Rhymes off the cuff
Table for two
Close your eyes for a while if you will
Think of times long past
Then open them and look up above
At the scene on which your eyes you cast
Does it remind you of Breakfast at Tiffany’s
A film that most know so well
Or maybe Tea for Two perhaps
Another film on which your memory may dwell
But you may be an old romantic like me
And think of a time long ago
When hearts were young and full of love
Wondering when friendships would grow
Could this be a lasting relationship
Has this Belle really met her Beau
Perhaps a meal at a candle lit table
Might help that amity to grow
As the lovers sit opposite each other
Searching for the right words to say
When up walks the Waitress “ Good evening Madam”
What will be your choice from the menu today
When finally the meal was eaten
Accompanied by a suitable wine
The couple now enjoying themselves
And conversation flowing fine
And as they left the restaurant arm in arm
There was a look of love in their eyes
Will this be a lasting lovers tryst
Something I think you’ll have to surmise.
Dennis Shrubshall 23rd August 2018
.jpg)
Close your eyes for a while if you will
Think of times long past
Then open them and look up above
At the scene on which your eyes you cast
Does it remind you of Breakfast at Tiffany’s
A film that most know so well
Or maybe Tea for Two perhaps
Another film on which your memory may dwell
But you may be an old romantic like me
And think of a time long ago
When hearts were young and full of love
Wondering when friendships would grow
Could this be a lasting relationship
Has this Belle really met her Beau
Perhaps a meal at a candle lit table
Might help that amity to grow
As the lovers sit opposite each other
Searching for the right words to say
When up walks the Waitress “ Good evening Madam”
What will be your choice from the menu today
When finally the meal was eaten
Accompanied by a suitable wine
The couple now enjoying themselves
And conversation flowing fine
And as they left the restaurant arm in arm
There was a look of love in their eyes
Will this be a lasting lovers tryst
Something I think you’ll have to surmise.
Dennis Shrubshall 23rd August 2018
The Naked Run
My thoughts go back to a Sunday morn
Oh! so many years ago
When recollections started
And past memories started to flow
To a time when I was a Special Police Officer
To prevent crime was my main aim
As a WPC in uniform
And part of the local crimebusters I became
We drove along my colleague and I
In a Patrol car for all to see
When a call came over the Radio
And the recipient was me
The crime we were told was Graffitti
On a “wheelie” bin tho’ written quite neatly
Insulting remarks about the owner’s Son
Puzzling the inhabitants completely
So out came the note-book and details we noted
All standard questions to victims we posed
In an effort to identify the offender
And in Court their crimes be disclosed
But then came another call on the Radio
Of another similar offence not far away
So off we sped in the Patrol car
To see what the latest victims had to say
Surprise was obvious on both of our faces
As we surveyed this new scene
For believe it or not it had all the same hallmarks
Of the address where we had just been
Insults once more against the lad of the house
On Garden Furniture in emulsion white
Impeccably written without grammatical error
Who could be this demon of the night
And so once again the questions we asked
The various notes we started to make
For if this should come to Court at some time
The Defence would welcome any mistake
Then lo and behold yet another Radio call
Reporting a third and similar crime
Everything similar except for one thing
A neighbour witnessed the event this time
Who heard a noise and saw a naked man
Run away with a brush and paint tin in his hand
And I admit at that time we were baffled
The offenders motive difficult to understand
We spotted and followed a trail of paint spots
This was the main clue we had found
And when we came to an area of grass
It was there that our offender went to ground
So then it was down to deduction work
To see if a link we could find
For this was more than a childish prank
A revenge filled attack from a disturbed mind
The lads we found out were Boy Scouts all three
And a young Leader they relentlessly teased
And this was his way of displaying to them all
That he was a little more than displeased
And then with all this accomplished
The offenders name we now knew
So we ended our shift and passed on the “info”
For another team to pursue
They visited his house the following day
Then outlined the crime when admitted
May lead to a mandatory visit to Court
Where he may be found guilty or acquitted
But the case was settled there by the Constables
And if help from the Doctor he retract
They would have no other alternative
To be sectioned under the Mental Health Act .
Dennis Shrubshall 15th November 2009
My thoughts go back to a Sunday morn
Oh! so many years ago
When recollections started
And past memories started to flow
To a time when I was a Special Police Officer
To prevent crime was my main aim
As a WPC in uniform
And part of the local crimebusters I became
We drove along my colleague and I
In a Patrol car for all to see
When a call came over the Radio
And the recipient was me
The crime we were told was Graffitti
On a “wheelie” bin tho’ written quite neatly
Insulting remarks about the owner’s Son
Puzzling the inhabitants completely
So out came the note-book and details we noted
All standard questions to victims we posed
In an effort to identify the offender
And in Court their crimes be disclosed
But then came another call on the Radio
Of another similar offence not far away
So off we sped in the Patrol car
To see what the latest victims had to say
Surprise was obvious on both of our faces
As we surveyed this new scene
For believe it or not it had all the same hallmarks
Of the address where we had just been
Insults once more against the lad of the house
On Garden Furniture in emulsion white
Impeccably written without grammatical error
Who could be this demon of the night
And so once again the questions we asked
The various notes we started to make
For if this should come to Court at some time
The Defence would welcome any mistake
Then lo and behold yet another Radio call
Reporting a third and similar crime
Everything similar except for one thing
A neighbour witnessed the event this time
Who heard a noise and saw a naked man
Run away with a brush and paint tin in his hand
And I admit at that time we were baffled
The offenders motive difficult to understand
We spotted and followed a trail of paint spots
This was the main clue we had found
And when we came to an area of grass
It was there that our offender went to ground
So then it was down to deduction work
To see if a link we could find
For this was more than a childish prank
A revenge filled attack from a disturbed mind
The lads we found out were Boy Scouts all three
And a young Leader they relentlessly teased
And this was his way of displaying to them all
That he was a little more than displeased
And then with all this accomplished
The offenders name we now knew
So we ended our shift and passed on the “info”
For another team to pursue
They visited his house the following day
Then outlined the crime when admitted
May lead to a mandatory visit to Court
Where he may be found guilty or acquitted
But the case was settled there by the Constables
And if help from the Doctor he retract
They would have no other alternative
To be sectioned under the Mental Health Act .
