The Rainbow Bridge 🌈 ❤️😢

The Rainbow Bridge 🌈 ❤️😢 

It’s only a dog you will hear people say

But they’ve not been there for every birthday.

They weren’t there when they fell knee deep in the mud.

Or when you ate all my plants as they were coming into bud.

They weren’t there when you ate the cheese you shouldn’t have.

Or all the times I had pleaded with you to just please behave.

When you bounded in the sea like you were some sort of mermaid.

You would jump over those waves - never really afraid.

They weren’t there when you lay down by my side.

When I felt really poorly and I couldn’t open my eyes.

They weren’t there for all of our thousands of walks.

When you’d roll in something that had been left by a fox. 🤢

They weren’t there when you would lie loyally at my feet.

Or when you escaped and I chased you down our street.

They weren’t there when I was feeling sad, lonely and forlorn.

And you sat and licked my tears from my hand where they’d fallen.

Then I start to notice that you’ve slowed down a bit.

Maybe now you are no longer quite as fit.

You still love your walks but we don’t go so far.

You seem to prefer longer rides out in the car.

Your coat not quite so shiny and your eyes not so bright.

I tell myself your endless unconditional love I will requite.

Then I wake up one morning and see you are gone.

Your life slipped away at the break of the dawn.

My heart floods with sadness and tears fill my eyes.

I fall down beside you and weep and just cry. 

The pain that I feel is unbearably hard.

And I know that my heart will be forever scarred.

So goodbye my loyal friend until we meet again.

And I hope over time I will feel a lot less pain. 

You were my best friend and I will miss you each day.

The doggy rainbow bridge is beckoning you to come and stay.

To all my doggy friends who know the pain of saying goodbye to your four legged friend when they make their final journey over the rainbow bridge. ❤️

Copyright © J C Hicks

15-1-22

 

The pigeon’s demise 😥

The pigeon’s demise 😥 

Well today saw the end of a beautiful relationship.

The end of what could have been a wonderful courtship. 

A glorious day, the sun shining bright 

Little did I know of the poor pigeon’s plight!

I stroll to the coffee shop with not a care in the world

And there on the pavement, my pigeon, wings furled. 

I say wings furled that’s strictly not right 

For I was met with an horrific sight!

My beautiful pigeon, who’d led me a merry dance

Well it looked like he hadn’t stood a chance. 

For there he lay and he was as flat as a pancake.

Probably diminished at the start of daybreak. 

He’d probably been sat minding his own business 

Maybe even looking forward to Christmas 🤷🏻‍♀️

But alas for it was just not meant to be.

No more pecking about under the church trees

Gone in a moment - a very sad passing 

Now there will be no more coffee shop trespassing. 

So rest in peace my poor feathered friend 

I only hope that it was quick at the end. 

😥

J C Hicks Copyright 7-11-21

Pesky pigeons playing games …….🤔

Pesky pigeons playing games …….🤔

A game of cat and mouse is in play

It’s been going on pretty much every day.

You see there is a very special customer at the coffee shop.

He doesn’t walk, he sort of waddles, well more like a hop.

He’s very brave, bold and brash

This customer doesn’t carry card or cash. 

But still every day he tries to get to the best table 

Sometimes he bring his wife, I’ve nicknamed her Mabel. 

His head jerking back and forth as he waddles through the door. 

As soon as he’s inside my feet don’t hit the floor. 

From counter to door in less than 30 seconds 

He’s through that door in less than a nanosecond. 

He doesn’t need a menu and he’s definitely barred 

Oh yes - Chicks has been promoted to pigeon guard! 

In he walks bold as brass expecting to be served 

Ha not today my friend for you’ve been observed! 

I’ve got my beady eyes on that bird 

But he really does not seem deterred!

In fact I really think he is mocking me 

One minute there’s one - next there’s three!

It’s like he’s gone off laughing and told all his mates 

Come to this coffee shop and watch Chicks stacking plates

Then when she is fully loaded we’ll just waddle in

Watch how she goes into a complete flat spin! 

Oh you pesky, puffed up pigeons you may well laugh…..

But it’s about time you started leaving tips for the staff! 

😂

J C Hicks Copyright 22-10-21

 

The Big Fat Seagull ….. king of Tenby

The Big Fat Seagull ….. king of Tenby  

There is a great big fat seagull who sits outside the coffee shop. 

