The mouse with a house on the River Louse, was walking in a field one day.
He had his head down, nose buried in a stack of hay.

He was searching for some small sticks to take back to his home; his house on the River Louse.

Now that Winter was settling in, Mr Mouse wanted to light a fire and needed some sticks to form the pyre.

Mr Mouse had his head down and therefore not looking where he was going.

Along came a lady Mouse called Hilda with a bag full of shopping.
She was happy and singing and dancing, twirling and hopping.

Hilda was unaware of the Mouse with a house on the River Louse being in the vicinity.
She was feeling hopeful, full of sanguinity.

Mr Mouse still head down looking for sticks didn’t realise Hilda was around.
He had his nose firmly pointing to the ground.

Both mice continued  with their missions.
Oblivious to each other and the weather conditions .

Mr Mouse, head down turned to his left, Hilda twirling and hopping turned to her right.
Suddenly they clashed and caused each other such a fright.
Hilda clutched Mr Mouse very tight.

Mr Mouse apologised and pulled Hilda up off the floor.
He offered to show Hilda to his front door, Mr Mouse was very proud of his house on the River Louse.

The two mice had afternoon tea and sat warming themselves by the fire.
Soon it was time for Hilda to retire to her own home but they made plans to meet the very next day.

This time Mr Mouse would not have his nose in the hay.
They would walk and talk and have plenty to say.
Until the light faded from the day and the Moon came out to play.

In less than 2 months they had fallen in love and were married on the river by a dainty turtle dove.

Now they were together night and day.
Mr Mouse still searched for sticks with his nose in the hay.

Hilda still did the shopping all the while twirling, dancing and hopping

Together they had 12 children of their own.
Now they always had company, and neither ever felt alone.

There is a bench; appeared upon the banks of the canal
It looks a little bit rough and a little banal
It is not dedicated with a bronze plaque
It is simply decorated with that of the River Exe's track

It has no lack of customers wishing to take a seat
Students on their way home, take a moment browsing on their phone
Elderly people bring take away fish and chips instead of taking them home
I've seen people pick up speed, quicken their pace
So as to keep a seat for them and not lose their place
Children playing on their bikes on the grass around
Their Mum and Dads laying a picnic on the ground

It has brought much happiness to our lovely green space
Creating memories for people who are making it their go-to place
Let us say nothing of its appearance and embrace the good
That some clever person has crafted out of a chunk of wood

Thoughts thrashing around in my head,
Memories I do not wish to forget,
I reach for my pad to jot them down,
It's been a long time since you've been around.

A beautiful baby boy, blonde hair, blue eyes,
One look and you had us all mesmerized,
A brother to Lisa you both grew close, tight-knit,
You laughed together, cried together,
All the time thinking you had forever and ever.

From Boy to Man you made your Mum and family proud.
Our feelings though weren't always expressed loud.

As you grew older your smiles grew more rare;
Your eyes began to dim.
We should have known you were struggling to swim; against the tide
Your true feelings, from us, you decided to hide

Schizophrenia was the diagnosis
You tried hard to fight it
The illness got the better of you
That much is true
The day we lost you was a mixed day of grey and dark blues

In your less than thirty years, you endured much pain and suffering.
If only we had known;
We would have banded together, never let you suffer alone.

Your candle extinguished this world 5th June 2011.
Free from pain and suffering, the Lord called you to join him in Heaven.
That day, it was as if someone turned out the lights, the joy left the room too.
There is now nothing, where once there was you.

Two months later the occasion? your 30th Birthday.
Your family gathered to wish you Happy Birthday, release balloons and scatter your remains.
Now once a year we gather again;
At a beautiful place where once you had surfed.
We walk and talk, eat cake and sing;
It's a beautiful day of a family gathered, remembering.

It still hurts to think you left us so young.
Now we know your life here on earth caused you unknown amounts of pain.
I think of you and wish you peace when the sky is grey, and it starts to rain;
I think of you and wish you peace when the Sun is in the sky;
I think of you sitting on a cloud, cigarette in hand, the life, heart, and soul of the Heavenly Band;

I take a while to remember the blonde hair, blue-eyed little boy with the big smile from ear to ear.
Always longing that you were of course, still here.

Wherever you are in the universe,
I sit wishing the wheels would reverse,
So much to tell you, I wish we could have one more converse(ation).
I would tell you about your Cousins, Simon, Jason and Sophie ;
How settled they all are; both boys married with families, Sophie will be married and a Mum soon.
The day I lost my Dad I thought of you; I know my Dad would find you and give you a special hug.
A hug we should have given you when you were still with us.

