One day a young girl of just twenty two
Followed her father, the cobbler, into designing and making shoes

Making shoes that were very grand
She gave them her name as their brand

She made red shoes, blue shoes, green shoes and brown
She made them encrusted with diamonds in the shape of a crown

She made high heels, low heels, wedges and kitten
They were terribly delightful and everyone was smitten

One day as she was closing up for the day
The Prince from the next kingdom, popped in to say

Dearest Petula please could you wait
My wife is pregnant and requires a low heel, if it's not too late

I'll pay you good money and speak of you well
If you could just choose a low heel for my wife, to sell

I'll do better than that Petula replied
If you just tell me your wife's size and if she requires wide

The Prince was so excited size 4 wide he shouted
Petula chose a fine tan leather and set it mounted

She began to shave the leather, treating it with care
And in no time at all she had shaped a fabulous pair

She fancied the shoes with diamonds and feathers
Complimenting the colour and shape of the leather

The Prince was so very impressed and delighted
He ran from the shop so excited

He fetched his dear wife and gave her the pair
She was equally pleased, said it was like walking on air

The Prince summoned Petula to the castle for tea
And duly declared by Royal Decree
Petula shoes would carry the Royal Seal
And asked dear Petula how that made her feel

The Royal Seal means quality ware
People now come from far and wide, to have Petula make their shoes with such love and care

Petulas dad retired to his chair
Leaving Petula to run the shop, he considered it to be fair

The Prince became a dad and Petula supplies the shoes for his little lad

Ten years have passed and still Petula works on her designs for shoes and now other attire
She will.lovingly craft her merchandise until the day she retires

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

04 July 2017
16:06

Frustration is a curious thing.
Really it is absurd.
Underneath the layers, it lurks
Striking when your at your lowest
Taking over when your not paying attention
Reaching past your barriers and invading your emotions
Attacking from within
Torturing you in everything you do.
Insisting that you keep failing but yet that you keep trying
Owning your actions
Needing the frustration to progress past the obstacle

As I say Frustration is a curious thing, you can't live without you can only get better with.

I see your eyes in the blue and grey of the skies
I see your long arms in the trees as the branches unfold
I see your feet running across the green green grass
I see your tears in the flowing of the seas
Tears of happiness your free from pain
Tears of sadness knowing we won't see you again

I ask myself a question, deep within my soul
Not sure if I'm wanting the answer to know.

It's a question others have asked themselves in time.
The answer can go two ways, it can cut you, finish you, break your soul - end your life in sixty seconds, just like that with the edge of a sharp knife.

The other option is that somewhere deep within, reflexes happen, safeguards kick-in.
Your body and soul reawake, for you another day to take.

It depends of course upon your mind and when you search it, what you find.

Is it your choice of another day more time to laugh and play, dance and sway.
Another chance at happines, another chance to live.

Or is your choice to slip away, quietly without goodbyes, no longer here to play on earth, your physical home where your mother gave birth.

What is your choice, what do you do, is there anyone around, worth fighting for, ask yourself this question first, I implore.

For once the blade has done its job you cannot turn back, your choice is made and the cut of a blade has taken your life and that's a fact.

Eyes bright
Heart drumming
Walking light
Fingers strumming

Mouth smiling
Hair gleaming
Looks striking
Demeanor pleasing

Muscles loosen
Nails trim
Skin translucent
Confidence brim

Long legs, striding long
Whistling your favourite tune
Head held high, showing you belong
Walking at night, by the light of the moon

Hand in each others hand
Walking, talking, laughing,
Together as you walk across the sand
Kissing, smooching, dancing

Who do you see when you decide to search internally?

Do you see someone wise, or do you see a fool?

Do you see someone with a light heart or do you see someone still looking for their glow?

Do you see someone who feels deep, or do you see someone scared to take the leap?

Do you see someone who likes to show they care, or do you see someone who really does not want to be there?

Do you see someone who is frivolous and funny, or do you see someone who is perfectly happy being lonely?

Do you like what you see, Dear Poet please do tell, do you like what you write, what you try to sell?

Do you feel confined or free, are you happy with what you see, when you look internally?

Is it being displeased or pleased with the way you look
Perhaps fancying a bit of a nip and tuck
Is it taking time with your appearance everyday
Does it show in the way you hold yourself upright, or is that you being uptight
Is it in the way you talk to others or in the way you present yourself
Is it hidden within you, left on the shelf
Is it the way you smile at the camera, turning the spotlight on you
Is it noticeable in all that you do
Is vanity simply the art of taking care of the way you look, like designing the jacket of a good book
Is it really bad to look in the mirror and  like what you see or is this purely vanity?

Running high today
Scared
Lost
A funeral today
Memories
Two years not gone by yet
Still raw
Missing you
Crying
Memories invading, taking over
Wanting a hug
Wanting you to pick up the phone and say "" hi smee"
Missing you today and every day

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.

