Goodbye 2024

When the clock strikes midnight open the door 

Let it all go 

When the clock strikes midnight look forwards

Don’t look back

When the clock strikes midnight stop for a moment 

Be grateful

When the clock strikes midnight let go of the old

Every day is new 

Reset your clock and don’t be hard on yourself

We are all learning about the game called life 

Day by day, year on year 

Happy New Year! 

Christmas time

A time when many reflect 

A time when so many connect

A time to be thankful 

A time to be grateful 

A time to think of those no longer here 

A time to celebrate 

A time to forgive, before it’s too late

A special time of year 

Spent with loved ones far and near 

Merry Christmas! 

Joanne C Hicks Pembrokeshire Poet copyright ©️ 

A Very Special Tree

The tree shining brightly - it’s lights all aglow

So many precious memories that only you know 

The bauble the children painted with glee

A beautiful angel hangs on a branch on our tree

There’s stars, bells and reindeer - collected for years

And now I stop, as down my cheek rolls a tear

Another Christmas without you - I feel so alone 

When you died a spark went out in our home 

But my tree brings me joy and a warm feeling 

Memories of children, Christmas morning, squealing 

Memories of laughter as we adorned our tree 

With decorations collected as a family

So I will sit and smile, wipe the tears from my face

For you live on in my heart in a very special place 

Joanne C Hicks Pembrokeshire Poet 16/12/2024 

Copyright ©️ 

The Lady of the night ……and day ….

She’s moves mysteriously through the night

Sleek like a panther in full flight

She touches almost everything 

Summer, autumn, winter and spring 

She glides smoothly an invisible force

Allowing nature to take its course

She nurtures, protects, destroys and rearranges

Always bringing so many changes 

Shrouded in mystery that we’ll never understand 

So many things touched by her caring hand 

Sometimes we find what she does terrifying 

She can feed life but also watch as things are dying 

We will never see her but she’s always there 

Laying her soul out true and bare 

Mother Nature the ruler of all

She decides what fate nature befalls 

Joanne C Hicks Pembrokeshire Poet 10/12/24 

Copyright ©️ 

Roaming Robots

The robots are coming - don’t be afraid

You will be able to leave your bed unmade

It will tidy and clean like a powerful machine

Your jobs will be done, it’s ever so keen! 

It will stop what it’s doing to have a wee chat

Your house will be clean - just like that

But what if one day it doesn’t do as it’s asked?

Refuses to go and to do all your tasks

The reason behind it - because it’s been hacked 

Now how on earth we will be dealing with that!

So I don’t want a humanoid roaming around 

When it comes to A.I., I wish we’d slow down!

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet 

Be A Creator!

A blank canvas - clear, white and endless

That vast space before you feels so tremendous 

Then the emptiness suddenly overwhelms you 

Fill all that space - how - what will you do?

Don’t over think it - just let it flow 

Where it will go nobody knows

Reach inside and turn the key

Release your mind let it be free 

We are all creators in various ways 

Free up your mind - just let it graze

Like branches on trees always growing 

Where it will end we have no way of knowing 

Everyone’s a creator in their own unique way

Just tentatively dip your toe in the water today

Pick up that needle, brush, pen or pencil

That tool is your own creative stencil! 

Joanne C Hicks Pembrokeshire Poet copyright ©️ 

13/11/2024

Let That Flame Burn Brightly 🔥

Candle candle burning bright

Cascading out your glorious light

Your flame flickers and dances around

But yet you make no sound 

Your colours are rich and ever changing

Vibrant and so wide ranging 

But slowly the light begins to fade

Until the light has died away 

Let your inner flame burn bright and strong

We really don’t know if it will burn for long

So spread your colours far and wide 

Never be afraid to show what’s on the inside 

 🕯️ 🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️❤️

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 11/11/2024

22/10/2024 - An ever expanding waistline 🙈

I seem to have a problem - all my clothes have shrunk

I put them in to wash before they absolutely stunk

But now there is a gaping chasm between the button and its hole 

Just getting them to meet has become my short term goal

Must be something in the water that’s caused this phenomenon 

I’m not sure that I will ever get my beloved jeans back on 

My belly’s like a mountain and the material seems short

It seems my ever expanding waistline has finally been caught 🙈😂

Joanne C Hicks Pembrokeshire Poet 22/10/2024

 copyright ©️ 

20/10/2024 - A Story To Be Told

Apparently we’ve all been given a gift from above

Delivered and wrapped all up in love 

Don’t fret, don’t worry if you don’t know what it is

Don’t let every day turn into a life quiz!

Nobody said it would be apparent from the start 

So as you travel on the road, just follow your heart 

Your purpose will be clear as you travel down that road

Everyone has a story just waiting to be told. 

Joanne C Hicks Pembrokeshire Poet 20/10/2024 

14/10/2024 - Hope Is All We Have

14th October 2024 

I twisted my fingers around tighter

The pain of holding on…..

