rains

…

Celebrating Brighton’s culture

it’s freedoms’ testament

paying homage to the rainbow

it stays true to its intent

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Begging your pardon

The sunshine is glorious

here in the garden

so if you don’t mind

and begging your pardon

I’ll just sit me down

right here and right now

and turn my nose skyward

for the warmth on my brow

…

I’ll not be here long

but it’s really quite rude

not to sit here a while

and never intrude

when the sunshine is high

and it’s lovely like this

which for black dogs like me

is quite close to bliss

©Jemverse

Photo – Wolfgang in the sun – Jempics

Freedom II

Seagull giving it ‘some of that’

on ‘Fatto Mano’s’ there

whilst we walked slow through Brighton

the afternoon to share

Rock buns in Pavilion Gardens

charity shops galore

cheap CDs in the pound shop

and we’re back here once more

The sunshine made the people

and the ambiance so real

almost like a living thing

at fingertips to feel

It’s been a long time coming

but we embraced it here today

tangible this freedom feeling

and this time it’s here to stay

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Repurposed Llama

Repurposed my lighty-up llama

as his battery gave up the ghost

and as he needed to have a purpose in life

I made him a spider plant host

So now he stands proud in the garden

but instead of glowing at night

instead he will proudly grow spiders

and look his best in the light

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics