We coddiwompled in the mud
up at Barcombe Mills
all eight of us together
amidst the Sussex hills
The rain held off but underfoot
the mud was thick and wet
but we all had the best of times
so never cause to fret
Concluding the Jemverse series ‘Down in Dorset’ (12 of 12)
We've had a week of adventures
but it's good to be home
full of the joy of
the pleasures we've known
We've had seven more days
of summer and sunshine
and although mid-October
the weather's been so kind
In Whitchurch Canonicorum
here at Courthouse Farm
we six came for adventure
in a big converted barn
Deep in the Dorset countryside
but not far from the coast
for a week of fun and frolics
of which we'll make the most
Today I am
quite pleased to say
is when it's gone
is my last day
for two whole weeks
as Monday next
we're off to Dorset
(watch this text)
Yes two whole weeks
of holiday
when I can rest
Hip, Hip, Hooray
two whole weeks
to nothing do
which I'd imagine
so would you
I played with my shadow
in the evening sunshine
it gave me a wave
so I knew it was mine
We both laughed aloud
at the shapes we made there
and didn't much mind
if it made people stare
But as the sun slipped down low
we bade fond adieu
as we know we'll be back
well you would, wouldn't you?
Another garden, one in Brighton
at the tail end of the week
where we've come for Wagamama's
on order as we speak
Our youngest daughter's residence
below the railway line
on a mellow Friday evening
with the weather warm and fine
I said no snow
in Sussex fell
but spoke too soon
(how could I tell)?
the temperature
would fall so quick
and the isobars
take such a dip
allowing white stuff
here to fall
at beckon to
the winter’s call
Eighteen crazy holes
Chichester in the sun
an after Christmas present
enjoyed by everyone
The plane up on the falls
gave us all a focal view
and every single hole
gave us a challenge new
It was quite damp in Obi’s field
near Ashurst, Sunday last
the rain came down like stair rods
and the sky was overcast
the ground was rather sodden
more marshland than a field
the penalty for being
in the flat of Sussex Weald
On the last day of summer
in the sunshine in Bromley
a barbecue out in the sun
The family together
for the first time in ages
for good conversation and fun
We went down to Drusillas
for our anniversary
four of us this time, Bezza
Sally, Grace and me
There were parties of schoolchildren
but we made an escape bid
and marched on up ahead of them
so from the masses hid
Sal and I as senior citizens
got cheaper entry too
First time to take advantage
just for asking, as you do
And we made sure that we got there
when it opened on the dot
As that’s always best on days like this
especially when it’s hot
Wolfgang was bouncing
and after his ball
We caught him on camera
which was a good call
Sometimes he caught it
sometimes he missed
But we always praised him
and gave him a kiss
Cos doggos need praising
and knowing you’re happy
Quite easy to do with
so bouncy a chappie
Staying til sunset
down at the beach
is something we do
‘cos it’s in easy reach
We might have a swim
or relax in the sun
but whatever we do
we always have fun
I am laughter and fun
and everything good
Which if you look around
as you know that you should
You will as I do
find that most everywhere
there is laughter and fun
with a duty to share
Spectral and outworldly
the lights up in the sky
Here on Brighton seafront
as at night I wander by
The i-360 tower
a carbuncle to some
remains a star attraction
and brings a lot of fun
Poet's Corner 