FAVOURITE CUP
One sip as my favorite cup,
Touches the lips. from its rim,
Hot refreshing tea is sipped.
Gradually warmth seeps,
Into the wrapped round grip.
Preparing to relax you,
For the emergence of a new day.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Aug 22, 2025
WELCOME! YOU ARE BACK!
We arrived back to our New Zealand home for a 5-month stay.
Here we are known as ‘swallows’ because we come in summer and leave before winter.
During this time we live very different lives, with different friends and interests.
After a couple of days of non-stop sleep, I became aware of the wonderful bird song coming from all directions around the house and garden, very different from our English bird chorus.
My heart thrilled to the very distinctive calling of the Tui.
They are unusual birds, who are almost able to produce the sounds of a whole orchestra by themselves, lots of clicks, whistles and bangs.
They are wonderful to listen to and very handsome to look at in their dark blue, green and bronze plumage, with white ruffs around their necks and a blob of pure white feathers under their chins.
I went onto the deck as was my custom to call a greeting to them.
‘Hello Mr. Tui, hello Mr. Tui, Tui.’
Sometimes if I’m lucky they call back.
However this time, we were interrupted by a frantic repetitious crying, getting nearer and nearer.
I looked down and saw my neighbour’s silver-grey cat running up their path calling loudly as she ran.
She made a leap and clawed her way up the wooden fence, paused for a moment and jumped down.
The crying became louder and louder as she rushed up the stairs and threw herself at my feet, rubbing my legs still crying.
I was very touched and said ‘Oh Dumpling you have remembered our friendship after 18 months.
What an amazing cat, you are just so clever!’
I chatted to her patting and smoothing her coat gently.
We had been unable to come last year due to family reasons back in the UK.
Dumpling and I shared this very special greeting.
Before she climbed up onto my lap and settled herself down.
After a while purring contentedly she fell asleep as she is now an old lady.
Looking down at her, I hoped we would be able to share many more companionable times during this visit.
Hopefully, as she is an old cat, help her to fight off younger contenders for her territory especially at night.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Aug 21, 2025
TIME IS SHORT!
Time is short listening to children play.
Listening to them talking, listening to understand what they say.
As they bustle about using integration in an amazing way.
How did they become so wise with sharp ears and wide-awake eyes?
With giggles and laughs which infectiously amuse.
'Til they encourage you to do whatever they choose.
Testing boundaries that have to be in place.
This precious growing-up time is short and vital.
With information and love flowing two ways.
To help make us the best human beings we can possibly be.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
WHO NEEDS A LISTENER
Who needs a listener if you can safely talk away to yourself?
In the shower, you can release feelings held in for hours.
What did she say again today, that made anger bubble up?
I had to walk away to stop the words I really wanted to say.
At times it is much better that way.
Here my thoughts can be expressed, you are the perfect silent listener.
I felt my anger, and dirt wash away down the plughole with no resistance.
Refreshed and dressed I can return and express regret at words I once uttered.
Saying sorry is a word that is difficult to say, but really meant.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
SAFE HANDS
Still, the heart as we depart.
You start to sorrowfully mourn.
Through tears, the questions flow.
Why you, why now this year.
It’s not fair, words so often uttered.
Is there a better time?
How and when would we choose?
Thankfully that choice is not ours.
It is left in safer hands than yours or mine.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Aug 20, 2025
A DOG CALLED MURPHY
There was a clever dog called Murphy.
When new people moved into the property next to his family, he made it his business to get acquainted.
He grew to like them and made up his mind to guard them, as he did his own family and the family that used to live next door.
One day when the door was open he slipped in and took his regular spot lying in front of their Aga.
When his master came to collect him he refused to move.
‘Why won't he move?’ The new neighbour asked.
You have not given him his three biscuits; it always does it for me!
It is his wages for being such an excellent guard dog.
So the new neighbour, laughed and paid up, starting a long friendship with Murphy.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
TIDAL FLOW
Watching you trickling in, gently lapping over everything.
Feet covered by the ebb and flow of gentle caress.
A step back, if that is all you wish to accept.
A great splash of more boisterous fun is their request, until ankle-deep into the sand, you sink.
When your pull is reversed, sadly it is time to go.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
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
Aug 19, 2025
ONE JUMP TOO HIGH
On pulling back the pool cover for the first time, on our return to New Zealand, a lone frog was visible in very low water.
