Saturday afternoon at about half past three
I would settle down in front of the tv
My Gran and Grandad in their chairs watching Lucille Ball Show or Fred Astair
At 17 45 the football scores would be read
My Grandad checking them off one by one
Chasing 24 points the top score, fingers crossed for a score draw, eight of them would set you right
Ah this week its out of sight, better luck next week, we'll try again
My Gran would always  bake, buns or a cake
Coffee was my choice of drink with Coffeemate instead of milk I was posh I would think
A slice of sponge to go along I can hear my Gran say "are you going to have a slice today"
Then she would always add" there's 3 eggs in there"
I would smile and say please Gran after all It was Saturday and all was right with the world.

The sky was bright blue
The clouds were white
The sun was shining gold
But not a bit of warmth came from the sun it was still bitterly cold

You dressed in a winter coat, a scarf around your throat, gloves upon your hands
Still the wind came blowing and chilled your bones, your face and ears and even your toes

Walking brisk and quickly the sun began to get stronger and you began to warm
Soon your removing your scarf and gloves as the wind drops and the sun shines and you begin to glow

It's a beautiful day, a classic winter day with the
Sky bright blue
The clouds bright white
The sun shining gold
And now you've warmed up the wind has dropped and your headed for home

Where does the sunshine on a sunny day?  
Where do people come out to play?
Where can you ride your bike, skate on your board, have a pint at the pub and watch the world go by?
Where can you picnic or barbeque, learn to kayak or canoe?
Where can you be all alone or part of the crowd if you please?
Where can you play Rugby, Football, Basketball or Frisbee , young or old, small or tall?
Where can you run, let time stand still and be free?
Where can you see children playing in the park, splashing in puddles, people barbequing after dark?
Where can you cross Millennium Bridge overlooking the weir?
Where can you climb a wall, indoors or out, play music on a radio, dance and laugh and shout?
Where can you express yourself in Grafitti on a wall, play with your mates, run and kick a ball?
Where can you see flowers growing free, ducks and swans swimming with their families.
All of this you can see for free any day of the year down by the Quay.

Dog walkers come from far and wide, to walk their dogs by their side.
They come by car, with dog, lead, and toys; dogs barking for joy as they arrive.
The door is opened, the dogs jump out, barking getting louder, as their owners shout!
Wait a minute boy, don't pull on the lead, not long now you can soon run free.
Not a care in the world, the dog runs and runs fetching the ball for its owner with pride, dropping it neatly at their side, looking up with big wide eyes; waiting and longing for another surprise.
Where will it get thrown next they look wonderingly, trusting their owner dutifully.
The owner pats their loyal dog on its head and rewards it with a treat.
The dog pays the owner back by falling at its feet.
Dog tired and ready to return back home, it climbs back in the car.
Settles down, no barking now, it's time to get some sleep.
A dog's life is a free life and one without care.
A simple life, no thrills or flare, a good life I do declare.

What do they really mean?
Can they change the way you see your self?
When you look in the mirror and recite your chant, does it really have such an impact?
Does it make you stronger, help you find your way?
Do you need to rehearse internally what you should already say?
Do they help you clear you mind, stay on track?
Are they helping you find  your way back?
Who uses affirmations every day, their new to me I have to say but my PT says they are the way.
By talking in the mirror will it make me more confident in my work or as a poet?
I don't know if that's a fact but happy to have a daily chat, where the person I'm talking to doesn't talk back.

To my dearest darling Joe

I had to let you know of fun that we have had on our latest holiday, I know you would get such a kick out of the tales we have to tell.  

It was a last minute all inclusive deal, we set out with Sue and Steve for some late autumn sun to Zante the Greek island of fun.

Oh Joe I cannot tell you the colour of the seas,  so clear so blue I can't do them justice, if you could see a picture it may be a start but in theses seas you can see to the bottom and the sand is  white and dark.  

