Your Invisible Cape

Your Invisible Cape

I wear an invisible cape 

Most of us do.

Some know they have it 

And it’s been their life glue.

My cape doesn’t mean 

that I’m a super hero.

It can take me at top speed 

But then drop down to zero.

It’s a sad state of affairs 

That not all capes are equal

And our early roots 

Can determine our sequel.

Society can also dictate

The shape and fit of our cape.

Forcing many to wear capes

That don’t fit their shape.

Some people are lucky 

And get a cape and passion.

Some capes are heavy

And cannot be unfastened.

The design of your cape

Is set early on

But it doesn’t have to be

The one that you don.

I can see you looking 

On most perplexed.

I can see that I’ve not

Shared my pretext.

This invisible cape I refer to 

Is your education.

But don’t think it’s just

From birth to graduation.

Each day we start anew 

New day and new dawn

Opportunities for learning 

To keep us moving on.

So never think 

It’s just too late for me. 

Remember education is vital

and can help turn that key. 

J C Hicks Copyright ©️ 03-01-23 

Find me on Facebook - Pembrokeshire Poet

Author of Eloquent, a collection of poems available on Amazon. 

Ups and Downs

Today someone will take their last breath

Today someone will take their first breath

Today is the last day of the year

Tomorrow we start a new year

It will be a year with heartache and pain

It will be a year with happiness and joy

It will be a year with tears and sadness

It will be a year with laughter and joy

Life has ups and downs - the road is always unknown 

All we can hope is the ups outweigh the downs

The downs can help us reflect and appreciate the ups 

So I hope 2024 is kind to you 

And you can find the strength to get through the hard times

If you have one New Year’s resolution 

Keep it simple 

Be kind to yourself ❤️

Joanne C Hicks 31/12/23 copyright ©️ 

A growing derrière! 🙈

 A growing derrière

I’m starting to feel like a certain vicar we all know

Who had to eat several Christmas dinners all in a row

I’ve finished off the turkey and the stuffing is nearly gone

But the food mountain just seems to go on and on

The pate isn’t even opened and it’s use by date is nigh 

I think I can fit it in over the weekend if I really try 

The cheese has made a mini mountain upon my fridge shelf

I’m wondering if I should have sent some to Santa via his elf

The Quality Street seems to have a never ending bottom 

I’ve got Prosecco, gin, brandy and even hot and spicy rum 

I’m doing my best to get through it but failing pretty fast

The problem is that my derrière is becoming pretty vast 

So I’ve set myself a deadline to get through this festive feast

So the diet starts in January before I become more obese! 

Joanne C Hicks 28/12/24 copyright ©️ 

Presence not presents

The wrapping paper is in the bin

Santa Claus and his elves have been 

You may not have got all that you wished for 

We always seem to be wanting more

The fridge is full of turkey leftovers

Dads sporting new socks and pullovers

Mums are happy but exhausted 

Were they appropriately supported?

The lounge is strewn with toys and gifts

With washing up being done in shifts

It comes around just once a year 

Soon the decorations will disappear

I hope it was a day of joy

For every girl and boy

But time is the most precious gift of all 

Making memories we will one day recall 

So don’t fret if yours was a simple day

You must do Christmas your own way

It’s not about the food and presents 

It’s all about your unique presence 

Joanne C Hicks 26/12/23 copyright ©️ 

Pre-Christmas life

 I’m doing my bit for Christmas 

By eating all the pies

But now I’ve noticed 

My belly’s grown by miles 😱

I guess I will have to stop

Before my tum explodes

Aw well may as well wait til next year 

I will never be trim and toned 😂🙈

Joanne C Hicks 20-12-23  ©️

The Christmas Robin

 The Christmas Robin 

I was there, I was the the first to see

The start of a story of greatness and glory

I saw Mary shed a joyful tear

And watched as Joseph always stayed near

I saw the wondrous star shining bright 

It truly was a glorious leading light

I watched them lay the baby down to sleep

He didn’t stir and nor did he let out a peep

I knew I had to fly and tell one and all 

The whole of mankind must hear my call

I puff out my bright red breast

I really have no time to rest

I sit and take in the sight before me

Just a Christmas Robin sitting in his tree

But I was there

I was the first to see 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 14/12/23

Friends Like These

As we wake up to hear the news

That may make some feel quite blue

Let it be the moment you stop and think

You never know when you may be on the brink

Matthew Perry made us laugh 

But of his life we just saw half

A life of turmoil, drugs and addiction 

A well documented affliction 

Let’s hope his life had more highs than lows 

How much happiness he had - only he knows

So live each day as if it’s your last 

So when you leave you think - yeah I had a blast! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 29/10/23

Shoplifting - Where Is The Harm?

