Rhymes off the cuff
From a Painting by Colin Perry
A Walk in Snowdonia
Think where would you like to be
On a chilly Winters day
Walking boots on and nice warm clothes
Out rambling far away
In the hills and valleys of Wales perhaps
Or Cymru as the locals will say
As they proudly wave the flag with Y Ddraig Goch
In a very friendly way
Walking firmly forward now
With mountains on both sides
Just a glimpse of pale green
From the grass where it hides
‘neath a thin carpet of snow
Covering high and low ground
With a glimpse of some foliage
A lone tree they surround
As we passed an old cottage
With a thatch upon the roof
A truly Rural mountain scene
Of which there is much proof
An area of the valleys
Which Mother Nature controls
Free from today’s technology
Apart from the line of Telegraph poles
The water seems cold now
So it’s best to stay far away
On a walk in Snowdonia
or
Taith gerdded yn Eryri as a Welsh person might say
Dennis Shrubshall 10th January 2019
.jpg)
A Walk in Snowdonia
Think where would you like to be
On a chilly Winters day
Walking boots on and nice warm clothes
Out rambling far away
In the hills and valleys of Wales perhaps
Or Cymru as the locals will say
As they proudly wave the flag with Y Ddraig Goch
In a very friendly way
Walking firmly forward now
With mountains on both sides
Just a glimpse of pale green
From the grass where it hides
‘neath a thin carpet of snow
Covering high and low ground
With a glimpse of some foliage
A lone tree they surround
As we passed an old cottage
With a thatch upon the roof
A truly Rural mountain scene
Of which there is much proof
An area of the valleys
Which Mother Nature controls
Free from today’s technology
Apart from the line of Telegraph poles
The water seems cold now
So it’s best to stay far away
On a walk in Snowdonia
or
Taith gerdded yn Eryri as a Welsh person might say
Dennis Shrubshall 10th January 2019
Originally Posted by Poet –
Thanks again Shrubby, love it as I always do.
The Old Truck
I sit and think as an Artist
Pondering a new commission I may take
Will it be like so many others
Or will it be a complete break
Away from the everyday subjects
Rural scenes, rivers or lakes
Maybe a pier on a deserted shore
Any theme my wild fancy takes
Sketches I’ve made by the dozen
Depicting scenes urban and Rural
But my present thoughts are now on my easel
My working sketch of a sizeable Mural
Set in Australia so many years ago
In the time of my father maybe
And although I spend my life creating images
A rural farming man was he
The scene that I set in those times long ago
When Stations were very often remote
Working conditions were far from acceptable
Living conditions were very basic you could note
Roads were merely tracks across the bush or the ranges
Giving access from the fields to the barns
Where the harvest was stored in the sacks piled high
Until the market price was right according to yarns
I’ve heard told my some old timers
Relating how things were in the past
Agriculture on the open ranges
In areas Oh! so vast
Now it’s time to start my new creation
The boards are fitted and secured
Ready for my brushes and paints
My deepest attention is assured
For every stroke or swathe with a brush
Is very special to me
To achieve a pictorial record of the past
For today’s visitors and posterity
I’m floating a beige for background below
With greyish blue for the sky
Adding the sheds in the distance
And a hint of wire fence to one side
Then bring in the barns behind the Truck
Maybe where the drivers hide
Away from the heat of the midday sun
Ready to haul their heavy load of grain
Waiting perhaps for the price to rise
Or maybe in a hurry to beat the rain
And there in the foreground the vintage truck
Teams of horses now obsolete
Machines that do the work more quickly
Driver and mate in a more comfortable seat
Perspective is all important
The faded gold on the Driver’s cab
Everything has to give the appearance of age
The old vehicle has to look a trifle drab
Now I’ll float a little relief on ground of the yard
Just a few blades of grass are seen
But only alongside the fence
An even that is not green
For me it has been like a walk in the past
Hoping every detail I’ve depicted just right
Creating an image of life as it was
And then my Mural will be on sight.
