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

There was a boy in a cave
Fearful that he wouldn't be saved
He would never know if he would be missed
Never know a tender kiss

He had followed two boys underground
"ssh" they said not a sound
Then they pushed him to the ground, tied his hands, tightly bound
Ran away and left him there, they were not nice they didn't care

The game they played was Hide and Seek, the boy in the cave was mild and meek

The boy was there for what seemed like days then suddenly, was he dreaming a sunny haze, or had he ended his young days alone in the cave, unable to be saved.

A ray of light beamed upon the floor
Shone bright upon an exit door
The boy began to hatch a plan but first he needed to break free his hands

He found a rock and set about setting himself free
The boy became ecstatic hoping to be home for tea
It took a while but the binds did break, he shuffled to the door
Grabbed the handle, opened wide and ran outside
What greeted him was a lovely surprise, he couldn't believe his eyes

He had not expected to be missed but clearly through the rising mist he could see his family with tears in their eyes, giving thanks to the heavenly skies

The horrible boys well they went on to grow up mean and bad
They lived a life of loneliness and were very sad

One day, the three did meet, the Cave boy now a man, walked right up and shook them by the hand
"Thank you" he said  "what you did turned my life around, i now have a family and a home built underground" .

The Colour of Life

Red, Green, Yellow and Blue.
The colours that designate my love of you.
Add a dash of Purple too, you get the mixture of colours i see when i truly look at you.

You are the Red of Desire, one look and you send my pulse higher and higher.

You are the Green of envy i see when another looks your way.

You are the Yellow sun on an otherwise colourless day.

You are the Blue of a clear sky, following a stormy sea you truly anchor me.

You are the Purple of creativity, giving a wealth of love and devotion, calming me.

Between me and you, the day the Monkeys went wild in the Zoo,
was the best day I can remember, let me recall what I saw, at the Zoo on my birthday when I had just turned Two.

My Mum and Dad had taken me for the day, I sat in my pram with the perfect view, for a small person who had just turned Two.

Then came a loud high pitch shriek, from the cage that the three striped Night Monkey lived within.

The Zoo went very quiet, as my Mum would say, you could hear someone drop a pin.

The three striped Night Monkey would sleep all day, come out at night, woke up with a sudden fright.

He began to shriek and began to call, then he rolled over and bashed the cage, he was suddenly in a terrible rage.

His shriek woke up others too, that would normally sleep by day, a Bat-eared Fox, Bandicoot and Badger all woke up about the same time as each other.

The Monkeys in the next cage in sympathy with their kind picked up their food dishes and banged their bars, they weren’t going to be left behind.

I started to laugh at the Monkeys in the Zoo, it all seemed very funny to a small person who was only just Two.

From what I remember of that day the Gorillas chimed in next, they picked the fruit up off the floor and started throwing it at people stood by their door.

The Gorillas too banged their chest and let out a loud roar, as if to say, three striped Night Monkey it’s okay, we’ve got you today.

I ducked my head as a banana flew by and nearly caught my Dad in the eye, he didn’t think it was quite as funny as I, I spat out my dummy and began to shout, “come on Monkeys what’s it all about”.

The Orangutan woke from his very deep sleep, in the middle of the day, he was older than the rest and liked a nap from time to time, to keep sprightly and sound of mind.

He rose up from the floor, standing seven-foot-tall, made his chest twenty feet wide, banged with his very huge paws and shouted with a very loud roarrrrrr
“alright everyone what’s the fuss, why have I been woken up from my mid-day nap, what’s the problem, what’s the mishap?”

The Gorilla turned to the Chimpanzee, shrugged his shoulder as if to say, “any idea what’s happening today?”

The Chimpanzee had no reply, turned to the Bandicoot, Badger and Bat-eared Fox, as if to say “I haven’t got a clue what’s happened here, what about you the Fox with Bat-Ears?”

The Badger, Bandicoot and Bat-eared Foxed all turned to the three striped Night Monkey and said, “what’s up Night Monkey, why the rage, why did you start bashing your cage?”

“mmmm,” said the Night Monkey slightly embarrassed, “it’s not like I was being harassed, it’s just I don’t like spiders and one was hanging from the ceiling, I woke up with a dreadful feeling, that it was going to fall – that’s why I started to call”

I began to laugh even more “fancy a Monkey being scared of a spider, I’m much younger and I’m not scared of a tiny creature”.

My Mum and Dad saw the funny side too and began to laugh at the antics of the Monkeys in the Zoo.

The Orangutan was feeling happier he could now go back to his nap and the three striped Night Monkey he did say, “he would try to be more considerate of smaller creatures, as long as they didn’t try to nest in his handsome features”.

The Zoo began to return to normal and people went on their way.
I will always treasure, and it will always remain, the best day ever, the day the Monkeys went wild in the Zoo.

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.

From NOLA to Charlotte and onto Heathrow
That was the journey we had chosen to go
Upon arrival and customs cleared
We see a board all destinations confirmed here
We find departure to Charlotte it's clear, delay is upon us, we may not make our connection we fear
Noone around to ask or confirm, no customer service to help find our way round
Were British so to the bar we go
Fill up our glasses, take it real slow
Just like we learned in NOLA this week life is short so make it sweet.