Every so often he grabbed hold of a floating rope-like piece of a Norfolk pine tree, hooking his front leg over it, to have a rest.
I wondered how long he had been there.
At the slightest movement, he shot down to the bottom and hid in some dark leaf debris.
Occasionally he left strange footprints in the algae at the bottom of the pool, which was quite artistic and first drew my attention to his presence.
Other times he just bobbed about with minimum movement, head above water, observing all that was going on.
His problem was that he could not leap high enough to leave the pool.
So I decided to help and called out.
‘Please, Mr. Frog let me help you. I am not going to hurt you, but you won’t be able to jump out of the pool on your own, no matter how high you leap.’
First, a couple of wooden planks leaning down into the water were tried, but he had not heard of walking the plank.
‘Mr. Frog, will you please hop onto the plank, then I can lift you out.’
He just disappeared down to the bottom of the pond in terror.
Next, a big tree leaf was cast-off to act as a stepping stone but it failed to encourage him.
He just bobbed up, looked at it and moved further away.
More drastic action was needed with the use of the pool net, and leaf strainer to rescue him.
Thankfully he was scooped up to safety in one go and I was able to catch a glimpse of how handsome he was.
His skin was marked in green, orange, brown, and black.
We eyed each other respectfully for a moment or two.
Then slowly and carefully I removed him, away from the pool, to my neighbour’s fence, where there was a pond on the other side.
There I gently tipped him out.
He leaped high into the air, showing off his agile dancing skills, before disappearing into the bushes.
Who knows, perhaps we might meet again one day, but please, not in the pool, as there may not be anyone there to rescue him.
This little story reminds all of us not to go to pools or rivers on our own.
Also, all of us need to learn to swim.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay
Aug 18, 2025
I’M GOING TO BE HAPPY
I’m going to be happy.
I’m going to shake off the blues.
I’m going to try smiling.
At anyone who comes into view
And wait for someone to smile back in reply.
Hoping they will be comfortable enough to pass it on and on.
With this contagion, smiles will be on their way.
So some of you may be able to smile today.
Chasing any misery and dark moods far away.
Have a Happy Day!
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
TIME IS SHORT
Time is short listening to children play.
Listening to them talking, listening to understand what they say.
As they bustle about using integration in an amazing way.
How did they become so wise with sharp ears and wide-awake eyes?
With giggles and laughs which infectiously amuse.
'Til they encourage you to do whatever they choose.
Testing boundaries that have to be in place.
This precious growing-up time is short and vital.
With information and love flowing two ways.
To help make us the best human beings we can possibly be.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Aug 17, 2025
LIBRARIES A JEWEL VITAL TO PROTECT
The quote, ‘Use it or lose it,’ not mine, should be taken seriously by every one of us.
Libraries are a precious asset!
It is the one thing mobs destroy in various countries throughout history. Trying to destroy truth and experience gained over time. To rewrite false history in their favour.
They are the places we can go to immerse ourselves in the world of imagination and serious facts.
Amazing stories take us through a wide range of emotions, research, education, community information and support.
A place to meet like-minded people in arranged topics of interest to them.
It is a place to research false news for yourself rather than being fed one version.
It is a place we can safely take children, for their first experience of the marvels of the written word and choice of books and sometimes listening to real-life storytelling.
It is a level playing field free to all.
Such a jewel needs us to use it well, to unhook ourselves from the isolation of our computers, or give those trapped in loneliness somewhere to go.
Through the use of libraries, the possibility of new friendships can be extended into our communities.
Please use your libraries, do not let us lose any more. They are vital to our community well-being.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Aug 16, 2025
I AM DAISY MAY THE COW
The sun is out they have set me free, with a new baby beside me.
Together we walked out fearfully slow, gathering pace till we turned it into a frolic.
Mooooo!
A joy, fresh crushed green grass tickling our feet, with a sniff of water wafting through.
Come on lass let’s trot, for a tour of our home. When we stop please have a drink of my milk.
It’s there just for you, enough for two. I will graze quite hard to replace our food.
Once full let’s settle together under a tree, for a safe snooze, knowing now you belong to me.
Mooooo, munch, grind, munch, mooooo!!!