Dennis Shrubshall 12th August 2013
.jpg)
I sit and think as an Artist
Pondering a new commission I may take
Will it be like so many others
Or will it be a complete break
Away from the everyday subjects
Rural scenes, rivers or lakes
Maybe a pier on a deserted shore
Any theme my wild fancy takes
Sketches I’ve made by the dozen
Depicting scenes urban and Rural
But my present thoughts are now on my easel
My working sketch of a sizeable Mural
Set in Australia so many years ago
In the time of my father maybe
And although I spend my life creating images
A rural farming man was he
The scene that I set in those times long ago
When Stations were very often remote
Working conditions were far from acceptable
Living conditions were very basic you could note
Roads were merely tracks across the bush or the ranges
Giving access from the fields to the barns
Where the harvest was stored in the sacks piled high
Until the market price was right according to yarns
I’ve heard told my some old timers
Relating how things were in the past
Agriculture on the open ranges
In areas Oh! so vast
Now it’s time to start my new creation
The boards are fitted and secured
Ready for my brushes and paints
My deepest attention is assured
For every stroke or swathe with a brush
Is very special to me
To achieve a pictorial record of the past
For today’s visitors and posterity
I’m floating a beige for background below
With greyish blue for the sky
Adding the sheds in the distance
And a hint of wire fence to one side
Then bring in the barns behind the Truck
Maybe where the drivers hide
Away from the heat of the midday sun
Ready to haul their heavy load of grain
Waiting perhaps for the price to rise
Or maybe in a hurry to beat the rain
And there in the foreground the vintage truck
Teams of horses now obsolete
Machines that do the work more quickly
Driver and mate in a more comfortable seat
Perspective is all important
The faded gold on the Driver’s cab
Everything has to give the appearance of age
The old vehicle has to look a trifle drab
Now I’ll float a little relief on ground of the yard
Just a few blades of grass are seen
But only alongside the fence
An even that is not green
For me it has been like a walk in the past
Hoping every detail I’ve depicted just right
Creating an image of life as it was
And then my Mural will be on sight.
Dennis Shrubshall 12th August 2013
Originally Posted by Poet –
More splendid work Shrubby, thanks again, love Kim.
From a Painting by Colin Perry.
The Windmill
Imagine the midst of Summer
And being footloose and fancy free
Think of a place to enjoy yourself
Where you’re never far from the Sea
Perhaps the beaches will be crowded
And towels bodies and deckchairs cover the sand
Is it possible to find peace and tranquillity
In this locality close at hand
You’ve decided to hire a boat maybe
From the boatyard at Yarmouth nearby
To go northward under Haven Bridge
Into Breydon Water where time will fly
For here in this vast expanse of water
Several rivers converge
Before flowing down to Gorleston
Where into the Sea they merge
But now you’re heading westwards
Amongst motor boats and sailing boats galore
Far more interesting perhaps
Than sitting on an overcrowded shore
Passing now a licenced mooring
Where an Inn’s busy selling Beer and Ales
To quench the thirst of the water born travellers
Before they once more hoist their sails
Here and there the boats are anchored
Some occupants sitting with rods in hand
Will this be their lucky day
Or maybe another trip will be planned
There’s a boat or two they’re tacking now
Before getting their sails set for the turn
Whilst others are happy to sit and watch
As though they have time to burn
There are shadows mirrored in the water
As the old Windmill you pass
Standing there like a Giant looking down
Upon the vast amounts of Reed grass
Before long you will come to Burgh Castle
But to Visit the water you’ll have to leave
To see for yourself some of old rural Norfolk
And some of it’s past History to retrieve
After Tea and Scones and a visit to the Inn
Which fortunately stands nearby
It’s back to the boat for the return journey
As the sun starts to set in the Sky
So after a day of relaxing like this
Enjoying what the trip affords
It will be throttle open at a steady 5 knots
And Memories of a day on the Norfolk Broads
Dennis Shrubshall 17th January 2019
