​THE MATCH

Meticulously planned years ahead for two world-winning teams playing head-to-head. Fans of both pour from all four corners of the Earth to cheer their heroes on for all they are worth.

They share boats, planes,cars, and bikes so they arrive on that special night. The lucky find places to stay with friends, family, or in grand hotels. Others are clustered under trees on hard ground, dreaming of winning.

During the day, music pounds, dancers sway, as singers sing their songs, adding to the building excitement. As food and drink are consumed, they are ready to make their way to the stadium to cheer their heroes on.

The fans stream to their chosen stand ends to shout their encouragement to their national side, throwing words, some unmentionable, to distract the other side's players on the field.

National anthems are sung, fidgeted through as, like thoroughbred horses, they are highly strung, braced, ready to go. The referee points to the spot after a coin spin, declaring which end they choose to play first. 

The players gather in their allotted places, identifying numbers and colours on their kit. The referee calls them to order, and the whistle blows. The crowd roars. The ball is spinning on its way.

Four quarters are played before the end, and there can be only one heroic national winner. In worldwide homes, streets, and bars, the winners will be celebrated, their names engraved in the memories of all who were proud to have been there, the match told and retold.

The losers, hurt by pride, with “if only” bursting through, at the loss of the so-longed-for prize of World Cup winners. They have to realise they, too, are winners to have reached the semi-final of World Football, in front of millions and millions of fans.

It means they, too, are at the top of their game, going home with pride, to celebrate and prepare for the next strong international side, and another World Cup Final game now four years away.

(C) 2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen.

Photo by Pexels

PIANO TUNE

I heard a piano tinkling a tune.

Starting slowly, awakening me from a gentle dream.

My body began to stir, to awaken to the tug of each note.

My feet started moving in a rhythm all of their own.

My body responded, too, stretching and moving in time with the tune.

Before sitting up and balancing myself, important before being enticed down onto the floor.

The piano tempo began to increase as I reached my arms up over my head in response to the notes.

Swaying my torso with increased vigour, taking deeper breaths.

The impulsive rhythms swung me in a dance around my bed.

My muscles stopped their complaints and moved in a smoother, amazing, floaty glide.

As I made my way to the bathroom just as the piano tinkling faded, to be heard no more.

I stopped in front of the mirror, fully awake, 

for the ablutions and the beginning of, I hope, a fun day.

​(C) 2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Pexels

IN A MINUTE

In a minute, you are safe, secure in one world.

Suddenly, you have somehow left the now and become when.

Cancer has made the difference.

All your perimeters change; the future is now uncertain.

You are setting off on a different path, feeling so immediately alone.

Why me? Why me? 

You look around at the doctor, nurse, and the love of your life.

I may not be with you much longer, but I might.

There is hope! 

I can have treatment to contain it; I have been advised.

I might die of something else or be cured by the rapidly developing new cancer drugs.

I might be lucky; only time will tell; it takes only a minute for life to change.

​©️ 2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen 

Photo by Pexels

HELP IS COMING

“Have you got everything? Are you sure? It is a long way.”

“You worry too much, Mum. I’ll be fine. There are a lot of us, so no worries, please. Love you.”

The car door slammed, and the car disappeared down the road. She was off.

“What an adventure: to help children you have never met on the other side of the world. I am so proud of you, all of you,” I whispered as I shut the door.

An orphanage in the Philippines needed a hall where the children could assemble for education, sport, and fun, especially in the monsoon weather. The children in several schools in the UK were asked to volunteer to do a sponsored 40-kilometre walk so a hall could be built.

ANCOP, meaning answering the cry of the poor, is a Catholic charity organising the walk. They started in the afternoon and walked through the night, in the dark, chattering excitedly at what might lie ahead, and encouraging one another as things became tougher.

As darkness fell, tiredness and strange noises intruded. “What was that?” “Only an owl.” “I have just seen a fox; saw its eyes in the dark first.” “I never knew there were so many moths and other insects and creatures active at night while I slept.”

