Drive by diet.........

Is it just me that sits in my car and thinks, I can change the world!
Sat behind that steering wheel I see all my goals and problem slowly unfurl.
I’m sat tootling along and begin to think about all I think I’m failing at
I can’t stop eating for a start, so I’m gathering a bit of fat!

But before I’ve barely gone a mile down the road, I’ve convinced myself I can diet 🤷🏻‍♀️.
I run through my new eating regime and decide it will be best if I do it on the quiet. 🤫
Yes I will eat fruit for breakfast and a fresh crisp salad for my lunch
If I’m feeling peckish I will have a pot of raw carrots I can munch. 🥕

Drive by diet.........

By the time I’ve covered 10 miles I feel I’ve already lost a stone
I mean I’m mentally convinced I am already just skin and bones,
I breathe in deep to suck everything in - yes I definitely think I’m thinner
I start to think that maybe I will just have a small pudding after my dinner 🤔.

Then it’s that moment as you drive along and pass those runners in a throng
Oh yes you will definitely take up running again, I’m sure they’d  let me tag along?
So by the time you’ve gone another mile,  you are now running marathons
Mentally you are hanging up more running medals - gold, silver and bronze.

So by the time you pull up at your destination you’ve slimmed and toned your tired body
In your mind you’ve changed your life - your body no longer worn and shoddy!
You leap out of your car with a determined stride and skip in through the front door
You flop on to the sofa, your mind already straying - not so sure now about your food war!

Slowly your mind is saying, you could just start tomorrow - I mean this day is almost done 🤷🏻‍♀️
Besides you’ve got that chocolate bar half eaten and salad - well you’ve none!
Yes we will start again tomorrow, I will get myself organised it’s going to be a breeze
Well you do first need to polish off the crisps, biscuits, cakes and cheese ......

#Diets #NeverEasy #DriveByGoals 😂 #Changes. #CarJourneyDreams

J C Hicks Copyright 19-5-2020

Happy 80th birthday Valerie!

There is a woman you all know - Valerie is her name
She is a lady who is from the Carew hall of fame.
Many of you know her and stop and have a chat
But whatever you do don’t get her started about cats!

She married a young Reginald many moons ago
In fact it’s been nearly 60 years, I will have you know.
It wasn’t very long before the sound of tiny feet arrived
There wasn’t much money but no love was Mark deprived.

Next along came Steven George another bonny boy
Their house was full of love and a front room full of toys.
Two was not enough for this super loved up couple
So Robert was conceived and he caused a lot of trouble

Well Bryan was the fourth and he should been a girl
But Reg and Val delighted with their fourth and final pearl.
The house was never quiet and those boys were never still
No wonder Reg made sure that Val went on the pill!

The boys were always out and playing down the mill
Sometimes there were even visits from the old Bill 👮‍♀️ 🤫.
They would often go off crabbing, line and bait in hand
But they never ever intended staying on dry land. 🙈

They’d go diving in that mill pond as often as they could
Always promising their mother they’d be oh so oh so good.
They’d make go carts out of rubbish and flew right down the Court
Going so very much faster than they knew they really ought.

Poor Val was greying quickly as each day passed on by
You’d often see her despair and through her arms up to the sky.
Four unruly wild boys but she took them all in hand
If they over stepped the mark - going out would be banned!

The four boys kept Reg and Val fit and they’re home was always full
Val loved to knit them scarves and jumpers but kept running out of wool.
The boys were always tidy and known around the place
Sometimes Val wished she just had a bit more space!

The boys took up lots of different hobbies - football, cricket, cars
They even loved to cycle Mark sitting Bryan on the handle bars.
The boys discovered drinking and then the fun and games began
George peed in the wardrobe, when Val found out - he ran!

George wasn’t done for that donkey was in his sights
The stuffed donkey which had sat so safely many nights
But George had one too many and was sick upon his head
Thank goodness the donkey wasn’t propped in Bryan’s bed!

The boys soon grew up, they’d survived their childhood days
And they knew they couldn’t stay watching Bullseye all their days.
So one by one they married and soon Val was a granny
Time to dig those toys out from every nook and cranny.

