I AM NOT A BUG!

Hello, what a lovely bug you are.

🐞 I am not a bug! I am a bird!

No you're not; you’re a bug like me.

🐞 I am not a bug, I tell you.

You look like me, though in much brighter colours and I am a ladybug.

🐞 Well I am not! I am a ladybird!

Where did you come from to be so misinformed? I bet it was from that place called America.

Yes, I am. How did you know that?

🐞 Because some of your ancestors left here and over there changed some of our words. How they decided to change my name to bug I will never understand! Most bugs are called ugly here. I am not. I am a beautiful ladybird. You must be hungry coming all that way?

I hitched my way on a few ships, rested on some islands, never knew where I was going till I hopped off here. It looks a mighty fine place.

🐞 Why don’t you join me? I see something tasty over there. Just remember I am a ladybird and we will get on just fine. Don’t try to change any more of our words.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

TRAMPING OFF ON LEAVES

Tramping off to school, with the wind playing boisterous games,

Flicking old leaves off branches, sailing slowly to the ground.

I am covered in confetti while grasping the whole different coloured leaves to my chest.

To press later for a collage, to present and share in the class.

Dodging low branches trying to whip my hat away, made a quick grab with a hand, to help it to stay.

Glancing down at the pavement with it's zigzagging cracks, I already for a hop, skip and a big puddle jump.

Meeting my friends we entered school, arguing, giggling, and laughing.

Jostling, we settled into line until our names were called out.

Those were the days when we were footloose and fancy-free.

However, I am quite glad, they are now well behind me.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

ADORATION

While patiently waiting for the lights to change at a traffic junction, I smiled at the sight of a young Yorkshire terrier, gazing adoringly at his elderly owners.

How lovely to have such a devoted dog, I thought.

Looking up, I laughed, as they had just come out of the butcher's shop.

Glancing back, I saw the dog licking his lips in anticipation and prancing in between them.

He would have to wait, as it looked as though more shopping was needed.

Only then would the smells in the bag be turned into food for his tummy.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

 

WALKING THROUGH

On walking through from the bright sunlight, into the cool and calming soothing dappled tree line.

To the change of noise with bird song coming to the fore, with the quiet plop of falling leaves perhaps never heard before.

A scurry overhead as squirrels chase from branch to branch and tree to tree.

The gentle music added from the slowly flowing stream, with fish some resting, others browsing in weeds trying to remain unseen.

Water bubbling louder around some rocks, forcing it’s way through.

Crossing the bridge, echoing a different sound, startling some rabbits having a chew.

How I love a walk in the country, you should try it you really should.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

Quote: 

Change happens only when you gain the courage to let go of the past and bravely face new experiences.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash

 

 

IT AIN’T NO FUN BEING A CHILD TODAY

It’s no fun being a child today.

When indoors, we are told we should be out.

“Are you on that computer again? I have told you it is for homework only.

“It is not for those mind-ruining computer games, costing us a fortune.”

When we go out, we are quizzed, “Where have you been? I told you not to leave the street and to be back by six. Who were you with? Your meal is ruined.”

It ain’t no fun being a child today.

School bombards us with homework my parents don’t know how to do; even they do not have the answers. It’s miserable.

Computer games are fun at first but become a bore.

When we realise we need the vital human interaction, rough and tumble, friends to have forever more,

We have to grope our way through good and bad bullies on the way.

It ain’t no fun being a child today.

Holidays have changed. There is less and less for us to spend, as times are hard.

If the parents bend to the cries of, “Oh Mum, Dad, please can we go to a show just once? Our friends have”,

The pain is felt on the return home, when the bills come in and we all have to think thin and do without other things.

It ain’t no fun being a child today.

Bad news at school: someone died; a drug overdose.

The danger is always there; touts hanging around the school gates,

Peer pressure trying to make others join the deadly mind and life destroying path.

Not for me. I have other plans.