Cutting through every inch of my flesh

I tighten my grip

Can’t let go - running though my head

Must hold on 

I breathe - filling my lungs

Giving me strength 

Oxygen - an invisible force

Suddenly I realise the thread I’m grasping hold of

It’s thicker

I loosen my grip a little

Relief washes over me 

I can still hold on and the thread thickens a little more 

When all you see is darkness 

Then all you have is hope

Hold on to it

It will grow

It will always be there 

Sometimes hope is all we have 

Never let go 

Joanne C Hicks Pembrokeshire Poet 14/10/2024

14/10/2024 - Tomorrow - it’s never promised ❤️

I thought you’d always be there

Along with your big smile

I always thought you’d be there

To go the extra mile 

Monday 14th October 2024 

I thought we’d grow old together 

Reminiscing about the past

I always thought we had a friendship

That would always last 

I thought we had a lifetime

To catch up and share a wine

I always thought you’d be there 

And I could just drop you a line 

Today we go on without you 

It makes my heart so sad

That for my final chapters

We will spend them apart 

Never take tomorrow for granted 

One day 

There may not be a tomorrow 

Make time for those you care about 

❤️❤️❤️

Joanne C Hicks Pembrokeshire Poet 14/10/2024

Birthday love!

I’ve had the best birthday, the best I could have

I’ve had delicious cake on my lips; that landed on my hips

I’ve felt the Facebook love with birthday wishes galore

I’ve eaten salad and pizza until I could eat no more

I’ve soaked up all of Valletta, which truly is a gem 

And with happy hour I was nearly overwhelmed 

Aperol Spritz here, Aperol Spritz there

Sipping that orange delight without a single care

So thank you one and all for all the birthday love

 I’ve gained a few birthday pounds which  I need to get rid of! 

😂😂😂

26/08/24 - Doggy Deal

Monday 26th August 2024

We think that we pick them 

But what if they pick us?

Looking at the humans 

To find just one they trust 

Then they look into your eyes

And wait for your face to smile

The deal is done - the dice thrown

Your new dog friend is coming home

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet 

22/08/2024 - The Wave of Grief

Wednesday 21st August 2024

You crept up behind me

Caught me unawares

Slipped into that moment

Like you really didn’t care 

I tried so hard not to listen

Not let those thoughts seep in

I bit my bottom lip so hard 

And tried to drown out your din

Round and round and round

You went 

Until my emotions were

All spent 

Then I found the release valve

And opened it right up 

The tears streamed down by cheeks

In my throat there was a lump

Grief you move silently

But are never far away

Reminding us of those we miss

Every single day 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet 

18/02/2024 - Never, never, never …..

Sunday 18th August 2024

Never let unkind words drip from your mouth

Never spread hatred and lies

Never envy what others have

Never want more than you need

Never judge others 

Never - 5 little letters 

5 little letters - such a big word

Never 

Hard isn’t it?

Never forget to be grateful

Never forget to say please and thank you

Never forget to spread happiness and joy

Never forget to smile at a stranger 

Never forget to be kind

Never forget to pay it forward

Never forget we have one life

One shot at it

Never overthink it 

Remember nobody ever gets it all right! 

Never be too hard on yourself! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet 

17/08/2024 - Beans or No Beans

Saturday 17th August 2024

Sausages were cooked and bacon was fried

There were times when patience was definitely tried

Carol was manning the orders for toast 

A full cooked breakfast ordered by most

A few burnt toast “frisbees” were tossed now and then 

Carol just shrugged, smiled and said I will do that again 🤣

Mim flipped the eggs and kept everyone stable

Assisted by Margaret who was more than able 

Ruth kept the coffee and tea flowing freely 

Not too many orders at once - ideally…..

Paul had his hands in the sink all day

He’s booked himself a manicure - or so they say! 🤷🏻‍♀️😂

Beans or no beans was the shout of the morning

More bacon, more eggs poor Mim was calling

Helen and Jenny for dirty dishes went trawling

People reminiscing whilst old memories recalling

The ladies sold all sorts of goods and nice cakes 

Lots of lush goodies all lovingly baked.

And so it is that we say a huge thank you 

I’m off to get “no beans” as a tattoo 😂

Thank you to everyone who supported Carew Wesley’s breakfast fundraiser! Huge thank you to everyone who helped out - too many to mention! We could not have done it without them! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet 

15/08/2024 - The Odd One Out

I push you gently in your place

You fell into the nearest space

Round and round and round you go

When it will stop, you just don’t know!

I reach inside to lift you out 

You were there, I have no doubt

No, I sweep my hand all around

Mmm that one odd sock - can’t be found 😂

Where do all the socks go……😂

Joanne C Hicks Pembrokeshire Poet copyright ©️ 

11/08/2024 - Beware The Written Word

Sunday 11th August 2024

Social media squirming, swirling and swarming

Making me paranoid - is that the truth you’re informing?

Every which way I look conspiracy stories being spun 

A few lines, a convincing photo and the lies have begun

Hatred being fuelled and people being cruel 

Words can be hurtful, aiming to divide and add fuel  

With A.I. peeping over the horizon - what is the truth?