.jpg)
The Windmill
Imagine the midst of Summer
And being footloose and fancy free
Think of a place to enjoy yourself
Where you’re never far from the Sea
Perhaps the beaches will be crowded
And towels bodies and deckchairs cover the sand
Is it possible to find peace and tranquillity
In this locality close at hand
You’ve decided to hire a boat maybe
From the boatyard at Yarmouth nearby
To go northward under Haven Bridge
Into Breydon Water where time will fly
For here in this vast expanse of water
Several rivers converge
Before flowing down to Gorleston
Where into the Sea they merge
But now you’re heading westwards
Amongst motor boats and sailing boats galore
Far more interesting perhaps
Than sitting on an overcrowded shore
Passing now a licenced mooring
Where an Inn’s busy selling Beer and Ales
To quench the thirst of the water born travellers
Before they once more hoist their sails
Here and there the boats are anchored
Some occupants sitting with rods in hand
Will this be their lucky day
Or maybe another trip will be planned
There’s a boat or two they’re tacking now
Before getting their sails set for the turn
Whilst others are happy to sit and watch
As though they have time to burn
There are shadows mirrored in the water
As the old Windmill you pass
Standing there like a Giant looking down
Upon the vast amounts of Reed grass
Before long you will come to Burgh Castle
But to Visit the water you’ll have to leave
To see for yourself some of old rural Norfolk
And some of it’s past History to retrieve
After Tea and Scones and a visit to the Inn
Which fortunately stands nearby
It’s back to the boat for the return journey
As the sun starts to set in the Sky
So after a day of relaxing like this
Enjoying what the trip affords
It will be throttle open at a steady 5 knots
And Memories of a day on the Norfolk Broads
Dennis Shrubshall 17th January 2019
Originally Posted by Poet –
Great stuff again, Shrubby, thank you, and I always love the paintings too, love Kim.
Australian Full Moon
Looking at this idyllic scene
May make us wonder you and I
How these creatures came to Australia
In the years now long gone by
Apparently a Surgeon
John Harris was his name
And in the early 1800’s
Introduced 400 deer to his farm and became
Known as the man who brought in the Chital Deer
The beautiful Indian Spotted I’m told
Joined later by many other Breeds
Always a sight for many to behold
But sadly on the downside
As with many other animals in the wild
Sometimes they damage crops and vegetation
Or their existence is defiled
By the ever present so called Hunters
Who really think it’s cute
In the name of “Sport”, in brackets
These defenceless animals will shoot
And many times leave the carcases where they fall
For the birds and dingo’s to feed
Encouraging another unwanted nuisance
To survive and continue to breed
There must be many pro’s and con’s
To knowing which is right
But the scene now placed before us
For many is a delight
So back now to this Australian lakeside
Whistling Waltzing Matilda a native tune
Watching a Deer and her fawn
Drinking under the fullest Moon
Dennis Shrubshall 24th January 2019
.jpg)
Looking at this idyllic scene
May make us wonder you and I
How these creatures came to Australia
In the years now long gone by
Apparently a Surgeon
John Harris was his name
And in the early 1800’s
Introduced 400 deer to his farm and became
Known as the man who brought in the Chital Deer
The beautiful Indian Spotted I’m told
Joined later by many other Breeds
Always a sight for many to behold
But sadly on the downside
As with many other animals in the wild
Sometimes they damage crops and vegetation
Or their existence is defiled
By the ever present so called Hunters
Who really think it’s cute
In the name of “Sport”, in brackets
These defenceless animals will shoot
And many times leave the carcases where they fall
For the birds and dingo’s to feed
Encouraging another unwanted nuisance
To survive and continue to breed
There must be many pro’s and con’s
To knowing which is right
But the scene now placed before us
For many is a delight
So back now to this Australian lakeside
Whistling Waltzing Matilda a native tune
Watching a Deer and her fawn
Drinking under the fullest Moon
Dennis Shrubshall 24th January 2019
Originally Posted by Poet –
Thank you again Shrubby, great stuff and a beautiful pic, love Kim.