Shop lifting - Where is the harm?

I can’t feed my family 

I don’t know what to do 

I don’t qualify for food banks

Or any government help 

I work really hard 

But I can’t feed my family

What should I do? 

I’ve got an addiction I just need to feed 

I’ve got no money but can’t fight this urge

It started out harmless - just a bit of fun 

Now IT’S in control

I’m an addict 

I just need to feed it

My mates made me do it 

I was scared not to

I want to fit in 

They coerced me and bullied me

It’s not really a crime 

These shops can afford it

Well, that’s what my mates say 

I used to love my job 

I’d chat with the customers 

We’d laugh and exchange news 

Now I’m always on edge 

And don’t know what to do

I saw that young mother stealing that food

But I know she’s no money 

That man who won’t make eye contact

He has a problem with drugs

I daren’t challenge him as he scares me a little

That young lad who ran in 

Stole a packet of sweets

His face full of guilt

I saw his mates waiting 

Yes I used to love my job

Now I’m just not so sure

My boss says he can no longer pay me

He’s letting me go

He had a heavy heart as he delivered this blow

His profits are down 

Cost are just spiralling 

The increase in stealing is taking its toll

It’s like taking it from his family’s table 

He can no longer pay me - he’s letting me go

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 26/10/23

A Brother’s Goodbye

A Brother’s Goodbye 

The little boy let out a heart wrenching cry

To his big sister he had to say a final goodbye

Her life robbed not by illness or accident 

But by someone who was not an inhabitant 

Gunned down in cold blood - an innocent child 

No longer will her family see her beautiful smile

A whole life ahead of her and it’s been ripped away

Her family will have traumatic memories, which stay 

There are no winners in a long running war

Only atrocities, pain, suffering and so much more.

Joanne C Hicks 23/10/23 copyright ©️ 

Beauty From Within

Beauty From Within 

Will you be my friend said the boy to the girl

Shocked she stopped and pushed aside her brown curl

She nervously ran her fingers over her deep brown skin 

She stepped back - they were not from the same akin

Please said the boy I’d love to be your friend

I think our personalities would truly blend 

The girl looked down feeling a little shy

She didn’t know what to say, how to reply

The boy ventured further - I’m blind you see

So I can only go on what I hear - not see

Your laughter filled the air and your voice is rich and pure 

You talk with compassion and that was the allure

The girl’s face slowly broke into a smile 

She realised the boy had been watching her for a while

The boy didn’t care about the colour of her skin

He knew that a persons beauty comes from within

Joanne C Hicks 23/10/23 copyright ©️ 

Warfare - where is the good in it?

Warfare - where is the good in it? 

Needless destruction all around 

Rubble piled where there once was a town 

People wandering around in a daze

Picking their way amongst a newly formed maze

Innocent children now lonely orphans 

Unable to understand their new misfortune 

The sound of people wailing and crying 

As they realise just how many are dying 

Hearts broken that will never heal 

Do those responsible have hearts of steal?

Sadness and despair fills the air 

Innocent humans trapped by pointless warfare 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 16/10/23

The Path Of Life

The Path Of Life 

I don’t know which way to go 

Along the path of life

Let me tell you a secret - none of us know

It’s like walking on a knife

Don’t look ahead - don’t look behind

Just remember, focus on the moment 

Time isn’t promised so bear this in mind

You’re growing and never really broken 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 15/10/23

Take a moment

Today - take a moment

A moment in time 

A moment in peace 

A moment of calm 

Take a moment….

For you 

❤️

A Greener Future

A Greener Future

Man - you walk so selfishly around the land 

Oblivious it seems of the shifting sands 

Money and greed seems to feed your soul 

The environment - you think you control 

Control it you do - but not for the best 

Powers that seem so self obsessed 

Lining the pockets of those who are rich 

Dressing up your latest PR pitch 

Our seas are suffocating away with plastic 

The action required now needs to be drastic

Species slowly disappearing from sight 

Urban areas unable to see stars by moonlight 

Where will it stop - when will it end?

When the whole of the world has been condemned?