So many years have past by - some happy and some sad
You get to be a very strong woman bringing up four lads!
So it is that Val turns 80 during this very strange time
We can’t all get together and toast her with some wine.

An isolation birthday - it isn’t what we wanted
And initially it left us all feeling quite daunted
But we put together messages of hope, love and cheer
Champagne on ice until we can once again stand near.

So have a lovely birthday you fabulous crazy lady
But don’t be doing anything that looks a little shady.
I’m sure you will have a fabulous day and our gift is rather swanky
We thought that after 50 years you may like a new donkey!

Lockdown Loneliness

Lockdown Loneliness 

Loneliness - a silent killer that creeps from nowhere
Suffocates your heart and mind
Left feeling that life is no longer kind
All that you are left with is just you and your prayers.

Loneliness - where did you crawl from in all your glory
Ripping the soul from my beautiful life
I once was somebody’s wonderful wife
Memories swimming all around now feeling like a story

Loneliness - nobody knows how quietness is not want you want to hear
Surrounded by silence - no escape
Your only view a Constable landscape
Remember when your house was full of loved ones who you held so dear

Loneliness - your fingers creeping slowly up my neck to stifle the air I breathe
Sat remembering happier days gone by
A houseful of people and full of joy
My house once my castle has become my prison and that just makes me seethe.

Loneliness - how can you come in and make my once full life feel so empty
I’ve photos around me of days gone by
My family now gone but there’s been no goodbyes
Living their lives to the fullest they can, leaving the nest in their early twenties.

Loneliness - something I never dreamt would slide into my beautiful home
Every day the same - sat all alone
My precious family are all fully grown
My job done as my loved ones spread their wings and are starting to roam.

Loneliness - I won’t let you consume my every waking hour and suck out all my hope
I’ve lived a full life and I’m thankful for that
It’s nobody’s fault my home is becoming my trap
So I will take the mantle and strive to bring joy and help any others trying to cope.

J C Hicks Copyright 16-5-2020

Distant memories ..........

Distant memories ..........

It seems a distant memory when we could walk freely down the street
A very distant memory when we could stop, shake hands and speak.
I can’t remember what it feels like to receive a warm embrace
To stand and hug a loved one and put my hands upon their face.

I feel this pain inside my chest when I think of all we are missing
Like a squeeze of the hand, a long slow hug or even simple kissing.
My chest is filled with pain and hurt when I see no end sight
I’m praying that the scientists can help us out of this plight.

I can’t believe how much we took simple things in life for granted
Going to watch the rugby with all those loyal fans who chanted
A simple walk around a supermarket,  idling the time away
Stopping for a chat to whoever we may meet along the way.

Long walks on the beach, listening to the waves crash upon the shore
And now we find we can hardly stray very far from our own front door.
A stroll through the woods when the bluebells are in full bloom
Stopping, looking, listening and admiring a beautiful bird’s plume.

It breaks my heart to not see my friends and sit and share some wine
It’s feels an eternity since we all sat and laughed or went out to dine.
I’d love to go to a gig and just dance like no-one is watching
My poor long suffering friends hide in shame as my dancing is so shocking!

It feels an eternity since I sat inside a theatre engrossed in a show
And now our poor theatres are struggling - will they survive - who knows?
Robbed of all our freedom our lives have been stripped bare
We are mere mortal humans with an inner need to share.

It fills me with great sadness that I cannot see my family
Months of separation sadly now a very real reality.
Those special times together are precious memories
I sit and ponder better times, a wonderful reverie.

I sit and contemplate what on earth will be our new normal
With masks, gloves and social distancing it may feel quite formal.
I yearn for our past freedoms and all we used to share
But for now we will just carry on - alert and aware.

#Covid-19 #ScienceIsKey #Simpliertimes

J C Hicks copyright 14-5-2020

Lunch anyone ......?

Lunch anyone ......?

Well here we are, day 53 of lockdown and it’s that time of day again
What would you like for lunch I yell and the answers still the same.
Oh I don’t mind anything - whatever - what have you got?
I reply with what I know will be a pointless list.