Fisherman’s walk
Close your eyes if you will now
And try to think back in time
Long before this photo was taken
Perhaps before your childhood and mine
When the solitary lamp was ignited gas
To lighten the way of those passing through
This old pedestrian walkway
Which probably only local residents knew
For this was a link between the Town and Old Leigh
And the fishermen’s cottages it passed
Leading down to the waterside
Where the tide rises or ebbs fast
With the rising sun in the morning
Or a glowing Sunset at night
Boats always leaving or returning home
Always a welcoming sight
And for the tired fishermen now
A walk up this pathway in gas light
A welcoming meal at the end of the day
As they leave the walkway for the night
Dennis Shrubshall 4th February 2019
.jpg)
Close your eyes if you will now
And try to think back in time
Long before this photo was taken
Perhaps before your childhood and mine
When the solitary lamp was ignited gas
To lighten the way of those passing through
This old pedestrian walkway
Which probably only local residents knew
For this was a link between the Town and Old Leigh
And the fishermen’s cottages it passed
Leading down to the waterside
Where the tide rises or ebbs fast
With the rising sun in the morning
Or a glowing Sunset at night
Boats always leaving or returning home
Always a welcoming sight
And for the tired fishermen now
A walk up this pathway in gas light
A welcoming meal at the end of the day
As they leave the walkway for the night
Dennis Shrubshall 4th February 2019
Originally Posted by Poet –
How I love your words and pics Shrubby, thank you again, love Kim.
Ode to St. Valentine’s Day
Have you ever sat and wondered
How a certain day came about
What was it’s origination
Was there any reason for doubt
‘twas said in the past that it started
In ancient Rome it seems
As a day of celebration
And creating Lover’s dreams
On the day before Lupercalia
February the Fourteenth to be exact
But there are many variations
And I’m not sure which is fact
For Claudio 11 the Emperor of Rome
All those many years ago
Cancelled the privilege of Marriage to couples
So that Bachelors to war his soldiers would go
Then ‘tis said a certain Saint Valentine
Ignored the rule and couples he still wed
Until Claudio became aware of his actions and announced
“To the dungeons with the scoundrel and off with his head”
And lo and behold that’s what happened
In the cells he was cast to await
Clubbing to death and beheading
Was the sentence to be his fate
Whilst he was waiting to meet his demise
With a sentence so vicious and hard
He wrote his last words to his loved one
Perhaps creating the first Valentine’s Card
And it still serves today as a sign of deep affection
To Beaux & Belles of this World far and wide
As a permanent Memorial to Saint Valentine, it’s founder
On the 14th of February the day that he died.
Dennis Shrubshall 5th February 2011
.jpg)
Have you ever sat and wondered
How a certain day came about
What was it’s origination
Was there any reason for doubt
‘twas said in the past that it started
In ancient Rome it seems
As a day of celebration
And creating Lover’s dreams
On the day before Lupercalia
February the Fourteenth to be exact
But there are many variations
And I’m not sure which is fact
For Claudio 11 the Emperor of Rome
All those many years ago
Cancelled the privilege of Marriage to couples
So that Bachelors to war his soldiers would go
Then ‘tis said a certain Saint Valentine
Ignored the rule and couples he still wed
Until Claudio became aware of his actions and announced
“To the dungeons with the scoundrel and off with his head”
And lo and behold that’s what happened
In the cells he was cast to await
Clubbing to death and beheading
Was the sentence to be his fate
Whilst he was waiting to meet his demise
With a sentence so vicious and hard
He wrote his last words to his loved one
Perhaps creating the first Valentine’s Card
And it still serves today as a sign of deep affection
To Beaux & Belles of this World far and wide
As a permanent Memorial to Saint Valentine, it’s founder
On the 14th of February the day that he died.
Dennis Shrubshall 5th February 2011
Originally Posted by Poet –
Very enlightening Shrubby, love it as always, thank you, Kim.
Valentines Day
How the years pass from Season to Season
Romantics remembering chances missed
Wondering if maybe tomorrow will welcome
The start perhaps for a lovers tryst
Will the unknown future be full of suspense
As at a new dawn they pensively wait
Looking to the horizon as the Sun Rises
Eagerly awaiting the Postman’s call at the gate
Wondering perhaps will the mail he delivers
Contain a Card from a loved one so dear
As today is the 14th of February 2013
But it’s St. Valentines Day every year
For Beaux and Belles the length of the land
To send cards and gifts to display their devotion
Perhaps a Single Rose tightly held in the hand
Can bring forth a show of emotion
Followed perhaps by a smile or some tears
Not of sadness but expression of bliss
But if the delivery was made by a special someone
They may be rewarded with a hug and a kiss
For this is the Day traditionally known
For all those young people in love
To demonstrate their feelings for each other
Under the Silvery Moon up above
And perhaps under oath vow to each other
For life they would always be true
Ever hopeful that their dreams would be truly fulfilled
With a Happy Ending as all good Fairy Tales do.
