It's a place where silence
has the loudest voice
from those who lie there
though not by choice
...
Sweetest of Isles I look at thee
nestled in yonder turbulent sea
shining like diamonds every day
guarding the entrance of the bay
...
Ribbon and tinsel, holly and berry
it's the festive season, time to make merry
there's cards and presents, snow on the ground
carols in church make an angelic sound.
...
Creeping merrily twix affable leaf
in search of her morning aperitif
this vision with the brightest of eye
smiles as she teases the Sun in the sky.
...
Wee sleek thrower of the soil
under the ground you're made to toil
on heaps of earth we see your stamp
on meadow and wood where're you camp
...
How could one lay the blame
on such a contorted frame
who, from whatever angle
looks completely in a tangle
...
I like to think I'm a sociable girl
who, every once in a while
would venture out for a twirl
with friends down the aisle.
...
My green and glossy leaves adorn
scarlet flowers on an Autumn morn
while above the sky looks bleak
and meadow grass is now antique.
...
These flowers were such a surprise
sitting astride every stout sheaved leaf
coloured orange to complete this disguise
of this exciting before after dinner aperitif.
...
Beware of this bird who peeps through leaf
he's a restless soul and full of mischief
a handsome charmer a real ladies man
blessed with keeping things spick and span.
...
They're always there, even
when its bleak and bare,
pecking away at this and that
foraging in their little grey hat.
...
Beside the sea you fill your roll
where the laughter of children
ignites your soul, and
your clustered heads warm and cosy
...
Most brazen of plants, from the bowels of time
resolved to leave your bounty of grime
how complacent men dread the birth
of this relentless scourge of the earth
...
When dark clouds come you close your eyes
and hide away from butterflies
who like you do not like rain, and sometimes
think life is a pain
...
Arrayed in a dress of shamrock green
she brightens up the woodland scene
and makes you dream of the Emerald Isle
where mountains stretch mile after mile
...
With her in your garden your heart will melt
as she comes with pride from the land of the Celt
and makes you dream of mountains and song
with waterfalls singing as you amble along
...
As you gaze upon the hidden treasures
of Creation
wisdom will enter your heart
and knowledge your soul
...
Flower of pure maidens, unspoiled and sound
upright and imposing wherever you are found.
on many wastelands looked the reiver to
seek your help for sickness and fever
...
This flower of butter as unwanted as a cold
gathers her troops for a mission so bold
she deploys them to her left and right
secure in mind and ready for the fight
...
How fair is this sweet Flower of the Moon
with custard eyes that make you swoon
and eye lids of white with an enticing flutter
making the senses stagger and stutter
...
I am 86 and a keen wildlife and nature poet and photographer I live in Blyth on the North East coast of England I also spend a lot of my time in Dumfries and Galloway where I lived for 11 years after I retired from the building industry. my poetry is quite broad, from birds, flowers, religion to boyhood memories I also greatly admire the works of John Clare our greatest nature poet I apologize for writing in rhyme as I believe that is the true basis of poetry the rest to me are just short stories (how sad is that folks) these poems have been in a drawer for more than 12 years so I thought it was about time I shared them. Best Regards John (called Jack) Wren)
A Rose Now Grows
It's a place where silence
has the loudest voice
from those who lie there
though not by choice
A place where old swivel head
from the belfry stares
down upon them
with no more cares
And the dewy mist falls
where generations abide
drenching all, who take
the last ride
And from the soil beside
an ageing Church door
a Rose now grows
where none grew before
Grown from the heart
of a Maiden below
only for the eyes
of her loving Beau.