I had a thought, as I’ll explain,
To go for a walk, out in the rain.
So donned my slicker, boots and hat,
Well prepared for what the day begat.
Having intended to leave and then return
Later.  But doing an abrupt about turn
Just before I left, I thought again,
As to what from my walk, I’d gain?
So without further thought, I delayed
My intention of walking, and stayed
At home.  Now having gone no where,
Thought this a rare happening, to share.
Having the thought, was surely enough,
But as for my reason?  Now that’s tough!
Doubtless I changed my mind before I left,
Thinking I’d have sufficient energy left
To use another day, if once again
I felt like taking a walk in the rain.
But then again, I might simply decide
To stay at home, and not to go outside,
Knowing a walk can be undertaken when
I'm in the right mood to walk out again:
though not when it’s pouring with rain!
Is this sufficient, to possibly explain,
the rationale behind my walk’s delay,
and why I almost went for a walk today?

Rhymer.  May 12th, 2018.

When life overwhelms, noise is loud,
instinctively I retreat, away from the crowd:
standing solitary, though crowds mill around,
I seek inner peace until serenity is found.

When walking through a forested glade,
in search of repose, in the muted shade
I’ll quietly meditate and saunter through,
to think on the years, I’ve spent with you.

With my Spirit buoyed, by songs of birds,
I’ve seldom a need for spoken words.
This quiet oasis, allows the world to pass by;
refreshes my Soul and answers the ‘why?’

Watched waters of a slow moving stream
spur reverie, memory or a favourite dream.
Cool winds slowly diminish as evening falls,
to bring pleasant moments of Nature’s calls.

The crashing surf, and its air borne spume:
Lazy dust motes floating across a sunlit room:
A butterfly flitting from flower to flower,
More tender moments that pass the hour.

So whether at work or indulging in play,
I try to make the most of my every day.
Be the day dull or the sun brightly shine,
Such time is well spent, for peace is mine.

Rhymer. May 7th, 2018

I’d love to write you a letter,
but your name has slipped my mind:
Though a message from me to you,
would be pleasant for you to find.
I’ve exciting news to tell you,
of happenings hereabout;
Though important details I’ve forgotten,
of its truth I’ve never a doubt.
Concerning the doings of neighbours,
or was it some other folks?
The way particulars escape me,
is one of Life’s little jokes!
Then when the missing details return?
I’ll be alone and the hour late!
The point behind telling this story,
is mine alone to relate.
Possessed of a very good memory,
I never forget a face,
And yours is amongst those respected
to hold a singular place.
I’m certain there was a moment,
when I knew your Christian name:
Now “It” I cannot remember,
And your address: does it remain the same?
I’d ask of the one you had married,
but their name escapes me too:
Maybe to address them wrongly,
might further embarrass you?
Were they the one whose frantic parents,
promised riches you’d gain,
If you’d marry and bed their offspring,
the one they called simple by name?
And what of your numerous children?
For surely you’ve had quite a few?
Though perhaps it was some other person
that I’m now confusing with you?
So rather than cause further embarrassment,
to someone I’m not sure I know,
I’ll read and re-check your last letter,
which arrived mere minutes ago.
Seems from this latest you’ve written,
which remains unopened, unread,
The contents adamantly states,
you seriously thought I was dead!
Though I fully agree with what’s written,
the news therein I knew,
And think it nothing but gossip!
Have you nothing better to do?
So I’ll write no more for the present,
you’ve said far more than I would:
Now should you write me another later?
I’m fully aware where you’re stood.
So If I write you again tomorrow,
I’ll try to remember your name!
But thanks for your letter anyway,
I’m truly happy it came.
And should you forget to whom you were writing?
I’ll inform you soon - by and by:
And if this letter seems a trifle confusing,
It’s not half as confused as I!

Rhymer May 4th, 2018.
A little bit of fun in case you thought to write me a letter!

Always a country lad was I,
and in the country I’ll hope to die,
for there’s nothing like solitude
found in a land, ruggedly rude,
which thrives about and around.
Where spiritual serenity found,
is removed from noise and bustle
of the endless metropolitan hustle,
that chases and constantly chivvies
office workers and menial skivvies,
who chase a hopeless dream.
All part of the urban scheme
that promises followers gold,
if they trample the lesser bold!
Me?  I let the world go by,
as I idly sit and gaze at the sky,
to watch fleecy clouds pass on.
I blink.  Suddenly they’re gone!
But never wonder to where they went:
what their destination and intent?
Know more will follow as before,
as I spend hours doing no more
than watching, enjoying the day.
Such is this country lad’s way!
Some say I’m wasting my life,
but hours spent free from strife
I’d say with all honest sincerity,
have made my life, in all verity,
a journey of extreme pleasure.
With special moments, I treasure,
captured in my hours of solitude,
allow no one or thing to intrude
that might spoil my sacred reverie.
This is the life well suited to me,
and not one I’ll swap readily
until I go to eternity - willingly!
Until that day, I’ll be content
to see my hours and days spent
in the serious consideration
as to what in all creation,
I’d do if I were city bred?
The very thought hurts my head:
how would I endure the noise?
And as thinking upsets my poise,
I’ll quietly stay sitting a bit,
and listen to what birds say
in their knowing country way!
Yes, I’m glad to be a country lad,
for rustic ways ain’t bad,
and I regard haste as a crime,
so I take each day in slow time.
There is much more I could say,
but feel I’ve said enough today!