Dennis Shrubshall 12th February 2012
.jpg)
How the years pass from Season to Season
Romantics remembering chances missed
Wondering if maybe tomorrow will welcome
The start perhaps for a lovers tryst
Will the unknown future be full of suspense
As at a new dawn they pensively wait
Looking to the horizon as the Sun Rises
Eagerly awaiting the Postman’s call at the gate
Wondering perhaps will the mail he delivers
Contain a Card from a loved one so dear
As today is the 14th of February 2013
But it’s St. Valentines Day every year
For Beaux and Belles the length of the land
To send cards and gifts to display their devotion
Perhaps a Single Rose tightly held in the hand
Can bring forth a show of emotion
Followed perhaps by a smile or some tears
Not of sadness but expression of bliss
But if the delivery was made by a special someone
They may be rewarded with a hug and a kiss
For this is the Day traditionally known
For all those young people in love
To demonstrate their feelings for each other
Under the Silvery Moon up above
And perhaps under oath vow to each other
For life they would always be true
Ever hopeful that their dreams would be truly fulfilled
With a Happy Ending as all good Fairy Tales do.
Dennis Shrubshall 12th February 2012
Originally Posted by Poet –
So romantic Shrubby, thank you again, love Kim.
The Northern Lights
Have you ever fancied a holiday with a difference
To witness something that most folks won’t see
To view the Aurora Borealis
And experience Nature’s creativity
Or the Northern Lights as they are better known
By people the whole World wide
Who wish to view a natural Kaleidoscope
But by distance most of us are denied
For one needs to travel to the frozen North
Scandinavia or Alaska maybe
To witness this extravaganza of light
From across the Arctic Sea
The timing is quite critical
As it’s pointless to arrive too soon
For you’re looking for a cloudless night
Without much of a trace of the Moon
For the power of the moonlight
Can limit the intensity of colour in the display
And your ultimate goal is “SolarMax”
Which is expected this year some would say
The sight you will see may vary in colour
Perhaps Neon Green in the sky
And maybe even tinges of Yellow and Red
According to Solar particles and gases mixing as they pass by
This Solar and molecular action takes place
200 miles above the Earth we know
And only when Particles enter the Northern atmosphere
Creating such a wonderful show
The name “Aurora Borealis” was given
By Galileo in infinite wisdom folks say
But the Vikings reckoned the glowing lights
Were Maidens carrying fallen warriors to Valhalla far away
So having this information before you
Has it tempted you to book a flight
To visit one of these Arctic resorts
And watch the “Aurora Borealis by night
Dennis Shrubshall 17th December 2012
.jpg)
Have you ever fancied a holiday with a difference
To witness something that most folks won’t see
To view the Aurora Borealis
And experience Nature’s creativity
Or the Northern Lights as they are better known
By people the whole World wide
Who wish to view a natural Kaleidoscope
But by distance most of us are denied
For one needs to travel to the frozen North
Scandinavia or Alaska maybe
To witness this extravaganza of light
From across the Arctic Sea
The timing is quite critical
As it’s pointless to arrive too soon
For you’re looking for a cloudless night
Without much of a trace of the Moon
For the power of the moonlight
Can limit the intensity of colour in the display
And your ultimate goal is “SolarMax”
Which is expected this year some would say
The sight you will see may vary in colour
Perhaps Neon Green in the sky
And maybe even tinges of Yellow and Red
According to Solar particles and gases mixing as they pass by
This Solar and molecular action takes place
200 miles above the Earth we know
And only when Particles enter the Northern atmosphere
Creating such a wonderful show
The name “Aurora Borealis” was given
By Galileo in infinite wisdom folks say
But the Vikings reckoned the glowing lights
Were Maidens carrying fallen warriors to Valhalla far away
So having this information before you
Has it tempted you to book a flight
To visit one of these Arctic resorts
And watch the “Aurora Borealis by night
Dennis Shrubshall 17th December 2012
Originally Posted by Poet –
This is just amazing Shrubby, thank you again, love Kim.