There was a fly who only had one eye.
He lived a simple life on the River wry.

One day the fly with only one eye began to cry.
I'm very lonely he said to himself, I feel as though I've been left on the shelf.

From out of nowhere an Elf appeared, an Elf who had only one ear.

Your not alone the Elf did shout, come on over let's hang out.

The Fly with one eye flapped his wings and said loudly so the Elf with one ear could hear,  I'm going to try to fly to the other side of the river wry.

The Elf with one ear said do not fear I'll be your eyes and you'll be my ears.

But half way across the Fly with one eye gave a big sigh and said  to the Elf with only one ear, I do fear that I will not finish the ride to the other side of the river wry.

Do not fear said the Elf with only one ear.  With my perfect eyes I can see that half way across in the middle of a bog on a log are a frog and bee, surely they will help me.

The Elf with only one ear shouted loudly to the frog and bee, can you please help me?

The frog and the bee shouted back "gladly".  But the Elf who only had one ear could not hear the reply from the middle of the river wry.

The Fly with one eye heard the reply and shouted as loudly as he could muster "the frog and bee have agreed gladly to help you and me"

The Elf with one ear was relieved to hear this and set about outlining his plan.

The Fly with one eye would flap his wings and start his trip across the river.

The frog would jump up and down on his lily pad and make a noise which sounded like ribbit, ribbit, the Fly with one eye and the Elf with one ear would use the frog for direction, tuning into it.

Once the Fly with one eye had passed the frog by the bee would set about buzzing loudly, the fly with one eye and the Elf with one ear would follow the buzzing to the edge of the river.

The plan worked the Fly with one eye gave a shout hip hip hip hooray.

The Elf with one ear gave three cheers and the frog and the bee clapped merrily.

Hooray said the Fly with only one Eye and the Elf with only one Ear, let's get all our friends together and bake a cake to celebrate.

The Fly with one eye looked at his friends and knew that life would never be quite the same now he could count on his new found friends, the Elf with one ear and the frog and the bee were like one big family.

One night whilst walking home alone.
A drunken man came into sight
His walking was loose hips and made for a fun sight.
At first I thought of turning and walking the other way.
Then the man started rolling and his hips began to sway.

I stayed on track best foot forward, just don't look him in the eyes.
If you keep walking right on past and as fast as you can go, I began to internalise, don't look back and don't walk too slow.
I felt as though I was worldly wise and not a young fool who had just left school.

Then the unthinkable happened.
We were level with each other, my heart began to race at such a heavy pace.
I raised my fists in self defence. He laughed and sang a song Waltzing Mail da was the name, then he wandered on.

I looked back as he passed me by, loosy hips swaying from side to side.
Not a care in the world, nothing to hide.
Just a happy drunk on his way who knows where.

I wish I was a happy drunk I'd like to have no cares but for now I wander aimlessly from Town to Town, looking over my shoulder at who may be around.
Waiting in the wings for the next Happy Drunk who sings, maybe the next one will fancy himself with me in the rings.

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.

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

There was a little mouse and he had a little house.

The little mouse lived in the little house in the little village on the river louse.

In the little village on the river louse with the little mouse, lived a little frog.

The little frog lived on a little log in the middle of a bog on the river louse and was friends with the little mouse.

The little frog who lived on the little log in the middle of a bog  on the river louse had another little friend, a bee.

The little bee buzzed from tree to tree, floating merrily from flower to flower, flowers that surrounded the little house occupied by the little mouse on the river louse.

One day the mouse, the frog and the bee got together for afternoon tea.

They met at the house of the little mouse on the river louse at a quarter to three.

The mouse brought some cheese, the frog brought the tea's and the bee brought the honey and they all Sat around a table in the mouse's little house on the river louse.

The Mouse, the frog and the bee declared themselves friends for all eternity in the mouses little house on the river louse.

At a quarter to four, they all went to the door and the Mouse said goodbye to his friends.  

The frog went back to sit on his log in the middle of the bog and the bee continued floating from tree to tree.

The mouse did the dishes and then rested his little head on his little bed, in his little house on the river louse.

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.

For some, of course, Christmas is not the same
Lonely nights and lots of pain
Walking the streets late at night, heads hung low, dog by their side
Searching for somewhere safe to lay their head, somewhere to be their bed
Maybe a park bench or under the bridge, shop storefronts keep them warm and dry
Until the morning comes and they move on by
Trying to keep from being seen, lest people who don't know them treat them mean
Some sit begging for a handout or a hand up
Hands wrapped around a Costa Coffee Cup
Trying to keep the last of the warmth in their bones
Some dull the pain by becoming ******
All they ask is do not judge if you don't know their story
Perhaps take the time to help out a bit, donate some clothes or gifts
Pay forward drinks in coffee shops, especially this time of year
And help in some small way to raise a bit of Christmas Cheer

The Frog and The Bee and the Mouse with the House lived together in peace and harmony on the River Louse.