Oh, and I’m an Author and Poet now, who knew;
We were going to lose you so soon;
We would have done things so differently, made changes, been around.
Held you like you needed to be held and helped you to feel safe and sound.
Forgive us darling for not loving you as you deserved, thinking we had time before you became deceased.
Wherever your soul has settled; we wish you an endless life of love and peace.

If i could be a tree
I would be a Weeping Willow
With deeply sunk roots, giving you strength
Billowing arms, of different length
I would welcome you to sit beneath me
I would be your pillow and your shade
As you find your peace by the stream, in this beautiful everglade

If I could be an Animal
I would be a Lion
Full of Pride
We would make a handsome pair
As we set up home in my lair
I would offer protection from hunters of all kinds
I would be your strength, your Master, your saviour from Mankind

If I could be a bird
I would be an Eagle, a bird of Prey
Master of the skies, of all I survey
I would offer you a seat beneath my wings
Sheltering you from the harmful rays of the Sun
As we glide and soar above the clouds, as one, in unison

If I could just be with you again for one day
I have so much to tell you, so much to say

Miss you **

Sent away by my Husband, secreted behind four walls

Walls that are six feet wide and ten feet tall

Sent away for safekeeping by my Husband, The King

With child in my belly and just a Lady in waiting  

I do not know the reason, why I must hide

Why I must remain hidden without my Husband by my side

I am not bound by chains, my hands and feet are free

My place of safety has a friendly name, they call it, Sanctuary

In this Sanctuary that I dwell

I live cocooned in my personal hell

Although, as I say, not bound, I am not free to come and go

The Guards of Honour outside my door are not standing for show

I have no communication with the outside world

My thoughts and mind are in a constant whirl

Is my Husband being true? Whilst I'm here inside

Or does he have a mistress providing him with warmth at nights?

I do not know how long it will be

Before my Husband comes to set me free

Will he bide his time, wait to see if the child is a boy

Before he confirms I am his one love, the Mother of his pride and joy

I should not worry, I should be happy

Here in the dwelling they call my Sanctuary

But by day I worry about my fate

Will they come for me at night when it's late?

Wake me up, take me outside the doors

To be met on the green by the Executioner with his sharp sword  

One day my fate will be known

Hopefully I will take my rightful place beside my Husband, on the throne

In the meantime I remain inside these four walls, as I say  not bound but not free

For now, this place is my lonely existence, my Haven, my Sanctuary

There was a young Monkey called Mr Lee
Who loved to hang out, swinging in the trees.

One day suddenly from below, a Giraffes head appeared, real slow
"Hi" he spoke my name is Ted
"I am looking for somewhere to lay my head"
"Not here" replied Mr Lee
"I am afraid there is no room for you in my tree"
"Oh" Ted the Giraffe replied and walked away with a heavy sigh

Mr Lee feeling he had been a bit mean
Offered Ted the Giraffe a leaf so green
Mr Lee said " I am sorry I didn't mean to say,  there was nowhere for your head to lay"
"I am swinging from branch to branch, tree to tree, I  don't usually have visitors, its usually only me!"

"Thats okay" said Ted "I have found myself a soft hay bed"
"But what you are doing looks like fun, do you fancy company of another one?"
Mr Lee considered the request, it would be fun to have the company of another one.
"Yes, indeed" he did reply "although you are rather tall, I believe your knees would knock on the floor"
"I dont want you to hurt your knees whilst your swinging in the trees"
"Why don't you walk by my side, we can talk as we cover the countryside"

Ted the Giraffe was delighted to make a new friend.
And that is very nearly the end.
Just enough time to say have you made a new friend today?
It does not matter how you look, how tall you are or how you speak
Noone likes to feel lonely
Take the time, say "hello" boldly
Children are not bound by heavy chains
Make a friend dont refrain
Say "hi" again, again and again

One day out walking in the park
It was as if the lights went out; the sky went dark
The rain came and the river levels rose high
I didn’t know so much rain could be held by the sky
The rain fell harder it turned to rocks as it fell
The landscape looked as though snow had settled
Covering surfaces white, the hailstones lay
It had been a very unusual day
I reminded myself it was summer; June
Let’s hope the sun comes back soon

Daisies a flash of white in a field of green
One of the most beautiful sights you ever will see
The daisy spreads itself far and wide
Fastly covering the countryside
Butterflies and Bees hover by
You even attract the common fly
Strength in numbers, you grow and give;
Your nectar for other insects to live
The Daisies wanting nothing in return
They just ask you show some discern
As your child runs through the fields; making daisy chains
Ensure when they leave, some daisies remain

I thought i floated in peace
Then came the realisation, one word and my thoughts were ripped to pieces
One wrong word was all it took
For me to crumble with my thoughts
Of Loved Ones lost, young and old
The scars permanently etched on my Heart.

