In Constable’s footsteps

Went to Brighton to see the original
on short loan from the Tate
It’s quite a lot bigger than the one on my wall
and to see it there was great

A Constable retrospective
representing four years’ toils
When he lived right here in Brighton
with some drawings and some oils

It was a special privilege
to see these works all here
and in particular for me
the original ‘Chain Pier’

©Jemverse

Photo – my print copy of John Constable’s ‘The Chain Pier, Brighton’ (1826-27) ; Tate Britain – Jempics

John Constable took lodgings in Brighton between 1824 and 1828 during which he drew and painted a lot of what he saw around him. ‘In Constable’s Footsteps’ at Brighton Museum brings all of that output together for the first time in an exhibition running until 8 October 2017.

The Chain Pier was Brighton’s first pier. Built in 1823 but destroyed by a storm in 1896, you can still see remains of its oak pilings at very low tides today.

The Fly-past

Gulls above the Metropole
a fly-past just for me
Here in Brighton in the sun
next to the deep blue sea

Their cry is one of happiness
and the joy of being here
With the clarity of summer
at this lovely time of year

©Jemverse

Photo – gulls on the wing above the Metropole Hotel, Brighton, Sussex, UK – Jempics

Beach II

I’m a fortunate fellow
as within easy reach
from my home where I live
is a beautiful beach

So when temperatures soar
and I take a half day
It’s great that it’s only
a short walk away

©Jemverse

Photo – Lancing Beach, West Sussex, UK – Jempics

Devotion

Up upon the Sussex hills
on Friday afternoon
I spied a sheep with new born lamb
the timing, opportune

As in my hand I happened
to have a camera with a zoom
allowing me to get in close
and for a moment be attune

It didn’t last for very long
as fleetingly and soon
the pair walked off together
devotion there bestrewn

©Jemverse

Photo – Jempics

Allure

The allure of the ocean
calls often to me
whenever I’m taken
away from the sea
So I have to return
as one does for a friend
as its magic and beauty
has no limit or end

And looking out to the waves
as I stand on the shore
I know that I’ll always
come back here for more

©Jemverse

Photo – Shoreham beach, West Sussex – Jempics

Sultry

Mid May and springtime evenings
with warmth still in the air
left over from the sunshine
that has been shining there

Walking through the city streets
A sultry feeling here
It is a pleasure knowing
that the summertime is near

And it has a certain nuance
you have to feel to know
when you simply have to wander
take your time and just be slow

©Jemverse

Photo – Brighton’s Royal Pavilion on a warm late Spring night – Jempics

Cuckmere Haven

Down at Cuckmere Haven
where the Ouse flows to the sea
the view from high on Haven Brow
is caught spectacularly
As up here with my camera
I pause to take a snap
The view as a reminder
that I am a lucky chap

For this is Sussex by the sea
beauty at its best
Close by and on my doorstep
by whim or by behest

©Jemverse

Photo – Cuckmere Haven from Haven Brow (the first of the ‘Seven Sisters’ chalk cliffs), East Sussex, UK – Jempics