Our field

So many times
we've both walked this field
with our little dog, Obi
in the heart of the Weald
Just north of Steyning
on the Partridge Green road
it's been here our haven
and many times strode

Each time we come here
something different we see
whilst Obi does running
quite safe and quite free
and we never grow weary
despite knowing it well
as it's wholesome and lovely
which these words I think tell

©Jemverse

Photo – Seven Tree Field – Jempics

Days gone

In Regency Square
where once stood the Pier
Victorian splendour
still evident here
but time has moved on
and the 360 high
is now the feature
high up in the sky

Yet standing here now
the future I hold
is recalling the heyday
('cos yes, I'm that old)
when the West Pier still stood
as a visual feast
besting the new one
a mile to the east

And none of the brash
we see here today
was even a thought
to get in our way
Slower those days
I think then than now
and I can't help but feel
we've lost something somehow

But though those days are gone
mind's eyes' not prevented
from memories clear
and with that I'm contented
For in Regency Square
I still stand and can here
see those halcyon days
when still stood the West Pier

©Jemverse

Photo – Brighton’s i-360 tower from Regency Square – Jempics

SDW (South Downs Way)

The South Downs Way
my favourite trail
so as moments come
I'll oft regale
the pleasure I derive from this
just walking here
my perfect bliss

©Jemverse

Photo – The South Downs Way – Clayton Hill, West Sussex – Jempics

Jack and Jill

On the South Downs
high, top the hill
we walked around
the Jack and Jill
two windmills there
and standing still
though long time now
since flour to mill

The view gave all 
the eyes to fill
where we took stock
of our free will
November yet
not really chill
we wandered freely
with no ill

And here atop the
Sussex hill
by the two windmills
Jack and Jill
we live and breathe
and have our fill
for joie de vivre
as this is brill

©Jemverse

Photo – The Jack & Jill Windmills, Clayton, West Sussex, Uk. Jill (foreground) was built in 1821; Jack (background) in 1866

Veteran

So this morning, leaving Brighton
after breakfast in the sun
we saw two old cars passing
on the annual 'old crocks' run

Both brought a smile, they always do
these cars of yesteryear
with drivers dressed up to the nines
quite cold but full of cheer

And not alone our spirits raised
as people stopped to wave
the veterans as they chugged past
a memory to save

For with this annual privilege
the past's a living thing
revitalising history
as Brightonians they sing

And I felt a kindred spirit
though much older than me far
one old crock to another
looking quite spectacular

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

John Harvey

And down the Bridge Wharf twitten
the brewhouse brews beer and wine
standing proud there for tradition
now since eighteen thirty nine

John Harvey forty years before
in Bear Yard across the way
started brewing Harvey's beer
and does so to this day

So sometimes when in Lewes Town
to complete this Sussex tale
in the John Harvey's tavern
in Bear Yard I'll have an ale

©Jemverse

Photo – Harvey’s brewery, Lewes, Sussex – Jempics.

John Harvey established a brewery and wine merchants in Lewes, Sussex, UK in 1790. The Brewery remains to this day on Bridge Wharf where it’s been since 1839.

Mangolicious

Had a Mangolicious Laines
a lovely IPA
fruity and refreshing
at the end of a long day
Eating at the Open House
all my girls and me
and a lovely Wolfgang
for a delicious tea

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Definitions: ‘Mangolicious’ is a fruity IPA from the Brighton brewery ‘Laines’. The ‘Open House’ is a Brighton gastro-pub where one of the main brews on tap is ‘Laines’. ‘Wolfgang’ is my middle daughter’s Patterdale terrier.

Summer’s swansong II

On this September morning
sunshine greeted me again
and as this could be the summer's swansong
no one could lay the blame
if today instead of working
to the beach I went instead
to seize the opportunity
and by my heart be led

So that's what I resolved to do
'no brainer' some would say
as it's not often in September
that it's as hot as this today
Ne'r a cloud above in sight
the sky the deepest blue
with a breeze from early summer
I'd forgotten that I knew

And of course I found a hagstone
for my collection of such things
another treasure from the place
that pulls at my heartstrings
This beach, this perfect haven
here in Sussex by the sea
which at the summer's swansong
is the only place to be

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics (a ‘hagstone’ is found pebble with a natural hole right through, sculpted by the sea). I have not left a Sussex beach without at least one for as long as I can remember. So I have a great many hagstones now!

Living in Shoreham

On the last day of August
I crossed the bridge from the town
as this view of Shoreham
brings a smile not a frown
and whenever I see it
a pinch I must give
to myself to remind me
that here's where I live

This town by the river
and yes, by the sea
nestled under the Downs
sheltered there by the lea
and this view from the beachside
never fails to impress
so I'm proud when I say
I've a Shoreham address

©Jemverse

Photo – Shoreham town from the beach side of the Adur Ferry Bridge – Jempics

Widewater Lagoon

Widewater Lagoon
right next to the sea
on a day like today
is the place to be
There are people just walking
whilst some cycle by
and every so often
a seagull I'll spy
It's such a nice walk
on my way to the beach
so I'm massively grateful
it's in easy reach
as it means to this place
I can come for a wander
on days like today
and not let them squander

©Jemverse

Photo – Widewater Lagoon looking west, Lancing, West Sussex – Jempics