Tri-tanka XV (Friday)

Come Friday, relax
for it is the weekend now
Time for more yellow
and for some in swathes of sun
for comfort in safe harbour

Sandcastle

We made the best sandcastle
that a beach has ever seen
it took us several hours to make
a mark where we had been
Little children paused to stare
and admire it with a smile
for it was truly massive
and took all of us a while

Tri-Haiku XXXVIII (Friday)

And so to Friday
for a switch-off come lunchtime
into the weekend

And breathe deep, relax
soak up the fact that this is
deliciously mine

And so it will be
to use wisely and enjoy
pending the new week

Ancient woodlands’ bequest

The bluebells are blooming, it's that time of year
in the garden there under the tree
that gives shade from the sun
when their time has begun
for this lovely bright vision we see

Shoreham my home

Through a gap in the bushes
I spied Shoreham town
nestled there under the Downs
twixt me and the sea
safe there in the lea
the bearer of treasure and crowns

Sunset

Through the trees of an evening
the delight of the gold
as the sunset descends once again
and this moment divine
which is wholly mine
is comforting like an old friend

Dogeaster Egghunt

In our garden every year
for as long as I recall
we've had a hunt at Easter
when children have a ball
eggs hidden in strange places
whoops and shouts of joy
all these years in passing
from three girls and a boy

Springtime came back

Twelve scribings revisited; 9 of 12 in the Jemverse series ‘Malleable Days’

In the sunshine today
with freshly mown grass
I caught the fragrance of Spring
And something within
came awake with a grin
as abandon gave reason to sing

For there in a moment
life was reborn
Clicked my fingers and winter was past
The sunshine woke up
and filled up my cup
as Springtime came back at long last

A toast to Springtime

Twelve scribings revisited; 8 of 12 in the Jemverse series ‘Malleable Days’

Springtime’s definitely on it’s way
as in the pot out front
two daffodils are glowing 
as from the earth they shunt
‘Glowing’ here and ‘growing’ 
the choice of word is right
as after winter’s iron chill 
they are a welcome sight

Back again

I'm down at the beach hut
it needs no explaining
making the most of
the sun still remaining
the locks were quite stiff
from the salt and the rain
but they loosened at last
so it's open again

Mother’s Day 2020

On Mother's Day no flowers to give
for mine has passed away
no chocolates or special treats
to spoil her on this day
But though with tinge of sadness
I recall the life she had
the happiness and laughter
there means I am mostly glad

Awaking

There is sunshine today
and I think at long last
the Spring has awoken from slumber
as forsythia yellow 
like a jolly good fellow
has blooms on its limbs in good number

Of sheep, walking and winter

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

When it’s found

For me it's usually in the sun
when summer's kissed the sky
and I'm down upon the beach
where slow seas quietly lie
But it can be most anywhere
just need wide open eyes
so you will spot it when it's found
and not be that surprised

The new me

New week and new me
at least that's the intention
as I don't want to dwell or
perhaps even make mention
of what this past fortnight
has been my malaise
which sadly protracted
itself there for days

As I'm mostly I think
a quite chirpy fellow
not given to stupor or 
times when quite mellow
inactivity rules and
the mind gather dust
and an ache of the limbs
like a mildew or rust...

Came up for air

I came up for air, been down there a while
it was getting quite hard to breathe
but at the edge of my sight
I saw a feint light
and knew I would there find relief

One VII

7 of 12 in the Jemverse series ’12 months V’

First of March and in mind's eye
spring begins with early sigh
as green shoots winter's chill decry
and yellow makes a stand

First of March the grass grows long
and blackbirds burst to morning song
as buds burst forth in happy throng
and yellow shows its hand

First of March the sun shines high
reaching up into the sky
replacing truth from winter's lie
and yellow comes as planned

Tri-haiku XXXVII (Essence)

Yesterday it rained
quite persistently throughout
so inside we stayed

Today though it's dry
and the birds are singing sweet
songs about the day

So outside we'll go
to breathe in the world around
and feel its essence

Sorting through the years

Our house in turmoil this weekend
as boxes from the eaves
were sorted through by offspring
for memories that time leaves
Precious things forgotten
rekindled smiles and joy
a purpose served, remembered
by three girls and a boy

Being me

Went to a gig
with no masks in sight
well, each to their own
and each to their plight
as although the music
was fantastic to see
Covid's still with us
and Omicron's free
so I masked right up
and tapping my feet
got into the music
in spite of the heat
safe in the knowledge
I'm as safe as can be
so I'll enjoy here the life
and keep on being me

Forty-four valentines

Forty-four valentines sent on this day
to the same person one love to stay
my best friend and soulmate hip hip hooray
married for forty-three years

Forty-four valentines all made by hand
with words I have crafted, all of them planned
to repeat oft the promise sealed with gold band
throughout all the joy and the tears

Forty-four valentines sent here to you
my one love my constant my true upon true
with many more coming before we are through
this one's for you with three cheers

Commuting again

Tomorrow I'm back in London again
commuting up there on the train
leaving at dawn when no-one's about
travelling daily again
There's a bit of excitement but also a doubt
as Covid has not left us yet
but I'm boostered and jabbed and protecting myself
so I've really no reason to fret

A grin at nightfall

Caught a last glimpse on the river at dusk
of the sun as it ended the day
the evening came fast
now the daytime was past
and I couldn't expect it to stay

So I watched as the river down there in the gloom
slowly turned on the tide
as the night time set in
meeting there with my grin
which like it was silent and wide

Me by the sea

Gold on water evening time
on the beach into sublime
Westward walking all this mine
In Sussex by the sea

Sea air salty winter clime
far out there horizon line
evening shadows intertwine
In Sussex by the sea

All these wonders help define
the sea in me this storyline
of beaches with the weather fine
In Sussex by the sea

A kindness

It's not being selfish as sometimes you need
a kindness extended to self
a pampering here
for a top up of cheer
all to keep you in perfect health

And it's not just your body but your mind of course too
that needs looking after each day
mental health care
to keep you aware
and help you along on your way

Sunset in symmetry

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

Walking to Africa

With best foot forward this New Year
determination sets my gait
with a virtual walk to Africa
as several million steps await

And it seems I'm not the only one
as in the rain today
I spied outside a gathering
of cyclists on their way

I'm guessing that their riding goal
was somewhat less than mine
particularly as the weather is
today far less than fine

Delight

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