He sits and waits for any meagre crumbs that you may drop.

He doesn’t walk, he doesn’t fly - he merely waddles and sometimes hops.

But don’t be fooled because he is as wily as a fox 🦊.

He sits upon the old church wall and watches people passing by. 

And when he spies those chips or pasties only then does he fly. 

From nowhere he appears and steals the unsuspecting victim’s food. 

He’s fast, he’s silent, he’s got perfect aim and is quite shrewd. 

You open your mouth to sample your wears, bringing your delight up to your lips

Then poof - like magic  - you suddenly have magic disappearing chips! 

He swoops down in silence and devours what he caught.

All at once you look at your hands and there’s nothing left of what you bought! 

The king of Tenby never has to swipe his card or use hard earned cash!

The greedy seagull perches somewhere stealing the lot in a flash! 

No time to chew, no posh table manners - down the hatch like a hole in one.

In less than thirty seconds this feathered fiend’s dirty deed is done. 

Once he’s finished his fly by buffet he returns to his spot upon the wall.

It is here that you will hear him screech, squawk and bawl.

Crowing to all his bird like pals - another Greggs pasty has met its downfall! 

J C Hicks Copyright 21-10-21

 

Reflections of you …..

Reflections of you ….. 

I’m staring deeply, intently into the water.

The water - dark with an unknown depth to it.

Yet it has a clean mirror like sheen. 

Still ……..but moving.

I can almost see myself looking back

A distorted vision of me.

Distorted by the ripples that gently move across it

It’s me but it’s not me.

Water reflecting back at me.

Is this how the world sees me?

Is this how I see myself?

Do any of us know the real person inside of us?

Or are we merely reflecting ourselves to the world.

Reflecting what we think we should.

Reflecting what “society” makes us feel we should.

Reflecting who we think we should be.

I smash my fist down into the icy cold water.

Droplets of water disperse the image.

I’m no longer there …..

I’m there ……but in pieces.

The ripples lessen and the water calms.

Once again I can see my reflection.

I sit and ponder ….

Who am I - why are we here - what does it all mean.

Despite the water moving, my reflection stays.

A changing image as the water flows onwards.

It seems to know it’s path, no faltering - just moving forward.

Yet we face so many paths, so many decisions.

Like the flowing water we move forwards,

But we look backwards.

Like the water smashing into rocks - we find another route when our options feel blocked. 

Ever questioning ourselves - always doubting our moves.

We need to be as certain as the water. 

We need to not look back.

Just move forward.

And remember……

That reflection is just one of our many layers.

It’s ok to have a face for the outside world. 

But always be happy in your heart and soul. 

Always be content with what you portray.

Be you.

That reflection is just one image of you.

Like that spontaneous photo - another image.

And like the reflection we are ever changing. 

Ever changing - with an unknown depth inside us.

Never doubt your abilities or worth.

We all have a purpose - like the water.

We are the lifeblood of society and our communities.

So just be you - be content - be kind - be inclusive 

But most of all  - believe in you. 

Copyright © J C Hicks

20-10-21

Autumn’s Leafy Gifts to Mother Nature 🍁🍂

Autumn’s Leafy Gifts to Mother Nature 🍁🍂 

The leaves are slowly changing

They’ve gone through their cycle of life

Once fresh, green and vibrant 

They are now crisp, shrivelled and dry.

The winds that they could once withstand 

Now dislodge them from their branch.

As Autumn moves in their life blood slips away.

More fragile day by day.

Until that wind, like breath on a cheek

Blows and they gently fall to the ground.

A zig zag route from top to bottom

Settling on the damp, wet ground beneath them.

Suddenly surrounding the strong trunk,

which once supported them.

The ground now a fabulous array of autumnal colours.

Reds, browns and oranges.

We dive through them, pushing them up with our feet.

A delightful crunching sound meets our ears.

We laugh as the leaves momentarily lift into the air

Before slowly settling on the ground again. 

Is this the end of their purpose?

No, not at all.

Those leaves may now lie dormant on the ground

But as they slowly shrivel away their work begins 

A new role - a new purpose.

To feed the ground beneath it.

For they are Autumn’s gift to Mother Nature.

A nutrient, a life blood - natures rich food. 

So after their green vibrant days 

they live on in another form. 

I’d like to think our lives are similar.

