FANTASY

 

Fantasy the very word starts my imagination running free.

The constraints and bonds drop away from me.

I start to look around and construct a world better for all, where truth runs free and respect is not bought just honestly given.

In my fantasy land red tape would be cut to the quick.

Animals would be able to converse with you and me.

Explaining what plants to eat without being sick.

Oh my, how wonderful that would be.

All children would go to school, no need to pay home to teach their parents some wonderful new ways.

Sharing knowledge their income would surely rise.

A home their own little palace would be earn’t what a surprise.

Bullies young and old would be tackled with a spectacular spell.

They’d soon learn their lesson, repent and bully no more.

Wars would disappear then forever for sure.

If ill health should start, a walk through a beam would see it’s fantasy cure.

Pain would be banished in this miraculous world of mine, as it is unfair that so many suffer through no fault of their own.

Fires, storms and weather events would be more contained with warnings.

So life could be preserved not damaged and reinvented time after time.

A spell would ensure we never forget our love for one another, plus the gift of kindness we can on others bestow.

Yet another spell at the end of life, just to let us slip gently away.

Leaving the World a clean, cherished place for others to comfortably stay.

Oh if only, a tiny bit of my fantasy could become reality, the changes would be good.

Perhaps without the spells, using human compassion and skills, parts might still be commonly used.

Our damaged world so needs all the help we as humans can manage to give now.

2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

SIMPLE LIFE

 

Most of the inhabitants of this World seek to live and value simple lives. 

It is the minority who work to greedy, selfish agendas, that seek to destroy what most of us cherish. 

2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Andrew Stutesman on Unsplash

USE YOUR LOCAL SHOP!

 

Shop, shop! Oh quick stop, stop! I was on my way to buy food when I lost the shop I was going to.

It's amazing but one by one they have put up their shutters and closed for good. At first, it did not dawn on me as there was always one more on the corner around our way you see.

Then horror upon horror my options started to shrink. Now there is no shop there for us to pop out to buy our food or our drink.

I'm old and a car is a luxury we can't afford and buses here have stopped calling, ‘All aboard!’

So open your eyes. Stop the rot, or the superstore will have closed the lot!

Stop, stop! Use your local shop.

2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Edward Howell on Unsplash

THE KNIFE

 

A knife cold and deadly,

You pick up at your peril,

It comes not as your protector,

But to take your life as

You know it, as well. 

It does not matter

At which point you look.

One knife thrust takes it all.

As the perpetrator,

You will be incarcerated

Between four walls.

You will never walk,

Free proud and tall.

If you fall without letting go

You will be just another statistic,

Wrapped in your funeral shroud.

Your family will grieve and lament

Until none of them survives,

To remember your life at all.

2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

BEWARE OF THE SCAMMERS!

 

I received a very aggressive phone call on my landline, from a woman purporting to be from Microsoft. As soon as she mentioned Microsoft and it was about my computer, I stopped her, saying, “If my computer needs anything done to it, I will contact them myself, thank you,” and put the phone down.

She rang again immediately, asking me to listen to her as it was serious. I said, “No, I would mention it to my son,” putting down the phone. It rang again and my husband picked it up. I shouted to him to put it down and not answer it, in case he pressed whatever she wanted. I was worried as he did not have his hearing aids in. Thankfully, he complied! 

Then it rang again. I said, “Leave us alone!” She said she was going to keep ringing until we went to Reading; otherwise, we would lose our computers entirely. I just cut her off again. I knew what to do but many vulnerable people would have been intimidated. 

I have had many scam calls but none were as aggressive as this lady. So, beware; just put your phone down. Do not answer any calls immediately and use another line if you have one. 

2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

TRANSPORTED

 

On this wet, cold, miserable, early morning, without leaving my comfortable chair in the lounge, I have been transported on an emotional journey by the TV. With a flick of a button, transported thousands of miles and across oceans to a place which, in many aspects, other than in war time, has stood still. The quest was to find Shangri-La, the mythical place that stimulated a writer to write a book called Shangri-La. Is it real, or found not to be?