You see my husband is a fussy old sod who claims he’s really not
But when it comes to lunchtime he always ask - what you got?
So here we go I think, the same charade we repeat it daily
I will now list everything and this is what he will say

No I don’t like soup, you know I don’t, unless you have some Oxtail
Did I have Oxtail yesterday - no I didn’t - I smile but then exhale.
How about cheese on toast all bubbling, golden and hot
I’ll even treat you by putting a bit of tomato on the top.

No I had that earlier in the week I don’t fancy it today
I sigh and can't help but think he’s playing food fore play!
How about some beans on toast they never fail to please
I see his nose start to turn up and I know he’s playing lunch tease.

Right ok, it’s fine I say, still smiling through my gritted teeth
Honestly my face says I love you dearly but I’m seething underneath
A nice poached egg on crisp white toast - hah that will hit the mark
Oh god he’s going to reject it and that was my trump card.

How about a nice ham sandwich with all the salad trimmings
I’ve gone off ham to be honest - by now I’m considering slimming 🙈.
My final offer to him - a sumptuous toastie - hot and tasty
There is a glimmer of hope, he’s rubbing his chin - mmm maybe.

Yes we are in - this is progress,  an opening has appeared
Now I need to seal the deal before this option disappears.
A toasted sandwich with ham and cheese does that sound ok?
Mmmmm yes ok that sounds alright - oh good of you to say 😕.

Isn’t that like cheese on toast but just the other way round
And I’m sure not two minutes earlier you said I don't like ham.
But I’m won’t raise these points as I finally have his choice
He’s finally made his mind up - hallelujah let’s rejoice!

I’ve wasted half my lunch break leant against the door
Losing my grip on patience - eyes fixed firmly on the floor.
Maybe I should issue menu cards at the start of each day
Then we wouldn’t be in this loop that each day we replay!

So lunch is sorted once again and I breathe a sigh of relief
Maybe in future I could consider sipping an aperitif 🤔.
He could study food choices for as long as he desired
While I just stand there sipping booze and slowly getting wired!

J C Hicks copyright 12-5-2020

VE Day 2020 - 75 Years on ......

VE Day 2020 - 75 Years on ......

We gathered together as neighbours and friends
To celebrate 75 years since the war came to an end.
Seventy five years - not many survivors are left
So many families were left sad and bereft.

We cannot really know the suffering they saw
At their bravery and resilience we look on in awe
Brave men and women who defended our land
Brave men and women following their commands.

We cannot imagine how hard it must have been
Leaving their loved ones, babies born but not seen.
They gave their lives so we could enjoy freedom
Giving us all our very own garden of Eden.

Some left when they were not yet grown men.
Not knowing when they’d see their mothers again.
Fear swelling in their bellies but pride in their hearts
None of them knowing how long they’d be apart.

Some left their homes with a final goodbye
Went down the street,  arms waving up high
People all cheering and wishing them good luck
Secretly hoping their loved ones wouldn’t be struck.

Women and girls were called to work on the land
Keeping food aplenty for families left behind
The ladies produced weapons and ammunition
Knowing this was key to Great Britain’s mission.

Sweethearts, wives and children - families torn apart
The pain of separation cutting deep into their heart.
Hugging their loved ones before they set off to war
Sadly some never came back through their front door.

1939 saw masses set off to defend our great country
Many thinking this battle would end most abruptly
But it raged on into 1945 - so many years - so many lives
Families bereaved losing sons, daughters, fathers and wives.

So 75 years on and we all gather to remember
Think of the loss of every family member.
But who knew we would be fighting again
But this time the enemy we fight is not men.

Our celebrations today marred by an invisible threat
This year that we are in - we won’t ever forget.
As we sit and see pain, heartbreak and death
So many loved ones drawing their last breath.

The heroes of this war are our doctors and nurses
Fighting Covid-19 - one of mans greatest curses.
So today seems more poignant than ever before
For once again it’s our freedom we must fight for.

#WeWillRememberThem #VEDay #75Years

J C Hicks Copyright 7-5-2020

Who is your shepherd?

Who is your shepherd? 

I wonder if we are all sheep just ambling along.
I wonder if we would follow any happy throng.
I wonder,  if we are the sheep - then who the shepherd is.
I wonder if we’d all listen to all that shepherd says.