We may not always be green and vibrant 

But every day you touch somebody’s life 

Making memories, creating family traditions.

Sharing kindness, laughter, love and fun. 

Life is more than just the days we are “living”.

I think we all live on in some way…..

By the deeds we have done and the people’s lives we’ve touched.

Never think your life isn’t important- we all have something to give - no matter how small it may feel. 

The smallest gesture can be the biggest moment in someone else’s life.

Be the leaf that keeps on giving to your fellow trees! 

🍃 🍁 🍂 🍃🍁🍂🍃🍁🍂🍃🍁🍂🍃🍁🍃🍁🍂

J C Hicks copyright 13-10-21

Pink fluffy slippers - set free #puppylove

Pink fluffy slippers - set free #puppylove

 I had some new slippers, all fluffy and pink.

I walked in the bedroom and I felt my heart sink.

My beautiful slippers lay all tattered and torn.

My pink furry babies I stood there, my slippers to mourn.

I look all around me but you are nowhere to be found. 

Come on, where are you, you sweet pesky hound! 

I spent a small fortune on an array of dog toys.

Some even making that high pitched squeaking noise!

My poor beautiful slippers, worn only once.

I look down at this fluff fest, just wanting to wince. 

I know you are here, just hiding away.

I will come and find you, come what may. 

I gently call out your name  as I’ve a new game to play. 

I have lovely doggy treats and I’m giving them away! 

Come out, come out, wherever you are.

Come on my fur baby - you can’t have gone far!

Then I look down and see it, your give away sign.

Under the bed, there’s a wagging tail and a small whine.  

Aha I have got you - you can’t get away!

I am your master - the one you obey! 

I call out your name, so sickly and sweet.

There is nowhere that you can beat a retreat. 

You crawl out on your belly and lift up your eyes.

You, you made sure my slippers met their demise! 

I look down at you, as you crawl out on your belly.

Your bottom jaw wobbling like a big bowl of jelly.

You lift up your paw and cock your head to the side.

This one simple action - I look deep into your eyes. 

Guess I don’t need my slippers - well,  not at this time

I mean chewing my slippers is hardly a war crime. 

I lay my hand on your head and you gaze up at me.

Ok boy, I guess you thought you just set my slippers free. 

J C Hicks copyright 31-7-2021

 

A force of nature 🌊🌕🌞🐋🦈🦭🐟🐳🦀🦞🐙

A force of nature 🌊🌕🌞🐋🦈🦭🐟🐳🦀🦞🐙 

The sea swirling, swishing, sloshing around and around.

The waves smashing onto rocks a somewhat soothing sound. 

The sea that provides such healing qualities,

A place of family fun and endless frivolities.

A place to sit in quiet contemplation 

Helps us sit and discover our core foundations.

A myriad of colours, rich green and deep blue 

That invites you to dip your toes into.

A force which changes the world around us,

Environmental changes which we should discuss.  

Waves crashing down upon the shore, 

Giving up its secrets and so much more.

Shells, stone and sea glass scattered upon the shoreline

Collected by children, laughing, in the summer sunshine. 

A landscape which changes hour by hour,

We sit in awe and wonder at it’s super power.

A force that brings pleasure but also such pain,

As those who lost their lives struggled in vain.

A force to be treated with so much respect.

A force being disrupted by the greenhouse effect. 

We still have so much to learn and we all have so much to do.

Seas suffocated and polluted by plastic shouldn’t remain a subject taboo.

A vast array of creatures and plants live in these seas,

We stand and observe them as we feel that cool sea breeze.

This mighty expanse pulled by the gravitation of the moon

Influencing tides - two forces of nature in perfect attune.

So just take a moment and stop, sit and listen,

As the sun dances on the water and everything glistens.

So take a moment to say a prayer for those lost in the oceans 

Spend a moment with nature and connect deeply with your emotions. 

J C Hicks Copyright 29-7-21

Wrinkly, crinkly skin …..🤷🏻‍♀️

Wrinkly, crinkly skin …..🤷🏻‍♀️ 

Oh nana why is your skin all wrinkly and thin?

Ah, I say, it’s because my body is well lived in.

Well I don’t want to have skin that’s all wrinkly 

Like a chip that’s not smooth but actually all crinkly!

Did you sit out in the rain for too long?

Or was it because your skin isn’t strong?