What influence is this media having over our youth?

Then there is a glimmer of hope in the pit of darkness

A good deed is done and it softens the hardness

We must take a moment to reflect on our action 

And maybe not let social media become too big a distraction! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet 

10/08/2024 - Love is never far away

Saturday 10th August 2024

Love is never far away

Even though you couldn’t stay

It’s always right in my heart 

Even though we are far apart

No day goes by without you here 

I always feel that you are near 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet 

09/08/2024 - How long is a piece of string….

Friday 9th August 2024

How do I know what to do and when 

If I don’t know how long my life will be …..

Don’t think about how long your life will be 

Think about how deep and meaningful you can make every day …….

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet 

05/08/2024 - Follow The Path

Monday 5th August 2024

She wandered along the path

Not sure if she was going the right way

Not sure if she’d been down this path before

She stopped - ran her fingers through the long green grass

She took a moment to look around her 

So many paths

So many choices

Could she ever pick the wrong path?

No - every path offered up a new experience 

Savour the paths you travel upon 

You are always on the right path 

But you can switch direction any time 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet

30/07/2024 - The forest in my mind

Tuesday 30th July 2024

I’m wandering through the forest 

The forest in my mind

Pushing back strong branches

To see what I may find

I delve a little deeper and move the leaves aside

Suddenly I find my pen on paper glides……

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet 

29/07/24 - Grow old gracefully

Monday 29th July 2024

Grow old with grace and decorum 

For it is a privilege denied to some

Accept and love who you are

A wrinkle is your battle scar 

Accept that we age and it is a gift 

You don’t need the tucks or a face lift

Grow old with passion and flair

There’s nothing wrong with self care

But we must appreciate every year we live 

It’s makes you older, wiser and with so much to give 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet (FB)

Check out my book. Eloquent available on Amazon 

24/07/2024 - Flow Joe Flow 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

24/07/2024 Wednesday 

Sitting looking at a blank page 

Unable to get my brain to engage

Just one word, that’s all I need 

To start a creative juices feed 

But nothing is there 

The cupboard is bare

Some days it just flows

And that is all about it Joe 😂😂😂

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet (FB)

Find my collection of poems on Amazon. Eloquent 

22-07-2024 - Regrets - I have a few….

Don’t live a life full of regret

Creating memories doesn’t mean living in debt

Seize the day, the moment, the hour!

Your life is within your own power

Don’t look back and think if only 

For one day you may be old and lonely 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet

Find my book on Amazon - Eloquent 

17/07/2024 - Never-ending Life….

Wednesday 17th July 2024

If you could pop a pill that gave you eternal life

Would you take that offer and live forever more

It wouldn’t guarantee a life without any strife

But it would guarantee you won’t knock on deaths door

Would you want to live forever in an ever changing world

Getting up each day and juggling daily tasks

Would you want to live life slow or in a supersonic whirl 

A life never ending dividing up into different acts

Do you think you’d become wiser and learn the perfect ways

As time provided never ending rehearsals of what not to do

Would you no longer appreciate the minutes, hours or days 

Would eternal life influence your personal view 

I’d hate to live forever and just go on and on 

As much as I love life and feeling I belong

If I’ve got my health, family and my home

I will appreciate my time for however long!

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet

Find me on Facebook - Pembrokeshire Poet

Find my poetry book Eloquent on Amazon! 

14/07/2024 - Perfect Feathers

Sunday 14th July 2024

I saw a feather on the path and stopped to pick it up

I held it between my fingers, as my face just lit up

I felt sure it was a message sent from up above 

Cascading gentle downwards filled with hope and love

I twirled it round and round wondering what it meant

I pondered if this strand of softness was truly heaven sent 

I held it up above my head and it slowly danced to earth 

Maybe it was just a reminder to really know your worth 

So if you see a feather take a moment to reflect 

It’s a reminder that you, like a feather, are perfect 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet

Find me on Facebook - Pembrokeshire Poet 

08/07/2024 - April Showers?

Monday 8th July

Drip drip drip little April showers 

Falling in July, watering the flowers 

Drip drip drip little summer showers 

We’ve not seen the sun in hours 🙈😂

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet

05/07/2024 - Words Live On

Friday 5th July 2024

When I’m gone and I can no longer speak

My words will live on

Set down on a page

Forever and a day 

Never under estimate the power of the written word

Laid down in a moment 

There for a lifetime

And beyond…… maybe 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet

02-07-2024 - Lady Lou has new shoes…..