Dennis Shrubshall 15th November 2009
Thank you again Shrubby, these two are wonderful in their total difference. Love Kim.
Leigh Sunrise
Look at the Sunrise before you
Welcoming another new day
Time for the fishermen of Leigh
To make their way down the Ray
The sky above is magnificent
A mixture of Grey, Blue and Gold
For Southend’s early risers
A wondrous sight to behold
Still is the water as they head towards the Pier
And the open Estuary beyond
Where they will once more cast their nets
Hoping for shellfish of which their customers are fond
But this is a hazardous profession
For these lifelong men of the Sea
Always aware of the variant weather
Wondering how tomorrow will be
This Family have stood the test of time
Earning a living from the waters as they gently flow
Keeping up an ageing tradition
Of their relatives long ago
Dennis Shrubshall 29th August 2018
.png)
Look at the Sunrise before you
Welcoming another new day
Time for the fishermen of Leigh
To make their way down the Ray
The sky above is magnificent
A mixture of Grey, Blue and Gold
For Southend’s early risers
A wondrous sight to behold
Still is the water as they head towards the Pier
And the open Estuary beyond
Where they will once more cast their nets
Hoping for shellfish of which their customers are fond
But this is a hazardous profession
For these lifelong men of the Sea
Always aware of the variant weather
Wondering how tomorrow will be
This Family have stood the test of time
Earning a living from the waters as they gently flow
Keeping up an ageing tradition
Of their relatives long ago
Dennis Shrubshall 29th August 2018
Thanks again Shrubby and a truly wonderful pic too. Love, Kim.
I thought I'd pop a poem of mine on here which I wrote a while back. I used to do a fair bit of rhyming but haven't done anything for some time. It's been printed on another site and seemed to go fairly well so I'll chance my arm here.
DREAMS
A magic thing steals up each eve,
Some are of substance to believe,
And foretell that which we desire,
Perchance we hear a heavenly choir,
While others yet may make us weep,
And haunt us still the while we sleep,
When we awake we may recall, and tell,
Of that and how our wishes fell,
To earth, and how we cannot say,
With certainty we'd rather stay,
Deep in the bosom of our dreams,
For sleep may not be all it seems,
For dreams may be our wishes true,
Or just our minds' eyes' jaundiced view.
TC.
DREAMS
A magic thing steals up each eve,
Some are of substance to believe,
And foretell that which we desire,
Perchance we hear a heavenly choir,
While others yet may make us weep,
And haunt us still the while we sleep,
When we awake we may recall, and tell,
Of that and how our wishes fell,
To earth, and how we cannot say,
With certainty we'd rather stay,
Deep in the bosom of our dreams,
For sleep may not be all it seems,
For dreams may be our wishes true,
Or just our minds' eyes' jaundiced view.
TC.
Originally Posted by Terry Carey
Like it, Terry, thanks, Kim x
DARK BEFORE DAWN.
Autumn Came in '39
With an infamous day in September
Peace is shattered, War's declared
A day the whole World will remember
Chamberlain's failed to negotiate
Terms based on Britain's hopes
Time alone it seems will tell
How well the Nation copes
With Ration Books & Gas Masks issued
Air Raid Shelters supplied
Dug in the garden, installed in the House
So Civilian from Luftwaffe could hide
Dornier, Heinkel & Messchersmitt too
Nightly the Enemy arrived
Thousands of bombs fell like confetti
The 'planes engines screamed as they dived
Streets obliterated, Towns were destroyed
Their occupants killed or maimed
The Bulldog Spirit was resilient
Shaken, though not many complained
These attacks were finally thwarted
By our lads from the R.A.F.
And the reward most got for their efforts
Was an early and untimely Death
Searchlights Ac Ac Guns and Barrage Balloons
All played their part in this Fight
With Civil Defence and "Dads Army" Home Guard
An A.R.P. Warden shouts "Put out that Light"
The N.F.S. Firemen worked diligently
Each night as the City burns
Regularly joined by Salvation Army
With "buns" and "Tea" from their urns
Away from the Home Front the War carried on
On the Sea and the Desert as well
But Montgomery and the "8th Army"
Made sure, at Alamein, Germany fell
The Royal Navy played an important part
To guard each shipping lane
For, being an Island, we needed supplies,
Our War Effort to maintain
Wellingtons, Lancasters & Spitfires fly over
For hours each night it seems
To decimate Germany's Cities and Dams
And terminate the Fuhrers' dreams
With Britain's hopes higher, yet another threat
Slaughter rains from the Sky
Jet propelled Rockets and "Doodlebug" bombs
And once again thousands more die
But the tide of war changed with the advent of D.Day
Amidst gloom, a glimpse of the Sun
For the Allies gigantic Normandy invasion
Soon had the oppressors on the run
The War was soon over but not without cost
For many warriors never returned
PEACE came again to EUROPE
In "Blood, sweat and tears" it was earned
D. Shrubshall
21.2.95.