One day the Mouse with the house did declare it was time that he moved out of there.

The Frog and The Bee did not agree and set about convincing the Mouse with the House that he needed to stay on the River Louse.

They sent out invitations to all around to attend tea at half past three.

The tea party was in honour of the Mouse with the house to be held on the banks of the River Louse and hosted by his dear friends The Frog and The Bee.

One by one each creature replied and the guest list rose quickly to Twenty Five.

The Frog and The Bee decided the tea would be civil indeed and The Frog made some scones and The Bee made some honey.

At half past one The Frog and The Bee set up some tables to lay out the tea.

At half past two the tables were laid with the scones from The Frog and The honey The Bee had made.

The scene did look grand, pots of tea and saucers of milk all laid on a tablecloth made of silk.

At half past three the guests started to arrive.
The first of the guests to arrive were The Elf with one ear and The Fly with one eye. The Mouse was delighted to see his friends, the ones who helped get Horse around the river bend.

Next came the Horse and his Master of course to thank the Mouse with the House on the River Louse for his friendship and help on the day that the Horse could not get around the river bend and the Mouse with the House, The Elf with one ear, The Fly with one eye, The Frog and The Bee all pulled together and worked merrily to assist the Horse round the river course.

One by one others did attend, there was a duck who lost his cluck but the Mouse with the House helped him every day until he could at last say "cluck cluck"

Next came a ****** who had forgotten how to weave but the Mouse with the House lay out the sticks until the Beavers memory began to tick and the ****** remembered how to weave.

Then came a beautiful Butterfly with bright red wings.  She told the Frog and The Bee that one day the Mouse had found her crying and sighing her wings had faded and she did not look grand a thing of beauty.  The Mouse ran back to his House and in his shed found a can that had Paint in Red on the side.  He took a brush and painted her wings and now the Butterfly all shiny and bright flapped her wings with all her might.

Last but not least the Mayor arrived with his glorious wife by his side.

Mayor and Mayoress Swan did agree that the Mouse with the House should not leave his friends of  The River Louse and they would indeed miss him dearly if he relocated his house.

The Mouse smiled embarrassingly and said "I am sorry he did declare, there's been a mix up, when I said" I must get out of there" it was only to the shops I intended to go but The Frog and The Bee moved too fast or I moved to slow"

The Frog and The Bee and all the guests were all delighted with the news and brought in some music supplied by "Five in a Pen" which of course were all mother Hens and they danced all night until the Moon went in and the Sun came out.

Then the Frog and The Bee said to their friend the Mouse "let's do this again next year, and Mouse can bake cake for the tea, our friends can attend and we'll dance all night to Five in a Pen and we'll eat scones and honey and cake too and we'll do this in honour of all our friends and those who live and work on the River bend"

THE END

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

Here I stand on public display.
In my choice of home,
I have no say!
Wherever my roots travel,
That’s where I lay.

One hundred springs, summers, autumns, and winters — I have survived.
I stand with pride, thankful to be alive.
Filtering pollution and
breathing life into the air is my gift to you.
Keeping the skies a perfect blue.

Birds wake me with their tuneful song. In a chorus, they happily cheep and chirp. A joyful, uplifting start to the day.
They soar, glide, and fly gracefully above my head.
As they search for food to feed their young. Seeking earthworms and even crumbs of bread.
Their wind from their wings cause my leaves to rustle, sending a delightful shiver throughout my spine. A spiritual feeling that is hard to define.
I make myself taller, sending my branches upwards, towards the skies. It is my way of saying thank you to the pigeons, gulls, ravens, and magpies.

I have witnessed many natural disasters over the years,
Floods and fires are the cause of many tears.
Homes that are washed clearly away, cars that are tossed like a feather so light.
The waters gather in vast quantities, rolling through towns and villages at great speed and with great might.
Leaving devastation behind in their wake.

The most worrying for me, though,
Is of course, a fire out of control.
It scorches my bark and burns my soul.
I feel the heat as it flickers and leaps up my trunk.
My bark is blackened, pieces fall to the floor,
In charred chunks.
Sap seeps out of me, bleeding into the soil.
The moss and lichen nearby will at least feed on my oil.

By day, people lay blankets at my feet.
Laying before me their wholesome treats.
Pies, sandwiches, jars of pickles, and slices of meat.
Samosas, wraps, hummus, fruit, and veggie sticks. A smorgasbord of treats.
During times like this, I dream of having a mouth to consume and savour food. It brings joy and laughter, lightening the mood.

Many celebrations of life have been toasted under the shade of my leaves.
My world has hosted whole families struggling to grieve.
On display, cakes of many tastes and sizes
celebrating ages from low to high numbers.
Are all consumed at the base of my lumber.

This year. I am pleased to say, has been uneventful.
And for that, I am truly thankful.

As autumn turns into winter,
I shed my leaves.
Humans retreat to the warmth of their homes.
I stand here, mostly alone.
Waiting for spring to burst its way through the cold. Bringing with it colour and warmth and,
most importantly,
Bringing you back outdoors to spend your days with me.
This is the life of an ancient deciduous tree.