Some families and pets joined the last few kilometres to encourage their children to the 

finish line. What an adventure: new friendships made, new stories and memories to carry into the future, of the day, and night, their combined efforts brought joy, care, and friendship to others unknown, thousands of miles away and in need.

(C) 2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Pexels

SUN-SAPPED

Summer, always longed for after a grey winter.

The gradual warming and apparel changing.

Thick coats, boots stowed away, as lightweight garments are brought into play.

Not this year. A sudden arrival of temperature rises.

Off the scale, it sits over us night and day.

Delight at summer’s arrival stripped away,

As we awaken tired, already exhausted, to face another, another, and yet another heat-sapping, temperature-breaking night and day.

Work, school, sports and any outdoor activities kept to the minimum. 

Opening windows to gaze hopefully at the sky,

Searching for any rain clouds to soak the land, release the heat for all living things.

The children cry in anguish, “When is it going to be cooler?”

The elderly, too; breathing is hard.

Closing the curtains to deflect the heat, leaving homes darker and a tiny bit cooler.

Animals instinctively seek shade and respite, yet there is little or none to be had.

Another night, another day, the weather forecasters say.

It will break with violent storms, so keep weather aware.

“The shops have run out of ice, ice cream, and cold lollipops; a disaster.”

At last, awakening early, a sight for sore eyes: wet patio and refreshed gardens releasing new fresh smells.

Time to open windows and doors, allowing in the much fresher, cooler air.

Bathing in the luxury of coolness, easing the heat through my flimsy night clothes,

I release my plea: please, Mr Sun, be kinder to us and reduce any advance-planned sapping, long summer heat runs, as summer has only just begun.

​(C) 2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Pexels

THE POINT OF A MOSQUITO?

It was born with the loudest approach warning noise, compared to its size, in the insect world, which made killing it in single numbers easier to do.

Any sound of its incessant whining arrival sends humans and animals in a spin, trying to kill it before it has time to land and inject the skin.

Humans dive under bedclothes, hoping it will give up and move away; not always that easy, so lights on, paper or book in hand, you dive around the bedroom, giving vicious swipes, not always successfully, especially when it settles somewhere high up out of reach.

There it craftily stays quiet ’til the lights are off and you are back in bed. Then it launches the next whining, searching attack, and you get up once more to fight back.

Mosquitoes are part of the ecosystem, food for fish and other underwater creatures, when they are in their larva form. When adults, they become food for birds and other land creatures.

They are also plant pollinators when they land on flowers to collect nectar.

They are dangerous to us only if we are allergic to their secretions, or if they have bitten and sucked blood from a human or animal with a disease, which is then passed on when they bite us.

I am so glad I am not a mosquito.

🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟

(C) 2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by istockimage

BUBBLING ALONG

The sound of running water bubbling over rocks.

Creating small waterfalls where leaves spiral about and overtake one another.

Together, they go on to a long, spiralling drop.

To be forced to the surface and propelled out to the quieter edges.

Where they take advantage of a bit of a rest.

Before being caught and rushed along at speed, battered and bruised, shedding bits to drop to the river bed.

Where tiny fish nudge the debris along in a little game.

Before finally gobbling them up as food, at the end of a fun-filled day.

​(C) 2023 Penny Wobbly Storyteller of WobblingPen

Photo by flicker

​HOT POTATO

We are facing difficult times at the moment, when a new virus has appeared creating anxiety for travellers round the World. Sadly it has started in China this time, at a very difficult time for the Chinese. It is their New Year and the time of the year they move on mass to see their families. Some have been separated from one New Year to another. So the decision to restrict travel in some areas has been important to prevent the viral spread.

It will be causing great sorrow, anxiety and loss of wasted food gifts for their families. My heart goes out to them and to those fighting this virus and the hospital and medically staff working to save them.

Round the World Scientists will be working very hard to find a vaccine to combat this strain. What can we do?

Public Health notices will be released to inform you.