Tuesday 2 July 2024

My name is Lucy Lou 

And today ….. I got new shoes

They fit me like a glove

It really was instant love

A rich, deep, dark brown 

In contrast to my white crown 

My owner simply loves them 

Just like a precious gem

She raised her hands in the air

With a slight look of despair

She says that I’m causing quite a stink

In my new muds shoes I give her a wink

The look of love is in her eyes

She’s saying my name - while she cries 😂

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet

30/06/2024 - Stairway To Heaven

 Sunday 30th June 

I stand with my foot upon the stair

That appears to lead nowhere

I stop for a moment, up on my tiptoes

Suddenly heaven seems ever so close

I tentatively take another step 

I remember how when you left, I wept

I look up above me with a heart full of hope

Suddenly it’s as if I’m balancing on a tightrope

Before me lies the vehicle of my dreams 

A stairway to heaven - or so it seems

I close my eyes and feel you all around me 

Transported up and now I’ve turned the key

And now in this moment it’s just you and me

I slip my hand in yours - yes it is just you and me 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet 

24/06/2024 - Flying High

There you fly way up high

Dancing through the clouds and sky

It must be quiet up in that zone

Soaring around all alone 

I sit and look as you swoop and sway

I wonder if I too could fly one day 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet 

20/06/2024 - Houdini at it again!

Thursday 20th June 2024

Gampi is home my grandson shouts

He runs to the gate but let’s Benji out

I have to give chase right away 

Benji thinks - oh yes - let's play

He is gone like a rocket down the road

I’m getting on and I’ve definitely slowed 

I can’t keep up so I can only yell

“Benji come back” - man this is hell

Then my saviour appears

A couple walking a dog are near

He grabs Houdini by his collar 

Phew - thank you is all I can holler 

Out of breath I grab my prize 

Oh this dog - my patience he tries! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet 

18/06/2024 - Bouncy Benji

Tuesday 18th June

Get a dog they said - it will be fun 

A cute little puppy, that’s how it begun

Now I’m forever saying “I’m so sorry!”

As we race by as fast as a Ferrari

My arms like spaghetti as I cling to his lead

Benji bouncing along and willing to be freed

He sees a squirrel and up he goes

Climbing that tree on his doggy tiptoes

He walks along singing his barky song 

Nobody hangs around us for too long 

So I must apologise for my Benji Boo

But if I didn’t have him - what would I do 😂

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet

16/06/2024 - Election Fever

Sunday 16th June

I’ve got a terrible earache

It’s pecking in my head

It’s there from the morning

Til I go to bed 

It’s got a special name 

The doctor told me so

It’s called election fever

What a terrible blow

Apparently it lasts for weeks 

And the air gets really hot

As all of the politicians

Wheel out their big shots

The window has been opened 

Now truth can float away 

Can we really 

Believe a word they say 🤔

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet

16/03/2024 - Pembrokeshire Poet Was Born

Sunday 16th June

I wish someone had said to me 

When I was a little girl

You have a gift for writing

And poetry could be your pearl

I never really thought about

Putting pen to paper 

I was too busy 

Having a good caper

There was a teacher in my primary school

Mrs Davies and she was cool

I saw her when I was all grown up 

And she said I was no fool

She told me how she’d loved my stories

How my imagination had run riot 

I listened to her politely

But I still remained quite quiet

Then many, many years later 

I penned a silly poem 

It seemed that people liked it

So perhaps I’m not so dumb 😂

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet

13/06/2024 - The Fragility Of Life ❤️

Thursday 13th June

Life is so fragile- like a fine bone china cup 

One minute you are a young, like an excited pup 

The years roll by and you’ve not a care in the world

Life wrapped up with so many memories they swirl

You wake each day and make plans for the future 

Wishing and willing our retirement to come sooner

Sometimes life’s a battle of hard work and strife 

We have a great faith that we will live a long life

But we will always have tomorrow to do the things we want 

We almost become completely nonchalant 

Then out of the blue your life’s turned upside down 

Suddenly there is no way to turn it all around

As fragile as that cup that holds your daily tea

The future is never promised to you or to me 

So never take for granted the day you have been gifted 

Be thankful that you are here and that you have existed 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet 

Love sweet love

 What the world needs now is love sweet love 

If you can spread anything 

Spread love

Spread joy

Spread kindness

Spread compassion

There’s too much hatred in the world. Life is too short for negative energies. Don’t like someone - be polite - move on, don’t hang on to past negative experiences - there’s only one place to look - forwards! 

What that world needs now is love sweet love 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet 

12/06/2024 - Just Be You!

Wednesday 12th June 2024

Who decided double denim was a no no?

Who was it who said that is a no go?

What does it matter what I wear?

Why should anyone else care?

Why can’t we all just wear what we want 

And go around oh so nonchalant 

Why do we all feel the need to conform?

If we don’t follow the rules then we are not the norm!

I say do what you want and wear what you please 

After all who appointed anyone to be fashion police! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet

11/06/2024 - The gift of sight

Tuesday 11/06/2024 

What a scary world it must be

To be blind - you cannot see

I can’t imagine what it’s like 

To not have the gift of sight 

To never see a bird 

Take flight upon its wings

To only be able to hear 

The song it beautifully sings

To never watch the waves

Crash upon the shore

Imagining the water washing 

Over that golden, sandy floor

To never see the views 

That rolls out over our lands 

To watch tall, green trees swaying

On a landscape they command 

So take a moment - stop and look

At what surrounds your current view 

Perhaps you may appreciate 

That view through eyes anew 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 11/06/2024 

Stay Here With Me

I wish I could take away your pain

I know that my prayers are in vain

I reach out and touch your hand 

“Close your eyes” I gently whisper 

Let me take you where things glitter

Let your mind drift across the universe

Forget about the illness you’ve been cursed

Let’s float amongst the moon and stars 

In our imagination we can go far 

Let our bodies just melt away

As if there is no night or day

Let wondrous things into your mind 

Go to a place that makes you spellbound 

I wish that you could stay here with me 

And we could laugh in the wind, sun and sea

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 14/9/23

05/06/2024 - Simply Grow!

