When the pen takes control.

Waters lost among dense reeds

seed heads tossing in the breeze

as warblers flit among the stems

beaks stuffed full to build their nests

dark shadows hint at evening falling

for those with homes lounge chairs are calling

a pump house sits where once there stood

a windmill gird with smock of wood

to pump the water was their aim

from pool and mere farmland to gain

there now remaining just a few

delight the land with an old world view

Most people I know have never, seen such a spell of changeable weather

A gooseberry is generally one of three

in earlier days it was often me

on the beach or in the cinema

watching a couple from afar

seldom would I be half of a pair

but somehow I would find myself there.

A country cottage such as this

is most people’s idea of bliss

on a quiet road with little traffic

encouraging feelings soporific

on lazy days of Summer sun

with a glass of wine in the garden

birdsong filtering through the trees

who could not wish for such days as these.

Sub-compartmentalised,

each drawer full to overflowing

leaflets printed French escaping

drawer-fronts varnished outward facing,

the pitcher, bulbous and self-satisfying ,

a green-skinned gourd lazily reclining

this provincial study hinting

at a room both calm and homely.

The clearances are due to begin

with burner, spade and barrow

perhaps the work would easier be done

by a sow preparing to farrow

I’d like to see one rooting around

looking for tasty morsels

in this piece of old waste ground

just right for hungry porkers

My expression is often misconstrued

as being one in a melancholy mood

but I can assure you these furrowed lines

show only age not troubled mind.

Croissants and coffee

a continental combination

sustaining body and senses

at the start of the day

The climate actions that make a difference