Mental Health is a killer
It knows no boundaries
Nor does it distinguish with persons who suffer
It silently takes over your mind
Leaves you scrambling, searching, struggling to find
Peace.

Self medication does not help
It only serves to mask the pain
Unmedicated and alone
Frightened and scared
Alcohol becomes your friend
A friendship that stays with you until the bitter end

No one comes to assist you
You end up lifeless on the floor
The Golden, Vibrant Young Lad we all knew, sadly is no more

We miss you dearly Shane
Your memory is with us every day
Today is Jasons' birthday, we will raise a glass of cheer.
To you too my darling, even though you are no longer here.

Tranquility

Before me lies a vastness, it looks much like emptiness
Not within my Heart
Or Upon the ground
It is in the deep blue Indian Ocean, Tranquility is to be found

Noiseless, except for the hum of the boat
In the middle of the Indian Ocean, we float
Basking in the hot golden Sun
Watching Pods of Dolphins, leaping, playful having fun

Life cannot get much better for me
As I float in the middle of the Indian Ocean Sea
I believe I have found my peace, Tranquility

Lying in bed
Tea by my side
Reading a book
Trying to hide

Duvet pulled up to my chin
Keep everyone out
Let nobody in

Unhappy with my body, how I look
One look in the mirror, was all it took
To send me back to my bed for the day
Where colours are not permitted and everything's grey

Tomorrow I will rise
Open my eyes
Feel blessed to I saw another sunrise

But for today I am happy
Just me and my bed
Tea and biscuits by my side keeping me watered and fed

Amongst us they walk
Mostly unseen
Once in a while you may hear them talk
Once in a while they appear in front of you; as if in a dream

These are not friends
They are not colleagues
Their life on earth came to an end
They are walking towards you one thing on their mind; to bring you into their fold and within the depths of their league

They appear ghostly but not just a two dimensional figure
They have clothes, hair and skin
Their skin has patches missing and is covered in fissures
They walk stiffly as rigor mortis has set in

By day they reside in their graves in the ground
As midnight strikes you will find them walking around
Arms held out in front as they walk towards you
Don't lose sight of them as you back away; keep your eyes glued, keep danger at bay

In a dream like state they continue to roam
Rampaging streets and destroying homes
Dont give them food or water
Lock up your sons and daughters

When the sun begins to rise
and the light hits their eyes
They will return to their graves below ground
Another day over they will remain in prose; until the dark descends and once again they rise as an army to fight their foes

Amongst us they walk
Mostly unseen
Once in a while you may hear them talk
Once in a while they appear in front of you; as if in a dream

Around and around the walking dead jog
Like a day of zombie ground hog

Vampires gathered in a Brood
One large group, up to no good
The most bad *** kids in the neighbourhood

The Vamps wear their, hair faces and clothes the same
White pallid faces, all colour drained
Against dark tailored suits of silky cloth
Their hair dark and long, the look they favoured was one of a Goth

The brood smoked cigarettes without a care
And the total look was one of flare
Blue Suede shoes upon their feet, with the Devil inside them made the look complete

When the clock struck midnight, they would all gather
Drinking, singing, shouting, it did not matter
Together they were going to Hell down below
To where the Devil would sell them some poor persons soul

They would hand over the price they had to pay
30 silver dollars would save the day
Then off to their lair, they would track
With the poor person they had bought, upon their backs

First, they would play a little game
Teasing the poor person with a burning flame
The Vamps, they had no shame
And did not need to know the poor person’s name

Next, they would eat a rather large meal
Whilst the person remained tied and at their heels
Knowing that soon their fate would be revealed

Lastly, they would stand the poor person upright
Bind their hands to a post, ensure they were bound tight
Then each of the Vampires would take their turn
To drink the blood from the poor person and feel the burn

As the blood poured down the back of their throats
Their eyes would roll, and they began to float
Such a pleasant lovely high feeling
They didn’t notice the poor persons soul leaving

This time the Vampires had won their game
No stakes, crosses or garlic to slay them and bring their families shame
They continued to feed on the warm blood
Until the sun began to rise, and the light began to flood

Now it was time for bed, the Vampires all retreated
To their coffins in the basement where they would lie
For now, they remain without worries and undefeated

They would use the time to regenerate, regroup
Tomorrow would bring the same
They would group together in a brood and follow the flame

Is it true to say that before I loved you, I lived another day?