There once was a small boy called Joe
Who had an exceedingly big toe
It got stuck one day when he went out to play
Now poor Joe has only four toes

Sat alone in their room
Vulnerable child not yet groomed
On the computer with ***** men pretending to be young and their friend
The fake young person starts a chat
A little bit of this a little bit of that
Luring the vulnerable child falsely to a dare
Take your pants off and sit on the chair
Angle the camera between your thighs
As your reward I've got a surprise
The fake friend continues with the chat
A little bit of this and a little bit of that
The vulnerable child chats right back pleased to be making friends
Agrees to meet the very next day, in a car park a few miles away
No one knows about the meet, no one is aware
The vulnerable child is alone and about to find out their fake friend is really 48
For the vulnerable child it is too late, about to find out where lies their fate
Sadly this trend is growing far and wide.
Let's help our children to stay safe online.

My word I feel dizzy
I cannot stop the smile from spreading across my face, it must be half a mile
I'm finding it hard to breathe too
My legs feel funny and a little bit gooey
I'm beginning to get the shakes
My feet are twitching they won't stay still
I'm spinning round and round
My heart is in my mouth

Do I just turn around or leave everything to fate?

My hero The Boss is on twitter to me
I'm very emotional and feel a bit funny, it really can't be true
Whoever it is must think I'm dim, is it just a Brilliant Disguise, Is twitter feed full of lies?
Do I wish it to happen too much?
Others better than me would say why you why not me today
Oh well here goes I'm all in something good has got to start happening

Can't deny it feeling rather nervous, have spent some money I normally wouldn't but lifes about taking chances isn't that for sure
I hope I don't come out of this feeling sore
It would take the edge off the day, and I would just feel like crawling away

You make your own fate so let's see where this journey  will take me

The day is turning to night
and the colours are fading away
the blue sky is turning to a dull grey
It's time for a holiday
That's all I have to say..

So young, so troubled, such a tragedy, such a waste
He came into the world blonde hair and blue eyes, one look and you were mesmerised
A young lad with the world at his feet, adventurous, would try anything new
No person could ever say no, even though he troubled them so
Everyone wishes they had said no, then they wouldn't have had to say goodbye

Darkness envelopes you like a cloak
Sometimes it catches you by the throat
Like a big, warm, furry coat, pulled tight
Sometimes it hugs you  like a summer vest, breezy and light

Darkness comes whether welcome or not
Darkness comes if it's cold or hot

If Darkness is not welcome at your door
Take the time to know yourself, explore

There maybe stress in your life that keeps you seeking the light
But make the time to form a routine
And suddenly you will be able to see

That Darkness comes before the light
Rests your body and mind
Just search for a haven and you will find
A friend in Darkness when it descends
A friend to greet you when the day ends

On the darkest night of the year.
I was alone at home, quivering with fear.
I started remembering the year before; I had a fright.
Just as the day was fading to night.

I recounted the encounter which gave me such a fright.
On the scariest, darkest of nights.

Walking home, alone, I pulled my coat tight; I was chilled to the bone.
First a shiver ran down my spine.
Then “many” long arms wrapped around me, tightly squeezing, like a creeping vine.
I couldn’t move, I was paralysed with fear.
Then I heard the voices of “many” whispers in my ear.

Fe, Fi, Fo, Fum
We like All Hallows Eve fun

I opened my eyes to look the “many” up and down
It was as if I had stumbled into a Ghost Town.
The “many” wore clothes tattered and torn.
Their har thin, and like a sheep, shorn.
Their skin hanging from their skeletal frames.
The “many” started to play their games.

First, they took some rope from their pocket.
Then they took a picture out of a gold locket.
They used the roped to bind my hands.
Then they huddled in a circle to finalise their plans.

They stood me up and spun me around.
I was giddy and almost fell to the ground.
They showed the picture to me, it was one I held dear.
Me as a child, before I knew fear.

They said they would set the picture alight.
Showing fear would not help my plight.
As the picture burned it would take my soul; deliver it to the devil.
I began to twist my hands; I began to scream and wrestle.

I did not want to live below, where the fire is intensely hot.
Where the devil chooses someone each day to scare and tie that person in knots.
The “many” closed in and took me by my bound hands, led me away.
To a pit they had dug that very same day.

The pit was 6 feet deep and lined in red.
The first thing to do was to bury me standing, up to my head.
The “many” stood me in the pit and picked up their shovels.
They quickened their pace and filled the pit on the double.



I stood once again paralysed with fear.
I felt my cheeks wet, with the tracks of my tears.
The “many” took the picture and held it high over my head.
Laughing, shouting in my face “had I wet my bed”

I knew there would be no turning around from this, tonight would be my last.
I grew calm and waited for the final blow, shot or blast.

