The sheep were in the upper field
I could see them on the hill
meandering whilst grazing
whilst winter grips us still
and though there is a part of me
with wanderlust that yearns
to tread those hills and join them
another part adjourns
The part with child of summer
in its heart for sunshine's call
when I will gladly wander
with the summer standing tall
But now whilst still in Winter's grip
I'll watch here with resistance
the sheep there in the upper field
replete here from a distance
Holding court o'er frosted mornings
as winter does its thing
and January light holds frail
whilst jesters feebly sing
the promise of a warmer clime
is vacant here and scarce
visible the absence from
the heart of one who cares
Yet still with hope resilient
resolve gains gradual muster
as subtle signs of coming Spring
break through the chill lacklustre
Too cold in the field
in the rain yesterday
so wrapped up in a towel
I came back from the fray
my little legs sank
right up to my chest
on the waterlogged ground
so I needed a rest
quite soon when I got there
as it wasn't nice
and just half an hour later
I didn't think twice
Too cold in the field
in the rain yesterday
as my legs are quite short
in a small canine way
alright for my humans
in warm coats and hats
but a different thing
for small furry chaps
so we didn't stay long
just a short trot around
for a sniff and a wee
on the water-logged ground
Sunset in full symmetry
over Shoreham yesterday
as we drive back down from Lewes
heading homeward on our way
Golden beams across the sea
from sunshine in the cloud
made for a special moment
and announcement there aloud
As this was truly gorgeous
catching breath the moment there
a really special privilege
the two of us could share
So I'm really pleased I caught it
as we can now reminisce
and relive that winter sunset
as we ponder over this
Bleak this green into the grey
a salt-laced winter wind
from a prevailing westerly
full in the face that grinned
and shivering at the whitened shore
to far horizon seen
the figure hunched to winter cold
knows full where he has been
This seascape no portend it hides
as waves turn, crash and fall
and seething water to the shore
brings a familiar call
So bleak though green into the grey
may seem here at first sight
it nonetheless a pleasure brings
to bring me a delight
Concluding the Jemverse Winter 22 series ‘Brittle Days’ [10 of 10]
Neglected in winter
gets quite overgrown
Too cold to sit out there
grass stays unmown
Trees shed their leaves
and they fall to the ground
and because I’m not out there
they just lie around
And I know that I should
and one day I will
Just not today thank you
‘Cos I can’t stand the chill
9 of 10 in the Jemverse Winter 22 series ‘Brittle Days’
Tangible this winter chill
In January’s raw intent
As beneath these spectred morning veils
the silent mist is sent
Intrusive to beleaguered calm
Whispers like a shout
I’m a stranger in an iron-clad still
with no one else about
Yet frigid though the air might be
January serves to bring
A shivering smile through chattering teeth
that it will soon be Spring
8 of 10 in the Jemverse Winter 22 series ‘Brittle Days’
When it’s cold in the winter
I will look to the sun
and think back to the summer
as I have always done
Back to the days
of whimsy and breeze
when a cool wisp is welcome
rustling quiet through the leaves
When I’m cold in the winter
I will think of the days
when the warmth of the summer
smothers every malaise
Back to the times
when unencumbered and free
I can wander in sunshine
and quite simply be me
7 of 10 in the Jemverse Winter 22 series ‘Brittle Days’
Today the river mirrors
The pale blue of the sky
As whitened Sussex fields
In frosted splendour lie
Lancing college chapel
Proud as always on the hill
Overlooks the Adur valley
Quiet and beautifully still
And as I gaze upon this vista
Briefly from the train
I am reminded that I live here
And a smile returns again
6 of 10 in the Jemverse Winter 22 series ‘Brittle Days’
In the depths of winter howling winds
And nasty pouring rain
My thoughts turn to the summer
And to warmer days again
It is good to have a cheery thought
When you’re shivering in the cold
For summer keeps you younger
Whilst the winter makes you old
Winter chills are wearing. They are
dour and pretty grim
But the merest thought of summer
Never fails to bring a grin
...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...