I once flew over this amazing area in daylight, or close to it. How can people live down there, I wondered. The land looked as if it had been pushed by gigantic force into a jagged, rugged, concertina-like, mountainous area, where life could be sustained only in some of the beautiful valleys. 

The programme transported me, by Jeep and on foot, with the presenter (historian Michael Wood), into a world I would never have been able to see, meeting and listening to people rarely visited. “Do you know Shangri-La?” was his anxious enquiry. “No! We have knowledge of James Hilton the writer, as told to us by the elders in the village where he stayed.”

Michael gently probed and asked if he could be shown the village. They escorted him through the village, introducing people and places of interest. He was coming to the conclusion that this may have been the inspiration for Shangri-La, a place where peace and love stood still.

Up the hill, he was escorted to their ancestral graveyard, where current reality struck. Gravestones were upended, bones scattered all over the place, mixed up. This was an act of pure hatred! Why?

The eternal trigger: religion. They were non-Muslims, surrounded by Muslim countries. Their valley and ones nearby supported 80,000 people; now only about 2,000 remain. Their life was precarious, no longer an example of that sought-after place called Shangri-La.

I slipped back into my life in the lounge, safe but sad at what I had witnessed, at the roof of the world and at the crossroads of several countries. Yet, after generations of struggle, peace is not embedded there. Still, I dare to hope for change.

H Happiness

O Opportunity 

P  for People

E Everywhere

NOTE

From the BBC documentary series In Search of Myths and Legends, presented by historian Michael Wood.

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

MAN OF STEEL

 

My man did not arrive, a man in shining armour, with a gun at his side and body protection. He came in rubber gloves and a kitchen apron, with love in his heart for me. Yet a man of steel he surely is when giving us family protection. 

His wish, as is mine and that of many others, is to live in peace, to collectively expand new ideas for food growth, education, employment, housing and health; not to buy items for millions of pounds, to be hidden in vaults or hung on selected walls in empty houses. Pounds in circulation could restore many of the ails we see afflicting the world. 

My man of steel does his best to help his neighbours as he does me. Thankfully, there are many men of steel striving to keep the peace and their neighbours safe, and helping the rest to live normal lives most of the time. 

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

CARERS

 

Carers carry a heavy burden, not always visible as they age. 

What will happen to those I have cared for when I am gone? 

They will not be loved or treated as well as I have in all the years past. 

All the tears I have wiped away, theirs and mine, 

Soothing them through painful, anxious times. 

Finding special foods or things to make trigger laughter 

And thus smiles appear and shine. 

Will others take ove , cherish, support and love

This oh, so precious child of mine? 

As I give my final goodbye and kiss, 

Before slipping into another time. 

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

TRANSPARENCY

 

A word rarely heard.

Now uttered with regularity.

Transparency!

You have to be seen to be clean.

Bank accounts and share dealing,

Need to show no doggy creaming.

No island hopping, money laundering.,

To places, Governments can't go retrieving.

Transparency.

Who and what you are is scrutinized,

No matter where you go.

Birth Certificates, Passports, Credit Cards, Health Numbers,

Nail you wherever you may be.

You can't escape the long arm of the Law,

And Transparency.

Each drop of water, a spark of light,

Telephone natter or computer clatter,

Leaves a paper trail to follow.

Remember the devil hides in the details,

Make sure you are squeaky clean,

When Transparency is asked of you!

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

LEARNING TO CARE

 

Having to assume the mantle of the main carer for another human being, and on occasion for a group or family, arrives with no training and sometimes no warning. There is quite often a lack of health and safety assessments. Everything is done at speed and it is still seen as a woman’s task, though some fantastic men are embracing the role now. 

Messages flash! ‘How am I/you/we going to manage?’ is the first response. ‘I/you/we will just have to manage somehow. They cannot be left as they are.’ 