It ain’t no fun being a child today.

I have a plan to change it: work hard at school, keep my family and good friends close,

Help others in my street, seek to volunteer, when Mum and Dad say I can.

Jobs are few and far between at holiday times, and volunteering gives work for idle hands and minds. Skills and friendships acquired last for a lifetime.

Things are changing, slowly it is true, but there are now more things arranged to do.

As a family, we have more to say about what we each do day by day.

Budgets are planned so we understand how they have to stretch to meet our needs.

We never used to understand, with heads buried in the sand.

Things are changing. Hope they are for you, too.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

 

#WorldAnimalDay

SWING, SWING!

Swing, swing!

Can you hear the birds up in the trees?

Making me swing with their melodies.

My body moves with a rhythm all it’s own.

Swing, swing!

Come on, join in this joyful song.

Fingers click, feet flick,

Small jump in celebration.

The ducks in the pond

Quack along in delight.

Swing, swing!

The horse in the meadow kicks up his heels.

Encouraging the cows

To join in the dance and melody.

Moo, neigh! Neigh moo,

Another two will do.

Swing, swing!

Keep it going Mr Owl has woken.

He has just added his wit to woo

The best he can do.

Mr frog has croaked loudly

Three times in tune.

Swing, swing!

Sing to this wonderful chorus.

Those who hear us

Will always remember.

When they first heard

A real dawn chorus.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

WOULD YOU LIKE A STORY?

Would you like a story?

Would you like a tale?

One filled with terror, murder and mystery.

Or maybe one dodging bomb blasts and bullets, across a country at war.

No? Perhaps a sweet little fairy tale to gently take you away from it all?

Maybe you would love the thrill of a romance that sweeps you into someone’s arms,

Embracing in the moonlight, on a ship’s deck, engines pulsating gently beneath your feet.

Being transported on a flight to a tropical paradise, to an adventure with sun, fun and amazing new food to try.

Or how about a journey across an immense desert, swaying on a camel’s back?

With stars twinkling in the darkness, as companions overhead, shining light

Beamed from millions of miles away, lightening up the canopy in the most spectacular way.

Or would you like to meet an animal never seen before,

Which does not want to hurt or eat you, just love you forever more?

Each one of these is possible lying tucked up in your bed.

With a book in hand, written by a writer with an imagination,

Capable of leaving the gift of wonderful stories

To be relived again and again inside your head.

Perhaps you could pick up a pen and release stories you have kept locked away.

Maybe now might be the time to share them. Go on—give it a go!

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

 

NATIONAL POETRY DAY 

LITTLE SPARROW

Little sparrow sitting on the bough.

Trying to decide what today’s weather might bring.

Yesterday was terrible and onto a sheltered branch, he had to cling.

As the wind ruffled and tugged at his feathers.

Today looked more promising, the sun was shining.

The wind just a gentle sigh passing by.

He flew to the highest branch of the tree.

To bathe in the sun and sing a joyful song for you and me.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Illustrator by Francisca Ferro Duarte

 

Happy #InternationalMusicDay 

THE CALL OF MUSIC

Walking along the street I hear music calling,

Louder, louder, louder.

My pace starts to change to match the beat,

Faster, faster, faster.

One step forward, two back, three forward,

Stamp, stamp, stamp.

Step to the left then to the centre again and to the right and back again,

Sway, sway, sway.

Arms upswing to the left and right, above head, wrists join the action,

Clap, clap, clap.

My whole body moves to the wonderful sound, and I Sing sing sing.

Music has the power to move us as it grows louder and faster, encouraging, stamping, swaying, clapping, singing and quiet listening.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License 

 

Happy #InternationalMusicDay 

SING, SING, SING!

Tomorrow I will sing sing sing,

Will the joy of living pouring out of me.

Words of feeling to share around,

To help feet strengthen on the ground.

Tomorrow I will sing sing sing.