If you could follow anyone then who would you then chose?
If you could follow anyone would you pick who wore the nicest clothes?
If you could follow anyone would it be the one who spoke the loudest?
If you could follow anyone would you go where judgement seemed less clouded?

If you became the shepherd what message would you deliver?
If you became the shepherd would that just make you a giver?
If you became a shepherd would you make sure you included all the herd?
If you became a shepherd would you listen to all views no matter how absurd?

If you could pick your shepherd who would it be?
If you could pick your shepherd would it be for an eternity?
If you could pick your shepherd would you follow them devotedly?
If you could pick your shepherd would it be without negativity?

Whoever your shepherd may be then I hope they bring you a source of comfort.
Whoever your shepherd may be then I hope they were with you when you suffered.
Whoever your shepherd is then I hope you never feel lonely.
Whoever your shepherd is then I hope they are the one and only.

J C Hicks copyright 3-5-2020

A faceless future .......? 😷

A faceless future .......? 😷

We can none of us can know what lies ahead for us
Once the pandemic of 2020 finally settles in the dust.
There will have been great hardship and sadness all around
Tears flowing so freely but the sadness can’t de drowned.

Our once hectic lives suddenly changed so much
No longer can we shake hands, fearful of that touch.
We can’t enjoy a warm embrace and a hug to say hello
A close and precious gesture that we have to forego.

But I wonder what the future holds once this comes to pass
We are hoping that our children can just return to their school class.
I’m fearful for what our new strange world may look like
We will step out of the door hoping the virus doesn’t strike.

But what sight will greet us as we venture through our doors
Not a sight of beaming faces as we tentatively explore.
A sea of faceless people as we all hide behind our mask
And as the sun beats upon us we cannot stop and bask.

A mask that keeps us safe but strips our emotional signs away
Covering how you’re feeling, no matter what you say.
Shielding our beautiful faces, their radiance’s confined
That simple piece of material supposed to give us piece of mind.

I cannot bear the thought of seeing streets of faceless people
The face that tells us how you feel, happy, sad or gleeful.
Imagine not seeing a simple wholesome smile
I do not want to see this new sort of lifestyle.

Our faces give so much to others, especially those we meet
A simple gesture of a smile as one another we do greet.
The thought of hiding our best asset underneath a mask
Covering hands and mouths becoming part of our daily tasks.

So I wonder what life will look like twelve months on from now
What rules will be in place so normal life can be allowed.
A period of separation seems a price we have to pay
But I hope I can still see your beautiful faces come what may.

J C Hicks Copyright 2-5-2020

A glass of wine is just fine! 🍷

A glass of wine is just fine! 🍷 

I’d rather like my life to be like a glass of red wine
Rich, dark and full and enjoyed over a long time.
Full of lots of varieties and maybe even spice
The ability to transport me to a wondrous paradise
Yes I’d rather like my life to be like a glass of wine!

J C Hicks copyright 1-5-2020

I long to ........

I long to ........

I can’t wait to feel the sun beating down upon my face
But not in my back garden but a very special place.
To roam beyond my village is a yearning that is growing
To run across a beach but to feel my pace slowing
I would stop and look around me - absorbing every aspect
Just stand there quietly and take a moment to reflect
To go to gorgeous Tenby and step onto silky sands
Feet sinking into golden grains and run them through my hands
Take a run out to Stackpole and stand upon the cliffs
To soak up a beautiful view now feels like a gift.
To stroll along the coast path, the wind whistling through my hair
That’s my hair that is quite skunk like and I really do despair
A white streak down my parting after weeks of isolation
I’m sure this is a ladies problem right across the nation!
I long to sit and linger over a simple cup of coffee
Served with a soft light sponge smothered with soft toffee
My friends sat all around me as we sit and while away the time
It feels like an eternity since I’ve seen them - even a lifetime.
I long to visit Cumbria and admire the stunning lakes
Sit with my sister and share a massive cake!
To stroll through a sunny Saundersfoot not a care in the world
To see the boats bobbing in the harbour,  yachts with sails unfurled.
To walk around Pembroke and look up at that great stronghold
That strong  and sturdy castle that stands there oh so bold.
I want to take a long run and dive head long into the icy sea
Not do my normal dancing act and only get in up to my knees!
So many beautiful places my heart just longs to see
A muddy stroll through a forest where Benji can climb a tree.
I’ve always loved our country and all it has to offer
It’s now that I really appreciate all it has proffered.