Immense mental struggle, anxiety and guilt take place, no matter what your age or your relationship with the person you are going to care for. Carers always feel so guilty about verbalising these feelings, yet they are very natural and commonly experienced. There is nearly always the question at some time, however briefly thought, ‘What about my/our life? Everything is going to change, perhaps forever.’ It is often a guilt-ridden utterance, yet should not be. 

Sometimes, the person to be cared for is someone you have little love for, or have had a difficult relationship with, or hardly know. Yet you take on the role. Family and friends will offer well-meaning support which, in long-term caring, can dwindle to isolation over time. In other situations, a family and communities work together to help one person or family and raise funds and awareness to support others in similar situations. In some instances and cultures, whole families share caring for family members and friends: wonderful to see. 

In every country, there are those needing care who are abandoned onto the street to fend for their own survival. Many, sadly, have unresolved mental health issues. In the United Kingdom, there are quite a few charities you can approach for vital information, and to help you through the questions you must answer, assisting you to connect with the relevant Government agency with the tools to help you receive all the help you so rightly deserve. Without carers, be they family, friends, or employed by the disabled person, about 700,000 people would have to be cared for in Government homes and be treated as a number. 

We must not forget the number of young carers providing care for a parent as well as siblings: a terrible burden for a young person trying to study and go to school, with the added load of shopping, cooking and housework. They deserve a childhood of fun, appreciation and support. The sad part is that many of them think this is how all families live. They do it with love and anxiety for the person or family they belong to. 

Do you know a carer struggling in your neighbourhood to manage a care situation? Could you spend some time listening and giving some support to them? Fairy godmothers and godfathers are so needed today.

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

BROODING MENACE

 

The setting sun, full of gentle remembrances and fun, being chased by a brooding menace as thunder and lightning had begun. 

The gentle sunset being devoured with such terror, as the earth beneath shook and writhed, chasing humans to seek shelter. 

In their choice of high or low their lives hung, as homes and all they knew were shredded. The battle raged as the ocean rose and swept all before everything being upended. 

Terror stalked those who still lived, as lightning struck and thunder roared and the sea covered all before. Fearfully, those who still survived prayed that this brooding menace would soon go. 

So, in time and worldly cycle, the battle waned and unsettled day began to show. Life stirred, as people searched for family, beloved pets and neighbours well known. 

Silence and cries of sorrow were heard by many that first day, before sirens and calls of, “Anyone there?” As rescuers arrived, cries of joy permeated the air. 

As survivors returned to what might be left of their homes, where strangers waited to welcome them with water, food, clothes, bed and board. For others, more permanent arrangements had to be made and another place found to call home. 

As life in any traumatic situation has to go on. 

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

NATURES WARNING

 

So far nature has been sounding warning bells for us to pay attention to, in multiple parts of the world.

Are we listening I am not quite sure. 

Yet each evening a new disaster, fire, flood, hurricane, in multiple places at once, with a death rate rising, homes destroyed, businesses too, crops burnt to the ground, or sodden by mucky flood water. 

If that were not enough, humanities fight against humanity, bombs maiming, destroying livelihoods, homes, hospitals, and schools. 

Leaving more and more people starving and homeless below the poverty line.

Now it is hitting people in all parts of society, will they take note and join the rest of the world to call for urgent change? 

In how we look after the earth we all live in.

It is not too late for sensitivity, unity, and others to work together to make changes to restore it over time.

Is there anything you and your family can do with others in your community? 

To help Is there? Each one of us has to try.

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 

As humans, we have, through the pressures of this messed-up world of ours, lost the immense value of time. Time for ourselves, our families, our friends, our neighbours and our communities. 

OURSELVES 

If we selfishly start with ourselves: if you are a working single person, you may not yet have responsibility for others, just lots for yourself. The need to fly the nest to make your own way in the world, if achieved, is with thoughts of freedom to row your own boat. 