I am not so sure, when I saw you standing on the shore, time stood still.

The first time I saw you, you wore no shoes on your feet, paddling in the water just a few inches deep.
I was swept away by your ordinariness and could not wait to meet.

You see, they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I beheld you and could think of no other.

You had long dark hair that hung to your shoulders.
When you turned towards me, I met your eyes blue, with a look of smoulder.

You had a tiny waist, curvy hips, and long legs.
I was powerless to ignore you and got down on one knee to beg.

I begged your company, a walk along the shoreline.
During the short walk I determined to make you mine.

We spent a week in each others company.
Night and day proving our love in every way.

We made a promise not to lose touch.
We craved each others closeness and tender touch.

Our last night together I knew what to do.
I got down on one knee to offer my shoe.

My shoe a symbol of the first day we met.
It was a gamble and I hoped I would not lose the bet.

The last forty years have gone by in a flash.
But my beautiful wife awaits and now I must dash.

You see I declare;

Love does indeed come from nothing, first there was nothing, then there was my lovely wife.
No other person has ever had such an impact on my life.
That fateful day, my heart was stolen.
My life fulfilled and blessed with many children

The Dog they say is Man’s Best Friend
Loyal and faithful, he will follow his Master until the Worlds End.
He runs, he lays, he sits on command.
If his  Master requests he will lay his paw in his hand

Man’s Best Friend comes in all shapes and sizes
Some are bouncy, fun and full of surprises
Some are as fast as a streak of lightening
Some are quite big and to small children quite frightening
Some will gladly retrieve the ball, place it at your feet
Some will only obey your command, for a small treat

Man’s Best Friend, many types abound
Some have short bodies, with bellies that touch the ground
Some are so hairy you can’t see their eyes
Some are so small they look undersize
Some are large and quite clumsy
Some are yappy and some are grumpy

Man’s Best Friend work hard for their Masters
They carry out tasks that really matter
They listen for when the doorbell rings
Bark when the boiling kettle sings
They guide their Master when out for a walk
Sit obediently at your feet when you stop to talk


Man’s Best Friend is a beloved member of the family
Makes himself at home, takes the best seat in the house, happily
The family wouldn’t have it any other way
One things for sure, Man’s Best Friend is here to stay

How do you spend Rainy Days?
Does your mind fall into a foggy haze?
Do you go back to bed, snuggle under the duvet?
Does your partner make it a sweet duet?

Do you indulge yourself with a Hot chocolate, pile it high with marshmallows?
Sip it slowly, allow yourself to melt, mellow.

Do you settle down in front of the T. V.?
Watching reruns, making a little time for me?

OR

Do you embrace the rain on your face?
Put on your wellies, splash in puddles?
Not caring if your clothes get in a muddle.
Rejuvenating yourself with laughter?
Chasing rainbows and your happy ever after.

Make Rainy Days lots of fun.
Sunny Days follow and by their nature bring the Sun.

A Lion called Leo, that’s his name.
Golden Fleece body and a head framed with a golden mane.
Leo is King of all he surveys.
As he stretches his body and basks in the rays, of the midday sun of the Savannah Plains.

Leo is the head of the pride.
The Alpha Male to the Lioness bride.
Father to seven newly born cubs.
He sits alone, camouflaged amongst the scrub.

Leo senses danger ahead.
He ****** up his ears and lifts his head.
Sensing trouble ahead, he sets loose a loud roar.
Scarring the Vultures, who overhead soar.

The Lioness hears the warning sound.
Gathers her cubs and ushers them to the ground.
Lion and Lioness, now working as a Team.
Lion and Lioness, one skilled fighting machine.

The Lion starts prowling, picking up pace.
Keeping himself hidden behind rushes, not leaving a trace.
The Lioness stands proud and alert.
Eager that no cub should get hurt.

The Lion continues hunting its prey.
Stealthily circling and closing in upon his catch.
The preyed will not see another day.
Leo uses his large claws to trap, ****** and dispatch.

Lion and Lioness, a winning team.
Nature’s, skilled fighting machine.
Not hunting for a thrill.
This is hunting for survival, **** or be killed.