With my body in rhythm swaying

Telling a story to lift spirits

To take them to a joyous place

Tomorrow I will sing sing sing

With my heart releasing

Each word with as much feeling.

To send everyone into happiness reeling.

Sing, sing, sing!

Everybody sing, sing, sing!

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

WHAT WOULD WE DO?

What would I do without you and you without me?

It is a time I hope we never see.

I hope our lights go out together, so neither of us would be lonely, losing laughter, love and touch and cuddles in the dark.

What would I do without you and you without me?

Life would take on a different meaning.

There would be no welcome key in the door, as you would not live here anymore.

You would miss my silly stories and cosy natters when I am invited to depart.

What would I do without you, and you without me?

Let's hope it is never put to the test, as it is so hard to contemplate.

Squabbles we have had, lasting only minutes; making up so important to do, showing how much being together has meant.

Don’t leave me and I will not leave you.

If we have to separate and there is a heaven, let us promise to meet there, keeping the earthly connection, turning it into a heavenly one.

Love like ours should never ever die.

You should never be without me or I without you.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

NIGHT CLOAK

As the daylight started to fade, together we sought our last drink before flying high to find our favourite safe roost for the night.

We huddled together murmuring soft sounds of comfort to one another, as we waited for the cloak of darkness to descend.

Once in place no more noise did we make to remain hidden and safe. 

Till the slowly rising sun bathed us in warmth, replacing the chill of the night.

Only then could we sing in celebration of the arrival of a new day.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

THE WITHERING 

The withering and dropping have started, and as the season steadily increases, so have the changes.

The bright colours of the flowers silently fade before the eventual downward plop.

The Earth awaits to embrace and absorb them once more.

A process of renewal carried out year after year since it began its mysterious wake-up time.

This year has been very stressful for all the inhabitants and soil of this precious land.

Let’s hope next year, when these beauties start to appear, we have a better, shared, and safer future planned.

🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Enes Gundogdu on Unsplash

 

CHANGING SEASONS

Cooler weather is on its way. 

Warmer clothing was brought into play. 

Summer favourites are to be folded and put away.

Warmer, heavier shoes brought out to wear, tucking away my comfortable flip-flops.

Raincoats rainproofed, with hoods: mine slips over my eyes; not good. 

I might walk into something hard while blinkered, a challenge I must tackle if I do not want to sustain an unexpected injury.

Hot soups, prepared and frozen, ready for a quick snack before or after a winter stroll.

Brooms and green bags for swept-up leaves, dead flowers and bush pruning. 

Bird feeder and drink preparation for the delightful birds who provide much-needed winter entertainment.

Time now to tuck into my cosy dressing gown and sip a warming, pleasurable cup of tea, while mulling over the summer's passing.

We are wishing everyone a safe, happy, and friendly time ahead. 

Remember to spread a little kindness and watch it grow.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by alex geerts on Unsplash

 

 

MEDICATION ATTEMPT

Our neighbour Sue was going away for four days and had an old Jack Russell aged 15, called Squib.

She needed to have life-saving medication once a day.

So we were asked if we could do it, we agreed.

Sue arrived with Squib and the pills and showed us how to do it.

The next day she came again to watch us doing it.

First go out popped the pill at speed, next go the same outcome.

I was becoming concerned as she is an old dog.

The next time the pill vanished and the dog was swallowing and we all cheered at our success.

Until I looked down at my thumb to discover the disintegrated capsule firmly attached to my nail.

We all fell about laughing and Sue put a new one in herself.

Thereafter we had to admit defeat and the dog was taken to the Vet to have her pill and it was not always a successful trip first time even there.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

 WELCOME

Since people have spoken or met singularly or in groups, the word "Welcome" has been used as a greeting, with multiple meanings attached.

It is brilliant when it works and disastrous when it fails and is rebuffed.

We welcome you, to try to express some occasions, when this word has meant something to you good or bad.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

 

A CHORUS OF BIRDS

The early morning mist the sun has kissed, meeting the river to die.