Each Country will be working out their own advice on how to help yourself and others. You can use Google to see what the World Health Organisation advises and what other countries are doing. Keep informed with reliable information. Increase personal and family hygiene activity to a higher level seems to be helpful.

Good news we have had i rain, our water tanks have been refilled, everyone is delighted. For families on tight budgets it is a very welcome gift.

It is amazing how fast the grass and vegetation recovers after a period of drought. Perhaps it is my imagination but a fresh green is tinging the dried brown grass already, the grazing animals will be pleased with the boost.

Take care of one another, be mindful of others in need of help.

© 2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Image by pbs.org

​SERIOUS THOUGHTS

Hello everyone, I am sitting here thinking, as I often do, looking up at the sky that floats over you too.

The needs of people in different parts of the world and how they are valued.

I have just consumed a small biscuit and cheese meal,

which might have fed you for a week.

I have turned my water tap on for clean water, and it runs freely.

You have to travel long distances to find water clean enough to drink.

For you, the return is dangerous there and back in war zones and when you try to dodge man and animal attack.

I have no worries about my safety when at home or outdoors.

You worry constantly when carrying the heavy,

precious water, praying for a safe return to the thirsty people and animals awaiting a life-saving drink.

Listening to your story certainly makes me, and I hope others think.

How lucky we are to have water delivered by a tap and safe for all to drink.

© 2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

image by innoafrica

​AMAZING DADS

To the wonderful Dads struggling to provide for their families.

Either together under one roof or divided by separation.

Being a Dad has never been an easy task; it has a learning curve; love, respect, and sharing have to be earned.

The speed of internet messaging, both true and false, can be distressing, carrying good news and bad when away from home.

Careers lasting a lifetime are disappearing almost as fast as glaciers at the poles.

Scary, constant, employment change, for various reasons, seems to be the norm, with AI leading the way.

The world, too, is in a precarious state, both natural and man-made, increasing pressure on families everywhere.

Yet you Dads still find a way to help your families survive and keep on going.

With grief and exhaustion hidden and laughter showing, seeking help to ease money matters.

Reaching out to share love and care to family and friends, no matter where.

Remember, we know these are troubled times and we know you do not have to grin and bear it.

We are here so we can all share it; you are our much-loved Dad. 

Happy Father’s Day.

​©️ 2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen 

Photo by Pexels

​COLOURFUL REMINISCENCE

  

While sharing lunch at a RNIB charitable event, I started a conversation with a gentleman opposite me, who had been sitting very quietly.

I started by asking if he would mind telling me his name. “Mine is Penny.” I began.

“I am Bill.” He replied.

“Hello Bill, may I ask you a personal question, please? He nodded his assent.

“Are you blind, partially sighted, or here as a carer for someone else?”

“I am partially sighted and colour blind.”

“Bill, may I ask you another personal question?”

“Yes!” His eyes and face showing an interest.

“What did you do before you retired?”

“I was an electrical construction engineer before I joined the army and took it up again afterwards on demob.

The army was a bit of a laugh when I received my papers. I never thought I would be called up because of my colour blindness.

However, I went for the medical fully expecting to be turned down. To my horror, I was assigned the job of a storeman. “Your colour problem won’t bother you there,” was a remark passed.

My heart sank, “How was I going to tolerate the boredom of a storeman after my exciting engineering career?”

After signing up and going through training, I was assigned to a squad of men working in stores.

One day I thought, “There has to be more to life than this and applied for promotion.” My mates said, “You will have another medical, how are you going to cope with that?”

“I am going to give it a go. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

At the medical, I was asked all the usual medical questions till my sight was mentioned.”

“It says here you are colour blind, how bad is it? The officer shoved a book over to me and asked, “What colour is this book?”

To me, it was grey, but to others, it was maroon. I heard my mates say pass the maroon book, or look in the maroon book will you. I knew its size and shape, and it had the king’s head on it.

Confidently I replied maroon. He looked a bit surprised and asked “It is lighter or darker than a Post Office pillar box.”

