REFLECTIONS and RHYME
This is a sanctuary where I keep my reflections and musings about my countryside upbringing in Derbyshire, England. I reflect on village life, school days, growing up and most things inbetween, including parts of life which we all face such as “The Joys of Ageing” and “Getting through” difficult times. If you like my work, please buy me a coffee by clicking here!
This is a sanctuary where I keep my reflections and musings about my countryside upbringing in Derbyshire, England. I reflect on village life, school days, growing up and most things inbetween, including parts of life which we all face such as “The Joys of Ageing” and “Getting through” difficult times. If you like my work, please buy me a coffee by clicking here!
Episodes

2 hours ago
Halloween
2 hours ago
2 hours ago
5 min
Did you used to go “Trick or Treating” on Halloween with your friends? If so, this poem might bring back some great memories for you.
Remember when you spent weeks getting your costumes ready, thinking of tricks and the treats which you might get?
The dark cold night, the banging of gates and running around the houses with your bag of goodies? Ghosts, cats, witches, zombies, they were all there. I hope this poem brings some good times back for you.
If you enjoy my poems, please buy me a coffee by clicking here!
2 hours ago
5 min

Oct 14, 2026
The Café of Hope
Oct 14, 2026
Oct 14, 2026
7 min
This poem pays homage to the good old cafe, where many people gather and where so many weary souls and minds are patched up, mended or given a new lease of life.
We must value these community hubs ( including our pubs) because they are such a vital part of our existence.
If you enjoy my poems, please buy me a coffee by clicking here!
Oct 14, 2026
7 min

Sep 23, 2026
Sock's Blues and the Shoes
Sep 23, 2026
Sep 23, 2026
11 min
This poem continues the story of Mr Sock, a character who I have previously written about for children and grown-ups alike.
Here we meet Mr Sock having a bit of a mid-life slump and so decides to try out the lives of those distant friends, ….. the shoes.
See how he gets on and what he ultimately finds out about himself.
If you enjoy my poems, please buy me a coffee by clicking here!
Sep 23, 2026
11 min

Sep 2, 2026
A Fox Went Out
Sep 2, 2026
Sep 2, 2026
8 min
This starts with a story, just prose, non-rhyming, which tells of a late night encounter with a dog Fox, followed by a visit from some fox cubs in the early Spring.
Following the story is a short poem which came quickly to mind after these events.
If you enjoy my poems, please buy me a coffee by clicking here!
Sep 2, 2026
8 min

Aug 12, 2026
Old Badger
Aug 12, 2026
Aug 12, 2026
5 min
Old Badger
This story is about a meeting which I had with an old Badger one snowy afternoon when running in the woods near my house. It was a special experience as you will hear and ultimately triggered other thoughts and musings which took me back to one of my favourite childhood books- “The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame.
If you enjoy my poems, please buy me a coffee by clicking here!
Aug 12, 2026
5 min

Jul 22, 2026
THE BALLET CLASS
Jul 22, 2026
Jul 22, 2026
6 min
This poem is about when I used to go to ballet class with my friends from the age of nine to fourteen.
As you will read, I have very fond memories of these lessons and am still using some of the movements today. It was all going so well until puberty hit us all and everything changed.
A light hearted look at some happy days!
If you enjoy my poems, please buy me a coffee by clicking here!
Jul 22, 2026
6 min

Jul 1, 2026
SHE..
Jul 1, 2026
Jul 1, 2026
4 min
This poem is about the simple life which the girl in the poem always knew that she needed.
Its also about nature and our connection with it; such a connection that it is unclear where nature and the girl start and end. They are basically as one. The girl could be me or any one of us who understands and feels that we are just a part of the whole.
If you enjoy my poems, please buy me a coffee by clicking here!
Jul 1, 2026
4 min

Jun 10, 2026
The Gate at The End OF The Lane
Jun 10, 2026
Jun 10, 2026
5 min
This poem is not only about a part of my childhood and whilst I hope that it can trigger some happy memories for you too, it is also about finding an anchor within volatility.
I hope that it reminds you of your own anchors which you can go back to when needed. If you can’t find one, then I hope that the imagery here will create one for you…. that calm, steady place which can be your retreat in an ever-changing world
If you enjoy my poems, please buy me a coffee by clicking here!
Jun 10, 2026
5 min

May 20, 2026
The Aviator
May 20, 2026
May 20, 2026
3 min
This story tells of a brief encounter which I had with a Buzzard as he searched and then found prey in the field by our house.
He was absolutely beautiful and I so enjoyed taking the time to really experience him.
May 20, 2026
3 min

May 13, 2026
The Whole of The Moon
May 13, 2026
May 13, 2026
3 min
The Whole of the Moon
This is a short poem about how over time, I have become able to re-live, re- feel and re-enjoy, some of my best life experiences which I have had so far, just by reflection.
As Wordsworth also experienced, they can be a great comfort to muse upon, especially when journeying through more difficult times.
If you enjoy my poems, please buy me a coffee by clicking here!
May 13, 2026
3 min