J C Hicks Copyright  29-4-2020

Lows followed by a little high - RIP Woody ❤️ C25K run 3 👍🏻

Well it’s been a mixed day today - sad moment and minor achievement

There is a commotion in the garden - what’s that noise outside
We go out to investigate and oh no poor Woody’s died 😢.
That beautiful glorious woodpecker who visits year on year
Now lying lifeless on the lawn - the cause of death unclear 😭

Rest in peace lovely Woody, we are so sad that you met your demise in our garden 😢.

I did my day of work and really didn’t want to run
After sitting at my laptop I felt that I was done.
I couldn’t hide away and fail so early on
So that was it, I was heading out for my run.
I leashed up Benji Boo who was delighted at this thought
His tail was wagging madly and Poor Lucy looking fraught
No Lucy couldn’t come she is far too fat and slow
It was only Benji Boo who could run with blogger Joe.
So we set off on our way with our app set to run three
Couch to 5k blaring in my ears as I suddenly felt free.
I plod around my course running then a walk
Breathing rather heavily and my eyes out on stalks
I make it back to home another run complete
Lucy Lou is looking at me and I’m no longer feeling beat
So it’s a quick change of dogs like I’m suddenly in a relay
So off go Lucy Lou and I without anymore delay.
A much slower pace is set with Lucy Lou at my side
We manage a slow jog - you may even say a glide.
Another run completed and we’re getting back in track
Look out my lovely friends it looks like runner

Hicks is back .....

Maybe - just maybe - watch this space 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

The world is slowly healing

The world is slowly healing while we all isolate
Look around you and everywhere is so sedate.
So few cars on the road and no lorries rushing by 🚗
Turn your eyes upwards and you will see the bluest sky.

This time of an enforced more relaxed pace of life
Is truly a huge bonus for our wonderful wildlife.
The goats have ventured down from the mountains oh so high 🐐
So if you see one eating your veg maybe turn a blind eye. 🥕

It’s said that the kangaroos are bouncing all round Oz 🇦🇺
Rumour is that the beach has been reclaimed by Jaws 🦈
The streets are full of sheep where once people used to stroll
The animals are loving the new human social controls.

The seas are getting clearer as less plastic we do use
For years and years our oceans we’ve simply just abused.
The waters are freely flowing and is so crystal clear
The fish swim around gaily with no humans to fear.

The birds are making nests for they don’t need to isolate
For them they carry on and desperately seek a mate.
Outside you can hear Gods own choir called birdsong
Made up of black birds, sparrows, robins - such a happy throng.

A carpet of bluebells is covering forest floors
With no human feet trampling them for hours.
They have the space to grow and flourish
For in the quietness they feel nourished.

Look up and you won’t see many planes in the sky
Look up and just watch the birds swooping as they fly.
The sky so pure, so blue - so clean
It really is just so serene.

I am glad natures had this holiday
I don’t want us to return to our old ways
I long for a much simpler life
With just a little less stress and strife.

Our world is healing all around us
Our lives being led with so little fuss
No more suffocating fumes
But how long before normal life resumes.

Stay safe
Heal the world
Be kind
Be strong
Be you

❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈

NHS Heroes

NHS Heroes

Never faltering, giving up or giving in
Heroes is too small a word for the part they play
Singing in virtual choirs for you, for me and for Captain Tom

Helping in every way they know
Eagerly waiting for the day they can hug their family and friends again
Remembering all those that have lost the battle
Optimistic that the UK and world will win this invisible war
Exhausted and tired, waiting for the day they can truly relax and unwind
Smiling, laughing and full of hope for the future

Because they’ve got this and we trust them - they are doing the best they can for our beautiful UK.

❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️


J C Hicks Copyright  20-4-2020

Family reunited ....... one day ..... soon 🤞🏻

When I see your faces again it will be a moment to cherish
Those kisses and hugs will be moments I will relish.
I will pull you close, drew in a deep breath and take in your smell
No longer will I complain if you continuously ring my Prosecco please bell!
That first hug will be so special,  I will cling on and squeeze you so tight
Like a limpet on a rock never letting go - hugging you with all my might.
My face will light up as you run towards me, my open arms ready to wrap you up
I will scoop you up and lift you so high, like Mufusa and his precious baby cub.
I will shout to the world so all can hear - rejoice so loudly your ears will hurt
But I won’t really care as I think we have established - I’m a bit of an extrovert!
If I close my eyes and sit very quietly I can see your faces, hear your voices
Run my fingers through your hair even chew your squishy little ears!
We’ve never spent so much time apart and these moments have broken my heart
But our reunion will be so much sweeter, we really won’t know where to start.
I can’t wait to hold you close to me, to read you stories and walk around the mill
Create new memories as I know we will - just watching TV as together we chill.
We will have so many things to do once the lockdown is over and we can see you
We can go to Folly Farm, crabbing with Dom and walk Lazy Lucy and Benji Boo.
Happier times are on the way but for the moment it’s home we must stay
But when we finally meet cuddles and kisses will be the order of the day!
So you best build your muscles up ready for nana’s squeezes
You will find that my love, hugs and kisses are real crowd pleasers!
In the meantime we will call, whatsapp, FaceTime and zoom
It really is the closest to being here in the room.
So know that we love you and we can’t wait to see you
You will soon be travelling to a welsh rendezvous!  🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

The real heroes ..... 2020 - COVID-19

The real heroes ..... 2020 - COVID-19

You slip out of house at the start of your day
Ready to face what may come your way.
You don’t wear a cape or boast of your deeds
Helping so many who are in such need.

You go about your day and never complain
You don’t ever let your patients see your pain.
Your focus is them and helping them through this
All your feelings of sadness you have to dismiss.

You have to stay strong to fight the invisible monster
Some days you feel you can’t go on too much longer.
The public are there for you cheering you on
But the sadness of loss is sometimes too strong.

You often feel broken and unable to cope
But to all that you meet you radiate hope.
Your hearts are in pieces for the ones that we lost
Because you want to save lives at any cost.

We are clapping for carers and all our key workers
Most of the UK feel like some strange observers.
Staying at home to protect precious lives
Wishing COVID-19 into the archives.

Through the darkest days there are glimmers of hope
Captain Tom raising millions to help the NHS cope.
Sometimes you just sit exhausted and weep
Wishing your tired body could just get some sleep.

You truly are heroes without super powers
Working daily into the wee small hours
You gently hold their hand as they slip away
You sit there with them,  maybe even pray.

You know that their loved ones can’t be at their side
Those last precious moments their family denied
So you sit and you give them the comfort they need
Inside it makes your poor broken heart bleed.

But you know that there are many who beat this disease
The joy on their face as the ward they can leave
Beating this virus feels like a throw of the dice
In debt to the health service for the rest of our lives.

So as sad as it seems as each day slowly passes by
We try to stay strong and we try not to cry.
Our values have changed in the blink of an eye
Filled with sadness as some have said their last goodbye.

So you see you’re our heroes - you are wonderful people
We cheer in our streets and ring bells from church steeples!
The role that key workers play is so vital
Super heroes is definitely your new job title.

There are not enough words to show our gratitude
For deliveries, cleaning, policing and our food.
So many brave people go out every day
Risking their lives - so its for them that we pray.

So if you know someone who’s going to work
Leaving their loved ones as regular as clockwork.
Stop for a moment and give thanks for their part
Make sure your thankfulness comes from your heart.

#ProtectNHS #GiveThanks #StayHome #BeGrateful

J C Hicks copyright 17-4-2020

In the stillness we will find hope ❤️

In the stillness we will find hope ❤️

n the stillness we will find hope
In the peace we will find faith
In the stillness we will find hope
We are living through this sad wraith

In the stillness we will find hope
On the dark days my heart just broke
In the stillness we will find hope
This virus slips around us like a cloak

In the stillness we will find hope
In the quiet we see so much despair
In the stillness we will find hope
This vile virus that came from nowhere

In the stillness we will find hope
Human kindness - we’re wrapped in love
In the stillness we will find hope
Knowing God looks down from above

In the stillness we will find hope
In the silence we sit and pray
In the stillness we will find hope
In that moment we long for better days

Don’t lose that sense of hope
Dreams vivid like a kaleidoscope
Don’t lose that sense of hope
Together we will cope.

🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️

#StaySafe #StayHome #COVID-19 #CruelVirus
#Hope #Faith #Peace #Love

J C Hicks Copyright 13-3-2020

Rainbow nails .........🌈

Rainbow nails .........🌈

I’ve got teddy bears in my window and time upon my hands
I’ve stocked up on my loo roll & I’ve a cupboard full of cans.
I need to paint a rainbow for all the world to see 🌈
And I find myself obsessing because I saw a big fat bee. 🐝
I’m standing on my drive clapping with my friends
Then rushing back inside as my hands I need to cleanse.
I’ve learnt I’ve been washing my poor hands oh so wrong 🙈
Apparently we need to do it to a good old sing a long 🎶 🎤
My post is being delivered by a new found super hero
And the miles I’ve put upon my car are a big fat zero! 🚗
I never thought I’d stand and wash my shopping clean
My shopkeeper serving me from behind a massive screen!
My home is now my sanctuary, a place to keep us safe
People donning gloves and masks upon their face. 😷
Our wonderful world has been turned upon it’s head
But now we’re looking out for each other instead.
So paint your nails in rainbow colours
And put your hair into those rollers.
We need to look our best as we clamber through this crisis
And remember that to live is a prize that is just priceless ❤️

J C Hicks Copyright 4-4-2020

Home schooling - oh what fun 😂

We are going to have to isolate for a little while
But honestly we can do lots that will make us smile.
Little Lucy can draw rainbows to her hearts content
Ben can construct a Lego bridge - time that’s so well spent.

We will set up a fabulous home schooling spot
I’m a little worried that I may look a like a clot. 🤦🏻‍♀️
It’s going to be wonderful mummy teaching math
There won’t be tears, tantrums or you seeing my wrath

We will sit for hours reading books and cuddling on the settee
We will sit a while in peace and quiet watching buzzing bees.
It’s going to be idyllic, such a precious time
Sliding out of spring into gorgeous summertime.

Two weeks on and here we are, still stuck in the house
The home school area in a pile - the chalk turned to dust.
I haven’t washed my hair in days it’s looking rather lank
I had to have a shower as the kids told me that I stank.

I’ve switched from buying bottles of wine it’s better from the box
I don’t know how many tines I’ve tripped over Ben’s building blocks!
Lucy doesn’t want to draw a picture for the key workers 🌈
Doesn’t she know I need her to be quiet coz I’m now a homeworker. 🙈

I’m trying to stay calm - keep calm and carry on
My windows full of pictures that the kids have drawn
I will never get those marks off that dull and smeared glass
Oh jeepers now they want a picnic sitting on the grass.

No I haven’t got sausage rolls, strawberries, crisps or cake
I know these are  the picnic things we normally like to take. 🤦🏻‍♀️
Please don’t cry again because you cannot have your way
 I am fed up of explaining we must stay in, come what may.

You’d like to do some baking,  the umpteenth  time you’ve asked
Yes I know that would be great fun and it’s always such a blast
But I have no butter, eggs or flour
Oh no here you go another great big howler.

My husband is so helpful sitting watch the T.V. 😡
Moaning when we say we are going to do Oti
But you’ve already done Joe Wicks - P.E.in your home
His whining voice is really grating to my bones.

It’s such a long day I remind him with a big wide smile
If we wear out Ben and Lucy it really will have been worthwhile.
He lets out a long big sigh handing over the remote
Why don’t you take a walk I say - let me get you your coat. 🤨

Who knew there would be pressure to keep the house so clean
Because everyone is face timing from work to Aunty Jean.
Peoples houses look immaculate - show houses, quite pristine
I’m just looking for a corner that sort of looks quite clean. 🙈

Oh man this isn’t what I imagined, it’s not the family dream
My husband and my kids are a load of drama queens. 👑
They’ve fought over the iPad and what to have for lunch
I’m worrying about the future as we head for a credit crunch. 💴

We are now living in our PJs and nobody really cares
What’s the point in doing makeup, nails or hair.
The highlight of our week is the weekly national clap
To thank all the heroes - a chorus all gift wrapped.

