Shipshape then, and shipshape is a good way to describe my poetry world at the moment for it is in “good order, organised and trim” as the definition goes. Shipshape also as I have now done two cruises in last few months, one very recently where I gained great ideas for future poems, and especially again the cruise I’ have just returned from as I sold quite a few books, wrote more new poems and even got terrific kudos and recognition onboard . So I now have more future contacts, ideas and indeed future book sales too, which of course further then helps my selected charity Help for Heroes.

On return from said recent cruise I was immediately happily thrown into more shipshape work in the form of booked and agreed commitments, gigs, radio and book 14 work. To that end I had a very successful interview on Ashdown (previously Uckfield) radio within three days, and I also straight away started typing up poems I had written before, and on the cruise, so busy, busy busy.

First poem now, and from my 7th book..

Reflections

You may not get true reflections

Unless they are sent back to you,

By astute and impartial eyes

That watch the things you do.

Or maybe it’s about your reactions

To experiences of the world you had,

Which always provoke responses

Should they be good or bad.

So indulge comments from neutrals

On your behaviours in the world,

Because you will get genuine views

When their reflections are unfurled.

*

Next up was a rather wonderful gig on “Teddy Bear Day” at a local Care home, so Ted & Beth with several other teddy friends came with me where we were met with many teddy bears of the residents plus multiple others from staff and relatives etc. Yes definitely a great teddy bear picnic.

Next poem offering, and it can indeed turn out shipshape.

Even Out

The roller coaster ride of life

Will test us one and all,

Just when you think you’ve won

That’s the very time you’ll fall.

So up you get and start again

Sorry, but perhaps much wiser,

To continue on your road again

Having fully cleared your visor.

For it’s best to see the road ahead

To ensure no fall or trip,

As without a doubt you will err

If your awareness you let slip.

Gleeful shouts you’ve got it right

Can only lead to sorrow,

For any complacency in this world

Will bring sadness in the morrow.

The wise man says that if you’ve won

And sport the victor’s crown,

Be modest with people going up

You may meet them coming down!

The roller coaster ride of life

Will test us one and all,

For just when you think you’ve won

That’s the very time you’ll fall.

So take any successes in your stride

And stand proud if you should miss,

For if you have done your very best

No one can give any more than this.

*

Despite the shipshape requirements the most pressing task was, and is, to continue to prepare my next and 14th book, and that is going really well as I have finished writing and typing up many new poems with more on the way, so my aim is for this next book to be published by November.

JOKE TIME :-

I started a bowel irrigation service, but the hosepipe ban hit it hard.

I used to be indecisive but I’m not so sure now.

Two fish in a tank when one asked “do you know how to drive this thing?”

The other replied well I won’t drive as I’ve been drinking.

*

NEW & FOURTEENTH BOOK:-

Just as a flavour of new book here are some titles, “When the Seagulls are Sleeping, What Am I?, The Man and the Bench, Arise Sir Laurie, Pressure Cooker Lament” and so on for example! Of course Ted & Beth feature as always with a new friend or two in their poems, PLUS an extended Romance section with a “write up” of romance as it affects us, so you can’t miss that, thus watch this space for your copy!

Next an older poem of mine with perhaps my usual take in it?

Too Late

You never know what you have

Until you’ve lost it or its gone.

Well according to the old saying

About someone who always shone

On your world and just for you,

But you no longer have them now

Or something you didn’t value,

So too late for any vow.

For they may go to pastures new

Or on a new lover might decide.

And leave you trying to find them

Should they run off and hide.

Like Joni Mitchel’s famous song

And line on something now gone ,

Only then noticed and missed

After the event, just like a con.

Or perhaps it was a possession

That broke, or it got lost,

So now mourning its absence

You begin to count the cost,

For not recognising the value

Of this item or a persons trait,

And their intrinsic worth to you,

That you recognised too late.

So “too late” could be an epitaph

On many relationships that died,

But perhaps could have been saved

If both involved parties had tried,

A lot harder to make things work

On a relationship truly great,

But unknown or appreciated

Until sadly much too late.

*

A poem for some thoughts there maybe, but to continue with my “Shipshape News”, including more compliments and recognition of me and my poem columns in local papers, Facebook, and gigs etc. Nice!

I have also still been getting cards and congratulations for my raising £10,000 plus for Help for Heroes, so that is always well received, and makes me feel somewhat humble , but chuffed too!

Some quick mentions for people like those who kindly proof check and read new poems pouring out of me at moment, Julian D, Jessica and Izzy who serve me pleasantly, and also support me and my poems. Many other great friends and folks too, but you know who you are.

Before last poem mention a big shout of thanks for EVERYBODY who supports and encourages me, and of course buy my book.

So the usual romance poem to finish, and is for anybody in romantic mood, siyuation or really likes someone?

Book of Love

Does your love book have blank pages,

Or maybe you wiped them clean?

In an attempt to remove your hurt

Now it no longer can be seen.

But although pages may be blank

Real memories will still appear,

So you may often have visions

Though not always crystal clear.

For you had made large entries

When filling your book of love,

That now seem very small

More like a sparrow than a dove.

So looking back at the binding

Together of romance and book,

When each day had bright sunshine

Shining on each chance you took,

For the opportunity of more thrills

With that stunning, lovely muse.

Though now it seems a bit unreal

You were the one they’d choose.

But each book needs an ending

And a firmly closed last page,

Even if chapters aren’t finished

As you tore them in a rage,

Of frustrated, painful heartbreak

When your world came tumbling down.

So like many books before yours,

They describe a broken clown.

*

That thoughtful poem completes this blog now so…

The Journey Continues in SHIPSHAPE fashion,

Thanks, and love, light and happiness from me and Those Bears,

Laurie xx