No. 4 in the ‘Colloquy’ series

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
Poems, poets, poetry, writing, poetry challenges
Never will I hang my boots at least not yet a while for there's plenty more out there I know to bring a smile and whilst my best foot forward is still something I can I'll ride on Shanksey's Pony* at least that's now the plan
It's been a while since I wandered out in the land that Sussex affords in its landscape so grand so today in my boots with my compass in hand I ventured out there again The sunshine was warm in an Autumn blue sky with occasional clouds floating lazily by so with inclemency low and good weather high I ventured out there again
Six miles and thirteen thousand steps reversed, the loop's still fine as this quite pleasant circuit is something wholly mine Takes around two hours with a few stops in between to savour once again the views amongst the best I've seen For this is Sussex and my home we share a synergy taking full advantage of each other's company
These chalky trails on Sussex loam in these green hills above my home are quite the best so many times I will return as they are mine and with a joy I'll shout aloud this is my Sussex and I'm proud
It was back to the loop with a whim and a way as the sun was quite warm on this late April day and I was on leave and the hills were all green and the chalk of the trail is the best I have seen so I put best foot forward with this walk 'cos it's there reacquainting myself with this pleasure to share
Above the eighteenth century village through yellow gorse and sand on the edge of Ashdown Forest neath shady beech trees grand we climbed to top of Ashbourne Hill walked past the airman's grave silent in memorial this bright day April gave then back down through Campfields rough crossing Small Brown's brook to conclude this four-mile circle at the starting path we took
From up here with this vista three sixty turn around I can see the hills I've walked upon on this fair Sussex ground Some are many miles away feint shadows in the mist but all of them both near and far my feet have trod and kissed For this kingdom is my Sussex with its flint and chalky sod all its hills and pastures touched by the hand of God So whenever opportunity gives me the power to roam I offer up a prayer of thanks that Sussex is my home
Probably should go walking but my legs feel hollow still almost as if they're not quite there a vestige from the 'ill' To be honest it is grey out there but Shoreham beckons me so I'll follow best foot forward and see what I will see Besides I can still rest when I return home later on 'cos fresh air is what I need to prove the 'illing' here is done
©Jemverse
Found myself walking along the Broadwalk heading into the mist the sunshine was there above me somewhere as the sky and the shingle there kissed Ethereal silence descended as I strode eastward along on my walk giving passers by room as they grew from the gloom with whispers there as they talked and it was cathartic and pleasant for me with barely a ripple of breeze winter cold still but healing the ill as I wandered close there to the sea
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
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
The mystery of what's beyond the gate across this winter field keeps me guessing in the rain that winter brings to Sussex Weald I can see I think a mound of earth and a house bathed deep in mist behind the barren trees devoid of green the spring and summer kissed And part of me longs there to tread exploring paths to whence they lead for this the gift on me bestowed to celebrate a spirit freed
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
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
I waved a long shadow by a favourite tree in a favourite field where I love to be the sunshine was bright but with rain in the air though sadly no rainbow was evident there But as usual the joy of the wander we had in Seven Tree Field just made our hearts glad and our little dog, Obi he ran and he ran with exuberant gait with which all dogs can
So we all walked back to Charmouth early morning 'round sunrise with mist in all the valleys and a glow atop the rise Took us about an hour then we walked right back again as the sun climbed higher brightly in the east from whence it came
Before the Dorset sun retired at the end of a fine day we went for a small wander down the lanes around this way At the crossroads we went straight ahead as it seemed the thing to do passed by the Crooch Farm courtyard 'neath a cloudless sky of blue
The deep blue of this summer sky is quite enough for me here in the field of seven trees where Obi runs quite free These really are our special times this hour each week we spend and, truth be told, for sanity on this we both depend For it is a solace, comfort too to walk an hour here at the evening of a weekend to fill our hearts with cheer
Caught in the early evening sunshine through the seventh tree shining down on this fine field and captured in the vee Idyllic are these walks we have each weekend at this time an perfect be it raining or, on days like this, just fine And the winking of the sunshine as I caught its setting rays encapsulates the pleasure we both get upon these days