I don’t understand how my skin is smooth 

Come on nana I want to hear the truth!

Well child what you must remember

Is that each of these lines represents a memory.

I’ve lived a good long life you see,

I hope you live as long as me!

Oh but nana you are mega old and been around for ever 

That’s why you are so wise and clever.

But why couldn’t you stop your skin from shrinking?

You maybe got it wet too much - that’s what I’m thinking.

 

No child that’s not the reason for the folds and creases

You see over time our body generally gets weaker.

These deep seated lines are like my battle scars,

If you like it’s a visual reminder of all my memoirs.

It’s an honour to sport such lines as these.

But nana you’ve even got them on your knees! 

Remember it’s not the body that makes a person 

A lesson that you must never stop learning.

Yes my skin is no longer soft and smooth 

But listen carefully while I tell you the truth.

Your body gets slower and yes your skin may shrink! 

I hate to tell you that it may not even stay rosy and pink.

But think of your body like your home

Look after as through life you roam.

But you will learn one day that YOU are your heart and soul.

Your heart, mind and soul are what you can truly control.

Stay true to you and always be grateful and kind,

You don’t want to reach the end without any lines!

So nana, lines are like medals like you win in races 

Except these appear on our arms, legs and faces. 

We should be proud that our skin is creased

It’s not that we should have kept it well greased! 

Yes like your beautiful home you must look after it well 

But your soul is inside like that pearl in the oyster shell.

So live, love and laugh and reach for the stars,

Spread kindness and joy and you will go far! 

Taken from my book - Eloquent (on Amazon) 

Find me on Facebook - Pembrokeshire Poet

 J C Hicks Copyright 27-7-21

A snapshot in time….. 🎬🎞🎥

 

A snapshot in time….. 🎬🎞🎥

Click, click, click - life captured in a moment

Instant videoing that just keeps on rolling.

Media available at the tip of your finger

Creating memories that will forever linger.

What would we recall without these aide memoirs,

Would memories just fall into our minds reservoirs?

Photos capture a moment - a second in time 

Autumn, Winter, Summer and Springtime

All seasons, all times - even our emotions 

Stories told but where words are unspoken. 

A picture that can depict happy family moments 

But what if a beautiful life should be sadly stolen.

These photos stir up a range of different emotions

As humans, grief leaves us in pain and broken.

Photos suddenly take on a whole different value 

Precious moments which stand static in time.

That moment we captured may have felt almost meaningless

But years down the road we view them with fondness.

That view that you love or achieving your goals

Reliving the good times is good for your souls! 

So keep snapping memories and store them away 

For that simple photograph may be priceless one day.

A document of a life that shaped who you became.

Capturing the pleasure, happiness, laughter and pain. 

So keep snapping away wherever you go

For one day that photo may be all you can view.

J C Hicks 26/7/2021 Copyright

Spring has sprung …..

Spring has sprung …..

Chitter chatter oh what a clatter, rising up from the bustling hedgerows.

It is the sound of the springtime natter, as lots of birds have made their new homes.

Homes created to welcome new life, life in a world with so much uncertainty.

Life that is balanced on the edge of a knife,  life that will mean we will have birds for an eternity.

Just stop for a moment and let it all soak in, those beautiful noises as they sing out their song.

Some sound so delicate and others make a din, they will call out their birdsong all day long.

Each song is different and has its own beauty, sounds blending naturally in to the background.

Each bird is busily carrying out their duty, days spent between the nest, sky and ground.

Searching out food to feed to their chicks, protecting their nests from all sorts of dangers.

They find safety in bushes, trees, shoes even bricks! Hiding away from all sorts of strangers.

Behind every bush there is a story to tell, a poor little creature trying to perpetuate life.

Sometimes their song is a warning bell, looking out for each other to help avoid strife. 

So just take that moment to stop, look and listen, you will find that’s there’s birdsong nearly everywhere. 

Think of those birds living daily with frisson, but most of all let’s appreciate that spring is in the air. 

J C Hicks 27/05/2021 Copyright

Happy 80th Mum!

 Mum

It only seems like yesterday when we were all still living with you at home

John playing in the garden and Sara listening to Rush - just wanting to be alone!

Max running riot all over the estate 

Always learning how to jump the garden gate!

Such happy memories of our wonderful childhood in St Davids Road

Like the year we were snowed in and it was really flipping cold!