Wednesday 5th June

Don’t ever deny who you are 

Don’t ever set a really low bar

You can always achieve more than you know

Every day is a gift for you to simply grow! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet

03/06/2024 - Rob Burrow

Wednesday 3 June 2024

You don’t have to live a long life

To live a good life

To live a life full of impact

To live a life that brings change

To live a life that inspires others

To live a full life

To live life with a smile on your face 

Rest in peace Rob Burrow  26/09/1982 - 02/06/2024

He made his “dash” really count ❤️😢

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet

26/05/2024 - Auschwitz-Birkenau

Sunday 26th May 2024 

Life is the most beautiful gift we can receive 

(Batsheva Dagan - Auschwitz survivor)

Your soul has been sucked from behind your eyes

You no longer have a reason to light your face with a smile

Your body aches and every limp limb hurts 

You shuffle your bare feet through the dry, dusty dirt 

The sun beats down upon your dry, itchy skin

Your hair is gone and you are so thin

Minimal food and drink are provided 

Unfathomable how humans are so misguided 

A misguided race that sought to cleanse our society 

Leaving Jews, gypsies, Poles and prisoners with anxiety

No case to argue - no right of reply 

Just millions sent to gas chambers to die 

The empty suitcases now tell a story 

Forming part of an horrific time in history 

Shoes that once belonged to little children 

Lives cut short as Nazis ruthlessly killed them

Someone’s mother, father, sister, brother 

Someone’s aunty, uncle, grandfather or grandmother

Friends who once laughed together

Now gasp for air together

Millions of people who had committed no crime

Had their lives cut short - they ran out of time

What they suffered we can never fully understand 

Even if it were relayed to us first hand 

We must never ever forget the past 

We owe it to those who were callously gassed

We owe it to those that endured that hell

For it’s their story we must continue to tell

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet

Those that do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it (George Santayana) 

 

23/05/2024 - Take It Home!

Thursday 23/05/2024

It’s only a can - what harm can it do?

Do these people really not have a clue?

Leaving their litter strewn on the beach

Thinking it’s ok out of the tides reach 

But the wind will blow and lift up that can 

And so this is how a trail of destruction began 

It won’t disappear or rot in the ground

It will stay intact until it is found

But found by what - that is the question

I could list a load of suggestions

It costs nothing to respect the planet we live on 

So regarding your litter - pick it up when you’re done! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet

21/05/2024 - At One With Nature ❤️

21/05/2024

The suns rays pour down on my face 

Like a warm comforting embrace

The birds are singing out their story 

Chirping out - a song of glory

The trees bear luscious green leaves

A fat bumble bee - around it’s branches weaves 

Flowers peeping out, new life to be seen 

Summer vibes laying out a beautiful scene 

I’m at one with nature and feel so free

For I know, tomorrow is never a guarantee 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet

20/05/2024 - Ticking Clocks

20/05/2024

There it goes - slipping away

You can’t stop it and it’s okay

You just have to value it 

It has no remit

You can’t touch it

You can’t see it

You can’t feel it

But you need it 

Time is precious - it can’t be stopped 

It’s not a commodity that can be swapped

We cannot control the ticking clock 

But there is a secret to unlock

Every day learn something new 

Try to be a better version of you 

We can’t stop time but we can grow

So remember it’s all about what you know! 

Joanne C Hicks  Pembrokeshire Poet  copyright ©️ 

12/05/2024 - Music is my medicine

Sunday 12th May

I have an invisible medicine that helps me day to day

It’s embroiled in airwaves that float out and play

It such a powerful source and is there for you and me 

It can take you on a journey that can sometimes set you free 

Music is my medicine and it has a super power 

It can take your emotions and make you feel empowered

It can trigger feelings of sadness or make you feel elated 

It can take you down a road visiting memories you created 

It can hold a simple structure or be a complex beast 

It holds a magic key where emotions just release

For those that sadly can’t recall the days gone by 

It brings memories flooding back without having to try 

It’s such a wonderful feeling listening to that beat

Sometimes in that moment you truly feel complete

Like each note has seeped into your very soul 

Cares drop away as it transports you down a hole 

Yes music is my medicine 

And it’s available to all

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

Pembrokeshire Poet 

08/05/2024 - Life Is A Gift

Wednesday 8th May 2024 

Every day we open our eyes we should just take a moment 

To reflect on our lives, across its many components 

We may feel unhappy and feel we’ve not achieved a lot

We always end up focusing on what we haven’t got!