2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
SLOW CREEP
I am walking along this road at a slow creep.
Which years ago I could have traversed at a fair speed.
My bag is lowered every hundred yards for rest.
Other arm is required for my trusty stick.
So some sort of balance is sedately maintained.
To prevent a knee or other part from giving way.
The more you walk the better it be, so they say.
Till the temptation of a seat beckons you.
Shun such comfort or on arising,
Moans and groans will burst forth.
In cries of pain, as joints start to creak.
While struggling to be upstanding again.
To perambulate homewards at a slow safe pace.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Aug 15, 2025
WAKE UP, WAKE UP
Wake up, wake up!
Do not stay asleep too long,
Or everything you have cherished and loved will have vanished and gone.
The saying that anything that looks too good to be true, is exactly that: not true.
Easy options often turn out to be the most difficult and protracted to retract.
Wrap yourselves in the letter of the law which has lasted the test of time.
In time, laws need small adjustments, not their complete obliteration.
Stand up and be counted to keep the standards most trusted and known by all.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Aug 14, 2025
Aug 13, 2025
CHATTERBOX
I used to be a chatterbox, chatted night and day!
Always had to have my say.
One day a sports injury damaged my mouth.
Not one word, could I utter, I was miserable.
At first, I longed to join in, before finding a new delight.
I became a listener. A new world opened for me.
What a maze of information I would have missed, if silence had not claimed me.
Now it is sheer bliss, to quietly listen to you chaps.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL
Mirror, mirror on the wall, I am not the most beautiful of all.
But beneath this skin, I wait to reveal the researching person residing within.
It is not beauty I seek just knowledge so fine, to reveal for others to keep.
The world in its shape for a very long time.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Aug 12, 2025
SNAIL MANNERS
Two snails were out walking towards each other on a crack on the patio floor.
Neither would give way to the other, as a certain word was called for.
The grey snail said, ’If you say the magic word I will let you pass.’
The brown snail replied, ‘That is a shame as I simply don’t have a clue what that word could be.’
The grey snail then replied, ‘You learned it at your mother’s knee.’
Still, the grey snail would not move and the brown snail kept on pushing and pushing.
He begged, ‘Please, please, tell me the magic word as I am thirsty and I want to crawl home for tea.’
‘You have just said it! You have just said it!’
The grey snail said with glee, ‘Please is such a clever word and when used often, it will get you out of trouble you’ll see, you’ll see!’
The grey snail moved to one side and they passed one another, with the brown snail saying, ‘Oh thank you!’
NOTE:
A lesson here was learned.
Good manners are for everyone including you and me.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
A SPECIAL MOMENT SHARED
We switched off the lights, turned to look towards the calm sea.
The moon lit up the night sky, bathing the sea in shimmering silver.
Picking out the red and green navigational lights, like sparkling jewels nestled on the water.
It was breathtaking.
It was one of those special moments, I just wanted to share with you.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Aug 11, 2025
FEELING ALONE, YET NOT ALONE
Oh, I am on my own.
I long for a touch, someone to love.
I am here in a crowded place, yet few see my face.
They talk over my head to others instead, avoiding me and moving on.
I stick it as long as I am able, before turning and leaving as quickly as I can.
They part like a wave, with no move to encourage me to stay.
No one knows me here. I refuse to remain.
I cannot go out on a bus, train or plane, without someone to help me embark.
I am confined in my chair. No one knows I am here.
Yet, in my head, I am dancing around, having a ball by myself instead.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Aug 10, 2025
UPHILL STRUGGLE
I found a pile of five nuts, lying on the ground just waiting to be cracked.
So I chose one and carried it up the hill, to my front door.
Left it there and hurried back.
I picked up another and another, it was hard work.
On the last run, I was almost at the top, when I heard a noise,
Looked up, the nuts were tumbling back.
They nearly ran me over on the way past.
I grabbed one and opened it with a loud crack.
I needed something to eat to get my energy back.
Once more I climbed the hill carrying the nuts one at a time.
On the last run, they all bounced back to the bottom again
What is going on?
Why can’t they wait by my door?
I grabbed a nut and cracked it open for another good chew.
Wearily I carried on till only one was left, I clasped it close, you are not getting away from me, I said determinedly.