The Lion returns to his place under the sun.
Once again basking in the rays.
His Lioness and cubs safe for another day.

He runs, he jumps
He splishes and he splashes
He falls, he looks up
He smiles and he rolls
He is Granny's brave little soul
He gets to his feet
He rinses and repeats
He runs, he jumps
He splishes and he splashes

Dew topped  Yellow flowers
Appear, vibrant
Fragrant and
Full of hope that Spring is here
Ornate, tall ,long green stems
Decorating our river ways, fields, hills
Inspirational sight as they appear
Looking delightful as they display
Spring has definitely sprung

I don't live life in the fast lane; being a Slug.
I am one of nature's slowest moving insect or bug.
I take all day getting from A to B.
On the lookout for shiny green leaves; for my tea.

Gardeners dislike me, they lay down a blue pill.
The intention to make me very ill.
I will have the last laugh with them yet.
As their beloved Son covets me for his Pet.

Gladly I live to see another day; nowhere to go, nothing much to say.
Moving slowly from A to B; leaving a trail behind me, silvery and slimy.
Living life slowly and cautiously, and that suits me.

As I was walking along the bank of the Canal, fog covering the ground like a cloak
I thought I heard the jolly sound of a Frog croak
The Canal usually bright blue of colour
Was an unusually dark eerie, discolour.
I carried on walking towards St David’s Station, my destination
Whilst composing a Poem with my imagination
In front, I could not see more than 10feet ahead
But I swear a saw the wings of an albatross, overhead.

To the left as I walked, green open fields
I suddenly heard the sound of a Swan squeal
To my right, the Canal cast a dark and dreary backdrop
The banks of the Canal usually lined with Trees, you could barely see their tops.

Fifteen minutes in and I began to feel the warmth of the sun, hitting my heels
The path ahead lit by the warm soft glow of the sun, giving the start of the day an ethereal feel
Twenty minutes and now the fog begins to lift
My spirits are beginning to change, uplift.

Twenty-five minutes have now gone by and I have almost arrived, it usually takes me twenty-three
The fog has lifted and now I can see, exactly was happening around me
I could see people walking their dogs, walkers walking and runners jog
The Trees on the banks of the Canal have burst through the fog.

I could see People at the start of their day, some stop you and say, “good morning what a nice day”,
Some just smile as you pass them, on your way
Some pass you by, phones to their ears, never catching your eye
Some smile sweetly, a little shy.

When the fog lifts and the Sun cast its rays
You hope it’s going to be the start of a beautiful day
Hope grows therein
Hope for better, warm days, beautiful spring flower displays
The hope for warm sunny days begins.

As I drive Home the skies darken.
Night time setting in.
Daytime ending and the night begins.

The end of the day darkens to grey.
The strong colours have faded away.

Inky blots on the sky.
Dark clouds in an ever darkening night.

Tonight illuminated by the Moon.
The end of the day has come too soon.

I did a little dance, when the postman came.
He handed me a letter, addressed with my name.
I was delighted and excited to receive such a gift.
I hurriedly opened it and then saw this:

The letter began with “how do you do?”
I wanted to reply “very well, thank you”
No one was there to hear my reply.
I then continued reading, with a little sigh.

We would like to offer you for the bargain sum of thirty pounds.
The use of our employee to fix your computer, this offer to me was very sound.
The letter stated a number to ring, have your payment card handy when you begin dialling.
We’ll sort it out, just need the long number, sort code and three numbers from the back.
At this point I didn’t know that I would be hacked.
It sounded very easy, I couldn’t go wrong, and I began to sing a little song.

I dialled the number and got straight through, they said “welcome, let’s help you”
“Start Up your Computer, let’s see what we can do”
• Step 1“enter your password”
• Step 2 “say it out loud so it can be heard”

I did exactly as the operator said
I repeated the password as it came into my head
I heard some hearty laughter in my ear
I continued with stealth and still had no fear

Next the operator said “go to your browser and enter these letters”, which I noticed spelt out  "L O S E R”
I asked the operator what he meant but he didn’t reply
I stayed on the phone for a little while longer, still no reply
I noticed there was no noise, chatter or laughter anymore
Then realised what had happened and fell to the floor.

I was still on the floor sobbing when my daughter came home
She called my bank via her telephone
She explained what happened and how I’d been hacked
I’m sat here waiting for the Bank to get back.

The moral of the story is throw these types of letters in the bin
Don’t be weak, don’t give in
Keep your password in your head
Or to be frank, you will end up with no money in your bank.