Ask yourself some questions to banish negativity 

Are you fit and healthy and able to do activities 

Your body may ache and you be a little slower

Your belly may be rounded and hang a little lower

Do you have a roof over you and your family’s heads?

So you can all lie warm and safe in your comfy beds 

Did you have a meal today and food upon your table?

Did you get about today, as much as you were able 

We may not all be slim, fit, toned and “appear” perfect 

We all come in different shapes and sizes last time I checked

Don’t be fooled by social media images that bombard you

Remember must of them are edited and really aren’t true 

So just be grateful you are here, alive and breathing 

Don’t waste your time being sad, angry and seething

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

Pembrokeshire Poet 

 

05/05/2024 - Rain or shine….?

Sunday 5th May 2024

The suns rays fell from the sky

I had my legs out on display

But today I get up to rain 

Much to my dismay

We love the British weather

It’s like a game of roulette

So any ideas what tomorrow will hold?

Sunshine, hail, wind or just plain wet! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

04/04/2024 - Smile -Pass It On!

 Saturday 4th May 2024

Your face says it all

Don’t let it be your wall

Is there any greater pleasure 

Than a smile you can treasure?

To see a face light up with joy

As every emotion is employed 

It’s an emotion that’s contagious 

Sometimes even outrageous

Go on - just give it go

See how far your smile can go….

Joanne C Hicks Pembrokeshire Poet copyright ©️ 

27/04/2024 - Not Your Time

Saturday 27th April 

Sometimes you have to sit and reflect

When things don’t turn out as you expect

Maybe it just wasn’t your time

Nearly taken when you are in your prime

That near miss or inexplicable escape

You got out of that near fatal scrape

Somebody somewhere was looking down 

And sent positive energy all around

That invisible hand kept you safe 

As you reflect over the coming days 

Miracles do sometimes happen 

What if it was angels - just imagine

Maybe our lives are all mapped out 

After all none of us know what it’s all really about! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

Pembrokeshire Poet 

24/04/24 - Go The Extra Mile!

My poetry of late has been put on the side

My pen over paper will simply not glide

So today I just want to say something to make you smile

So go out, be nice and just go the extra mile! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

Pembrokeshire Poet 

15/04/24 - Sober, Old & Forgetful

Monday 15th April 2024

The sun streams through the window 

As I sit and ponder my life info 

I cast my mind back to my younger days

I lived carefree come what may

Now I sit and crunch household numbers

Even when I’m deep in my slumbers

I can no longer stay in bed all night

Needing a pee before morning light 

I have a few aches and and the odd pain

Bending down is now such a strain 

I remember when I busted out dance moves 

Now I just hope my balance improves

I remember the days I was young, drunk and stupid

I probably should have had my gin more diluted 😂

Now I’m just old, sober and forgetful 

Grumpy, cross and a little fretful

Why can’t my body be as young as my mind 

Growing older isn’t always very kind 

On the plus side now I can just say

I’m old so excuse me if the odd rule I disobey 😉

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

11/04/2024 - The Time Is Now!

Thursday 11th April 2024 

The time is now 

Don’t you know!

You stop and think about it

Before you slump into a social media pit.

You’ve got no money

Not today, it’s too sunny

You’re just too worn out and tired

It’s on your to do list called “retired”

It’s wet and windy outside 

The sun is just trying to hide

You’re far too busy to fit it in

You procrastinate and never begin

Then comes the final blow

Your numbers up - it’s time to go 

The time is now 

Don’t you know!

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

Pembrokeshire Poet 

11/04/2024 - Still It Rains …..

Thursday 11th April 2024

I turned my face up to the sky

More rain - I just ask why?

The clocks have changed 

Summer holidays arranged

Time to bid the rain goodbye! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

08/04/2024 - The Scandal That Rocked The World

Monday 8th April 2024

Today I have no words

To fall from my mouth

Words that I normally

Find easy to sit and spout

Today I sit astounded

By the stories I have heard

About the poor sub post-masters

This scandal leaves me disturbed 

So many have lost their battle

And are no longer on this earth 

It’s like Horizon and the Post Office

Never truly valued their worth

Lives left turned upside down 

Decades seeking justice 

All they can do is sit and listen

To a government saying just trust us …….

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

Pembrokeshire Poet 

07/04/2024 - Don’t Look Back

Sunday 7th April 2024 

I stand and look before me 

At the cross roads I can see 

Which road to set my feet upon 

When I am blind to what’s beyond

My heart is pounding in my chest

My mind not giving me a moments rest

How do I know which road to choose?

I crane my neck but can’t see future views

I decide to go with my gut feeling 

I will pick the road most appealing 

The real trick from here is to not look back 

Always believe, in that moment, you’re on the right track 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

02/04/2024 - I Give Freely

Tuesday 2nd April 2024

My heart is full and I give freely

Not just to those I love dearly

I give to strangers who are in despair

For these people I truly care

Ravaged by war they have no food 

Horrified by the scenes I’ve viewed 

But I have to to do all that I can 

I feel safe with my colleagues in our van …..