At last, I sat at my front door put my nut down to wipe my paws, when it took off again.
This time I saw the villain it was Mr. Mole, he thought he was playing football and asked if he had scored a goal?
Thank goodness I managed to eat most of them, before stopping his little game.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
RUN RABBIT
What’s that? A rabbit in the back garden?
We have never seen one there before, it looks quite young.
The Rabbit stiffens and sits upright, fully alert, nose twitching, sensing me watching.
Where has the Rabbit come from? Where is its burrow?
Our garden has been home to litters of foxes for years.
He will be in danger. Oh, run Rabbit, please run!
Mr. Fox is due home at any moment!
He will not allow you to play in his garden, or to sit and enjoy the sun.
Run home to your Mum and Dad as quickly as you can!
The rabbit suddenly saw me and quickly shot off through a hole in the fence.
I waited a while to make sure he didn't return fortunately he stayed away.
No one would know he had ever been there, except for the two holes in the lawn!
Run Rabbit, please run, as this is not a safe place for you to come and have fun.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
JUMPING JACK
Jumping Jack the goldfish lives in my fish pond!
He is golden and sleek with a swift turn of speed.
When I turn my water pump on,
The water starts gushing and bubbling out,
He is there in a flash, splashing, leaping and rushing about.
Up in the air at times he hangs, for a second suspended,
Then down with a splash into the dark depths,
Quickly vanishing, his great jumps ended.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
ANXIOUSLY WAITING
A fox is sitting on the lawn, anxiously waiting gazing intently alert to every sound
Does she have some cubs I wonder?
It is the right time of the year, it is true. Or are they still tucked up keeping cosy?
As spring warms up she will bring them out, to share our garden and have a play.
It is then we will get to know them, while they learn their survival skills. When to hunt, stand their ground, or turn and run away.
For the moment they need the curiosity to explore, safe in the garden with their siblings mock fighting and cuddling, sleeping their growing up young lives away.
First of all, we have to wait and see, does she have any Cubs at all?
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Aug 9, 2025
Happy #BookLoversDay
I LOVE BOOKS
I have loved books from the age of four when I first turned pages for myself.
To secret reading in bed with a torch and proudly going to the library with my dad.
Reading in ships libraries while sailing the World oceans, to study for exams.
Working in a library to recover from an illness for a year and a half, It was like being in a candy shop, a wonderful experience.
Met some amazing read-a-holics, with lots of stories to tell.
I never thought for one moment I would ever write a book myself, I hated writing and I was dyslexic.
So you see books take you in different directions, to many amazing experiences.
Carry on reading!
❤️🧡💛💚💜❤️🧡💛💚💜❤️🧡💛💚💜
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Aug 8, 2025
THE TIES OF FRIENDSHIP
I awoke with a feeling things were not going to go quite right today. There was no need to feel that way, as going to bed held no hint of trouble at all. This was no time to linger, just time to get up and dress to prepare for what lay ahead. The house awoke in good order, yet this feeling I could not shake.
Suddenly, it began: feelings linked to a conversation from the day before, when I was challenged about the value and quality of my friendships. Should friends be perfect or flawed? Should we build a tolerance to stay friends at all?
A friend had asked me, “Do you have any normal friends?” It shocked me. My friends are my friends; if cruelty or lack of kindness crept in, a review would be needed for sure. If severe enough, they would be politely shown the door.
I looked up and said, “If you are an example, take a look in the mirror, because your life is certainly not normal. Yet you are one of my best and most valued friends, warts and all.”
A moment of stunned silence, as the words swung between us. With a twitch of the lips, grins, giggles, and laughter expanded, before she said, “You have made a good point there. In parts, I am a bit of a mess and, thinking about it, some of my other friends are, too. Yet we share the bad and good; we muddle along and still, our friendships hold.”
I said, “If our friendships were all perfect, how boring it would be, as there would be very little to say or do. The strength of friendship is shown in troubled and complicated times when we help one another. It is also there to join in and celebrate the joyous times because that is what good friends do.”
Time and distance do not break the ties; even in death, we remain true, retaining the memories of the wonderful times we shared, and telling others of them, too. I will always be glad for the friendship we shared through thick and thin, where perfection or normality rarely crept in.
With that conversation settled in my mind, a good mood arrived.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Lily just wandered into my life from next door.
