SEEKING SOLITUDE

There are times when heart and mind seek solitude.

A bit hard to find in our current noisy lifetime.

So, suppressed is this quest for rest.

Not for long, as the clamour grows and grows.

With fidgety legs and cramping toes.

A brain restlessly searching, to write, plan, to compose.

The important break between night and day being eroded away.

The search for solitude becomes vital.

As the demands of daily life call ever louder, louder.

A bus ride provides an answer: to the countryside.

As it vanishes into the distance, I stand still and listen.

Nothing man or woman made to distract or attack me.

Just sighing leaves dancing in the breeze, and bird song.

Taking a well-worn path up a hill to its clearing, expansive view.

With each step taken and breath expelled, tension eases, bit by bit.

As eyes flit from horizon to horizon, nothing there to create uncomfortable distraction.

The balm of fresh air and solitude commences the repair of heart and mind.

So necessary to indulge in from time to time.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

 

WHAT AM I?

Words from my pen just fly.

Where do they come from?

Who knows, not I!

The subjects vastly differ: from home and away, words people use day by day.

I am just the Pen, that places them on the page, to be read from age to age.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

 

MRS. SNAIL

Hello Mrs. Snail,

I know you are hiding in that excruciatingly expensive little plant.

It is a shame you can't see it, but you have left behind a simply super slimy trail, your very distinctive calling card.

Can we make a pact that you resist that little plant, because in roughly ten more munches those tiny delicate bunches of leaves won't be there?

Why can't you take a fancy to the rotten old weeds, which scatter their seeds everywhere and munch their flavours to the full?

We would work together and I would not start to see red and give you the old heave-ho every time,

I see your slimy, silvery, trail shining in the dark.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

WINTER SUN CAPTURE

The fox is down the garden, viewing a sunny spot in the corner by the fishpond.

He makes his way towards it, sniffs and turns around and around.

Lowering himself gently into the sunny, cosy spot he has found.

He shuffles a bit more to make room to tuck his four paws underneath his body.

With his bushy tail covering them, to keep them nicely warm on top.

He takes another glance, with his head and ears up, to make sure it’s a safe place to be lulled by the warmth for a much-needed sleep.

After a night of hunting and chasing all to grab a tasty feed.

Down goes his head as he bathes in the gift of some winter sun.

Before having to slope off underground in the dark when others come out to play.

I hope tomorrow will be another sunny winter’s day.

2025 © 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

 

GIVE ME A TUNE 

Give me tune, a lively one will do, that I can dance about vigorously to.

Play me a romantic melody I can sing out loud, gently taking listeners back to the romance and excitement of their day, encouraging them to sing along with the chorus, allowing memories long locked away to come flooding back.

Sweep me off my feet with an orchestra grand, in full flow, stimulating my imagination, releasing new thinking with their emotional playing.

Music has the power to move and change feelings at all levels.

From the thrilling music attached to a murder mystery, encouraging me to cover my eyes, to the lovely words delivered by the hero, with music that lingers and lingers around in my head.

Now, a lullaby is needed as my day has just come to an end, as I curl up in bed and let the music comfortably take me away as it flows.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

A NEW CAT IN THE GARDEN

I am in a state, I always knew there were other cats in a house near by.

I just never saw them except every now and then sitting on the window sill or perched on the back of the couch.

Now one of them has had the nerve to come out into my garden.

What a cheek!

I rushed over to see her off, but she was not going to go easily.

She settled down for a stand off.

I approached with caution, as she was bigger than me.

I made the most awful noise explaining this was my lawn, my house, she had no business to be there.

She just shouted back, ‘You have had it long enough to yourself, I have seen you, queening over everything.’

What does she mean?

I have lived here for years, she has just arrived!

What am I going to do?

Suddenly she sprayed the bush near her front door, then moved towards me and crouched down again this time opening and closing her mouth with no sound.

She has changed her mind, she is trying to be friendly using her flehmen response, for those who don’t know, she is not speaking but smelling and tasting me!

Slowly creeping forwards, that’s better.

Looks as though we might be starting a friendship of sorts.

I can’t rush this, otherwise, she will think I am a pushover.

I am going off home and I will spray my bushes on the way.

Wow! That is quite enough excitement for one day.

Time for a relaxing snooze. I wonder what she is called?

I’ll keep my ears open and find out tomorrow.

You wait till I tell Satu, he will be amazed.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

MR. SPIDER

Spider, Spider, spin your web,

Dainty, delicate gossamer,

Beaded dew-drop dressed,

All your glorious work,

Layer upon layer displayed,

On days like these,

I can see and admire where you are.

I can avoid stumbling through

Your perimeter wire,

Miss its clinging, obstructive embrace

All around my hair,

Neck and over my face.

Oh, I am sure while it’s wet

You'll miss a tasty meal,

Once dry, you'll remain hidden,

Well protected from many an eye.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

IT NEVER RAINS BUT IT POURS

An old saying, at times so very true. It is certainly pouring on me at the moment. It seems never-ending, all-consuming, with elements of pain, physical and mental.

You wonder: what next? 

There is often more before the end is in sight. It appears as though there is a reluctance for anything to return to normal, whatever normal is…

Oh, normality is there; it is just difficult to tackle at first. If you can, as a first step, spread all your concerns onto the table and list them numerically. Looking closely, as I am doing at the moment, place them in order of importance. Brutal honesty has to be used in some instances.

I am carefully pondering them to see if I can do anything to make a difference with each one. Put the ones you know you can change on a separate list.

I am hoping that by reducing the long list to a manageable size things will change. In fact, some have moved already.

Later on, I will look at the ones I had difficulty with, on the remaining list.