We strapped Max up to our little sledge 

Off to Pembroke to buy a big bag of coal.

But on the way back home at the top of that hill - Max spied a cat

Off he shot, coal sliding behind - anyone in the way would be laid out flat.

It felt like we lived at the beach in those long, lazy, hazy summer days

We'd pack a picnic, our dingy as well - arguing - well of course - always!

We'd stagger down to Broad Haven beach and set up camp in a far flung spot

And we will never forget when poor Souki became the one that we forgot!

We'd spent a lovely day on the beach - all packed up to head for home

Someone not too far from you decided to have a little roam

Straight in the rock pool that little person fell and got soaking wet

So you scooped me up, wrapped me in a towel just as the sun set.

And so it was we all scurried off the beach,  leaving behind our beautiful pooch

Nobody noticed Souki was missing until someone wanted a doggy smooch.

Dad rushed straight back to search the enormous beach but poor Souki could not be found

Undeterred Dad went back at first light and she was there but then gave him the run around.

Souki was not the only lucky one to survive because when John was born Sara was jealous.

Or perhaps what we should really say is that her show of love was slightly over zealous!

When he was a baby, lying in his pram, she popped a boiled sweet in his mouth to suck

You heard this strange noise coming from his pram and when you looked were horror struck!

Sara decided to powder baby “just like mum” but she put some salt and pepper in his eyes

All this love and attention and the poor boy was still only pint size!

Then one day we three were in the garage playing with the oars 

It wasn’t long before there was war

But upon whose head was that dinghy oar smashed over 

Yup poor old John, with a gash in his head our game was over 

We all used to argue like cat and dog and us girls did gang up on the only boy

We'd fight over toys, the TV and washing up - but our home was usually full of joy.

Dad would be there cracking jokes and you'd be creating wonderful bakes

Cinnamon swirls, Chelsea buns alongside a load of glorious cakes.

If Dad wasn't playing his clarinet 

there were other sounds he would emit!

Like the time in France whilst touring the vineyards and in the cellar a bum burp dropped 

Our lovely French guide stopped, turned and said "ah listen the cork it does "pop""

We were all mortified and dying to laugh and Dad just nodded and said "ah oui" 

We all had to just carry on, try not to laugh, for there was nowhere to flee!

We all went to Kismet with Babs and Brian and Dad let one slip in this tiny space

The smell slowly crept across the shop - it was a case of get out quick or cover your face.

We had so many laughs along the way and life always seemed so carefree

And despite the odd argument here and there most of the times we all agreed

 On our holidays in Saundersfoot with the Bowmans we always had the best times

We were definitely thick as thieves and like partners in crime!

You and Aunty Jean always staying so calm, feeding the 5000 was what you did best!

To have these amazing memories makes us all feel truly blessed.

And so we come to 2020 and a big birthday in lockdown which makes us sad

Covid-19 has won the day but we will celebrate and for life we will be glad.

We may be few in numbers - just us three

 but we shall all come together electronically

So lets open the fizz and celebrate your life - we won't let this virus get in our way

80 years young and lots to be thankful for so we will make this a very special day!

 

Touch it - feel it - no live it

Touch it - feel it - no live it 

How do we measure success...........

Can we touch it
Can we feel it
Can we count it

Are we born with it
Are we taught it
Are we oblivious to it

Do we need it
Do we want it
Do we have to have it

Should we aspire to it
Should we achieve it
Should we be grateful for it

Could we fake it
Could we lose it
Could we live without it

Who decides what it is
Who judges if you’ve achieved it
Who cares

There is only one thing you need to know

It’s YOUR success
YOUR measure
YOUR goals
YOUR ambitions
Only YOU can judge YOUR success

What is a major achievement for one could be an insignificant moment in another person’s life. What may seem trivial to you may be a huge milestone for someone else.

So let’s not judge each other - let’s just be kind - let’s just be compassionate- let’s just be nice - let’s celebrate the small things - let’s not put others down - success is personal - it can be public - it can be private - you may feel like it’s never going to happen - but it already has because you are here reading this and alive - just living is the greatest gift we can have ❤️

3-10-2020 

J C Hicks copyright

80 years young Mr Hicks

2nd October is a really big day
We are going to party come what may!
The rain may be falling with grey skies above
So we will dig out our scarves and even our gloves.
We have a big birthday to mark you see
But sadly no party will there be.