Autumn Came in '39
With an infamous day in September
Peace is shattered, War's declared
A day the whole World will remember
Chamberlain's failed to negotiate
Terms based on Britain's hopes
Time alone it seems will tell
How well the Nation copes
With Ration Books & Gas Masks issued
Air Raid Shelters supplied
Dug in the garden, installed in the House
So Civilian from Luftwaffe could hide
Dornier, Heinkel & Messchersmitt too
Nightly the Enemy arrived
Thousands of bombs fell like confetti
The 'planes engines screamed as they dived
Streets obliterated, Towns were destroyed
Their occupants killed or maimed
The Bulldog Spirit was resilient
Shaken, though not many complained
These attacks were finally thwarted
By our lads from the R.A.F.
And the reward most got for their efforts
Was an early and untimely Death
Searchlights Ac Ac Guns and Barrage Balloons
All played their part in this Fight
With Civil Defence and "Dads Army" Home Guard
An A.R.P. Warden shouts "Put out that Light"
The N.F.S. Firemen worked diligently
Each night as the City burns
Regularly joined by Salvation Army
With "buns" and "Tea" from their urns
Away from the Home Front the War carried on
On the Sea and the Desert as well
But Montgomery and the "8th Army"
Made sure, at Alamein, Germany fell
The Royal Navy played an important part
To guard each shipping lane
For, being an Island, we needed supplies,
Our War Effort to maintain
Wellingtons, Lancasters & Spitfires fly over
For hours each night it seems
To decimate Germany's Cities and Dams
And terminate the Fuhrers' dreams
With Britain's hopes higher, yet another threat
Slaughter rains from the Sky
Jet propelled Rockets and "Doodlebug" bombs
And once again thousands more die
But the tide of war changed with the advent of D.Day
Amidst gloom, a glimpse of the Sun
For the Allies gigantic Normandy invasion
Soon had the oppressors on the run
The War was soon over but not without cost
For many warriors never returned
PEACE came again to EUROPE
In "Blood, sweat and tears" it was earned
D. Shrubshall
21.2.95.
A rough Sea
How do you read a mind that’s confused
Or know what a person’s trying to say
Perhaps interpret a message
Arriving at any time of night or day
But expression comes in many forms
Some antiquated or feint
Others have hidden talents
Creating images with palette brush and paint
The scene above might be an example
Of a hidden thought or dream
To understand it’s meaning
Not as simple as it may seem
Maybe a mind in torment
Vividly displayed
Using many vibrant colours
Of varying hues and shade
Sunset in the Sky above tinged with Crimson
As another day starts to fade
The anger of the Sea is showing now
In deep Blue Tipped with a surf of grey
But safety is coming into view
On the Dark rock to the right not far away
But the power of the water has settled the emotional turmoil
Changing from Amber to gold
Or is this all in the mind of an Artist
Depicting Mother Nature’s wonder to behold
Dennis Shrubshall 30th September 2018
.jpg)
How do you read a mind that’s confused
Or know what a person’s trying to say
Perhaps interpret a message
Arriving at any time of night or day
But expression comes in many forms
Some antiquated or feint
Others have hidden talents
Creating images with palette brush and paint
The scene above might be an example
Of a hidden thought or dream
To understand it’s meaning
Not as simple as it may seem
Maybe a mind in torment
Vividly displayed
Using many vibrant colours
Of varying hues and shade
Sunset in the Sky above tinged with Crimson
As another day starts to fade
The anger of the Sea is showing now
In deep Blue Tipped with a surf of grey
But safety is coming into view
On the Dark rock to the right not far away
But the power of the water has settled the emotional turmoil
Changing from Amber to gold
Or is this all in the mind of an Artist
Depicting Mother Nature’s wonder to behold
Dennis Shrubshall 30th September 2018
Originally Posted by Poet –
Thanks again, Shrubby, great stuff as usual, love Kim.
Culloden Moor
Queen Anne and the House of Stuart
With no Stuart successor she was denied
So Cousin George from the House of Hanover
Took over the reign in 1714 when she died
But Charles Edward Stuart
Or the Young Pretender as sometimes known
Became the leader of the Jacobites
Anti Hanovite feelings well shown
Organising a supporting Army
To overthrow the House of Hanover
And return Stuarts to the Throne
He rallied support from Catholics and Episcopalians
From the French Irish and Manchester Regiment as well
Would their efforts at Rebellion succeed
Only time would tell
The Hanoverian Loyalists mostly Protestants
Scottish Highlanders and Lowlanders too
Even help from Prussia and Austria
To see the Battle thro
On April 16th in 1746
An horrific battle ensued
Two Armies face to face
With strategies so crude
Walking into the Artillery fire
They faced the rifles and bayonets too
The last pitched battle on British Soil
Believing their rights were true
But many men suffered and many men died
The shortest conflict relating to war
And today you’ll hear folk say
Those ghosts still wander as reminder
To the Battle of Culloden Moor
Dennis Shrubshall 5th October 2018
.jpg)
Queen Anne and the House of Stuart
With no Stuart successor she was denied
So Cousin George from the House of Hanover
Took over the reign in 1714 when she died
But Charles Edward Stuart
Or the Young Pretender as sometimes known
Became the leader of the Jacobites
Anti Hanovite feelings well shown
Organising a supporting Army
To overthrow the House of Hanover
And return Stuarts to the Throne
He rallied support from Catholics and Episcopalians
From the French Irish and Manchester Regiment as well
Would their efforts at Rebellion succeed
Only time would tell
The Hanoverian Loyalists mostly Protestants
Scottish Highlanders and Lowlanders too
Even help from Prussia and Austria
To see the Battle thro
On April 16th in 1746
An horrific battle ensued
Two Armies face to face
With strategies so crude
Walking into the Artillery fire
They faced the rifles and bayonets too
The last pitched battle on British Soil
Believing their rights were true
But many men suffered and many men died
The shortest conflict relating to war
And today you’ll hear folk say
Those ghosts still wander as reminder
To the Battle of Culloden Moor
Dennis Shrubshall 5th October 2018
Angling.