I responded, “Darker, Sir.” I knew that as everyone talks about bright red pillar boxes.

On return to my mates, they asked how I got on. “I passed,” I pointed proudly to the two strips on my arm.

“Blimey, now what are you going to do? You are a leader now! Leading us up the bleeding garden path. How are you going to read the coloured signposts to all the army depots we have to deliver goods to?”

I laughed, “Easy, I will get my second-in-command to drive the lead lorry. I will be at the cows’ tail to repair any breakdowns, a piece of cake.”

So I carried on till the end of the war and my return to civvy street.

©️2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Image by TheDigitalArtist from Pixabay

x

THE EMPTY HOUSE

The front door was finally firmly closed, the key was given to the agent, and the house was put up for sale. It settled to cope with the silence and emptiness; a sad time.

Wind, rain, sun, and snow continued to batter its exterior as it awaited new owners. There were several false alarms as time dragged on. There is something very sad about an empty house.

Neighbours noticed the coming and going of potential buyers, escorted by the agents,

wondering who will buy, and will they fit into the neighbourhood?

The house wondered, too, as it knew this was a happy place to live.

It stood, waiting for the turn of the key and the joyous voices of a family bringing life back inside and calling it home.

2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Image by wevfewv from Pixabay

TANGLE

During our circumnavigation of the world, making human contact, in friendship and battle.

Over time and with technology, it is hard to tell friend from foe.

We are so interdependent, no matter where we live, on food, fuel, finance, armaments, water, and weather.

In this tangle that we weave, those we class as friends sleep too with our enemies, out of necessity.

Seeking water, fuel, food, armaments, and finance through the back door.

How will all this unravel? The tangle of human hate, greed, and friendship? Hard to say.

As we watch humans, their homes, and whole communities pulverised.

Instinctively, it is to keep family, friends, communities, and self-sufficiency close.

Using truth, the law, barter, and our friendships strong, to keep the peace for all living

in this oh-so-tiny, fragile world.

2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Image by Nesto_regularcat from Pixabay

A LITTLE LEAK

 

A little leak of which we dare not speak.

A cough, a giggle, releases at first very little.

As time goes by, it becomes more than a trickle.

It is an embarrassment when you are caught short.

Out away from home and familiar facilities.

So you cut out excursions unless you know the area and convenient loos to pop into.

In time, still trying to hide, you start incontinence padding.

At first, it works; then it hurts, if hygiene slips and bugs come a-calling.

Time to share this embarrassment with your doctor.

It can hit any age, or gender, with multiple causes.

He will explain you are certainly not on your own; no need to hide.

Check the statistics; they will reveal this hidden, silent scourge, your disorder.

Using his skills, a plan will be made to tackle your condition.

Urine samples, medication; occasionally, a surgical consultation might be sought.

To restore you back to order, a normal, functioning human being.

Able to wander anywhere you wish without agonising about embarrassing little leaks.

2026 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition on Unsplash

SHOE HUNTING

I cannot imagine I am the only woman whose feet extend to size 10.5 narrow or beyond.

What on earth happens to them? Just scrolling through the adverts is frustrating, infuriating, demoralising. 8.A and a few at 9.A. One or two at 10. Then you hit a dead end.

Trying to find the size you need, which is carefully hidden in most internet shoe advertising, without scrolling all the way through. The shoes you fancy are dangled before your eyes as you search and search: are they the right size?

Only to have hopes dashed as they stop at 8, two and a half sizes too early.

A thrill starts when advertised in half sizes, ’til they inexplicably stop at 9.5.

Oh, what do women do when they are tall and have long feet?

How I long for summer when I can flip-flop about in almost bare feet. Best of all not to have to ask someone to put on my shoes for me. The half size, too, becomes an irrelevance as your foot is not constricted by a heel. At times, you can pace around in flip-flops in men’s sizes, providing they are narrow enough.

How I long to wear the shoes so elegantly displayed in adverts; there are quite a few.

