Teacup of Life

Teacup of life, when overflowing

Altruistically bathing those in our wake. 

As it flows over, so too it runs dry

Aquiesce, slow down, lest serenity we forsake

Treadmill of life, a joy to behold

take time to balance the pace

Gathering speed beyond our scope?

Rest a while each task to face

Spirit and energy drive us on

Sharing, loving, caring acts

Faith would confirm our compassion, yet

Denial would shade us from fact!

Silence, silence drowns out the noise

For a time this is meant to be

Quiet realisation as I approach

A time to reflect. A time for me...

Precious grandchild

Our grandchild, so precious is born

Hungry for air, makes his arrival 

Perfectly formed, he gasps then he cries

A new life begins dependent for survival

The newborn child so fragile and loved

Has waited so long to appear

We marvel at this miracle so perfect

Gods handiwork and now he is here

Into this world he's delivered

Such excitement and happiness, such joy

Much loving anticipation

Now he's here our new baby boy

Rocky Mountaineer

All aboard the Rocky Mountaineer

A warm welcome by the team

Sky’s the limit for this scenic route

Across the great divide, we lean.

White water rapids, an awesome rush

Power of water, enough to crush

Whatever happens in its’ wake

Logs or humans it can take!

Each town and vista greets the train

people waving as we pass

Surprising us and we’re shocked at

An odd young buck showing his ass!!!

Tireless service by the team

Who aim to plead all the while

Just ask if you don’t have what you need

They always go the extra mile.

First day over and we say

“Hats off to this Organisation”

For near perfect timings and luggage drops

On this Canada Day Celebration

Alaskan Wildlife

Wildlife spotting on open water

Birdlife, deer, whales and bear 

Catch a glimpse of movement quickly

Lest your eyes deceive you there

Black bear near the edge of river

Young one hovers bravely near

Awaiting gifts of mothers hunting

Fish a plenty, fallow deer

Flotsam casting hopeful shadows

Make believe a whale you see!

Ever sanguine of the sightings

Revealed this moment watch in glee!

Orcas, Humpbacks feeding frenzy

In fish-rich cold Alaskan sea

Replenish blubber lost when birthing;

Few months before returning there 

Oh the glory of the waters

Vast the ripples of the sea

The wake revealed by sailing vessels

Wonder of nature's family

My soul at home so close to ocean

Drifting thoughts my mind does see

Peaceful, mountains, forests, icecaps

Nature's beauty there for me

Farewell Dearest Russ

Our friend is in God's garden

Tending to the flowers

Just as he would have done

If life was in his power

His love of all things nature

The birds, the bees and trees

Instilled as much wonderment

As his young children at his knees

Ephemeral is the Queen of the Night

Russ shared his love of plants

We'll treasure forever this gift from him

Each time it's blooms enchant

And now as we arrive back home

To bid our dear friend adieu

"The Queen" is in full bloom again

With hypnotic sweet perfume

We know you will be watching

As we tend to the garden drill

We'll feed the birds, hear them sing

And feel your presence still.

Pride of the Tyne is all Mine!!

Medical reunion on the Tyne

Memories of friends here and past

Anticipation for a while

Nostalgia, weight gain, wrinkles cast.

Forty five years since graduation

Class of 67,  a motley crew *

When looking back, as we stepped out

To hone our skills in life anew

Our lives, careers and destiny set

Would we have chosen this to tell

What lay ahead in the NHS

Muttering  Meldrew’s "what the hell!"

Thank you Moira, Dave and Pat

Your organisational skills are canny

When thinking of our fun and needs

When planning reunions for the many

We all enjoy results of your “toil”

Ageing peers our smiles to win

All over in a matter of hugs and  laughs

Until we meet in 5 years agin 

So whilst we have our life and health

As opportunities we embrace

We'll live each day, as if our last

Our dignity -  still in place!

*Motley Crew  etymology 13^th century Middle English– composed of elements of varied and diverse character!!