Down by the pond to pass the time
His hobby is angling it seems
Waiting for the fish to bite
Alone with his hopes and dreams
His whole world is there before him
Remembering times long past
When he would sit here as child
And then the bait he would cast
Hoping today he would have success
Maybe a fish to catch
Or seeing the reflection in the water
Of himself a perfect match
For only in such times as this
Does one get the chance in silence to review
Events that may have happened in the past
Or contemplate a future anew
Dennis Shrubshall 11th October 2018
.jpg)
Down by the pond to pass the time
His hobby is angling it seems
Waiting for the fish to bite
Alone with his hopes and dreams
His whole world is there before him
Remembering times long past
When he would sit here as child
And then the bait he would cast
Hoping today he would have success
Maybe a fish to catch
Or seeing the reflection in the water
Of himself a perfect match
For only in such times as this
Does one get the chance in silence to review
Events that may have happened in the past
Or contemplate a future anew
Dennis Shrubshall 11th October 2018
Love it Shrubby, thank you, love Kim.
Cockleshells
Blue is the sky above us
Here and there clouds Grey
Spread across to the Horizon
It seems many miles away
The water calm as pond now
On an ebbing or rising tide
And here in the foreground myriads o0f shells
The seafood they contained have now met their fate
Plucked from the Sea by the Trawlers
To fill an eagerly awaited plate
Of Seafood lover who’s weekly treat
Is a meal overlooking the Sea
And what better venue could they choose
Than eating fresh caught Cockles at Leigh
The Trawlers are at rest now
Their present days work done
And the cockle shells waiting for collection
Loaded into lorries by the ton
Transported to different sources
Maybe drainage or a building site
Recycled over the many years
Solving the fishermen’s plight
They sail the seas and cope with the weather
To fill the seafood gourmet’s plate
Never knowing what the next tide or day will bring
They just have to sit and wait
Dennis Shrubshall 15th October 2018
.jpg)
Blue is the sky above us
Here and there clouds Grey
Spread across to the Horizon
It seems many miles away
The water calm as pond now
On an ebbing or rising tide
And here in the foreground myriads o0f shells
The seafood they contained have now met their fate
Plucked from the Sea by the Trawlers
To fill an eagerly awaited plate
Of Seafood lover who’s weekly treat
Is a meal overlooking the Sea
And what better venue could they choose
Than eating fresh caught Cockles at Leigh
The Trawlers are at rest now
Their present days work done
And the cockle shells waiting for collection
Loaded into lorries by the ton
Transported to different sources
Maybe drainage or a building site
Recycled over the many years
Solving the fishermen’s plight
They sail the seas and cope with the weather
To fill the seafood gourmet’s plate
Never knowing what the next tide or day will bring
They just have to sit and wait
Dennis Shrubshall 15th October 2018
Originally Posted by Poet –
How I love your writings, Shrubby, thank you again, love Kim.
Sundown at Thorpe Bay
The ebbing tide has all gone now
Away from the boats in Thorpe Bay
Along with the Sunshine
At the closing of another glorious day
Vessels high and dry again
At their mooring lying on mud
Looking for tomorrow
When the water starts to flood
But for now peace and tranquillity
At this state of Eventide
Time for contemplation
On what the future may decide
Maybe a day out sailing
If there’s a suitable wind
Or a lazy day upon the Beach
Where other thoughts you’ll rescind
But most of all whilst studying
Such a wonderful scene
Another of Nature’s wonders
With a visual display so pristine.
Dennis Shrubshall 20th October 2018
.jpg)
The ebbing tide has all gone now
Away from the boats in Thorpe Bay
Along with the Sunshine
At the closing of another glorious day
Vessels high and dry again
At their mooring lying on mud
Looking for tomorrow
When the water starts to flood
But for now peace and tranquillity
At this state of Eventide
Time for contemplation
On what the future may decide
Maybe a day out sailing
If there’s a suitable wind
Or a lazy day upon the Beach
Where other thoughts you’ll rescind
But most of all whilst studying
Such a wonderful scene
Another of Nature’s wonders
With a visual display so pristine.
Dennis Shrubshall 20th October 2018
Hallowe’en5
It seems that at this time of year
People’s minds may wander
They search for all the big Pumpkins
From here, there and yonder
But through their incompetence
Whilst taking on the task
Of cutting and carving me
To form yet another Mask
So now I’m on a Hospital bed
With smoke burning in my belly
And a head that suffered candle burns
And my legs just feel like jelly
So when next you buy a Pumpkin
Perhaps you’ll think of me
Just a normally happy Pumpkin
But now I lie here in agony
AAAwwww!!!!!
Dennis Shrubshall 1st November 2017
.jpg)
It seems that at this time of year
People’s minds may wander
They search for all the big Pumpkins
From here, there and yonder
But through their incompetence
Whilst taking on the task
Of cutting and carving me
To form yet another Mask
So now I’m on a Hospital bed
With smoke burning in my belly
And a head that suffered candle burns
And my legs just feel like jelly
So when next you buy a Pumpkin
Perhaps you’ll think of me
Just a normally happy Pumpkin
But now I lie here in agony
AAAwwww!!!!!
Dennis Shrubshall 1st November 2017
Originally Posted by Poet –
Hi Dennis - how sad is this ??
Originally Posted by Poet –
Of course you mustn't delete it Dennis - my earlier reply was said with tongue in cheek !!!!