We don’t own this planet it’s merely on loan 

A greener future isn’t something we can postpone! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 30/9/23

Equality For All

My name is Miles and I’ve been a Christian all my life

I’ve always had a good soul and love my beautiful wife

We’ve always done good deeds and helped out others

What’s mine is yours, you are all my sisters and brothers 

My name is James and I’ve lived a troubled life

I’m starting to sit and wonder about the afterlife

I’ve stolen from my friends and really been quite selfish

I look at my neighbour Miles who has been so unselfish 

Both men are reflecting on the lives that they have lived 

Miles has been thoughtful, kind and never once deceived

James has done the opposite and not given time to others

James can now see his errors and how others have suffered 

Miles has sat in judgement of his wayward neighbour James

Miles sits in disbelief - as he hears what James now claims James has turned to God and asked for help to change his ways

Then the time came when both men came to the end of their days 

Miles rose in all his glory and ascended up to heaven 

He finally met his maker and knew he had no indiscretions 

As Miles looked around - content with his whole life 

He looked on, baffled - there stood James whose life was full of strife 

Lord - I do not understand how this man has risen to glory 

I’ve known him all my life and his is a sorry story

He led a life of sin and was thoughtless, vile and cruel

Surely his ascension goes against all the “rules”

The Lord turned to Miles and placed his hand upon his shoulder

My son, don’t you understand, we can all change as we get older

Glory isn’t based on how long you lived your Christian life

There is room at my table for those who repent and turn their backs on sin and strife 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 18/9/23

Benji Bon Bon

 I bought a bag of bon bons - a bundle of toffee joy

I clutched them in my hand - a present for Georgie boy

White dusted toffee ones and some lemon jewels too 

A dusty delight with gorgeous toffee to chew

I placed them on the table - sat in plain sight

Little did I know what was to become their plight 

They were left upon the table unattended - that was the flaw

Master Benji saw his moment and pulled the bag to the floor

When we returned the crime was truly done and dusted 

Benji looking guilty - that boy was well and truly busted 

He thoroughly enjoyed the chewy, tasty toffee sweets

But now he’s in the dog house where there are absolutely no treats! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 17/9/23 

Carew Castle

Carew Castle 

I sit upon the castle wall

It walls are strong and tall

From up here all can be spied

No access can be denied 

I look across the vast pond

It seems to stretch way beyond

A host of life to so many 

As for ghosts - have I seen any?

In the distance stands the mill

All around is tranquil and still

I watch a child run along

I let out my beautiful song

They stop and look all around

But the source of song cannot be found

They slowly carry on along their way

I stretch out my wings - it’s the end of the day

I let out one final evening song

My call is loud and beautifully long

I love this castle, it is my sanctuary 

But honestly - those ghosts scare me! 

J C Hicks copyright ©️ 11/9/23

Charming Caldey Island

 Oh Caldey, oh Caldey we are enveloped with  your charm

A place of peace, a sanctuary and offering a wonderful calm

The ducklings have all grown and are waddling around 

Trees reaching up, their leaves will soon turn brown 

The grouse and pheasant roam freely amongst the luscious grass

The beauty of Mother Nature is really first class

Serenity in abundance -  it makes us feel serene

It truly is my favourite place out of those I have seen 

Joanne C Hicks 6/9/23 ©️ 

Ripples Of Life

 Ripples of Life

Ever noticed how that ripple glides across the water 

Gradually getting larger despite starting off smaller 

That ripple is a little like the lives we lead

As we are born our ripple is suddenly freed

We may not know the impact that our ripple will cause

Or how far it will travel - just take a moment - pause

One ripple - breaks that water which was as smooth as glass

It grows and sometimes merges with other ripples that pass

Our lives start off small and we grow day by day

Our ripple drifts on outwards and travels on its way 

So as that rippling circle grows - remember so do we 

Your ripple can end anywhere - so just live your life carefree! 

Joanne C Hicks copyright ©️ 4/9/23

Sammy and Scott’s Double Surprise!

Sammy and Scott’s Double Surprise! 

You’ve got a miracle happening in your belly

It’s far from feeling like a plate of jelly

Round and firm - you’ve quite the bump

I bet when they said it’s twins you did more than jump! 

That wiped the grin off poor Scott’s face

But now you’ve just assumed the position - BRACE!

Now you’ve got your head around the news 

You are definitely feeling far from blue

In fact it’s pink all the way

Two gorgeous girls coming your way

Some may say it’s double trouble 

But you guys won’t let them burst your bubble 

Helen’s heart nearly burst with joy 

Grandparents - and to girls not boys! 

Mel’s already been on a massive shopping spree

And planning holidays next to the Mediterranean Sea

Great grandparents are all at the ready

To help steer the Powell’s ship and keep it steady 

So it’s two of everything from now on 

Ordering nappies by the tonne! 

Enjoy every moment and record all the joy

Don’t worry about your hair, the mess or the toys!

In years to come you will sit and reflect 

And those memories you’ll fondly recollect 

Good luck - you are going to be the most wonderful parents to two beautiful baby girls. ❤️

J C Hicks 

20/8/2023