The first a short one for the birthday of my sweet granddaughter Tilly (Natalie Mary Matthews):
And Tilly’s 8
Eight years old Tilly has reached
So much of life yet to be breached.
A lot of fun to be enthusiastically had
Though some days are still sure to be sad.
We hope for you that most times are good
Wherever it is that you are stood.
Whatever, for now just have a great day
A good time for all that’s what we say.
Happy 8th birthday Tilly from BaBa and Pop
2-8-24
Then a general holiday poem:
On Holiday
Time spent relaxing
And touring around
Away from home
Across the country we roam.
Our dogs a little puzzled
By the regular changes
Happy when we stop
As on relatives we drop.
But soon off we go
On the road again
Travelling very far
Days and days in the car.
But some longer stays
After the long drives
Somewhere we can rest
Driving not such a test.
Brian Matthews 11-8-24
And embracing the reaching of a warmer climate:
The Tropics Reached
In the tropics at last
A long journey, not fast
Shorts and T shirts now
Warmer clothes in the bag we throw.
The tang of cane fields burning
Around the corner at each turning
A rich green landscape all around
No lack of water to be found.
A small camping place here
A very nice place to have a beer
The little dogs happy to have a break
As a brief rest from driving we take.
Off again tomorrow we are
Many more hours in the car
Before our final destination
Having crossed half the nation.
Brian Matthews 18-8-24
Reaching our final destination:
Arrival
A very quiet campsite at first
Our ultimate destination at last
Now a weekend does arrive
Into the park the families drive.
The weather mild to warm
As young ones around the place swarm
On scooters and on a bike
Off to the swimming area they hike.
In the background the birds sing
Long legged ones investigate everything
Hopeful for a special treat
Or just anything they might eat.
Sitting reading for a while
Taking it all in with a smile
Soon to head off yet again
Exploring the interesting terrain.
Brian Matthews 24-8-24
A poem on my own birthday:
Birthday Reflections
Another birthday has come
And to the pub we’ve gone
An extra special meal for me
Provided by dear family.
Now relaxing at the park
Where all the birds I hark
Pleasant tweeting all around
Amongst the harsher cockatoo sound.
For 73 years I now have been
On this Earth and much I’ve seen
But questions I still have a pile
I think the answer’s in a smile.
Those brief exchanges that we see
Wherever it is that people be
Whenever one catches another’s attention
Too brief to usually deserve a mention.
Brian Matthews 28-8-24
The sighting of a platypus in the wild. What a treat:
A Platypus
A platypus in the wild
Not seen that since I was a child
Swimming around and round
Until some food it’s found.
Then a deep, deep dive
Gobbling some food to help it thrive
A special way of detecting prey
Electric currents so they say.
Happy I was to see this sight
Talked about it into the night
I may not ever see one again
Our impact on the environment to blame.
Brian Matthews 31-8-24
Pondering the future after Father’s Day
Pondering the future
Another Father’s Day gone
This one without my Sons and Daughter
One now no longer here
The others half a country away.
The ties that bind are strong
But can be stretched
And even sometimes broken
But the love still remains.
And so I ponder the future
Counting the pennies
Wondering if they will last
Without a major change.
My belly churns
My thoughts fly around
This way or that?
The path ahead unclear.
Brian Matthews 2-9-24
And, finally for this post, I’m not usually one for portents of the future but….
Signs of Change?
First a broken door handle
The caravan needing repair
Then a chip in the windscreen
Spreading rapidly now.
Then my little pigeon friend
Sitting on my shoulder
Pacing around unafraid
Looking this way and that.
A curlew joining in
Watching for a treat
This place speaking to me
Asking me to remain?
Maybe I’m going ‘troppo’
Though the weather is mild
Not due to the heat
But maybe the location?
I have so much at home
Though maybe change is due
It would be tough to leave
Life is always full of possibilities.
Brian Matthews 2-9-24
Brian’s Reflections 