The collection is growing
of our iron blooms
amongst the nasturtiums out there
Exposed to the weather
they rust and remain
with permanent gusto and flair
We have poppies and daisies
and other such things
positioned and planted at leisure
For as the year changes
and plants come and go
they remain for continuing pleasure
This year we decided
not to travel to sun
but enjoy it at home for a change
But perhaps that decision
now with some derision
with hindsight, we should rearrange
I’m a hagstone wizard
‘cos I’ve got lots of those
collected and found on the beach
As not a visit is spared
before one is paired
to the others I have in my reach
I have hagstones on chains
which I’ve hung from the trees
in my garden out there in the sun
and others on show
where they bring a warm glow
as I cherish them every one
And so it was with Romans
Fishbourne finally today
saw Sal and I this morning
venture out and come this way
England’s mosaic glory
tessellated on the ground
tells a tale of history
when in the sixties found
And now this treasure prospers
revealed for all to see
Especially today for
my soulmate Sal and me
I’m on a train to Yorkshire
in bright sunshine for the day
Left when dawn was breaking
as it’s many miles away
Just shy of twenty hours
this working day for me
From the South Coast and then back again
by midnight hopefully
Colours I remember
from when I was very young
Stayed with me into later years
with so many seasons come
But one has been a steadfast
for me a lucky fellow
The vibrancy of summer
captured in the colour yellow
In Worthing last weekend us two
rode proud on Worthing Wheel
It was massively exciting
and brought a lovely feel
We had three revolutions
it really was a thrill
with views across to Brighton
the sea below quite still
There are times such as these
when alone with my pen
and lavender scent in the air
I will, pensive of mind
sit here and unwind
and think of some verses to share
So I’ve been writing for a while
a poem every day
Been doing this for fifty years
so I’ve along the way
picked up (I’d say) a trick or two
over all that time
of how to craft words into verse
which flow and nicely rhyme
To end a perfect day
we walked along the beach
our small dog running free and proud
the sea in easy reach
The shadow of the sun
spread gold across the sky
A fitting end to perfect day
as together we strolled by
The breeze was a stiff one
but the sunshine was warm
down on the beach yesterday
And the sea was like turquoise
reflecting the sky
Quite lovely in every way
As her eldest son, I wrote this as the eulogy for my late Mother’s life celebration on Friday 14 June last.
Ruth Eunice Shrimpton
Was Croucher, Nee Dainton
is having a whale of a time
So I thought I would capture a bit of her life
for you in some syntax and rhyme
Seven and eighty years is a
good innings to have for a start
And whilst we don’t have the time
for all of that here
These words have come from my heart
The postman brought us yesterday
a box from two good friends
who’d very kindly, lovely flowers
to us, they’d thought to send
It really was a nice surprise
Gave us a warming glow
‘Cos it’s nice to get a present
by surprise from friends you know