No seaweed in sight nor turtles too, it's too late this time of year but olive trees and lemon, lime, oranges and grapefruit are everywhere and handy for a bite, that's right I put my hand up and plucked an orange from the tree, oh Joe your mouth would explode, it tasted so divine.

The people are oh so friendly and they make it very clear that the sun in the sky is unusual at this time of year.

We hired a car and drove into the mountains and dropped down to a port, hired a boat and they took us to shipwreck cove, where some years ago a boat had shipwrecked and it's cargo cleared the sea, we swam and dived in the clear blue sea underneath clear blue sky, oh and some people were tightroping across the ravine, I'm afraid I didn't have the courage to join them in the sky but I lied down and watched them heroically cross from end to end.

We've eaten traditional food and drank traditional ***** and used the traditional loos, do you remember the ones in the south of France that mum and I refused to use, we'll these were exactly the same. We've laughed and cried recanting tales of days goneby.

It really has been delightful a holiday to remember, one I wish I could tell you all about, I know you would sit and laugh with me as I retell the fabulous holiday we have had to catch some sun on the Greek island of fun, Zante.

I love you Joe **

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.

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

As the sun sets on another glorious day.
All the colours of fire, come out to play.
Red, yellow and orange light up the sky.
Creating patterns to delight your eye.
Sitting, relaxing, drink in hand.
As the sunsets on these gorgeous sands.

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?

falls to the ground
It's colour is a standout yellow in a carpet of brown
This leaf represents life not yet complete
Still resplendant in colour as it falls at your feet
Life not over still holding on
Life to be cherished for however long

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.

At the end of a working day; To refresh my mind I walk and watch nature at play.

Water rippling, leaves rustling bring calm and tranquillity.
A balm to my mind and mobility.

A beautiful evening for a walk.
Listening to the sounds of the birds in the trees.
Puts my mind and body at ease.

Walking, watching children feeding  ducks on the pond.
To me is like a fairy waving her magic wand.

The end of September, we are lucky, still has some warmth at the end of the day.
No need for a coat as I catch the last of the days rays.
Early evening walking leaves my mind in a happy haze.

Autumn, I love this time of year
Not quite Winter and still some sunny days
But the leaves they are a turning
Changing colours from green to red, yellow and brown
Trees shredding their leaves all about you on the ground
Autumn, I love this time year

A young lad only fifteen, lived a hard life, grew up to be mean.
One day the lad being hard, got into a scrap in the schoolyard.

He was taken at once to the Headmasters room.
He was left alone to sit and reflect, awaiting his doom.

He began to ponder and wonder about his behaviour.
He thought, If I am always getting into fights, will anything ever come right.?
Will everyone I meet, walking down the   street, stare and pass me by, too scared to even say 'Hi'

The Headmaster took his seat and told the boy to stand.
He asked the boy why he was always so mean? Did he think it made him a man?

The boy took a while to think, took a breath and replied "i'm sorry for the trouble I cause, I've had a hard life but I can turn it around, if you can take a chance, find it in your heart to give me a new start".

The Headmaster was taken by surprise, looked into the boys  eyes and replied
"if as you say you will change your ways from today, then I will let you go on your way"
"should I hear any reports of you being mean and unkind, any reports of you crossing the line then you will be expelled, feel sure it's the truth that I tell"
"now be on your way don't let me see you again today"

The boy relieved ran out the room and went to every class until every exam he did pass.

His life turned out pretty good
, he got a job as a mechanic working under the hood.
His reputation grew far and wide, he worked hard and with lots of pride.

Then one night working late, a beautiful young girl brought in her car, and plucking up courage he asked her on a date.

Two months later down on one knee he asked her to be his wife, thankful for the second chance he was given to turn around his life.

Five years further down the line, now  Father himself to two.
The Headmasters car had broken down. The boy now a man, towed his car into the garage.
He told the Headmaster of his marriage, how he owned his own home and ran his own garage.

The Headmaster puffed full of pride, glad the lad had turned his life around, and was living a life that was now sound.