With the gentle sigh of bird wings as they flit importantly by.

A chorus of birds chirping delicately at first, gathering voices to give their songs a full burst.

Welcoming the new day full of cut and thrust.

The dews heavy coating in drought, encouraging insects out of their hideouts to stray.

So begins this morning the new day.

2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

 

SHOE SHUFFLE

Shoe shuffle, shoe shuffle, slide away and glide.

Shoe shuffle, shoe shuffle, wriggle left and right,

Shoe shuffle stop, and bend down low,

Shoe shuffle, shoe shuffle, off we go

Tippy toe, tippy toe, tippy toe.

Shoe shuffle, hold your partner, slide away and glide.

Shoe shuffle, lead her in a wriggle, left and right.

Shoe shuffle both, gently bend down low,

Shoe shuffle, shoe shuffle off we go.

Tippy toe, tippy toe, tippy toe.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by julio andres rosario ortiz on Unsplash

 

 

I WOKE UP

I woke up with a smile on my face.

No matter what the weather might bring,

I am determined to switch a smile into place,

Coming from the joy within, sharing life with the man I love.

Each day is different, it is true; not all are covered in a rosy hue.

Life throws some unwanted curve balls.

One headed our way last night.

Yet we batted it away, with worries and plans shared.

No need to frown with tears dripping down.

Very few like a misery, a moaner, a groaner around.

So, with a smile, I am ready to face any bump in the road.

With the strength of the warm love supporting me.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

 

AMAZING CONNECTION

Two ladies who first met through the wonders of the internet and instantly made a connection of mutual admiration and sharing of life stories.

Their lives so far cover a similar time scale, starting in the UK. They had pretty normal family lives and (almost) shared a common family surname. They both had a desire to help others and became nurses. Once qualified, they independently headed abroad, one with Save the Children fund, and the other to a family in New Zealand. It was then their very different adventures began.

This year, 2024, they decided to meet one another in the flesh and share their amazing life experiences. Their names are Anne Watts and Penny Wobbly. The visit was arranged for 5 September 2024.

Penny Wobbly

I could not wait to meet Anne, someone I have admired for a while. We had exchanged emails, phone conversations, and Zoom meetings, where her lovely personality, sense of humour, and practical, no-nonsense approach to her amazing life experiences intrigued me.

I longed to meet her and today we did. I was like a teenager awaiting the appearance of her pop idol. Everything was ready for her arrival.

My husband set off for his dental appointment. I was going to walk to the station to meet Anne once she had notified me she was on the train. The call came and I put on my coat and collected my three-wheeler, ready to set off, when a clap of thunder and a flash of lightning announced the arrival of the forecast yellow storm. The rain thundered down, pounded on the roof and bounced off the ground in monsoon fashion. My heart sank. I couldn’t walk to the station in this, and we would most definitely not be able to walk home together either.

Rapid implementation of a cobbled-together Plan B: I rang my lovely carer and asked if her husband could run me to the station on his way to pick up their children from school, as my young man was out at the dentist. He so very kindly agreed and, on arrival, he had to back his car through a newly formed lake. I told him not to leave the car. I would manage to skirt the lake and hop in. The rain fell in stair rods, an old-fashioned description; however, once in the car, we set off on the very short ride to the station. I leapt out; well, it might not have been as swiftly as that. 

Hobbling down thirty stairs to the platform, I gazed into the distance, having been told by Anne that she was at the back end of the train and wearing a bright jacket. My cataract vision was put to the test in the dull rainy light. There was a flash of bright colour heading left out of the station; if I had blinked, I would have missed her. Oh no!

I headed for the thirty steps back up to the station entrance, speeding my dot-and-carry leg action, to meet what would definitely be a dripping Anne, as the route she took was out in the deluge.