However, it comes with a cargo of responsibility. Time begins to make demands on you, subtly at first, as you enjoy your new freedom. 

The largest might be rent, or mortgage payments, with all the bills attached, and the amount of energy needed to keep the smallest home going. 

You have all your communication gadgets: your responsibility, otherwise you will lose contact with work, family and friends. 

Friends around at first; you entertain them merrily, then off out to the pub or a gig. Food does not miraculously appear on the table; a quick takeaway might fill the gap. 

All is well and good till the budget is attacked. Then horror of horrors! There is more going out than finding its way back in. 

The first to stop is active physical friendship, because of the high costs attached. The price is even higher than that, as loneliness, humans’ worst hidden disease, bites right back. 

Your gadgets take over, at a cost, to absorb you: films, sports, pop culture and friends (perhaps not so often, as you are no longer one of the gang, out and about having fun). 

POSITIVE IDEAS 

There are ways to maintain physical contact, freely or very cheaply. Join a group: your local library has a host of information about them and links to find them. Some are run from the libraries themselves and have cafés attached. Local religious centres and councils have interesting links to activities in their areas. 

Do some voluntary work for a charity of your choice; some amazing people are doing the same and it gives you a sense of purpose. 

Ask each of your friends to bring a plate of food when you meet next, which you can all share, weather permitting, outdoors. There is much fun to be had in such activity, and friendships are strengthened. 

RESTRICTIONS 

The next to restrict is heating, lighting, insurance and water bills; at the moment, they keep on rising, as does the mortgage. 

POSITIVE IDEAS

Waste not, want not comes to mind here. If we think hard about it, we can reduce the amount we use of each of these. 

As humans in this modern world, we are seriously wasteful. Shop around; there is something you can do about that. Beware: read the small print on a contract as, if not understood, it can return later to bite back. 

Join a walking group or any group where, for a very small cost, or even free from some councils, you can make friends and pick up friendly, workable tips to handle tasks attached to living a solitary lifestyle. Try it; it is fun. 

No one needs to be lonely unless they want to be; they just need the information and encouragement to make the first move. 

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

BULLY & BULLYING

 

The first experience I had of bullying was when my young sister with special needs was bullied at our school. She came to me heart broken, sobbing that anyone could be so unkind to her.

I set off to challenge her tormentor’s, my advantage was my height, and my command and sting of the English language. She was not bullied again thankfully.

Nearer to home now, I know of three children who have been bullied. 

One the bully moved schools before action could be taken. 

The second was more serious and involved school, police, social workers, with the eventual decision being taken for the child to change schools. 

“Why can’t I be left to learn, all I want to do is to learn. I do not want to smoke or do drugs, or talk about sex, I love church, why do they want to hurt me?” 

With the other child I believe the bullying was handled within the school.

Why does anyone want to bully someone? 

Envy, Racism, Sex, to look tough in a group, to create fear and submission. No country is sadly exempt from bullying.

No one of any age or race deserves to be bullied. They must speak up, keeping quiet only causes the bully to continue to torment them and others.

Schools and work places are now quite rightly starting to increase zero tolerance on bullying.

If you see someone vulnerable to bullying, please try to befriend them, just doing that could deter some bullies. 

You might even to be able to report what you have seen, to whoever is in charge of the school or workplace. 

Then action could be taken to protect and support them.

Parents need to be vigilant of their children and any change in behaviour or sleep patterns. It might be the first indication you have that your child is being bullied. 

Complaints of stomachache, headache, bed wetting, or refusal to go to school. There are other subtle clues, as children struggle to understand what has and is happening to them.

As parents, family, friends, and workmates we need to listen to any one telling their stories about bullying or being made to feel uncomfortable at school or at work.

Everyone needs to know that we as human beings do not tolerate bullying in any form.

Please look out for the vulnerable, offer your friendship and support to break the bullying cycle.

The sad thing is, some bullies as adults are really ashamed of their behaviour of the people they bullied when they were young. 