We quickly became friends and companions when we met on the lawn.
She moved into my garden to sit with me in the summer.
She did not need a key she just climbed the walls.
After a while, it was plain she wished to my cat...
Happy Cat Day from Wobbly and Lily
Aug 7, 2025
BEACH TRIP
My Dad took me to the beach, for the first time and I saw the sea, it went on and on.
A man was walking along the beach I thought at first it was Wobbly’s husband, my other dad.
I was not brave enough to rush across the sand to look.
However, a breeze hit me from that direction and I knew the scent was not his. I was sad!
For a while, then the pesky seagulls starting bombarding me.
Why can’t they leave me alone?
Dad chased them off and picked me up until they were tired and left.
I was quite pleased to go home, but I now know what the sea looks like.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay
LEFT ALONE
Once again I am left alone at home, it is that time again.
All the children have packed their school bags, shouted goodbye and walked out the door.
Mum and Dad have snatched a breakfast, gathered belongings, calling back as they shut the door, be a good dog it won’t be for long.
Silence falls, as I do a checking run to see if anyone has stayed home with me.
No such luck I am alone!
I look at my dishes to see what I can drink or eat, nothing there in my loneliness appeals to me.
I check all the chairs to find one that will be a comfort for me to jump up and sink into, without a voice saying get down!
Down! Stay off! Off!
Settling for a long wait, as from experience I know, I have to wait and wait.
Chasing indoors any occasional person who hovers near our gate.
We have no way to manage time, only with our noses, sniffing, sniffing.
Or our ears on high alert, for footsteps approaching familiar to us over time.
Is that them! Is it!
My tail goes in rapid motion, a whine starts in my throat, faster faster.
It is time to bark my head off, welcome home, welcome home everybody!
As they have all come home together.
Now the fun begins, time to eat when it is ready, then off for a walk and a good ball game.
This is the time of day that I love.
When we are all settled down, to watch their I-pads and TV, I lay my head on my favourite persons lap.
It is certainly the best time of day for me.
With all my family safely home in our house, ready to start another day tomorrow.
Oh how I wish there was another way and I could go to school too.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
SOOTHING SOUNDS
Oh, to be at the beach today, very early when no one is about.
To walk along the water's edge with feet being chilled and caressed by saltwater drenching and movement of sand.
Releasing trapped problems to be in the moment to privately be in touch with your inner self.
With a breeze strong enough to caress thought changes, seagulls' challenging voices encourage you on.
Oh, there is nothing quite like a sea-edge stroll, to make you feel invigorated and to strengthen the soul.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Aug 6, 2025
We invited some guests and four young people to our first Storytelling in the Garden.
The young people amazed me, as they did not fidget or play about in boredom.
They listened intently to all the pieces I read. It confirmed my thoughts that, as writers, we need to read more frequently to young people of all ages.
They are avid listeners, they love being read to, and they have a taste for reading.
We need to provide them with more exciting, fun, educational, and new material.
There is so much to write about in our world at the moment.
Good, truthful writers have much work to do now, to provide the stability of honest accounts of our lives and the times we live in.
Everyone enjoyed their Storytelling in the Garden afternoon, along with cold drinks, tea and cakes.
I was pleased with the response from them and hope to do something similar again, with the help of my wonderful team of Wobblers, without whom nothing will happen. It was a wonderful team effort and I am most grateful to them.
Take care, stay safe, and help spread a great deal of kindness around.
Penny Wobbly
I SAT
I sat on the beach, with the warming blush of pink from the sunset, changing the colour of my skin.
As my mind ranged in wonder at the change within.
I reduced my breathing slowly, allowing anxiety to slip away.
I did not want to retain it. I had had quite enough for one day.
The beauty parading before me released feelings, I had kept desperately hidden inside.
Now, cleansed by the ocean’s whispering ebb and flow, diminishing and whisking them into the approaching night sky.
The brush of a breeze, soft and gentle, lifted damp strands of hair.
As the sounds of life, all about me inched their way in.
How glad I am to have sat bathed in the sunset of the dying day.
Making me more human before stepping confidently away.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Aug 5, 2025
SQUIRREL & CROW
Early one morning, a grey squirrel found something tasty to eat on the lawn.
A black crow flew down to a meal; He too had his beady eyes on.