As I reached the top, she appeared around the corner, dragging her case. We hugged, and laughed; two soggy ladies, delighted to have at last been able to meet in real-time, without pens in our hands. I was in seventh heaven but had to send for the help of my young man to whisk us home when his dental visit ended.

Suddenly, the traffic snarled into an almost unmovable mass as the school day ended and parents, who normally left children to walk home, arrived to try to keep them dry.

My husband appeared and, once we settled in the car, I looked at him: he was absolutely soaked. He too had been caught in the deluge on leaving the dentist and rushing to his car up a nearby street.

What a welcome! Yet, in spite of everything, it will be remembered for a very long time by us all.

2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

 

 

A CALL

As I stepped out the back door to take a breath of fresh air,

A pair of geese flew past, calling a greeting loud and clear.

Another sign that spring is on its way, as geese arrive in their thousands for their summer holiday.

I think they are headed for the Thames and parks nearby.

Some will be tempted to stay; others have much further to fly.

This migration, flown in great numbers to and fro each year, is an event totally amazing to me.

Welcome all!

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

AUTUMNAL CHANGES

The leaves are changing colour blazing out their spectacular demise, slowly floating downwards.

Down to provide food and habitation for the ground hugging, hidden insects the multiplying crowd.

Birds and all kinds of creatures are starting to look about for protective shelter, to stay warm and hide in for their harsh winter survival.

Little of this is visible unless you take a walk outdoors.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

 

Today is International Day of Peace!

In a #world that needs more #kindness, understanding and calm! 

A concept that we should be instilling in #children from a very early age - as carers, parents, teachers, educators, practitioners…

And we need more good and real stories.

#Stories help us walk in someone else’s shoes, feel what they feel, and respect our differences. 

#Empathy starts on the page!

As Educators, we can play a big part through our everyday programs & practices to create a world of #peace. 

Let’s #educate children (the adults of tomorrow) to value & contribute to world peace!

 

 

MY PHONE

I have a phone, smarter than I am, much of which I don’t understand, 

With messages arriving without my command.

We are told not to press buttons that appear unrequested.

Some are disguised and colourfully presented to look like those we love.

Yet they are created deliberately to entrap and attack us,

With cruel, malicious, daylight robbery and uninvited calls.

Yet, conversely, we cherish our phones for emergencies, too, for communication, information, research, photography, for instant heritage and memory recall.

For every evil attack delivered to our phones, 

We have security barriers to contain the damage.

To repair them or produce new ones with more information we have to understand.

Working furiously to repeal and help keep us safe.

Yet we have to take care to keep our curiosity in check.

Keep our fingers away from the talk button, 

To stop allowing viruses a way to start their attacks.

Perhaps we have to return to handwritten letters and no internet once more, 

However, I would find it very difficult without spell check.

I love my phone, yet I worry about the future. I hope I am wrong.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

 

 

FRUSTRATING STUPIDITY

The screen went blank on my I-Pad, locked solid.

Defied all attempts to revive it.

'Oh, what did I do? Come on tell me. What did I do?'

Silence!

'Come on you are part of the problem. You must know.'

Silence!

'Or are you having a moment to yourself. All right, I'll wait, don't be too long.'

I filled in time with other tasks. A ping rang out.

'You're back! Oh, thank goodness, I thought you had a terminal affliction. We are so comfortable together most of the time. I did not want to buy a replacement. To struggle through and learn, new more complicated tricks, for a smooth companionable partnership which we already share. Nice to have you back.'

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

MADAGASCAR

I was introduced to your beauty, sadness, desperation, and the threads of hope to ensure your future survival.

Trying to slow down the burn and slash that has desiccated your magnificent skirts and covers of forests, leaving land for human cultivation and eventual destruction.

Lack of knowledge makes me weep, as each area can sustain cultivation for only a few years.

When there are no leaves, trees, insects and wildlife to fertilise and vitalise the land, it erodes away.