Only the size is the last thing to view, if it can be found on the internet advertising; infuriating.   

Yet again, they stop at 8, 9, 10. That elusive half size, 10.5, if found, they announce they have run out of stock.

What happens to women who, I know, are exhaustingly searching for size 11 or 12? What about the half sizes needed? Forget it?

Not everyone is able to meet the horrendous cost the longer sizes demand.

Even flip-flops or sandals with a bit of bling, when found, come with a painful financial sting.

The search goes on, and on, wearing one pair out trying to find another.

2026 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Image by imthan from Pixabay

​HEAT WAVE

When the cold of winter is reluctant to retire, we long for summer sun! 

Not a heat wave!

Tender skins soon flare in painful redness, blisters rising.

Without protection of shade or cream, animals’ paws fry on sizzling roads and pavements.

Water becomes essential to carry with you and frequently sip.

Watch out for the old and the young wilting and fainting, needing support.

Wild animals and birds seek water, too, to drink and keep feathers clean to fly free.

Seek shade when possible, keep activities restricted, and cope sensibly with this burst of sun.

2026 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Luis Graterol on Unsplash

I AWOKE THIS MORNING

                                           

I awoke this morning, ready to go.

What to do? Where to go? I don’t yet know.

The sun is peeping through the window, encouraging me out.

I linger a little longer, puzzling out a rota.

There are things demanding attention I really ought to do.

Yet the sunshine is enticing me outdoors

For fresh air, and interesting conversations.

Oh, what to do? Where to go? I still don’t know.

I soon will thought, as sunshine has been such a rarity.

I think the outdoors is going to win.

Chores can be left till after dark, before bed.

There—decision now made, guilt free. I can go out.

 2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Denise Leisner on Unsplash

COMICAL MOMENTS 2

Taking an opened plastic bag of rice from the cupboard. I removed the carefully attached rubber band. Poured what I needed for our meal into the saucepan, then could not find the oh-so-useful rubber band. After searching for a while, I found an alternative clip.

On completing a few other tasks, I washed my hands, only to find the rubber band wound around the base of my fingers.

2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Image: pixabay.com

TYPICAL ENGLISH SCENE

The crack of willow, a gentle breeze.

The brilliant sun, showing up grass, short and green.

Players exercising for a match on this beautiful day.

Family and friends gathered together to cheer both sides on.

Time to start: spread out, chaps; keep your eyes sharp.

Leave no gaps.

The ball hurtling at speed towards the wicket.

A crack of the bat sends it spinning out of harm’s way.

A gentle clapping and murmurs of “Well done, Trevor”.

As sandwiches are munched and wine and cold drinks are consumed.

On a typical English summer’s day.

2026 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Picture 2026 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

COMICAL MOMENTS 1

I let Lily, our cat, out the back door tonight and, as usual, waited for her return, busying myself with a bit of writing.

I became aware she had not returned, asking to be let in. So I opened the door and called her. It was windy, so I called several times. Still no cat. 

“Where are you, Lily?” I called, only to hear a cry behind me in the room. She must have sneaked past when I struggled with the door in the wind. The look she gave me said it all.

2026 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

​CHERRY BLOSSOM TREE

Cherry blossom buds protectively closed against winter’s killing touch.

Bursting free as the sun, with its dainty dances, flits warmly across the branches.

Bees pollinating as they fly urgently from tree to tree.

Hurrying to complete their task before the threat of late frost;

Destroys the blossoms from which bright delicious cherries might grow.

Staining lips and fingers as the pickers take the fruit,

Rescued from the blight and damage of snow,

To make a fabulous cherry pie.

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

2026 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay

​WEALTH

Wealth has reached hideous proportions, in the hands of so very few.

Not earned, just grasped, with fear, bomb blasts, and data stolen, manipulated, and hard to trace.

The law bought, tainted, rewritten on behalf of the super rich, in multiple places.

