Learning

Learning, learning, learning, still
Will it ever end?

"I don't think so" said my Guide
"I was on the earth a long time
And I've been in Heaven a long time
And I'm still learning"

Interested, I asked him
"What do you learn?"
"Everything" he said
"When?" I asked
"Always" he answered

"How much is there left to learn?" I asked
"How much do you want to learn?" he answered
"As much as I can" I said, smiling
"We'll learn together" he answered

Learning, learning, learning, still
May it never end!

An English Saturday

It's Saturday, that means one thing
For my dear mum and me
Some yummy cake, some good coffee
A pot of Earl Grey tea

'Hi Vee' says Barry, 'Hello, mum
What will it be today?
The cheesecake's good, and so's the pie
Whose turn is it to pay?'

We choose the pie and take our seats
It's here we get our rest
We munch our pie, and drink our drinks
And chat about our quest

Today we look for mum's new coat
We've searched the town already
One place is left for us to try
Our search is slow and steady

The coffee's good, it's hot and strong
I think I'll have another
'O.K. Vee, it's coming up
Now, what about your mother?'

The waitresses all know us too
Our visits here are frequent
We love the shop, the food, the tea
The service always excellent

This coffee shop is 'olde worlde'
We love it just this way
It's pleasant here to sit and chat
So here, a while, we stay

When time has come to say goodbye
We head back to the shops
We find the coat, some shoes, a hat
We're tired, fit to drop

One more job awaits us yet
A visit that we love
Our Pannier Market, full of  veg
Antiques, and books and stuff

Our Saturdays would not be done
Without our market veggie run
Bananas, carrotts, apples too
They taste just great, and good for you!

The stalls are full of local goods
All grown or made in Devon
The fruit is juicy, eggs free range
The cream is made in heaven!

Of course my favourite stall holder
Sells flowers on her stall
So there I stop and buy a bunch
Fresh flowers for the hall

I run mum home, we say goodbye
"I'll call you in the week'
An English daughter and her mum
Whose company I seek.

Joy of Life

Three dog pals on summer dog walk with author

The joy of life is every day

It's little things and big

It's sunny days, it's rainy days

It's picnics with the kids

The trick to loving life, we know

Is looking for the good

In every situation find

The blessings that we should

Cancelled dates, give us more time

For thought and contemplation

For sending thoughts of love and peace

Across this whole, great, nation

Spilt milk gives us good reason

To wash the kitchen floor

Empty cake tins mean time spent

Enjoying baking more

Rainy days mean reading books

Calls made and letters sent

Sunny days mean lunches out

And time with good friends spent

Joy is there for us to find

In almost every day

Search for it and you will find

You're glad you think this way

Joy of life is not reserved

For optimists like me

It's yours to have, so take the time

Enjoy your life, it's free!

Remember Me for I live on

The grass is green, the sky is blue, the sun shines overhead
I walk around our cemetary and think of those now dead
Fresh flowers cut, and some in pots, are placed where loved ones rest
Though passed away, remembered still, these ones are truly blessed

I walk around well ordered paths, it's here I take my ease
My eyes drink in the peaceful scene, the birds, the grass, the trees
These trees are old and very big, they've seen a lot of things
And squirrels play amongst their leaves and birds here rest their wings

Here people come to pay respect, to say 'hello, I'm here'
They come to bring back memories of loved ones once so dear
And people pause, and people pray and people smile and cry
I see it all, upon my walks, as I go strolling by

These loved ones are the lucky ones, their graves are well attended
And yes, I know, that they are gone, their spirits have ascended
But they look on, I'm sure of that, I'm sure they know and smile
I think they too pay visits here and rest here for a while

I hope that when my time has come, I'll rest in such as this
A placed filled up with peace and love, I hope that I'll be missed
I don't want you to grieve for me, although I'll miss your face
I know you will put flowers here, to bless this hallowed place.

I believe that though we leave the earth when our time's come
That we go on, and think on this, our lives are more than one
Yes, we miss you, and you miss us, but we may meet again
This faith I have, allows a smile to come right through the pain

Happy Homes

What is it that we're looking for?
What do we long for most?
For money, power, fame, or love?
Or happy, peaceful, homes?

It seems we long for days gone by
Because we feel they had
A happy home, a sense of ties
Committed Mum and Dad

A feeling of security
Seems missing in these days
Excitement and adventure
Try to lure us away

A home is somewhere you feel safe
It's filled with love and laughter
A home has family and pets
And 'happy ever after'

You know, you can create your home
Wherever you may live
A home comes from within your heart
It's where your love you give

A home-cooked meal at end of day
Shows family you care
Creating good relationships
As your own day you share

The dinner table should be used
For bonding family ties
Each member sharing things they've done
Conversation with the pies!

And even those who live alone
Can happy homes create
The atmosphere within your home
Is yours alone to make.