Reg Hicks has turned 80 just a spring chicken
With no party looming the Hicks’ were stricken
This blessed virus has put paid to that
However we can still don our party hats!
So we will somehow gather together - apart
Socially distanced this breaks our hearts!

But this day must be marked the best we can
Reg is the head of the Hicks clan.
He married young Valerie many moons ago
Together they’ve watched their 4 boys grow
Lots of grandchildren keeping them young
So many happy birthdays have been sung.

So a big fat happy birthday to you Dad
The fact we cannot all be together makes us so sad.
But we will raise a glass and wish you well
80 years needs celebrating because it’s just swell.
So we will party in the garden come rain or shine
Until the day when you can be wined and dined!

Happy birthday Reg! 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

Summer vibes - coz there’s no Christmas tribes!

Summer vibes - coz there’s no Christmas tribes! 

I’m thinking of having an alternative Christmas
Creating a beach scene - cocktails not biscuits
Now hear me out for you must think me mad
Not to go festive, surely that can only be bad?

The tree will be up and the lights gently flickering.🎄
The house full of treats and the garden is glimmering.
A fully lit 6 foot Santa stands in pride of place 🎅🏻
Stockings hanging up in the candlelit fireplace.

It sounds quite idyllic - it truly does
Because Christmas always brings an amazing buzz.
But what about parties and pre-Christmas drinkies
No shaking of hands not even our pinkies! 🙈

Surrounded by things that just scream out family
No drunken renditions of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody!🎤
No parties or swift after work gin and tonics🍸
Moaning that your spending has been really chronic.

So if I sit in some sand with a pina colada 🍹
Maybe even pretend I’m in the Costa Brava🏖
Then I may find no socialising a less bitter pill to swallow 🙁
Either way I promise I won’t sit and wallow! 🥳

J C Hicks Copyright 15-9-2020

Behind the mask 😷

Behind the mask 😷

What lies behind that mask you wear
Feelings, emotions you now cannot share.
Take a moment and just think it through
Half your face covered it can be misconstrued.

When you’re screaming inside and full despair
Maybe feeling like nobody really cares.
All that is seen is your pool like eyes not that beautiful smile
We can’t read the signs that you are feeling quite hostile.

Those eyes that we see like the sea of humanity
A variety of masks displaying our vanity.
Our beautiful smiles smothered and covered
Our true emotions lying deep and undiscovered.

The eyes are the windows to the soul
Or this is what we have been told.
Can your eyes truly display your happiness and joy
Full communication potentially may now be destroyed.

That lady who sits alone on the bus with feelings of sadness
And she has no-one to talk to and no-one to trust.
The couple who cannot quite believe all the madness.
The person who simply is just full of badness.

The old man whose heart simply hurts with such pain.
The joy for the girl whose been sipping champagne.
All to be read through those “windows” from now
We need to look deeper to see what’s not clear.

For behind that mask lies a world we cannot see
A society which no longer feels open and free.
Consider these facts when you slide on that mask
But don’t ever think it’s a disagreeable task.

I know it can feel like the mask sucks away all fresh air
But we must protect one another and our wonderful healthcare.
If you think it’s bad to cover your face for a moment here and there
Think of those workers who don it daily, like those giving care.

A new phase of fighting this terrible virus
Fears and emotions feeling quite heightened.
More beautiful lives potentially at risk
Covid19’s movements once again feeling brisk.

So look after each other and ask how are you?
And listen to what the other construes
For you can’t see their face that shows so many signs
And remember to make sure your eyes truly shine!

#Covid19 #FaceCoverings #StaySafe #Face #Hands #Space

J C Hicks Copyright 12-9-2020

My sexy beau ......😍

My sexy beau ......😍

Oh hello you devil - it’s lovely to see you
If you hadn’t arrived I’d have felt a bit blue!
You snuck up behind me all of a sudden
Don’t spoil it now by making me go running.

You are quite possibly my most favourite thing.
Although I know it’s just a brief fling.
We will sing, we will dance and maybe drink wine
You know when you are here it’s always divine.

You have two sides and I really quite like it
The first half is my favourite I have to admit.
It’s all about wine and no need to diet
Then you slow down and become a bit quiet.

As time moves on you look so serene
A gentler pace but you do mean we clean.
There’s no escape from that duster and mop
And George is around and he’s playing bad cop!