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.

Today is a wonderful day
Curtains wide open, the sun out to play
Today is such a wonderful day

Today is a wonderful day
Full of vitality and life
Today is such a wonderful day

Today is a wonderful day
Children singing, out to play
Today is such a wonderful day

Today is a wonderful day
Birds flying, high in the sky
Today is such a wonderful day

Today is a wonderful day
Walking in the park, hearing dogs bark
Today is such a wonderful day

Today is a wonderful day
The sun is out and families play
Today is such a wonderful day

Today is a wonderful day
Everyone wants another day
Today is such a wonderful day

Today is a wonderful day
I am thankful for another day
Today is such a wonderful day

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

Two Hearts, beat in time
Two Hearts, yours and mine
Two Bodies, step in time
Two Bodies, yours and mine
Two Souls, crying in time
Two Souls, yours and mine,
Two Minds, thinking in time
Two Minds, yours and mine


Two Lovers beautifully combine Heart, Body, Soul and Mind.
One beautiful package of  friendship respect and love.
Symbolised by the beautiful birds above, two white charming doves.

Prince Simon, Prince Jason and Princess Sophie lived a regal life.

Slaying dragons and battling witches by day, monsters and zombies by night.

Each day brought adventures new, trips on boats and to the zoo.

One particular day when feeling bored, Prince Simon decided to explore.

Down to the basement, he slowly sneaked, quietly to take a peek.  New adventures he did seek.

A rickety old wardrobe he did find and suddenly an adventure sprang to mind.

Running as fast as his legs would go, bellowing with his lungs as hard as they would allow.

"Prince Jason, Princess Sophie please come soon, I have a rocket to take us to the Moon". "Roll up, roll up tickets please, pull your dress right in Princess Sophie it's going to be a squeeze".

All three were so excited they could hardly say a sound.

Prince Simon reached around them both and pulled the door shut tight, buckle up fellow explorers you're in for the ride of your life.

The Wardrobe began to rock and shake, the Wardrobe began to lift and quake.

Destination the Moon, hold on tight we'll get there soon

The rocket started rising faster and faster, higher and higher.

All three children were delighted, the rocket ship made them so excited.

Higher and higher, faster and faster, they rose into the sky.

Higher and higher, faster and faster, leaving the earth behind.

Prince Simon, Prince Jason and Princess Sophie, all declared. "I hope we'll get there soon, I can't wait to walk on the Moon"

"Walk on the Moon", let me think Prince Jason declared, "I'm not sure that we can breathe without any air".

"No air," said Sophie that's no good!, "I need air, what about a hood?"
"A hood is a good idea," said Prince Simon "an oxygen tank and heavy shoes too". "Let's search around the Wardrobe and see what we can find".

Together they searched high and low, finding items as they go.

"A hood" shouted Sophie "just what we need at least now we can all breathe".

"Heavy shoes" shouted Jason, "thank goodness for that, now we can go walking, I heard the moons flat".

"An oxygen tank", Simon declared "together with the hood and boots we are fully equipped for our trip, whoop, whoop, whoop!".

The items they came in three sizes, small for Princess Sophie, medium for Prince Jason and large for Prince Simon and quickly they all dressed up, it wouldn't be long now before the wardrobe came to a stop.

The rocket started descending, slowly it did fall and the children curled together on the floor in a tight knit ball.

Once the rocket had landed the children all ascended to their feet,
clearly excited not one of them could speak.

Prince Simon was the eldest and took the superior role, he looked out the window and said I will be the first to go.

Prince Simon conjured up his nerve to open wide the door, stepped outside, turned around with a smile a mile wide and set off to explore.

Thirty seconds later he shouted out to Prince Jason and Princess Sophie to join him by his side, "I have an idea" he said to them both that the moon is made of cheese.

Prince Jason and Princess Sophie laughed so much they began to cough and wheeze.

"Made of cheese" they both declared "you really must be mad", but we must be sure they all said, so let's all set off to explore.

One by one they found a spot and pulled a chunk off in their hands, looking at each other daring to be first, "altogether" Prince Simon shouted with an enthusiastic burst.

"Cheddar" shouted Prince Simon, "Edam" shouted Princess Sophie, "Red Leicester" shouted Prince Jason, they looked at each other in disbelieve.

They could not fathom how they had all got their favourite cheese, so they moved around the moon, trying different spots, leaving behind them crater pots but that did not make them stop.

Half an hour later their tummies were full, having eaten every type of cheese you can name from Brie to Camembert, Wensleydale to Stilton.

Looking back the 3 space cadets could see what they'd done to the moon, "I think" said Prince Simon "we need to return soon to try to mend the moon".

But now it's time to go they all 3 agreed, we've been gone a long time and mummy will be worried.

They climbed into the rocket and took off all the clothes, set their destination to their home a million miles below.

As they approached their home, the roof opened and the rocket landed safely just in time for tea.