Originally Posted by Poet –
Hi Dennis - can't believe I am your only fan as you have had so many viewings. Goodnight and let's hear some more from you soon, love Kim x
Hallowe’en 4
We’ll walk away from the bright lights
And see what we can find
Leaving all the cares and worries
Of a tiring day behind
And as we walk ever aware
On the tree lined Park ahead
There’s an eerie glow of Orange
Where people seldom tread
But at this time of Hallowe’en
We’re moving forward with care
Wondering what we might find
When we are eventually there
Surprise surprise at what we see all around
Dancing and singing hail & hearty
A gathering of Happy Pumpkins
Having their own private Hallowe’en Party
Dennis Shrubshall 31st October 2017
.jpg)
We’ll walk away from the bright lights
And see what we can find
Leaving all the cares and worries
Of a tiring day behind
And as we walk ever aware
On the tree lined Park ahead
There’s an eerie glow of Orange
Where people seldom tread
But at this time of Hallowe’en
We’re moving forward with care
Wondering what we might find
When we are eventually there
Surprise surprise at what we see all around
Dancing and singing hail & hearty
A gathering of Happy Pumpkins
Having their own private Hallowe’en Party
Dennis Shrubshall 31st October 2017
Originally Posted by Poet –
Thank you again, Shrubby. Just need a couple of bevvies to go with it. Love Kim x
Hallowe'en
I'm just an ordinary Pumpkin
That people like to buy
And then they peel and scrape me
And put me in a pie
But at this time of year it's different
As biggest ones are saught
I'm lying on the back of the stall
Cos I shudder at the thought
Of someone carving me about
And glowering over the task
To eventually turn me into
One horrific mask
To celebrate Hallowe'en and frighten
I think it's so unkind
Especially when they finish
And place the big candle up my behind lol
Dennis Shrubshall 31st October 2015
.jpg)
I'm just an ordinary Pumpkin
That people like to buy
And then they peel and scrape me
And put me in a pie
But at this time of year it's different
As biggest ones are saught
I'm lying on the back of the stall
Cos I shudder at the thought
Of someone carving me about
And glowering over the task
To eventually turn me into
One horrific mask
To celebrate Hallowe'en and frighten
I think it's so unkind
Especially when they finish
And place the big candle up my behind lol
Dennis Shrubshall 31st October 2015
Originally Posted by Poet –
Ouch !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Welsh Memories
Close your eyes if you will now
And come back with me now in time
Think if you can of the Welsh hills and valleys
As places of leisure to walk or climb
Now look above like a ghost from the past
With a darkening sky of Grey
Lancaster Bombers flying overhead
And lads from Aircrew making their way
Through Poppy Fields of Green and Red
Is it all part of a memory anew
Or even a part of a long lost dream
That perhaps we’re passing through
For over these hills in W W 2
Several planes were known to have crashed
The remains of the debris lies untouched
At the sites where into the ground they smashed
Sadly many of the crews were lost
But gladly some crews did survive
Returning to duty at their various stations
Happy to fly again and alive
Imagine if you will the noise of the engines
Flying over the crew below
Were they in fact lucky survivors of the crash
Or yet more victims of War, we may never know
The tangled mess that lies in those fields
Bedecked with a flag as a sign
That this wreckage lies as a permanent Memorial
To become an unforgettable Shrine
Dennis Shrubshall 6th November 2018
.jpg)
Close your eyes if you will now
And come back with me now in time
Think if you can of the Welsh hills and valleys
As places of leisure to walk or climb
Now look above like a ghost from the past
With a darkening sky of Grey
Lancaster Bombers flying overhead
And lads from Aircrew making their way
Through Poppy Fields of Green and Red
Is it all part of a memory anew
Or even a part of a long lost dream
That perhaps we’re passing through
For over these hills in W W 2
Several planes were known to have crashed
The remains of the debris lies untouched
At the sites where into the ground they smashed
Sadly many of the crews were lost
But gladly some crews did survive
Returning to duty at their various stations
Happy to fly again and alive
Imagine if you will the noise of the engines
Flying over the crew below
Were they in fact lucky survivors of the crash
Or yet more victims of War, we may never know
The tangled mess that lies in those fields
Bedecked with a flag as a sign
That this wreckage lies as a permanent Memorial
To become an unforgettable Shrine
Dennis Shrubshall 6th November 2018
Originally Posted by Poet –
Thank you again Shrubby, this is really moving. Love Kim x
The Poppy Fields of Flanders
The Poppy fields are silent now
In Flanders so faraway
Absent from many people’s minds
Except on Remembrance Day
When thoughts once again re-open
On sad & treasured Memories they keep
Of those who gave their lives in battle
So that we and others might sleep
In peace and free from constant threat
Of terrorism or oppression
Whether here within these shores
The British Isles our patriotic possession
“There’ll always be an England
And England shall stay free”
That freedom cost so many lives
Which sadly some find difficult to see
So as we gaze across those Flanders Fields
With Poppies like a huge soft carpet of Red
A constant reminder to the World at large
Of all the wounded and those still lying there dead
Who fought the fight with all their might
Without thought for the devastating tragic cost
They paid with their personal Supreme Sacrifice
These were the thousands of young lives that were lost
Dennis Shrubshall 2nd November 2015
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The Poppy fields are silent now
In Flanders so faraway
Absent from many people’s minds
Except on Remembrance Day
When thoughts once again re-open
On sad & treasured Memories they keep
Of those who gave their lives in battle
So that we and others might sleep
In peace and free from constant threat
Of terrorism or oppression
Whether here within these shores
The British Isles our patriotic possession
“There’ll always be an England
And England shall stay free”
That freedom cost so many lives
Which sadly some find difficult to see
So as we gaze across those Flanders Fields
With Poppies like a huge soft carpet of Red
A constant reminder to the World at large
Of all the wounded and those still lying there dead
Who fought the fight with all their might
Without thought for the devastating tragic cost
They paid with their personal Supreme Sacrifice
These were the thousands of young lives that were lost
Dennis Shrubshall 2nd November 2015
Originally Posted by Poet –
This says it all, Shrubby, thanks again. Love Kim x
Ladies at War.