A new way to cultivate food needs to be found.

Other parts of the world have done just that, by growing green vegetables on the water.

There are other ways to use the minimum of water, and that skill needs to be shared as you grow food for the tables.

You have a railway going coast to coast, capable of spreading the word, perhaps as quickly as business ripples along it today.

Madagascar, for millennia you have nurtured and hidden plants and creatures never seen before.

Perhaps, in just some such plants, insects and creatures, the cure for man's many ills is waiting to be discovered.

Keep your treasures protected and locked away; there is always another way.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

 

THE LIGHTEST OF TOUCHES

When lying on the grass under a shady tree, my eyelids drooped and soon I was asleep, to be awoken with the lightest of touches tickling my nose.

Gently, oh so gently, I opened my eyes to see a beautiful butterfly standing on four legs and staring into my eyes.

I am not sure who was the most surprised.

It opened its wings in case danger I might be, allowing me to see the underside of its wings up close.

I gazed at its tiny face and its eyes with its multiple sight sensors, as it rapidly uncurled its proboscis, gently touching my nose and quickly retracting.

I was obviously not the flavour it was seeking.

My nose started to feel a sneeze approaching. The need to suppress it became overpowering.

I did not want to propel my delicate visitor into orbit with an explosion.

Thankfully, it took off in time, allowing me to admire its beautiful flight.

How could something so beautiful come from something so ugly, yet so interesting, as a caterpillar?

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

 

THE START

Dare I breathe, dare I sigh at the first glimpse of love.

The sight that first connected us was brief.

Yet I kept going over it for weeks.

We met again, my heart patted out a joyful beat.

As we moved closer and I attempted to speak, you smiled giving encouragement to my advance.

We stumbled through our first few words, gathering names, phone numbers and addresses ending our brief conversation full of hesitations.

Week’s passed before we shared a coffee, a laugh, a touch.

Tentatively love grew and I came to love you so much.

Daily trusts began we hugged, kissed, not a moment to be missed.

Till the day I asked for your hand, 'Will you marry me?'

'Yes,' came your reply, 'but my father has to agree.'

Convention at the time dictated that request, before you could give yourself to me.

In memory of that day and all we have had together since, will you once again be my ever loving Valentine.

🩷🌸🩷🌸🩷🌸🩷🌸🩷🌸🩷🌸🩷🌸🩷🌸

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen 

Photo: Pixabay License

 

 

WHAT A VIEW

After a meal with special friends, cooked and served by other hands, a spectacular view of the Isle of Wight, stretching right and left to Southampton and Portsmouth where liners sail in and out with tourists thirsty for the knowledge of the history, of our ancient land.

Where perhaps their ancestors once sprang.

Entering their new home, and mounting the stairs, a view to die for expanded there, with sunshine sparkling everywhere.

Boredom will not intrude as spectacular sights keep changing the views.

Even on a bitter winter’s day, tucked up inside, you can still watch the sea’s fantastic displays and passengers sailing to other exciting destinations.

What a lovely new home to retire in!

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

 

 

INTERNET DISCONNECT

Staring out the windowpane, looking at the rain, wondering when normal service would be resumed again.

No friendly ringing, no poems or stories to enjoy, just silence hanging heavily no joy.

Hands reach out to tap the keys, to creatively dance the words upon the screen.

Yet no matter what I tap, there is nothing to be seen.

At last, the knowledge I did have to accept, no internet connection could I expect.

A flash of communication appeared, you have no internet connection.

I thought that was plain to see! I just want to know how you can return it to me.

A voice from a distant part informed me it was fine on their end. 

All is well for them but what about me, silence still reigns.

I am an old customer, yet service to me does not extend.

Firmer action is needed for the voices on the other end.

Or this long-standing relationship will sadly have to terminate.

As I go searching for a much more supportive, helpful unseen connector.