The children all stumbled out of the wardrobe and running through the doors found their mummy in the kitchen serving up their tea.

"Where have you been?" mummy asked, "I've been calling you 3, now you're here just in time for your very favourite tea - Macaroni Cheese!"

The children usually would have been delighted now all moaned and grumbled "Mummy" they sighed "we all have belly aches, can we please be denied our tea and just go straight to bed".  

We are sure that by the morning break we will no longer have our belly aches and tomorrow for our tea we would love Macaroni Cheese :)

Prince Simon, Prince Jason and Princess Sophie lived a regal life.

Slaying dragons and battling witches by day, monsters and zombies by night.

Each day brought adventures new, trips on boats and to the zoo.

One particular day when feeling bored, Prince Simon decided to explore.

Down to the basement, he slowly sneaked, quietly to take a peek.  New adventures he did seek.  
Simon decided to explore.
A rickety old wardrobe he did find and suddenly an adventure sprang to mind

Searching in the wardrobe what do you think he found…

“Come on Prince Jason, Princess Sophie too, come into the wardrobe and look what I have found
A snow globe, all beautiful and round”, “shake it Princess Sophie what do you see a festive setting with us three.”

Climb into the wardrobe pull your dress in tight, we are about to take flight.
Into the wardrobe all three did climb, and soon the wardrobe started to rock and shake, getting higher and higher and faster and faster it suddenly left the ground.

“Where are we going” shouted Princess Sophie, “destination unknown” said Prince Simon, “no change of clothes” Prince Jason asked, “not this time” said Prince Simon, “we are fine as we are, I’m not sure if were going that far”.

Soon enough the trip had ended, and the wardrobe landed on the floor, Prince Simon, Prince Jason & Princess Sophie opened the door and set off to explore.

This new land they had found, had lots of white snow all over the ground and white snow in all the trees.
Prince Simon, Prince Jason and Princess Sophie fell to their knees, delighted to see such a lot of snow they started to make snowballs and began to throw them at each other, laughing and wheezing with delight, they took aim and threw with all their might.
30mins later and wet through they weren’t sure where they had landed or what they had come to do.

They began to start looking around when on the floor Prince Jason found some footprints that looked quite small, not as big as horse or as small as a mouse, Prince Jason thought they belonged to a reindeer, all three of them began to cheer.

They set off following the small footprints until they found themselves on top of a small hill looking down the hill they could see a Fairyland Grotto, sparkling and white a sheer picture of pure delight.
They looked around to see if they could find a map, which would show where all the stalls were at.

Princess Sophie was the first to shout, “let’s take a tumble down the hill and check under the mat of the first Chalet to see if that is where the map is at”

All three agreed and tumbling to their bellies did roly poly down the hill, the first to come to a standstill was Prince Simon who looked under the mat and found the map was exactly where they'd thought it was at.

Prince Simon, Prince Jason and Princess Sophie looked excitedly, the very first stop was at the Toy Factory.

Situated to their left they entered the doors very slowly, then took a deep breath as they did see hundreds of Elves making toys in all their glory.
Working hard to make toys of wood and of metal too, from board games to cars, puzzles to bikes the Princes and Princess could not believe their eyes.
The Elves were working very fast and all the toys they made were sure to last.
The Elves were delighted to have company and agreed to stop and have a cup of tea, with all three.
Cups of tea and plates of cakes, mince pies and scones were soon assembled, and hurriedly eaten. The children were delighted to be having tea with the Elves, couldn’t help themselves but ask, do you know if we three are on the Good List or the Naughty?

Ha! Ha! Said the Elves wouldn’t you like to know but we still have several weeks to go.
It isn’t until the last minute the decision is made, so Santa asks that you are good all year round and not just today.

Once tea was over the Elves did say that they could move on to the next stop which was to groom the reindeers, feed them too and clean the stable of their smelly poo.

The children laughed and giggled they really were excited they exited the Toy Factory and went next door, the reindeers were in a stable and the children started to explore.
They were joined by the Head Groomsman a very elderly Elf who had a long white beard, moustache and hair and a pointed hat upon his head.

Prince Jason asked the Groomsman if they “could feed the reindeers please?” Princess Sophie was so excited she started to shout and wheeze “Please Mr Groomsman, Please?” “Can we feed the reindeer a carrot and some milk too? I don’t mind if I have to clean up his smelly poo”

Prince Jason and Prince Simon were not too sure and began to walk backwards towards the door, ready to make their escape should it occur that they had to clean the stables for the reindeers.

Mr Groomsman began to laugh, his belly began to shake, “it is OK young children please come in, you can feed the reindeers a carrot and milk, then brush them clean, you don’t need to clean up anything else, that is the work of the younger Elves”

The children were delighted and ran into the stables, first the Head Groomsman gave them a brush and showed them how to groom.
Next the children gave each of the reindeer a carrot and saucer of milk, smoothed the reindeer some more then the Head Groomsman said, “I hear that the three of you are expected next door, where Santa awaits to hear your list, don’t keep him waiting you do not want to miss the chance to speak” “Today will be the last day for a while, as he is working hard to bring a smile to every child’s face on Christmas Day”.