When a country is faced with aggression
Such as happened in 1939
It made everybody sit up and think
And brought men and women in to line
For everyone knows of how the men went to War
Leaving wives and children at home
But the ladies had to play their part as well
No longer on shopping soiree’s they could roam
Many opted to join the Military
And wear Khaki or the 2 shades of Blue
But others choice was Nursing or the Land Army
Roles important to the Country too
For the Land Girls had to carry out the tasks
The Farm labourers left behind
When they went to fight for their country
Which is how their spirit was defined
There were ladies driving Buses
And conductresses as well
Even Ladies of the Salvation Army
What tales they had to tell
In their Uniforms were the A T S
The W A A F’s and Little Jenny W R N
Fighting the War in the different ways
Until Peace came once again
So when we stand in silence
In remembrance of Military victims of War
We must also remember the ladies too
Whose importance nobody foresaw
Picture these ladies now standing together
In Poppy fields with Lancasters overhead
As though in a dream of long ago
Whilst the Service is being read
So let us remember all who served their country
At the going down of the Sun
Many gave their tomorrow for our today
We remember them each and every one
Dennis Shrubshall 10th November 2018
.jpg)
When a country is faced with aggression
Such as happened in 1939
It made everybody sit up and think
And brought men and women in to line
For everyone knows of how the men went to War
Leaving wives and children at home
But the ladies had to play their part as well
No longer on shopping soiree’s they could roam
Many opted to join the Military
And wear Khaki or the 2 shades of Blue
But others choice was Nursing or the Land Army
Roles important to the Country too
For the Land Girls had to carry out the tasks
The Farm labourers left behind
When they went to fight for their country
Which is how their spirit was defined
There were ladies driving Buses
And conductresses as well
Even Ladies of the Salvation Army
What tales they had to tell
In their Uniforms were the A T S
The W A A F’s and Little Jenny W R N
Fighting the War in the different ways
Until Peace came once again
So when we stand in silence
In remembrance of Military victims of War
We must also remember the ladies too
Whose importance nobody foresaw
Picture these ladies now standing together
In Poppy fields with Lancasters overhead
As though in a dream of long ago
Whilst the Service is being read
So let us remember all who served their country
At the going down of the Sun
Many gave their tomorrow for our today
We remember them each and every one
Dennis Shrubshall 10th November 2018
Originally Posted by Poet –
Thank you again Shrubby, we will remember them. Love Kim x
Breakfast in Oz.
The table’s set here in Orstraylya
As anyone can see
It’s the way we like our breakfast
Which we eat with impunity
There’s always something nice upon yer plate
And a couple of bits on the side
Placed in their separate dishes
Left for the diet conscious to hide
But I expect if we really fancy
To start with porridge
Or even some old cornflakes
‘Cos here in dear ole Ozzie land
Yer have what yer fancy takes
Not like those POHMS I know
With much intrepidation
Always start with Shredded Wheat
And an English Breakfast big enough to feed a nation
But wherever you are I guess what matters
Is to satisfy one’s appetite
And enjoy the meal before you
That’s Fair Dinkum and only right
To say a big thank you to the lady of the house
Without making her feel contrite
Dennis Shrubshall 24th November 2018
.jpg)
The table’s set here in Orstraylya
As anyone can see
It’s the way we like our breakfast
Which we eat with impunity
There’s always something nice upon yer plate
And a couple of bits on the side
Placed in their separate dishes
Left for the diet conscious to hide
But I expect if we really fancy
To start with porridge
Or even some old cornflakes
‘Cos here in dear ole Ozzie land
Yer have what yer fancy takes
Not like those POHMS I know
With much intrepidation
Always start with Shredded Wheat
And an English Breakfast big enough to feed a nation
But wherever you are I guess what matters
Is to satisfy one’s appetite
And enjoy the meal before you
That’s Fair Dinkum and only right
To say a big thank you to the lady of the house
Without making her feel contrite
Dennis Shrubshall 24th November 2018
Lovely stuff, Shrubby, whatever takes yer fancy !! Thanks again, love Kim x
The British Soldier
He left the shores of his homeland
In the service of the Queen
And as we headed out in the Channel
Behind us the White Cliffs of Dover seen
For the last time perhaps
In many a day, or even months or years
As he gazed at the wake behind him
In his eyes were just a few tears
A soldier he’d always wanted to be
Since a lad it had been his dream
To put on his boots and battledress
And be part of an Army team
Ready to fight for the right to be free
Of oppression and rid the terrorist threat
The task that lay before him
He’d not comprehended yet
Although he’d trained for many a month
At last he’d be put to the test
Fighting a foe on foreign soil
No quarter given to come out the best
But when we arrived at the foreign shores
We could hear the gunfire rattle
From Tanks and forward Artillery
Very soon we would join the battle
And now this lad just 18 years old
Witnessed war for the very first time
The heat, the hate ,the torment
The smell, the noise and the grime
The terror as shells pass close over head
Their target too distant to see
But then a roar and a scream and a bang
Retaliation and our first casualty
It was his mate who had caught the fatal blast
Who he’d known not a month nor more
And they’d come here to practice what they had learnt
Then he died on a foreign shore
It was afterwards written by one of his mates
Don’t bury him here in this land
But lay him to rest in the pleasant green pastures
Where his childhood dreams were all planned.