I’m so glad it is Easter and the school work put to bed
I don’t know how these teachers really don’t go off their heads.
Who knew teaching could be so fraught with much frustration
That glass of deep rich red wine has been my one salvation!

Don’t be fooled by those social media posts where families look idyllic
They will drive you round the bend and make you imbecilic.
That photo is a snap shot not showing what went before
When the kids were lying face down crying on the floor 😂.

So don’t be too hard on you, them or him
Even when times are feeling pretty grim.
It’s just a chapter in our lives
The true key is to survive ❤️

J C Hicks Copyright 3-4-2020

Natures Playground

Take a moment in your day to stop and look outside your window
You will see lots of bees and birds maybe even goats but not a pink flamingo!
What a wondrous sight that would be
pink flamingoes for all to see!

Take a moment - look around - for you will hardly hear a sound.
Stand outside - arms wide - eyes to the skies and slowly turnaround.
There is a certain stillness in the air
In that moment you have no cares.

The quietness that surrounds us has become nature’s playground, lockdown opened a gateway.
The creature of God’s wondrous world becoming braver day by day as human activities ebb away.
Sit a while and you will see
Birds bobbing in and out of trees.

The sun has also played its part and will burst through those dark rain clouds.
But please be careful and pay heed don’t be gathering in large crowds.
Instead soak up that glorious heat
Watch birds wings never missing a beat.

What about those nuisance friends and I don’t mean those upon two legs.
Think of those things you run away from like mice, spiders and daddy longlegs!
Those pesky buzzing wasps and flies
 no humans swotting them as they pass by.

Natures slowly reclaiming the world, the environment sighing in relief
No more car fumes billowing into the skies causing underlying grief
We’ve wrapped the world in a plaster
Despite this being a global disaster

So every cloud has a silver lining and while we humans sit and suffer
Nature can truly come alive and we will all come out a little bit tougher
So take this chance to watch the show
It’s natures payback don’t you know

❤️🌤☀️⛈🌸🌼🌻🥀🍄☘️🌳🐁🦢🐏🕷🕸🐞🐌🦋🐛🐝🐜🐥🐣🐇🐀🐁🦩

J C Hicks copyright 

You say hello ................

You say hello and I say .........oh wait don't go
It's days since I have seen another living soul!
To go out for a stroll and see no signs of life
is a sight I would have welcomed in my normal working life.

It is like I need to ring a bell and shout out I'm unclean
as this virus really does go completely unseen.
That doesn't mean we cannot pass a moment in the street
We can smile at passing strangers, say hello to those we meet.

Lets stop and have a socially distanced chat
There can't be any harm in that.
But to be honest what news is there for us to share
Have you seen the latest Facebook post about the teddy bears?

i cannot even be bothered to do my face and hair
although did you see that post that I took the time to share?
Angelina has a campaign she has laid out her grand plan
To dress up on Saturday nights - we will all look really glam.

I've spent a lot of time practising my wave
I hope to use it frequently when I come out of my cave.
It is really rather regal and I feel just like a queen
So if you see my arms a flailing you know you have been seen.

All my races have been cancelled but I gave a secret cheer
I cannot find my trainers let alone my running gear.
I am working on something that is really not so great
It is an increasing muffin top due to everything I ate!

I developed new habits with this enforced house arrest
they really are not ones to keep my body at its best.
I sit at my laptop with my new friend at my side
it is the faithful biscuit barrel and down my belly they do glide.

It seems that the dogs are the real winners in this deal
I cannot even use the toilet without them at my heels!
They love having humans in their every day domain
Our daily little outing around the country lanes.

So when I leave the house for my daily exercise
I know that seeing people will be the real big high.
We will stand across the road and give a nod and wave
Secretly glad we distanced - phew that was a close shave!

So get behind the campaigns that are floating round about
like giving our NHS heroes a massive big shout out.
A rainbow in your window may help brighten someones day
A teddy in your window is a bear hunt game our kids can play

At the end of this ordeal we will come out so much stronger
Lets hope we stand and chat for just that little bit longer.

J C Hicks Copyright 1-4-2020