“A few rules before you go:
“Talk quietly and real slow, if you talk too fast or begin to shout you will not make sense and then you may miss out.
“Ask for Toys or Books or sweets, maybe socks for your feet but do not ask to solve world peace, Santa is always working on this, but it is very hard as you can imagine and takes more than one person.”
Ask for things for your mummy and daddy, your brother and sister, thinking of others is a good trait and will please Santa, now run along be good children and don't be late”
One last thing before you go Rudolph is looking forward to meeting you today, but his Red Nose is poorly and won’t come out to play, so please don’t tease or laugh or wheeze when Rudolph Nose does not come shiny and bright “

The children promised the Head Groomsman they would behave, said farewell and went on their way.

Next door to the Stable Hut resided Santa’s hut before they knocked on the door Prince Simon looked at Prince Jason and Princess Sophie and began to implore “let’s think about what we are going to ask, we don’t want to fail this task”

The three children stopped and put their heads together and slowly they began to say which each thought would be a nice surprise for their Parents to open on Christmas Day.

Prince Simon said, “for Mummy that’s easy she likes dressing up a new scarf and gloves to match her coat”
Prince Jason declared “for Daddy a book or cd for the car”
Princes Sophie sighed and said, “for Granny and Nanny a new duvet for their beds”

All three agreed it was a good list, Prince Simon stepped up to knock on the door.
Slowly the door opened and revealed the room inside. Santa was sat on a chair with Rudolph by his side.
“Welcome, welcome, children” Santa cried, “come in, come in don’t be shy, don't stand there  it’s awfully cold outside”.
The children entered and dutifully closed the door, waiting patiently for Santa to speak.
Santa called them by their names and asked if they had a special gift they would like on Christmas day.  
The children became quite shy and uncertain what to say.
Again, Prince Simon, Prince Jason and Princess Sophie put their heads together to agree what would be best when Santa laughed and said, “I was only putting you to the test”
Of course, I know what each of you would like but it depends on whether you’ve been Good or Bad
The children started to pull a face and looked very Sad, they weren’t sure if they had behaved well enough throughout the year.

Santa decided to put them out of their misery turned to each of them and said:

Prince Simon – you have attended school every day you could, you’ve completed your Maths Homework, made a book rack out of wood and in addition your Teacher has been pleased to say that you are cheerful every day.  

Prince Jason – you too have attended school every day that you could, you’ve excelled in English and Sports.
Your Teacher is delighted to have you in her class and you can easily cheer everyone up with one of your hearty laughs.

Princess Sophie – finally you have attended school every day excel in English and Ballet
Your Teacher is happy to have you in her class and trusts you to help new pupils orient their way around the school on their first day.

These are very good reports, but we give the final say to your Parents, so let’s see what they have to say:

Prince Simon – our eldest son makes us very proud he studies heartily and never is too loud.  
He looks after his brother and sister and includes them in his fun, he really is a very well-behaved number one son.

Prince Jason – our middle child is fun to be around, he never gets too angry, always makes his bed and doesn’t let his intelligence go to his head.
He takes his studies at school seriously and hands his work in on time, he really is a well-behaved middle child.

Princess Sophie – our youngest child, has a little bit of wild but not too much, just enough to keep us on our toes that is for sure, she makes friends easily and always has a smile for everyone to see. she really is a well behaved youngest child.


Santa sighed, “I wished all children had these same reports, for certain if you do nothing naughty in the next 10 days your names will be on the Good List come Christmas Day”.

The three children cheered and wanted to ask what presents Santa had in mind but decided to decline, the three children decided to wait and be surprised.

All this time Rudolph had sat quietly by Santa’s side not saying a word and trying not to look at the children he really didn’t want to be noticed or heard, he wasn’t feeling right, his usually very Red nose did not come shiny and bright.
Princess Sophie noticed him out of the corner of her eye, ran to kneel by his side and put her hand around his neck lovingly declared “You are our very favourite reindeer”  
The Two Princes joined Princess Sophie and sighed and said “Rudolph have no fear that your nose is not Red at this time of year, there’s ten days to go before your nose is required to light up the way for Santa on Christmas Day”
If you rest and hydrate it is not too late and your nose will be right and shiny and bright for Santa on Christmas Eve night”

Rudolph was delighted and gave the children a nudge and a sloppy kiss to their ears, all three children giggled sillily.

“Now, now”, Santa said, “you have been gone a long time, you really should return home, your Mummy will be worried about you and that will never do”

They climbed into the rocket and, set the destination to their home not quite a million miles below.
As they approached their home, the roof started to open wide and the rocket began to slow, the ride was nearly over they did not have far to go.
Very soon the wardrobe landed safely on the floor, the children were exhausted and ran to open the door; out they fell full of excitement and looking for their mummy, The Queen.
Princess Sophie ran out first excitedly shouting “Mummy you never guess where we have been, we’ve been to Lapland to See Santa’s Hut and Rudolphs Nose which did not light and a Head Groomsman who was a real delight, plus all the Elves took tea with us too, we really did have fun, can we go again next year”.
“Slow down” Mummy smiled and said, “it’s getting late, it’s almost time for bed”.
If you run along to your room, get dressed for bed and clean your teeth, I will be along in a while to read you a story and you can tell me all about your trip to Lapland today, I can’t wait to hear what you all have to say”
Mummy closed the door and said “Good Night sweet children, sleep tight, say your wishes with all of your might, may all your wishes and dreams come true for you on Christmas Day”

Prince Simon, Prince Jason and Princess Sophie lived a regal life.