You see that day Five years past was to be the Headmasters very last, he was feeling happy and carefree.

Between you and me, he did relate to the boys state, having lived a hard life too.

In his early days the Headmaster's life had been saved when someone gave him a chance.

With this in mind and feeling generous of spirit he gave the boy a chance to prove, the boy took it as he had nothing to lose.

Doesn't everyone deserves a second chance?
©jackiemm158

There was a youn lady called Pru
Who declared she had nothing to do

So she set about putting it right
And got into a bit of a fight

You see she wanted to make it clear
That she had nothing to hide and nothing to fear

She was incredibly rude and loud
What she said hung in the air like a heavy cloud

She wanted to set up a stall, selling buttons to one and all
She seemed to have found her call

But she said to a woman who purchased six small ducks
That the woman was bang out of luck

For small was not her size
From her hips to her big blue eyes

She continued with her speech
That made it clear, small was out of the woman's  reach

The woman began to cry
Pru began to sigh

People began to gather
Everyone got in a bit of a lather

A gentleman happened by
And asked Pru why?

Why did she feel the need, to put the woman down?
Pru began to consider and began to frown

That was not her intention, she was misunderstood
She had just meant that small was no good for the woman's hood

Pru and the woman shook hands
The council provided a band

Someone brought scones and jam for afternoon tea
And everyone sat down to eat at about half past three

Now Pru and the woman are friends
And this short story is soon to end

But first I just wanted to say
Thanks for reading, have a good day

As I lay engulfed in pain, codeine, paracetamol ibuprofen and voltarol my best friends by my side.
I am grateful for the things in life that bring me the greatest joy.

My family cheer me up each and every day.
Just passing by for a cuppa they all say.
Deep down they surely know how much it means to me, thirty minutes of  the day my mind and body are carefree.

A warm bath, radox in, heat patches upon my skin.
The warm water is high, covers my body, the muscle soak leaves my limbs loose and my mind woolly.
Like a drug induced high I feel relaxed and elated, the pain temporarily sedated.

Cushions piled high behind my back, in one position they can't remain.
Move them repeatedly, change their formation searching, searching for the right mix.
Then get it just right and keep it fixed.

Go the walk-in centre people say, meaning well but not today.
I can't walk to the walk-in centre is the only reply I can say.

Looking around whilst on my bed, words flowing through my head.
I am grateful for all that I've got, grateful for my lot.

I've had this before and I'll have it again, whilst it's here the pain drives me insane BUT it's only temporary, it will go away and therefore I can honestly say for that I am truly grateful.

It's September and the sun is in the sky
No need for jumpers or coats as the sun blesses us with warmth from its rays on this beautiful balmy day
The Quay is busy today, people living different lives mixing with each other side by side
Children in their pushchairs being pushed by their mums
Children, men and woman in kayaks making the most of the late sun
Shops and cafes open, tables and chairs outdoors full
Birds flying in the sky and on the River, swans pigeons and gulls
A homeless man with all his worldly goods feeds the birds by his side with the last of  his food
Cyclists enjoying the sun whilst out for a ride
Elderly people out walking with their family by their side
People saying 'hello' , 'good afternoon'  'it's a pleasure to see you' 'let's meet up again soon'
It was a pleasure to be a part of the balmy day by the quay

A man of mystery
A man of talent
A man who makes you think,
A man who makes you wonder what's right, what's wrong, when you thought you knew all along.
Is Banksy man or myth?

We know so little of this man who can paint with brush or spray can.
He remains hidden, unseen, unknown, a mystery.

Signing his Tag on bridges and walls,
Mocking figures of justice, highlighting the worthy cause.

His paintings are worth thousands of pounds, not all remain in tact, some get recovered and that's a fact.
Councils who do not like the message displayed, white them out in a matter of days.

None the less his fame has grown, his pictures displayed and shown in museums around the world.

Yet no one can put their hand on their heart and say I've known this man from the start.