As the squirrel ate, the crow made a quick grab with his beak for the squirrel’s tail.
The squirrel turned quickly shrieked, frightening the crow.
The crow, hopped off, to wait and try again.
He was determined not to fail.
The squirrel’s tail, curled upright into a nice shape to help keep his balance, while gripping and nibbling his tasty snack.
However, every time the squirrel bent his head to eat the food on the lawn, his tail lay out flat behind him flat upon the lawn.
It was then the crow made sneaky attacks to grab the squirrel’s tail and failed every time he made a pass.
Round and round both would turn, neither willing to give in, for twenty minutes to and fro the battle lasted.
Then the crow stalked off, as he knew the squirrel’s speed on the ground, he just could not master.
Once the crow was out of the way, the squirrel finished his meal and ran swiftly for safety up the nearest bushy tree.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
HIDDEN TALENT
My mother sat down, when pressured by family members at a party, to play the piano.
After grumblings and hesitation, she asked, “What would you like me to play?”
The request was for a modern popular tune of the time. To my amazement, the melody rang out in perfection, with no sheet music. Several other requests followed.
In all my sixteen years, at that time, I had no knowledge or experience of my mother playing the piano. I knew she used to play the violin and ukulele, though I had never heard her play them either.
She never gave us an explanation for not sharing such a gift with us. A shame, as my sister and I loved music, and we loved her dearly. As far as I know, she never touched a piano again.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo by Michael Effendy on Unsplash
ON MY LAP
On my lap, over time, have lain in mutual contentment babies, three,
Gurgling and playing games with me.
Cats in distress, five, have sought long, safe moments of rest, ’til safely rehomed.
The cat who wishes to be mine still climbs aboard to be patted and praised,
With rolls of purrs my comforting reward.
Dogs, three, have fidgeted and wriggled ’til able to curl there, too.
Not to be outdone, our lovely bird, when chattering at the TV,
Used to perch on the top of my knee and peck my skirt’s hem.
Those moments, so precious, recently came flooding back,
When I sat with an empty lap and no one sitting on me.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Aug 4, 2025
AIRY LAUGH
A mother and her little boy went for a walk to see some horses with their foals.
After watching for a while, the little boy bent down, pulled up a tuft of grass, offered it to the horses calling
‘Horsey, darling, come and eat, din, din!’
One of the older horses looked up, snorted and ambled over for the grass offered. The mother, held the child firmly, just out of reach of the horses full neck stretch as he offered his gift.
The horse gently searched for the grass with its warm velvety lips, puffed out tickly breath as it grasped the grass and began chewing.
The child brushed his hands together, raising his shoulders in delight, glancing up at his mother in triumph.
All of a sudden the horse let rip a blast of wind from its rear end. There was a stunned silence.
The child shouted ‘The horse farted Mummy, he farted, he farted, pooh!’
He began laughing till he cried. He continued laughing all the way home and raced in to tell his father:
‘The horse farted, Daddy he farted.’
The merriment continued as other family members arrived for a visit and the tale was retold.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
TAKE ME
Take me down the garden, out through the gate.
Where the foal is staggering about on wobbly legs.
With her mum trying to steady her for her first milk drink.
We lean on the gate, taking in the scene of new life and first cry.
Thinking how fortunate we are to live where we do.
Watching nature and wild life arrive and survive.
Knowing generations before us nurtured and toiled in this place.
When we are long gone, others will plan, with sweat and toil,
The best way to keep nourishing and caretaking this blessed land.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Aug 3, 2025
COSMO THE DOG WITH UNUSUAL TASTE
Cosmo the dog sat waiting, staring, at the cooker, as the sounds coming from it meant his favorite snack was being boiled.
Somehow, he knew he only had to wait four or five minutes once the steam started to rise from the pot. He started whining softly, fidgeted and licked his lips. Not long to wait now.
The moment the pot was picked up and taken to be cooled under the cold tap, louder whines came from Cosmo.
The final bashing sound was the signal! Bash! Bash! Bash. It was nearly ready, time for him to dribble and bark his head off. What was he getting so excited about?
It was a hard-boiled egg, his favorite! Not the shell though, that had to be carefully removed, especially for him.
After all, he was an A-La-Carte Dog.