Slaying dragons and battling witches by day, monsters and beasts by night.

Each day brought adventures new, trips on boats and to the zoo.

One particular day when feeling bored, Prince Simon decided to explore.

Down to the basement, he slowly sneaked, quietly to take a peek.  New adventures he did seek.

A rickety old wardrobe he did find and suddenly an adventure sprang to mind.

Prince Simon shouted excitedly, "come quickly Prince Jason, Princess Sophie the Wardrobe holds an adventure new, one for me and why don't you join me too?"

The three children didn't hesitate into the Wardrobe they climbed, "where are we going today? do you know the way? Prince Jason chimed.

"The way is West" Prince Simon declared "to the Wild Wild West in the days that were best, in the morning I have a history test."

Quickly buckle up, hold tight, the wardrobe will soon be taking flight.

No sooner had they entered the wardrobe and buckled up, then the wardrobe began to rock and shake, the wardrobe began to lift and quake.

The rocket started rising higher and higher, faster and faster , picking up speed and going faster and faster.

Higher and higher, faster and faster they rose into the sky.

Higher and higher, faster and faster until they were 30,000 feet high and heading in the direction of the Wild Wild West.  
All three children were delighted, the rocket ship made them so excited.

Prince Jason and Princess Sophie said, " what do we need to wear on this adventure?"

Prince Simon said "cowboy hat, jeans, boots, and vest, that's all that's required for the wild wild west"

"mmm said Princess Sophie what about cowgirls or squaws that is what an Indian Girl is called"

"Well," said Prince Jason "their very similar, a cowhide dress, boots and Stetson hat for cowgirl, a cowhide dress, boots and feather headdress for the Squaw, let's look around and explore what the wardrobe has hidden for us all"

The children started looking and everything they required they did find Prince Simon and Prince Jason looked very fine as Cowboys with their hats, jeans, boots and vest they would fit right in, in the Wild Wild West.

Princess Sophie decided to dress as a Squaw and donned Cowhide dress, boots and feather headdress turned to her brothers to see if she passed the test.

"Perfect" Prince Simon and Prince Jason declared "come join us  now," they both said," it won't be long" Prince Simon stated "until we land back in time of the 1870's in Deadwood Gulch, USA, the Sheriff has a campaign to rid the county of its bad name "

Prince Jason and Princess Sophie were so excited they began to laugh and squeak, Princess Sophie did declare that "her knees were feeling weak"

10 minutes later the rocket had slowed down and was starting its' descent, Princess Sophie got so excited as she spied a teepee tent.

"Look" Princess Sophie shouted "a reservation down below, where Indians are settled and warm fires are all aglow"  

"Can we please stop and speak, I would like to ride a horse and a canoe, I have read stories and I know that's what they do, in the land of the Sioux!"

Slowly the rocket did descend, landing near the reservation, all three children opened the door, their eyes grew wider at what they saw.

5,000 Indians greeted the visitors with big smiles, and their leader, name of Crazy Horse asked them to join them for a while.
“Stay a while,” Crazy Horse said we’ll make some food, teach you to ride a horse ******* and a canoe, teach you the ways of the Sioux.

Princess Sophie replied, “we can’t wait” looking at the leader’s headdress Princess Sophie sighed “how come your headdress is as tall as it is wide?”

Crazy Horse smiled and sweetly said “I am a leader of these people and I do not hide; my headdress makes me stand out from others at my side”

Crazy Horse led the children to the teepee tent and signalled them to sit on the floor in front, cross-legged.

“We hunt daily for fish and meat, the food you are going to be given is precious and prepared with care, please do not wait, dig in, enjoy, there is enough to share”

Prince Simon, Prince Jason and Princess Sophie dived in enthusiastically, tasting everything, they could, from rice and beans, fish and meat, everything was so tasty and cooked in a *** hung over the wood.

“when you have finished “Crazy Horse declared we have horses ready for you to ride, don’t worry someone will walk with you at your side”

The children excitedly climbed upon their horses, Lakota for Prince Simon, Kamanchee for Prince Jason and Quil for Princess Sophie, they each clicked their heels and off the horses trot.

Just as Crazy Horse promised, each of the children had an Indian by their side, walking and talking about the best way to ride.

After an hour the children did decide that as much as they enjoyed it they had to end the ride.

Prince Simon said to Crazy Horse “thank you for your hospitality but we really must leave right now, we are meeting the Sheriff man of Deadwood Gulch” he said with a bow.