Dennis Shrubshall 22nd February 2007
.jpg)
He left the shores of his homeland
In the service of the Queen
And as we headed out in the Channel
Behind us the White Cliffs of Dover seen
For the last time perhaps
In many a day, or even months or years
As he gazed at the wake behind him
In his eyes were just a few tears
A soldier he’d always wanted to be
Since a lad it had been his dream
To put on his boots and battledress
And be part of an Army team
Ready to fight for the right to be free
Of oppression and rid the terrorist threat
The task that lay before him
He’d not comprehended yet
Although he’d trained for many a month
At last he’d be put to the test
Fighting a foe on foreign soil
No quarter given to come out the best
But when we arrived at the foreign shores
We could hear the gunfire rattle
From Tanks and forward Artillery
Very soon we would join the battle
And now this lad just 18 years old
Witnessed war for the very first time
The heat, the hate ,the torment
The smell, the noise and the grime
The terror as shells pass close over head
Their target too distant to see
But then a roar and a scream and a bang
Retaliation and our first casualty
It was his mate who had caught the fatal blast
Who he’d known not a month nor more
And they’d come here to practice what they had learnt
Then he died on a foreign shore
It was afterwards written by one of his mates
Don’t bury him here in this land
But lay him to rest in the pleasant green pastures
Where his childhood dreams were all planned.
Dennis Shrubshall 22nd February 2007
Thank you again for this Shrubby, love Kim x
Check out.
Now Angel's a treasure
With the things that she'll write
It's an idea that comes to her
As she lays sleepless at night
She tosses and turns
To get the right theme
Then gets up to her laptop
And the cats are o the scene
Shall she just write about them
Or a day at her work
Or a new recipe for the kitchen
Cos' she'll never shirk
But the supermarket has grabbed her
And will not let go
Till on the screen before her
There's something to show
To dear Hubby Bryan
The reason she early arose
Can you get me a Coffee darling
And put on some clothes
Cos if the Mailman comes early
And the door you open you just might
Have another situation to solve
As the mailman has fainted at the sight
Of a scantily dressed lady collecting her mail
Thought it over quickly
And found her dressing gown without fail
So the moral of this story
If one you should need
Get your shopping done early
And leave the check out at speed.
Dennis Shrubshall 7th December 2018
.jpg)
Now Angel's a treasure
With the things that she'll write
It's an idea that comes to her
As she lays sleepless at night
She tosses and turns
To get the right theme
Then gets up to her laptop
And the cats are o the scene
Shall she just write about them
Or a day at her work
Or a new recipe for the kitchen
Cos' she'll never shirk
But the supermarket has grabbed her
And will not let go
Till on the screen before her
There's something to show
To dear Hubby Bryan
The reason she early arose
Can you get me a Coffee darling
And put on some clothes
Cos if the Mailman comes early
And the door you open you just might
Have another situation to solve
As the mailman has fainted at the sight
Of a scantily dressed lady collecting her mail
Thought it over quickly
And found her dressing gown without fail
So the moral of this story
If one you should need
Get your shopping done early
And leave the check out at speed.
Dennis Shrubshall 7th December 2018
Another lovely one, Shrubby, thank you, love Kim x
The Firm’s Christmas Party
Now once again the time has come
The Season of Good Cheer
And the mandatory Office Party
With Food and Wine and Beer
So now I’m out of the shower
I’ve got to look my best
When I join all my fellow workers
For this year’s Xmas Fest
I’ve telephoned for a Taxi
To save dear Hubby the chore
Of taking me to my night out
Like he’s done so many times before
So by the time that I arrived at the Restaurant
The party was in full swing
All the girls were dancing
And the men the usual thing
Knocking back pint after pint
Instead of drinking in moderation
By the way they seem to be chucking them down
It’s like they’re drinking for the Nation
But us Ladies we are more in control
At the moment anyway
But what might happen later
It’s very hard to say
The beer and wine is flowing nicely
And underneath the Mistletoe the girls are getting kissed
But some of the men hands are wandering
And some girls tell them to desist
But as we all know it is inevitable that someone goes over the top
Out of his brains, carries on until he’s told to stop
But generally everyone’s enjoying themselves
As most of them know the score
Sing up drink up and be merry my lads
Cos that’s what the Party’s for
And as the evening comes to a close
The Management call out loud and clear
I trust you’ve all enjoyed yourselves
Merry Christmas and see you all next Year .
Dennis Shrubshall 7th December 2009.
Xmas Day in the workhouse
It was Xmas Day in the workhouse
Just past the hour of three
When in walked a man in his Santa Gear
He was "P!!!!ed" as a newt could be
The children all eyed him with surprise
His Wife looked at him with utter disgrace
He just smiled and muttered Merry Xmas everyone
Tripped over the dog and fell flat on his face
But being a retired and ancient Mariner
He's soon on his feet and making amends
And joined them celebrating Xmas at Dinner
Mum & Dad and the Family all best of friends
Dennis Shrubshall
Now once again the time has come
The Season of Good Cheer
And the mandatory Office Party
With Food and Wine and Beer
So now I’m out of the shower
I’ve got to look my best
When I join all my fellow workers
For this year’s Xmas Fest
I’ve telephoned for a Taxi
To save dear Hubby the chore
Of taking me to my night out
Like he’s done so many times before
So by the time that I arrived at the Restaurant
The party was in full swing
All the girls were dancing
And the men the usual thing
Knocking back pint after pint
Instead of drinking in moderation
By the way they seem to be chucking them down
It’s like they’re drinking for the Nation
But us Ladies we are more in control
At the moment anyway
But what might happen later
It’s very hard to say
The beer and wine is flowing nicely
And underneath the Mistletoe the girls are getting kissed
But some of the men hands are wandering
And some girls tell them to desist
But as we all know it is inevitable that someone goes over the top
Out of his brains, carries on until he’s told to stop
But generally everyone’s enjoying themselves
As most of them know the score
Sing up drink up and be merry my lads
Cos that’s what the Party’s for
And as the evening comes to a close
The Management call out loud and clear
I trust you’ve all enjoyed yourselves
Merry Christmas and see you all next Year .