To hide their misdemeanours and increase their corrupt wealth amassed over generations and by new, bright, dodgy minds.

A few millions are given with fanfares, presented as gifts to keep the populations quiet.

As slowly they are strangling freedoms long fought for and cherished by ordinary people.

Our homes have always been our castles, places of safety; even they are threatened in the data-taking and manipulation miles from our shores.

There are good people amongst the wealthy, of course,

who share encouragement and finance to develop and support new science and medicine, soil enrichment, and water and sea replenishment, and openly pay their taxes.

We just need many more of those, perhaps more mini than mega wealthy.

2026 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Image: pixabay.com

​A LITTLE BIT OF WHAT YOU FANCY DOES YOU GOOD

A little bit of what you fancy does you good,

Is it a dance or a song?

Or is it music to soothe you all day long?

Do you have a sweet tooth for sweets you have to try?

Or drinks with colourful names,

Topped with tropical fruit to make you sigh?

Or more music to start you dancing under the sun or moonlight sky?

Or is it an outfit to make you stand out in a crowd?

As you cast your eye appraisingly about,

For someone to surrender your heart too.

A little bit of whatever you fancy does you good.

It sure does!

Copyright © by WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

​BAG SEARCH

When searching my handbag

To find something small I had slipped in

Opening zips and poppers,

Probing in small concealed slots.

Groping to the bottom,

Trying to prevent things from tumbling out.

I fumbled and fumed,

At my public display

Of disorganization.

While trying to be so cool.

A moment of clarity,

As my brain slid into gear.

I’d left it on the bedside table,

It certainly was not HERE!

2026 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Image: pixabay.com

​A SAD BUT BEAUTIFUL ENDING

A vase upon the window ledge

Has held a gift of tulips colourfully displayed.

Each day, on opening my eyes, a touch of pleasure surged.

Seeing each flower upright, straight and tall.

As petals opened, showing their perfection.

For days I enjoyed their presence.

Then a slow drying and aging of the petals’ tips

Warned of their decline.

Yet still they retained a certain beauty in their changed shape.

Not one petal has the bunch yet let slip.

With my camera I captured the vision that has held me captivated.

On opening the curtains tomorrow, the petals might be detached on the shelf.

A gift that has given me pleasure while living.

I hope you, too, from this tale, enjoy the flowers I was given.

© 2025 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

​EASTER EXCITEMENT

A promise made so long ago in a land of palms and sand.

Passed down from generation to generation into far distant lands.

The message is not always the same amongst different people.

Yet, at the core of this special time, all religions teach kindness,

love and peace, and to share what you have to eat, in God’s name.

Children delight in eggs, coloured real or chocolate, made and filled, awaiting the dawn of this special celebration.

My heartfelt wish is for peace and love to reign supreme and spread around the world at this Easter time.

A happy Easter to everyone from the WobblingPen Team.

© 2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Image: pixabay.com

JUST THINKING CAT THOUGHTS

Hello, cat lovers. I have been thinking; it helps to do that from time to time. Easter seems to be a good time to choose.

The garden seems to be livening up, bulbs bursting into flower, leaves on trees straining to burst open to provide hiding places for nesting birds. I don’t chase birds anymore, just do lots of watching.

It is a bit early to curl up in a cosy spot outdoors as rain keeps passing over, making everything wet, wet, wet. I hate being wet: Wobbly throws a towel over me, giving me a wriggling, rapid, all-over rub. I then have the task of licking my fur back into line, when I could be resting. She does not understand that I can dry myself on the bottoms of couches and bedding, and roll all over the carpet to make sure I am really dry. Much more fun!

Another Easter: we have shared quite a few now together, growing older and, I believe, wiser, as I think back to when I chose her and moved in. Dad took longer to accept I had come to stay, not just to be a casual visitor.

We hope more of you are looking forward to a happy Easter, just as we are.

Spread kindness as much as you can, and watch smiles in thankfulness spread too. 

Happy Easter to everyone.

© 2024 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Image by LECLA from Pixabay