I had my eyes shut tight.
But...nothing happened, nothing came, the picture did not ignite.
I was still trembling though feeling terrified.
I couldn’t move, my hands were still tied.
I prayed to heaven; I did not want to die.

Then a bit of luck perchance; I did a little happy dance.
I wriggled my hands and pulled them in tight, the rope began to loosen.
Just maybe I would remain on this earth, remain human.

My hands broke free and pushed away the earth; set myself free.
I looked at the time on my watch, saved by the bell, 01:01, last admittances to hell.

When the clock had struck 0100hrs, All Hallows Eve Fun was over.
Saved for another year, but to be on the safe side I will remain indoors this year.

When I left work tonight at five  o'clock
The light was falling but it wasn't dark
It was as though Van Gogh had taken his brush
Painted the sky in a faint blush
All different hues from grey to white to red and blue
And it got me thinking of you
I wish I could have captured its sight and shared it with you tonight
You would have loved the picture and the glow
How I still miss you so **

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

Mr. Mouse has observed, the autumn equinox has been.
Now his thoughts are wandering ahead to the ever-changing and uplifting autumnal scene.
Mr. Mouse is excited as the days begin to shorten and lose their heat.
The landscape begins to shift and in time the season will be moving to a slower, more mellow beat.
Mr. Mouse in tune, of course, with the changes of nature.
Has knowledge that trees lose their leaves as autumn matures.
Indeed Mr. Mouse always has an eye to the ground, where the driest leaves are to be found.
With his nose to the ground, in a crouch; He collects the driest of leaves and puts them in a pouch.
At home, he will use some as kindling for his fire and some in his bed to snuggle up to when he retires.
For now, though Mr. Mouse is delighted that soon there will be a dazzling display of varying colours.
As the leaves cycle through their changes from the lightest yellow to the richest brown before they drop to the ground.
Mr. Mouse remembers young children will be found.
Jumping in the leaves that fall to the ground.
Oh yes, Mr. Mouse is looking forward to the autumnal beat.
Laughing and playing as the leaves crunch beneath their feet.
Oh yes, Mr. Mouse is looking forward to the new autumnal beat.

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

But in fact I'm down
Should be smiling not wearing a frown
My book got published yesterday
And that should make me happy
Instead why does my brothers opinion matter so much
I guess it's cos I need his trust

Loving yourself should be easy
What's not to like in what you see?
If you can't be happy loving I
then whoever can truly love me?
©jackiemm158

It's been snowing here for over an hour, its not even laid a trace
Its wet outside and this time our country will not be disgraced, as everything halts for a drop of the white, for us in The UK it is not an annual sight
So much excitement usually exists when a little dusting of the white stuff makes our pavements glist
But for today we will not panic, nor make our way home early from work
Instead we will watch the snow falling around and be thankful that its not settling on the ground
That people will not be stranded in their cars far from home
That accidents will not happen on streets that are frozen with ice
That buses and trains will make their journey's to the end, reuniting families and best friends
Last time it snowed people were cut off, drifts of ten feet deep, this brought out the best in people who offered services to the elderly and housebound utilising their jeeps.
Today we may decide to stay in all day, keep safe and out of harms way, safely watching the snow fall to the ground making us breathless with its beauty but not bringing us to our knees
Taunting us with the promise of foot deep snow but knowing its just a tease
I like to sit and watch it fall but hope that it ends soon after all tonight is Games Night with my Grandson and Daughter as they take over the living room
We've got Pizza to make and Blue Rays to watch, Paddington 2 is in the queue, so just for today Snow please don't lay, just blow through.

Oh Dark Rose of England, your not the pale colour you usually find in the English countryside.

Oh Dark Rose of England, your beauty is more than just your colour, you display such beauty and elegance, your the envy of all other flowers

Your petals are dark red the colour of blood, I wonder what it is you feed upon.

Are you fed from below by the blood found deep beneath the ground.

Are your roots buried deep within, a graveyard previously used for sin, ****** by the first degree or people slaughtered ritually.

Your stalks ramble and roam over the land, covering it in a prickly hand.

Ready to ***** someone in a flash, should anyway get too close, defending yourself, making a stand.

You invade spaces, wrapping your shoots around objects in the way, then carry on rambling, nothing gets in your way.

The only way to stop you in your track, is to take a pair of shears and begin to hack.

Hacking away at your limbs, bringing you to your knees, pruning away the dead wood and leaves.

It will not rid you permanently, one thing is for certain, you'll be back again next year we'll never bring down the curtain.

Feeling in a Vortex, my own supernatural blackhole
Looking for a place to belong, somewhere to go
Spinning,tumbling, twirling, going round and round
Looking for a place to land but not yet found
One day I will be floating free, cut loose for all eternity
Looking down and wondering was I the best I could be

Last night I went out for a run
2.23km Job done