That's why Banksy remains an enigma.
A man of mystery
A man of talent
A man who makes you think,
A man who makes you wonder what's right, what's wrong, when you thought you knew all along.
Is Banksy man or myth?

Anyone know?

Because I'm Happy
I'm not Heavy but Light
I'm Day not Night

Because I'm Happy
I'm Freedom not Fright
I'm Colour not Black and White

Because I'm Happy
I'm Thankful not ungrateful
I'm Whole not Shattered

Because I'm Happy
I'm Fearless not Rrefrain
I'm Sun not Rain

Because I'm Happy
I'm Tough not Fragile
I'm Smooth not Rile

Because I'm Happy
I'm Warmth not Cold
I'm Heart and Soul

Because I'm Happy
I'm Love and Life
I'm Lover and Wife

Because I'm Happy
I'm Smile not Frown
I'm Up not Down

Because I'm Happy
I'm Fast not Slow
I'm Glow not Dull

Because I'm Happy
I'm Sparkle and Shine
I'm Yours and Mine

Because I'm Happy

Turn up, participate, connect
That's the key to being me
Turn up and show people that im there and I truly care
Show them that i see and surely they will see all of me
Participate fully in everything i do, don't gives less just give my best
Taking part is the start and the key to being all that is me
Connect with friends and family, even those that drive you round the bend.
Listen to what they have to say and you will have a truly spectacular day
For when you show yourself at your best, when it's easy and not a test
People will truly see the person that you are and that should be more than enough for you and them and indeed me.

Do you ever wonder, what why, who you see?
When you cast your eyes heavenly.
By night when the stars shine bright.
Like fires burning in the skies.
Do you ever wonder who you see twinkling before your eyes?
Do you ever wonder who has joined you that night?
Is it a popstar, politician, inventor or wisely sage?
From a time so long ago, you cannot remember their exact age.
Clinging to their last song, speech or invention.
Letting go, never their desire or intention.
Or is it a lost loved one?
Letting you know they are near.
Listen very closely what do you hear?
“Hi, its smee, I know you think of me all the time, I just wanted you to know, I did not go far, I am right here!”
Taking in the stars is a game we all love to play.
Breath in
Breath out
Take a minute
Take Five
Take a moment to feel alive
Connection made now you can rest.
Relieve the pressure from your chest.
Sleep tight without longing.
Knowing you can see your loved one again tomorrow.
Brings a small amount of peace and joy, helps to dim the sorrow.

There is a bridge  where I live, I pass it every day.
It carries people to the station perhaps for a getaway.
What's their destination, where will they end up?
Are they meeting lovers, clandestine or not?
Are they suits paid for by the day?
Parents taking their children on their first holiday.
Does it hold secrets of the present, future past?
Has it been there long how much longer will it last?
I wish the bridge could tells us the secret of peoples travels.
Maybe it holds the secret key to a mystery unravel.
Maybe we will never know where each day these people go.
But the bridge is the key to each one's destiny.

If you are reading chapter 9 you will be familiar with the characters of mine.

There is Mouse, of course, he has a house on the River Louse, his Wife Hilda and 11 Sons and a Daughter.

Frog and Bee, they live on a log in the middle of a bog, happy and free.

The Fly with one eye and his friend dear, that is, of course, the Elf with one Ear.

The Horse and his Master, from the town of Cry.

A Dolly called Molly and her dear friends Ferret the Cat, and a Dog named Mouse, who all live nearby.

In the nearby town of Cry there live a Mayor and Mayoress, a pair of beautiful, graceful Swans.

Mr Mayor has such an air of authority, when he talked people listened, what he was saying took priority.

The Mayoress walked around with such a hypnotising grace, people would stare at her, stuck , unable to move, paralysed in one place.

Together they held people’s attention, lest the Mayor or Mayoress would think to give them a mention.

One day,  it was a warm sunny day on the River Louse and the Mouse with a house on the River Louse was sunning himself in his pretty garden, whilst Bee was buzzing closely by.