To join in reconnecting me to my so wonderful internet friends.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

 

THE BLACK HAT TALE

I am a donkey called Fernando, living with a lovely man in the coastal hills of Spain. Sometimes on my journeys, I can see, when up a hilltop, a huge amount of water they call the sea. 

Strange, as very few people I know have been there or seen it, except from up here, when we pause each day, on the highest hilltop, to rest and have a drink and some hay. I gazed towards the sea, wishing I could visit one day. 

The day when it came was so exciting: my owner had a rich nephew who had phoned with an invitation. “Come on down to the seaside. I will pay; it is fiesta day.” 

My owner’s face lit up in excitement, which quickly faded away. 

“Thank you, my nephew. I have to humbly say no. I have Fernando, my donkey, to look after. I cannot leave him and go, as there are wild dogs here and they would hurt him, I know.” 

“Bring him with you. I will send a truck to give you both a ride. Fernando will be safe in my stable with Marie, my donkey, and we can join the fiesta, with music, horses and noisy marching bands. We can walk together on the golden sand with Marie and Fernando running freely in and out of the water, and rolling in delight, wildly on the sand. Marie knows how to be safe in the water; she will take Fernando in hand.” 

“Ok, we will come.” 

“Stay the night with me,” the nephew said. “Then we can celebrate without worry if we drink one drink more than planned.” 

So my owner washed me down, brushed me like mad, and polished my reins and brass bits until they looked the best they ever had. Then he brought a lovely black hat to me, which he said had a story to tell. 

It fell out of the sky during a terrible gale and landed at his feet. He tried to find the owner, but failed. So he kept it in the cupboard in case someone might like to wear it. 

“That day has now come. I am going to give it to you to wear. I will cut holes for your ears and tuck flowers in the headband. You will become Fernando, one of the most handsome donkeys in this land.” 

A year later, the nephew rang again, “Uncle, it is fiesta time again. Please come with Fernando. I will send a lorry for you both, just like last time.” 

My old man sighed deeply, as he did not imagine he would be asked again. It had been a very hard year for Fernando and him. He drew himself up, saying, “Yes, nephew; we will come.” 

Next day, after being groomed very thoroughly, and with a case with all that we both needed, we were loaded onto the lorry for our trip to the seaside. I was led to the stable where Marie greeted me in excitement, leaning out her head, hee-hawing, “Hee-haw, hee-haw.” 

I replied in a language only we understood. Suddenly, I stopped in puzzlement, as another young voice called from the stall. 

The nephew opened the stable door, saying, “This is the surprise I have had for you both. Marie has a foal called Miranda. I have been longing to tell you, but decided to wait till fiesta day came around once more.” 

So, as a lovely family united, we set off, with my black hat firmly in place, ready for a great family fiesta day out. 

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Daniela Silvia Serban

 

 

TIGA, THE DOG WHO CAN´T STAND TV FOOTBALL GAMES

Tiga is a dog with brains...

Who can’t stand TV Football Games.

So with intelligence and care, she tries to influence, those watching, diligently from their chairs.

She picks on one who will appeal to her performing.

With her whimpers pathetic and constantly annoying.

Attention is drawn from the screen to her rhythmic pawing.

It’s to be put to bed, her silent begging is pleading.

So up they get to tuck her in and stop her irritating complaining.

She is left on her own, to enjoy quiet doggy dreaming.

When back they go to watch their goal furor, with whistleblowing and referee manfully controlling.

A slight commotion is seen, a tail in active motion.

She’s back to manipulate and win what she’s after, the total abandonment, of the TV, Football Game.

It is no fun lying in bed when all the others are awake, calling and shouting and getting in a state.

Time and time she makes her play, till the referee’s whistle blows, game’s end for the day.

Then with no pretense or ceremony she places her ball at feet that seem to keep on moving.

With eyes large, brown and practiced at pleading she’s ready, for live football, the game of her choosing.

Ref, please book that dog for foul and dishonest play.

Today!

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License