Dennis Shrubshall 7th December 2009.
Xmas Day in the workhouse
It was Xmas Day in the workhouse
Just past the hour of three
When in walked a man in his Santa Gear
He was "P!!!!ed" as a newt could be
The children all eyed him with surprise
His Wife looked at him with utter disgrace
He just smiled and muttered Merry Xmas everyone
Tripped over the dog and fell flat on his face
But being a retired and ancient Mariner
He's soon on his feet and making amends
And joined them celebrating Xmas at Dinner
Mum & Dad and the Family all best of friends
Dennis Shrubshall
Thanks again for these Shrubby, Merry Christmas to you and yours, love Kim xx
Made me smile
A Scottish Fairy
I am a wee little fairy
On tap o’ the Christmas tree
It’s no’ a job I fancy
Well how would you like tae be me
A' tarted up wi’ tinsel
It’s enough to mak ye boak
An a couple of jaggy branches
Rammed up the back o’ your frock.
An these wee lights a’ roon me
I canna get my sleep
An’ there’s the yearly visit
Fae Santa – big fat creep.
On Christmas Day I’m stuck up here
While you’re wiring in
An’ naebodoy says, Hey you up there
Could you go a slug o’gin?
The Christmas Tree’s a bonney sight
As the firelight softly flickers
But think o’me – I’m stuck up here
Wi’ needles in my knickers.
Anon
A Scottish Fairy
I am a wee little fairy
On tap o’ the Christmas tree
It’s no’ a job I fancy
Well how would you like tae be me
A' tarted up wi’ tinsel
It’s enough to mak ye boak
An a couple of jaggy branches
Rammed up the back o’ your frock.
An these wee lights a’ roon me
I canna get my sleep
An’ there’s the yearly visit
Fae Santa – big fat creep.
On Christmas Day I’m stuck up here
While you’re wiring in
An’ naebodoy says, Hey you up there
Could you go a slug o’gin?
The Christmas Tree’s a bonney sight
As the firelight softly flickers
But think o’me – I’m stuck up here
Wi’ needles in my knickers.
Anon
Originally Posted by Poet –
Made me smile too, Shrubby, thanks again.
The Xmas Fairy
I sometimes sit and wonder
Why folks seldom think of me
Cos I’m just a Xmas Fairy
To stand atop the Xmas tree
I’m looking all around me
At the different array of lights
Hanging by the Xmas cards
But they’re turned off at nights
So I just stand here daily
With baubles all around
Present piled beneath me
And the Xmas Carols sound
The Children all adore me
Especially the little Girls
They like my fashionable Fairy Dress
My pretty face and hair with curls
I sometimes think of why I stand
Precariously propped up high
Maybe away from the owners dog
That occasionally walks by
But nobody ever speaks to me
Not even Santa on Xmas Eve
He just walks in with bulging sack
Which under the tree He’ll leave
Then Xmas Day I’ll stand and watch
As the presents are opened wide
By excited Children & parents
To see just what’s inside
And later on the Family meal
Turkey and Tinsel so they say
Accompanied of course by Xmas Pudding’
And Mince pies on this Special Day
I nearly forgot the glasses of wine
Supplied by the genial Host
And during the meal the glasses are raised
And “ A Happy Xmas Everyone” is the toast
With all the activity going on
Nobody seems to think of me
For I’m just a lonely little Xmas Fairy
Stuck on top of the Xmas Tree
Dennis Shrubshall 15th December 2012
.jpg)
I sometimes sit and wonder
Why folks seldom think of me
Cos I’m just a Xmas Fairy
To stand atop the Xmas tree
I’m looking all around me
At the different array of lights
Hanging by the Xmas cards
But they’re turned off at nights
So I just stand here daily
With baubles all around
Present piled beneath me
And the Xmas Carols sound
The Children all adore me
Especially the little Girls
They like my fashionable Fairy Dress
My pretty face and hair with curls
I sometimes think of why I stand
Precariously propped up high
Maybe away from the owners dog
That occasionally walks by
But nobody ever speaks to me
Not even Santa on Xmas Eve
He just walks in with bulging sack
Which under the tree He’ll leave
Then Xmas Day I’ll stand and watch
As the presents are opened wide
By excited Children & parents
To see just what’s inside
And later on the Family meal
Turkey and Tinsel so they say
Accompanied of course by Xmas Pudding’
And Mince pies on this Special Day
I nearly forgot the glasses of wine
Supplied by the genial Host
And during the meal the glasses are raised
And “ A Happy Xmas Everyone” is the toast
With all the activity going on
Nobody seems to think of me
For I’m just a lonely little Xmas Fairy
Stuck on top of the Xmas Tree
Dennis Shrubshall 15th December 2012
A Scottish Fairy - This couldn't have been written by a Jock, unless it was a Jock with no sense of the Jockanese language. The first line "I am a wee little fairy" is no right. Contrary to popular belief, wee in Jockanese means little so the fairy here is a little little fairy.
Oh! just had a thought. It might well be right. You just can't say "I am a wee wee fairy."
Happy Christmas
Oh! just had a thought. It might well be right. You just can't say "I am a wee wee fairy."
Happy Christmas
Originally Posted by Murray Whyte
Quite right Murray - tautologies are not welcome in 'Jockanese' or 'English as she is spoke' either. I have read a poem which is very close to the above but the last verse is rather more pointed. The second line ends with the word 'farce' and the fourth and last line ends - 'Wi' a pine tree up yer airse.'