2025 © by Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
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
"Dialogue with Delightful People"
Anna Almeida
A friend of a friend that became a friend
Nothing seems too much trouble
Not one to be lazy when has a day off
Always giving best and then does double
Attitude always positive
Life is something she does live
Makes a difference to more than me
Everyone who knows her they then see
Inspiration and dedication
Doubtless blushing when does read
A humble tribute to her creed
Anna Almeida my dear and valued friend
I tried my best to say
Exactly how much you mean to so many
Each and every single day
Come to a different place to give
The support needed for one to live
A life so full of dedication
To someone of different nation
You are a heroine – superstar
You are really as good as gets
You are so very humble
You are WobblyPen on the internet
To know a person just like you
Is something rare but I found two
You and Penny are amazing
Both a warmer than double glazing
Ian Wilcox
The Penny Anna Playground:
The other day I was led astray
To a better place, I will admit
Joined the engrossed audience
Stopped and then did sit
In my head, I went to places
Not visited for so long
Yet here and now with this singing cow
Felt again I do belong
The Penny Anna playground
Where everything is fun
Boys with toys and girls with curls
Dance under smiling Sun
The animals have their stories
The good in each shines through
Sometimes it has guest tellers
Maybe more than two
It has no fixed location
In fact, has more than one
It is wherever has a reader
As each chapter has begun
A playground that's a classroom
A classroom that's a hope
A hope for encouraging young ones
In wisdom and how to cope
Penny Anna is, in fact, two ladies
Of equal importance in my story
Both deserve the recognition
Both deserve the glory
Two outstanding figures in real life
Weaving it with make believe
Inspiring others to do something
Seeing what they could achieve
Ian Wilcox
Aug 2, 2025
SEASHORE
Walking along the seashore, dodging the waves that rush in.
Snatching a piece of seaweed, I have been told it tastes divine.
Peering into pools of entrapment, looking to see who is waiting for the next tide, to rescue them with a swish and a splash.
Pebbles when wet, can be revealed as real beauties, till they are exposed and dried by the air.
They need frequent seawashing to keep, the colours that won’t cloud or fade.
When throwing stones to skim the water, the angle you use has to be just right.
If you have an eye for decoration, driftwood and shells are there.
Providing a temptation to make something colourful and bright, to cheer up a dark, cold, stormy night.
Walking the seashore is a delight!
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Aug 1, 2025
THE THIRST
The thirst for knowledge, the hunt for beautiful inspiring words.
To flow constantly in thoughts gathered together,
Bound into books handled with love, and bursting with knowledge
Releasing stories to inspire caring, courage, hope, enterprise, mentor-following and amusement-sharing.
Books: the nurseries of amazing thoughts and calculations.
Capable of moving the poorest and richest in many nations.
Books to read and re-read, held together with glue as age and use tug at their bound pages.
Anger, fury, pain, disbelief and death are released chapter after chapter.
As the search for relief, music, comedy and laughter is shared line by line, page by page.
To ease the book to a feel-good factor, and love true, on a quest for a happy ending.
As it is returned onto a shelf for someone else to find.
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
DANGEROUS GAME
Looking out of my window a stealthy movement caught my eye along the edge of the trellis marking the boundary of our home.
It looked too secretive to be a squirrel.
It was Jake, a small cat I was friendly with.
What's he up to?
Watching patiently, I spotted a lovely little Robin red breast sitting on the top of a section of the fence.
Jake with his eyes firmly fixed on the robin and his paws gripping hard to maintain his balance on the narrow fence top-edged towards him.
The Robin sat waiting, with one eye on the cat.
Once Jake got too close for comfort, he flew to the next section of the fence and awaited the arrival of the stalking cat.
When it finally looked as though disaster would strike, the Robin flew onto a revolving clothesline he alighted on the arm farthest away from Jake.
There the little bird fluffed up all his feathers, to make himself look as large as possible.
Jake the cat, eyed the distance between them and realized he couldn’t make it without jumping to ground level.
He was a small cat and the thought of the long drop to the ground scared him.
He started retreating along the fence, with several scathing backward looks at the triumphant Robin.
Score: Bird one, Cat nil.
Quite a change!
🐦 🐈 🐦 🐈 🐦 🐈 🐦 🐈 🐦 🐈 🐦 🐈 🐦
2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
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