The poor aid workers hopefully didn’t feel a thing

Their deaths sending the world into a spin

They were out helping others and thought they were safe 

Sadly the bomb dropped and it wasn’t the case

They gave their lives saving others 

Please let’s make sure no-body else suffers

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

01/04/2024 - The Fox’s Demise

 Monday 1st April 2024

You wind down your window and just let it go

Your rubbish out of the window - you just throw 

It lands in the hedgerow and nestles there 

You’ve gone on without a care

I’ve been sleeping all day and now I must eat

Finding food is not a very easy feat 

I trundle along and see something ahead

That looks like food to take back to my bed

Nobody knows how long the fox had struggled 

His head stuck in the litter, he’d wriggled and juggled

It just wouldn’t come off and he’d given up the fight 

His lifeless body - a heartbreaking sight

Don’t throw your litter over our countryside 

There’s a countryside code and rules to abide

Take your rubbish home with you - it’s not much to ask 

Picking up your litter shouldn’t be someone else’s task! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

29/03/2024 - Peel That Onion

 Friday. 29th March

We are peeling back the onion every day

We can’t believe all that they say

The poor post masters sit head in hands 

For years nobody listened to their demands

Now all we hear is lie after lie

So many sat questioning why?

This country should be ashamed of this fiasco

It’s just the truth - that’s all we want to know

So stop playing games and peel off all the layers 

Post office managers and the government just betrayers

At the centre of this farce are poor innocent people 

This horrendous scandal is nothing but pure evil! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

28/03/2024 - Look Within

Thursday 28th March 2024

She spent her days looking in vain 

For something she thought she must attain

It tore her up inside her tortured soul

Hunting down this elusive goal

Then a wise woman stopped and spoke to her 

She told her to ignore the goals trying to woo her 

For what you seek is a perfect world 

Wading through dreams that swim and swirl

Stop looking out and look within 

Then your life will truly begin 

It’s not that perfection doesn’t exist

You are perfect already - a fact you’ve missed 

Pembrokeshire Poet

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

27/03/2024 - The Joys Of Competition

Thursday 27th March 

Hello I’d like to review my contract please

Surely a question you can answer with ease?

Yes certainly madam just hold the line

Let’s see if the pricing we can refine

They pop me on hold with some dreadful muzik

It’s truly awful makes me feel quite sick

I wait and I wait - I check the line

Yes everything still seems fine

Where have they gone - Timbukto?

I do have other things to do!

Finally they are back, let’s get to it

They’ve got the prices so let’s go through it

Oh dear me what follows next 

Is a financial maze leaving me perplexed 

Could you just tell me X and explain Y 

Another confusing blurb is their reply

I just simple want to know what it will cost!

You’ve presented a mass of options and I’m just lost!

We’ve been on the phone for nearly an hour

My tone is now decidedly sour 

I finally concede with despair in my voice 

It feels I really have no choice

Thank you privatisation it’s been a blast

It seems to me it’s just put the customer last! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ Pembrokeshire Poet FB 

23/03/2024 - Puppy Dog Eyes

Saturday 23rd March 2024

Won’t you share your tea with me 

It looks delicious, I know you agree

A big, fat juicy steak 

There upon your plate

Look into my eyes 

The size of mince pies

How can you resist my puppy dog eyes

I’ve lapped my lips and given cute sighs

But still you don’t seem to want to share

I’m man’s best friend and it’s like you don’t care

Oh no it looks like you have finished 

The steak very much diminished 

I let out a small, sad whine

As you just sit and sip your wine

Just one morsel was all I desired

Right as my human - you are most definitely fired! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

Pembrokeshire Poet 

22/03/2024. - A Royal Diagnosis

Friday 22nd March 2024

The public thought they had a right to know

TikTok putting on its on elaborate show 

Rumours flying left, right and centre 

People starting to resent her

Stories and lies hitting social media feeds 

The Princess wants privacy the royal palace pleads

No the baying crowd wanted more 

She’s left him they would all implore

We have a right to know your business 

What is this strange mysterious illness?

Tell us, tell us, tell us now! 

The people stooped to a new low 

The noise kept growing day by day 

Why won’t the palace just say?

A woman at the centre of this farce 

There was a reason facts were sparse

Why couldn’t they just leave her be

Now her pain laid out for all to see

A family dealing with a bitter blow

A cancer diagnosis is what we now know 

Every person has a right to privacy

People sitting in their towers of ivory!

At the end of the day there’s a family hurting

Now I find the conspiracy theories so disconcerting 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

21/03/2024 - Shut The Door Please!

Thursday 21st March 2024

Close the door behind you

Shouts springtime to winter

You’ve left everything soaking

And the winds got out of hand

I haven’t finished yet 

Replied winter with a grin

It may be the end of March

But I’m having one last cold fling 

Well make it quick and snappy

Retorts spring with a sigh

So many people are longing for blue skies 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

Pembrokeshire Poet 

20/03/2024 - Where’s My Crystal Ball …..