The mouse with a house on the River Louse would soon need to go indoors and get ready, he was expecting to see not only Frog and Bee but also his other friends; the Elf with one ear and the Fly with one eye.

They saw each other most days especially now the sun was in the sky and it was warm outside.

They were free to wander wherever they chose; sometimes swimming in the river, sometimes lazing on the bank, closing their eyes, having a doze.

The days passed swiftly when they were all together, no need for advice on social distancing or where to travel or indeed no need for a bellwether.

One fateful day this would all change the dear friends were soon to become estranged.

The Mouse with a house on the River Louse noticed it first; he had seen it on the news, he didn’t believe it affected him, surely he would not be affected by something started in Wan-hu.

That day the Mayor and Mayoress were visiting house to house when they came upon the house that was home to the Mouse with a house on the River Louse.

“Come in, come in” the mouse began to say but the Mayor interrupted him “I have something important to say!”

“Today we have been advised by the Prime Minister that we are no longer to have parties in the sun, a measure called social distancing has begun”

The Mayor continued to say “there is to be no more socialising with your friends until I announce these measures have come to an end”

“Most importantly he continued to say “ “you must wash your hands regularly each day with soap and hot water, pass that on to anyone within your home, your Wife your Sons and Daughter”

“now I must hasten on my way and wish you and your family a good day”

Mouse was beside himself, for once he did not know what to say, he wouldn’t see his friends anymore and the Mayor had implored him to stay indoors.

What was he now to do; who would he pass the time with if not his friends, his whole world was coming to an end.

Hilda his Wife was not so downhearted

“There are tasks indoors you could complete if you don’t want to spend the time downbeat.”

“First there is painting to be done, starting in the boys' bedrooms I was thinking wheatsheaf yellow, you know the colour of the Sun!”

“Next I am sure your Daughter would like you to take her for a ride on her new bike,  around the living room, I think the size of that room is the best.”
“by the time restrictions are lifted she will be ready for her cycle proficiency test”

“We could play a game of chess, monopoly or trivial pursuit, drink grapefruit juice or a glass of wine made from arrowroot.

“There are TV shows that have got the boys excited; like Marvel revisited and Iron Man and Hulk reunited”.

“as for you and me, we can put the children to bed, have a romantic meal, soup of carrot and a main meal of chickpea”

“Does any of this sound appealing to you?”

“Have a think and let us know what you want to do”

The Mouse didn’t have to think or take up with an alcoholic drink, he knew what he wanted to say.

“My dear wife, Hilda, you are quite right, we have each other and that’s alright”  
“if when restrictions come to an end, I will, of course, love to see all my friends, they seem like family too at times”

“For now, though I just need you, my sons and daughters and plenty of soap to wash my feet together with hot water!”

His wife and children began to laugh, they had thought the world had come to an end when Mouse was told not to see his friends.

Instead, now life had just begun, a different life to one he had once known but that was alright because he had his health, children, and wife and that meant he was not alone.

A pandemic had caused the social distancing now in place, travel had been stopped to places far and wide.  

It seemed Humans were the worse affected, but the illness had transcended from animals in the first place, the restrictions, therefore, were needed to protect all animals nationwide.

Restrictions would be in place for the foreseeable time but when lifted the whole village would celebrate with a posh ball and dance to the music of Five in a Pen.  

A posh ball so big, it would include mouse, frog and bee, molly the dolly, elf with one ear, fly with one eye , butterfly and Mayor and Mayoress, ducks of all names, squirrels and snakes, badgers and moles and all manner of creatures would attend this very posh ball.

Creatures would come from far and wide and mouse would have his children and wife by his side and would puff out his chest showing his pride.

As long as his family and friends made it out of restrictions without illness then the plan the Mayor had put in place would seem flawless.

The Mouse with a house on the River Louse knew that times were changing, the after-effects of the pandemic would be long-ranging.

That was a choice he was willing to make for his wife and his children’s sake.