So if you ask me my favourite - which half I prefer?
Why I’d have to pick Saturday’s although it’s sometime a blur!
I do love the Sunday’s all lazy and slow.......
My best friend the weekend - you darn sexy beau ❤️😜

#Chill #Relax #Unwind #Rest #Love #Laugh #Live

Happy weekend folks 😘

J C Hicks Copyright 11-9-2020

Hands face space ....

Hands  face space ....

2020 the year of new sayings and ways
Every day waiting to hear a new phrase.
Stay at home and stay safe was the one that we heard first.
When we used to think bubbles were just things that could burst.

Along came that thing we all love to say
It’s the new normal - we hear it repeated every day.
I don’t want the new normal I’m screaming inside
I just want the old ways - before thousands had died.

Next they decided we must stay alert.
Great another new buzz word for Boris to blurt.
I’m alert all the time, we’ve been living in fear.
In case someone with the virus is standing near!

Wear a mask - wash your hands - Stay 2 metres apart.
We’ve heard most of these things right from the start.
So many renditions of happy birthday have been sung.
Ironically singing is banned and mustn’t trip off our tongues!

Go out - but stay in - don’t mix in large crowds.
But going to the pub is definitely allowed.
Just socially distance and all will be well
But you turn, speak and the droplets just fell......

Droplets - tiny droplets that just become airborne
Slowly and quietly invading our lungs.
Stay alert - stay apart - is that one metre or two?
All the countries having such varying rules.

Hands -face - space is the new one today.
Boris has spoken so we must all obey.
But we don’t need these tag lines to know what to do
We just need common sense to protect me and you!

So remember the rules - if you know what they are
All in all it’s probably best not to travel to far.
Just remember to keep your hands clean and stand far apart
After all we don’t want to appear on a government bar chart!

J C Hicks Copyright 9-9-2020

Words

Words 

Words, words, words tumbling out of our mouths
Free, freely, for we have freedom of speech.
Some meaningful, others meaningless.
They roll out of our mouths floating across the air
Listened to, heard, misheard, reacted to.

Words, words, words used too much - used too little
Hatred, love, despair and grief
Emotive, emotional, insincere, heartfelt.
They connect us - are an expression of us.
They separate us and cause great divides.

Words, words, words they shape our lives
Hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, a lifetime.
Forgotten, forgettable, memorable, never forgotten.
They create moments, shape events, change events
We are what comes out of our mouths,
whether it’s spoken, written, signed, expressed.

Words, words, words they can map out our futures
Intimate, enemies, families, strangers, political, global.
Loud, soft, harsh, tender, sung, sobbed.
An outlet of how we feel, what we believe
A map, a guide to a greater understanding of you, me, everyone

Use them wisely
Use them kindly
Use them often
Use them carefully
Use them from your heart

Your words can shape other peoples lives.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

J C Hicks Copyright 5-9-2020

Sands of Time

Sands of Time 

Your hand in mine
The sands of time
Are slowly slipping away
Please don’t go - stay

Your body lying there
Your eyes just stare
Stare up at that bleak ceiling
I don’t know what you are feeling

Your motionless body barely breathing
My warm hand you are squeezing
A gentle squeeze
I try to put you at ease

You are not with us
And now you make no fuss
You almost look at peace
Knowing that your life will cease

Time, it doesn’t stand still
Now delivering a bitter pill
We cannot stop it
Not even just a tiny bit

It’s not really you in that bed
So much left unsaid
Your final hours in this world
Your fingers around mine - curled

I think of the good time’s we had
Memories swirling; good, funny and sad
Taken away by this vile virus
Now it is death you desirous

Too young to be taken
I’m willing you to awaken
I feel your grip slowly loosen
Slipping away like a setting sun

Your hand in mine
Losing against the sands of time
I will sit with you my friend
Stay close with you to the end


I cannot imagine what it must be like for those who have lost loved ones to COVID-19 - denied the chance of holding a loved ones hand - it’s still out there albeit subsided but definitely not gone.

In memory of all those who have been cruelly ripped away from loved ones, family, friends, colleagues ❤️. Also to anyone whose has experienced losing a loved one and that horrible feeling of not wanting them to go. 💞

J C Hicks Copyright 27-6-2020
Pembrokeshire Poet (Facebook)