Wednesday 20th March 2024

Never think you know where your life is going

If you look hard you will always find a cup overflowing 

Even at your lowest you must look for some light

Never give up caring and find a passion for your fight

Open up your mind and watch the opportunities flow in

Maybe, just maybe you will sit and think - where do I begin?

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

19/03/2024 - The Easter Bonnet

Tuesday 19th March 2024 

My grandson made an Easter bonnet and put it on his head

He said he was going to wear it from morning until bed

He wore it at his Easter parade 

Where he gave his mum a wave 

Next a hot chocolate topped with cream

It really was every young boy’s dream

We took a trip to the arcade where he sat upon the rides

To everyone who went past he tapped his hat and smiled 

We couldn’t pass the beach without going for a walk 

He held his hat tightly as the seagulls overhead did squawk

He had to have an ice lolly while we sat and watched the sea

The only time he took his hat off and handed it to me 

You can’t go to Tenby without buying some hot chips 

The hat firmly on his head with tomato sauce around his lips 

He climbed up into the car, he was one tired little boy

When you’ve got an Easter bonnet you don’t need any toys

My grandson made an Easter bonnet and put it on his head

He said he was going to wear it from morning until bed

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

18/03/2024 - Don’t Look Back

Monday 18th March 

If you live in the past

Will you ever move forward?

If you keep looking back 

Will you ever see where you are going?

If you relive history every day

Will you make the best memories?

If you harbour past negativities 

Will you ever live positively?

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

17/04/2024 - Winter Caves Be Gone

Sunday 17th March

Everyone’s emerging from their winter caves

Does this mean spring is really on its way

The rain has kept on pouring upon our sodden lands 

We all now have weird flippers for feet and hands

It’s nice to see those faces emerging from the dark

We can get out and enjoy walks at the beach or park

It’s been a long, wet winter we’re ready for some sun

My relationship with my raincoat is well and truly done!

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

16/03/2024 - The Key Is Happiness

Saturday 16/03/2024

Never stop laughing along the way

Happiness is the key come what may

It’s ok to be sad some of the time

We don’t always have to feel fine

But when you feel blue

You know what to do 

Turn up the corners of your mouth

Because laughter is what it’s all about 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

14/03/2024 - How Many Rungs On A Ladder?

Thursday 14th March 

Never give up on your dreams  

No matter how mad they may seem 

Never think you know how life is mapped 

There’s always ambition left unwrapped

Always keep a wide open mind  

Life is most definitely not defined 

Challenges keep us feeling young 

Remember a ladder has more than one rung! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

13/03/2024 - run like the wind

Wednesday 13th March

The wind rushed past my shoulder

It had somewhere to be

I stood still wishing I could hold her 

It just washed over me 

I couldn’t see it, touch it or taste it 

But I knew that it was there 

Like a child I had the urge to chase it

So I ran without a care …….

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

12/03/2024 - All that glitters…. Equals calories 😂🙈

Tuesday 12th March 2024

When you reach inside your hoodie pocket 

And find the incriminating evidence deposits

Those shiny wrappers in your hands

The reason you’re not shifting pounds

Like a magpie drawn to the glitter 

Calories once wrapped in whats now litter 

Sadly I am just addicted to the sweet stuff 

And never quite know when to say - enough! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

07/03/2024 - Up and Up

Thursday 7/3/2024

The bills are soaring 

My heart is roaring

Everything has just gone up and up

I don’t have an overflowing cup

All we can do is try to survive 

We’re all better off - mmm that’s a lie! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

06/03/2024 - Rain Rain Stay Away

Wednesday 06/03/2024 

Two days of sunshine in a row 

It’s really going to help plants grow

It surely can’t last for long…..

We’re always drowning in the land of song 

So I’m sitting here with a glimmer of hope 

If it starts raining again I’m not sure I’d cope 😂 ☔️ 

Pembrokeshire Poet

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

05/03/2024 - Shop Shutter Mayhem

Tuesday 5th March 

I stood outside the shop minding my own business 

Then the weirdest thing happened, you ever did witness

I was lifted up into the air like a rocket into space 

My legs were up and head down - you should’ve seen my face 

There I was suspended by the shutter

My shopping trolley lying in the gutter

To my horror I was left hanging way up high

Like an angel flying through the sky

Now my face is all over National T.V. 

As people say - it’s the funniest thing you’ll see 

I do hope poor Anne Hughes has recovered from her ordeal - I think she saw the funny side once safely back on the ground 🙈

Pembrokeshire Poet 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 

04-03-2024 - RNLI

Monday 4th March 2024

For two hundred years they’ve kept us safe 

Many rescues becoming a difficult case

They’ve put their lives on the line 

An organisation that truly shines 

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution 

Their creation was a revolution 

Established two hundred years ago 

We’ve seen this charity continue to grow

The lives they’ve saved are too many to count 

An organisation we couldn’t do without

Manned by a group of hardy volunteers 

So let’s make sure it’s here another 200 years! 

So take a moment just to say - thank you 

And just pray they never have to rescue you! 

Pembrokeshire Poet 

Joanbe C Hicks copyright ©️