Rhymer.  May 4th, 2018

Last night I was beguiled by dreams galore:
of sailing ships, pirates, explorers and more,
but the best for me, was of a country scene.
A quiet rustic retreat, where I was often seen,

accompanied by the music of a babbling stream,
cavorting with Nature.  Wandering in my dream
along a brook, where willows danced and swayed,
in choreographed terpsichore, as water music played.

The cadence of rattling reeds: a pulsing even beat,
were as castanets, that energised my restless feet!
There was magic in the music, heard by me this night.
Seduced by its bravura, I savoured the gentle delight,

of soft vagrant breezes, that added their unique refrain,
to the rhythmic tattoo. Enhanced by the beating rain,
perfection then prevailed, with the pleasing music heard.
Complete in all respects, it required no single word

to further foster my enjoyment, of its haunting melody.
As such it was pleasing, and a pleasant treat for me,
though twas a short lived dream; that was soon done!
Of many dreams encountered? This was a cherished one.

Long shall I remember, as a moment to hold dear,
for such entertaining dreams, are a rarity I fear.
Bringing a welcome smile, to replace a morning frown;
raising spirits high, when I’m worried or cast down!

May 3rd, 2018.

A donkey is an animal
that seldom makes a fuss,
But his stoical demeanour,
is a trait that many cuss.
Patiently long standing
he watches life come and go,
For truly, he is a “smart ***”
though there’s few that ever know!

Being strong in leg and body,
he’s used as a working drudge,
But when his limit has been reached,
can be very hard to budge!
Then many think him obstinate,
and call him a stubborn mule,
But forbearance is his forté,
so he always keeps his cool!

Though gentle is his nature,
for it is his normal way,
He can be a fury roused
when danger comes his way.
He’s often a guardian angel
to a farmer’s flock of sheep,
For his presence warns marauders,
their distance they must keep.

But if with love and kindness,
to his needs you  attend,
He’ll be honest and loyal,
and remain your faithful friend.
If you spoil him with a tidbit,
like a carrot once a day,
He’ll be your stellar buddy,
in every expected way.

Though a donkey cannot speak,
his intent is clear to see,
For those who love his qualities,
folks like you and me.
He’s trustworthy and loving
to those who treat him well,
But to those who hurt or curse him,
he’ll make their life a Hell!

With pleasant disposition,
though always primed to fight,
A donkey in the farmyard,
is always a welcome sight;
He’ll defend his close companions,
he’s friends with everyone,
They know of all God’s creatures,
he was chosen Number One!

Rhymer. April 29th, 2018.

Tranquility rules, the cool air is still:
spellbound, I look and drink my fill,
as morning awakening fills the air.
With my eyes opened wide, I stare
at pleasures offered and given free,
which bounteous Nature awards me!

The Meadowlark, soaring happily
sings her song of joy.  A rhapsody
to serenade her fledglings, snug below,
whilst the rising sun, with golden glow,
urges the stirring morning breeze,
to tease awake the dormant trees.

Two Mourning Doves, bill and coo,
planning their day and what they’ll do.
Cattle lowing in the meadow afar,
bid farewell to the last morning star.
A skein of geese honk high overhead,
as towards the north, they swiftly head.

Whilst a Red Cardinal proudly prances
in and out of the evergreen branches,
entertaining his mate, brooding eggs,
a lone Grey Heron on stilt-like legs,
seeks a snack in the riverside reeds,
unaware a frog hides in nearby weeds!

Sheep bleat as the shepherd’s dog,
presages their coming out of the fog.
The Carrion Crow, with raucous cry,
warns a *****, furtively passes by.
Ducks on the pond, splash and dive,
in grand celebration, of being alive.

The sun advises, the hour grows late,
as does a Curlew to its watching mate.
But I am most reluctant to depart,
and leave these scenes close to my heart.
So great is the reward, that surrounds,
when I behold the beauty that abounds!

Rhymer.  April 29th, 2018.