I am sure, by then, they will be ready in a very different light to move away, restoring me to the person I usually am.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

 

TAKE ME

Take me by the hand into that wonderland,

Where the grass is always green and flowers proudly stand.

As we wander to the place where children laugh and shout,

Whizzing around on that super roundabout.

Running to and fro, playing hide and seek until found out.

Stopping to play hopscotch drawn upon the ground.

Climbing onto swings, flying higher, higher with squeals of delight.

On a rocking horse, proudly king of all I can see, with you pushing me.

Then the moment comes, time to go.

“Oh no! Please can I have one more go, just one more go?”

Soon, we wander on our way to tea, storytelling and bed.

I can’t help looking back at the wonderland that had been such fun for you and me.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

VISITORS UNINVITED

Foxes on the lawn.

Heron waiting on the hedge. 

Squirrel on the fence.

Pigeon on the roof. 

Mole scrabbling under foot. 

Parakeet screeching and swaying in the trees.

Every single one of you waiting to be fed.   

The Foxes are capable of hunting on their own in packs. 

The Heron I have asked to take his beady eye off my fish pond. There are a lake and a river nearby for him to take fish from. 

The Squirrel has trees galore to pick nuts to fill his cheeks till full. 

The Pigeon I have asked to stay away as we are about to seed a new lawn. 

To the Mole I have explained we do not need holes and molehills in the middle of our lawn. 

There is some wild country a little way beyond, where he can dig all day long. 

The Parakeets are so noisy when swinging in flocks high up in the trees, I have asked them to move away during afternoon rest time, please. 

They are uninvited visitors and we just have to learn to live together and try to get along. 

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen 

 

MRS. CROW

On swishing open my curtains this morning,

I shocked a big black crow into flight.

I apologised as she was having breakfast on the lawn.

‘Don’t go Mrs Crow.’

What a stately bird,

Every feather is gleaming and in place.

Eyes looking at me eye to eye.

‘Please do not go, enjoy your breakfast.’

Breaking her stare,

She turned her back on me,

To return to her search for food.

I became a silent admiring watcher,

Wondering what she liked for breakfast.

After winter, crows have to eat as much as they can,

Ready for the hard work,

To build nests on the tops of trees,

For their young birds when they arrive.

Spring is a busy time.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

THE TOUCH OF SUMMER

When wandering out onto the deck, to feel the sun and wind collectively.

Testing if warm enough to hold my ground, to be bathed in the tang of the sea.

Nostrils tantalised by orange blossom scent, freely flowing around and around.

With bees singing, their buzzing collecting song.

The wind lifted my hair lightly to cool my scalp.

What bliss I am unable to resist.

So stand wallowing in contentment, at the first hint of a Touch of Summer.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

 FRANGIPANI

This flower has been forever trapped in my memories of the Far East.

The beautiful lingering scent is spread around by the light breezes for the delight of us all.

Pristine white with yellow faces and dark glossy green leaves.

Ready to adorn coconut-massaged necks, as the drums start the rhythm of the night.

Pure delight!

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen 

Photo by Vonita Buirski on Unsplash

 

A NEW CAT IN THE GARDEN

I am in a state, I always knew there were other cats in a house near by.

I just never saw them except every now and then sitting on the window sill or perched on the back of the couch.

Now one of them has had the nerve to come out into my garden.

What a cheek! I rushed over to see her off, but she was not going to go easily.

She settled down for a stand off.

I approached with caution, as she was bigger than me.

I made the most awful noise explaining this was my lawn, my house, she had no business to be there.

She just shouted back, ‘You have had it long enough to yourself, I have seen you, queening over everything.’

What does she mean?

I have lived here for years, she has just arrived! What am I going to do?

Suddenly she sprayed the bush near her front door, then moved towards me and crouched down again this time opening and closing her mouth with no sound.

She has changed her mind, she is trying to be friendly using her response, for those who don’t know, she is not speaking but smelling and tasting me!

Slowly creeping forwards, that’s better.

Looks as though we might be starting a friendship of sorts.

I can’t rush this, otherwise, she will think I am a pushover.

I am going off home and I will spray my bushes on the way.

Wow!

That is quite enough excitement for one day.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

DANCING CATUS

He stood like a scarecrow. Yet, it was alive, with bits that spoke of pure elegance, of dance.

With little fluid movement balanced, with one leg rooted to the ground.

Arms outstretched in gestures, seen in a professional dancer's routine.

Yet it is nature, that has provided the cactus with it's name, "The Dancing Cactus."

Where winds have blown bits off and rejoined, trailing scarf-like attachment trails and sways almost to the ground.

Once attached there, all movement might cease, and the dancing will have ended.

I was privileged to see and record, perhaps it's last performance of all time.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

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

 

WHAT AM I?

Words from my pen just fly.

Where do they come from?

Who knows, not I!

The subjects vastly differ: from home and away, words people use day by day.

I am just the Pen, that places them on the page, to be read from age to age.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

 

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

 

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

 

COLOUR MAKES NO DIFFERENCE

Skin no matter what colour just protects the functional elements in a tight hold. 

It is the heart and spirit which shares the goodness for others to find.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

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

Storytelling with Penny Wobbly

 

 

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

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

 

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

 

 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

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 

POETS

Poets produce their special work, to showcase to their friends.

Subjects diverse from birth to death, love declared or lost recorded, with joy or soul-searching despair.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

 Storytelling with Penny Wobbly 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

STRAINING TO HEAR

Arising early,

Sitting in the half-light,

Grasping a warming mug of tea.

Straining to hear,

A blackbird’s welcoming dawn song.

Approaching nearer and nearer,

Sitting on the fence,

Singing especially for me.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

Happy #SistersDay!  💛

There is no better friend than a sister.

And there is no better sister than you!

Miss you! 💛

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