Crazy Horse bid them adieu and said, “say Hi to Wild Bill for me, last time I saw him he was wagon master”

The three children said their goodbyes and walked along the White River to their destination town, Deadwood Gulch.

Suddenly wooden huts appeared and horses pulling carriages, people and cargo shared the inside and Wells Fargo in writing on the outside.

Prince Simon, Prince Jason, and Princess Sophie looked around the town, found a sign that said Sheriff’s Office, rang the bell and entered.

Wild Bill Hickock with his long hair and Stetson hat, looked just as the children remembered from their history class.

“Hi,” said Wild Bill as he rose from his seat, stretched his hand out to greet the three children.

You must be Prince Simon, Prince Jason and Princess Sophie come to learn the ways of the Wild West before your history test.

“Yes” said Prince Simon, wildly shaking Wild Bills hand “we are delighted to meet you and lend a helping hand”

Wild Bill said, “follow me, I am about to take a walk, meet the local folk and welcome visitors to the town, would you like to tag along with me as I walk around?”

The three children agreed excitedly and followed behind, “First stop” said Wild Bill is the Post Office look for the Yellow sign”
“I see it,” said Princess Sophie as she ran across the street “let’s all go inside and meet the postmistress, make sure she’s got what she needs, if she requires any stationary we may have to place an order to arrive with speed”

“Next stop,” said Wild Bill “is the Blacksmiths down the road, if you are lucky he will show you how a horse is shoed”
The children watched quietly as the Blacksmith plied his trade, treating all of the horses to pairs of shoes fit for a parade.

“Last,” said Wild Bill “off to a rodeo we go, you will see cowboys riding their horses and using their lassoes and if your very lucky they will let you try it too”

Prince Simon, Prince Jason, and Princess Sophie were so excited they hardly said a word, watching the rodeo in silence, watching every move.
Finally, Wild Bill shouted from the side, “hands up who is keen to have a ride around the ranch? Try their hand with a lasso and maybe get some lunch.

The children’s hands shot up in the air and all three children gave a very loud cheer, Wild Bill laughed and replied, “Follow me and I will hook you up with three horses for a ride”

For the second time that day the children rode horses, this time in a circle around the corral, keeping time Wild Bill always by their side, they loved the ride.

Last but least Wild Bill put on a feast of a show with rope in his hand he threw the lasso over some cans set up on a fence, pulled the rope tight and without a second glance, felled the tins to the floor, the children let out an appreciative roar.

“That is the end of your day” Wild Bill did say “I am sorry to see you go but you must run along home, you’ve been gone a long time and your mummy will be worried”

The children shook Wild Bill's hand and thanked him for his time, sadly the day had ended and they climbed back in the wardrobe, set the destination to their home a million miles below.

As they approached their home, the roof started to open wide and the rocket began to slow, the ride was nearly over and they did not have far to go.

Very soon the wardrobe landed safely on the floor, the children were exhausted and ran to open the door, out they fell full of excitement and looking for their mummy, headed straight to the kitchen.

Mummy looked at all three children and declared “there you are, I was searching for Prince Simon as he has a history test in the morning on the Wild Wild West and I was going to help him revise for it.

The children laughed and cried, Princess Sophie, sighed, “no need mummy” they all declared “we know all about it, we’ve all been there”

Prince Simon said “Can we just have some tea and go straight to bed, I promise I have all the knowledge of the Wild Wild West clearly in my head, at least enough to pass the test.”

Of course said Mummy wash your hands, tea is ready.

Two roads lie ahead but how do I choose
How do i decide which road to take and which one to lose

Road One is bumpy and full of twist and turns
Making the journey one of adventure, never quite knowing your fate

Road Two is straight ahead, you can see from A to B
Nothing particularly unusual or out of the ordinary

I could choose Road Two with nothing to lose and yet nothing to be gained
Maybe always wondering will life always be the same
With nothing to aspire to or dreams to acheive
Stay upon this steady road, deciding never to leave

It seems a shame to me, to live your life this way
Never challenging your talents or feeling any pain
Never knowing even the smallest of change

Road One of course is more treacherous more to lose and gain, opens you to challenges, encourages you to accept and feel the pain.
Road One lets you know that there is more to life than steady 1,2,3, Road One means your living life and that seems a good thing to me

Two Stars shining brightly above
Two Stars shining with gods love
Two Stars related by birth Oskar and Ted my beloved Grandsons
Missed very much by your Mummy and Daddy on earth
We did not get to hold you and whisper your name
We did not get to watch you run rings around your brother and call his name
We did not get to be proud Grandparents and watch you grow
But  Two Stars came and shone one day the result is one that did remain,  now Alfie has an earth brother Roman's his name
Two Stars your family still think of you dearly and cherish your memory
We wish we could have held you and kept you in our care
All we asked was for God to love you until one day we can all be there
Your life on earth was short and brief but  Two Stars you shine on in our memories

I sit inside, its cold outside
The snow it keeps on falling
The wine is red, the bottle is open
Watching Bradley Walsh losing it on the chase
Life doesn't get any better

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