If minds can be changed earlier perhaps bullying can be reduced. 

Talks by ex-bullies might be worth doing to explain how they changed.

Take care, be kind, share a smile or a story when you can.

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

SUDAN

 

How can we ignore it? We cannot. 

It is like a leaking abscess, slowly infecting other countries surrounding its borders.

Spreading fear and mobilisation of large groups of people going from one place to another, seeking sanctuary and being harassed by gangs of bandits. 

Seeking the basic necessities of life: food, water, shelter, and safety.

The disruption of agriculture in Sudan and neighbouring countries will have a knock-on effect on food supplies in the area.

Sadly, it will add to the interruption of food production and supply due to the wars in Ukraine and Syria and the horrendous flooding in Pakistan, Australia, and New Zealand, amongst others.

Conversely, there are countries suffering droughts lasting years. All these weather and war events are impacting on the food chain and food costs for many.

We all need to do our part to protect food and water supplies that are under pressure.

Peace and humanitarian talks need to be persuaded, at government and international levels, to restore trust, to calm the fighting, and to stop the vast population movements across borders.

Can we help? Yes, we can, by supporting the charities working in the field. 

Looking out in our neighbourhoods for groups from the countries involved. 

They need friends at these times, as they struggle with anxiety for families left behind in danger, as they grapple with the mass of legal documents needed to be completed in order to bring dependants home to them.

Here, we live in safety and I am very thankful for that.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

LATE NIGHT

 

LATE NIGHT

The day ended; the work did not.

I have to put in all the hours I can to save this shop.

A family business for generations it has been; I cannot let it go.

The next generation is about to be born here.

The wife is upstairs in bed with her sister attending; doctor is on his way.

It should be me, but the orders awaiting delivery cannot wait, or the business will fail.

A hope was extended with this order of more items of greater value, if this one was delivered on time.

So I gather myself to work even faster, with ears waiting for the first newborn cry.

Then it will be worth it: the sacrifices of my wife and me.

Hours past I longed to be by my wife's side, yet I dared not.

The cry my ears longed to hear burst loudly into life; then came the news. 

You have a son; love from your wife.

Two more parcels to go, then I can head upstairs.

With the knowledge the future for a while will be secured, with a new partner, my son, and a substantial customer with new business flowing our way. 

This business will not finally close today.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

I WOULD LIKE

 

I WOULD LIKE

I would like to feel the touch of silk the warmth of cashmere.

I would like to see an opulence of gold dangling from my neck and ears,

I would like to have a credit card or two I can maximise without pain.

I would like a limousine awaiting my beck and call to whisk me to the next glass of champagne.

I would like the best table and food in the house wherever I appear.

I would like real conversation whispered in my ear.

I would love to hear real mean’t words of love when my man holds me near.

Yet none of this is for me as I huddle and dream in a dirty shawl begging bowl clasped tight.

Pleading for a coin to buy something to eat from those coming out the door.

Perhaps one day someone will see me and really understand and stretch out a helping hand.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

PEACE MEANS SO MUCH, IN DIFFERENT WAYS

 

There is the desperation when caught up in a war and hate, while terror and weapons of destruction rain mercilessly down upon the innocent. 

When the denial of food, water and shelter are weapons of the cruelty of war. “Let us have peace, why are you doing this to us, we just want to live, in peace,” is the constant cry.

There is the bargaining and negotiating for years for peace, with hope hovering on the horizon, never giving up as there is too much at stake.

“Why can’t I be left in peace what have I done?” As once loving relationships slide into control, terror, tears and pain.

The plea for release from the constant battering of pain in illness, “take me I have had enough, l just want to be at peace.”

The calming of nature after the ferociousness and destruction of storms on land and at sea. Peace is the return of calm and the joy of survival, even amongst the devastation.

Then there is the other joyful peace, after a hard working day, as you enjoy the peacefulness of spirit after the accomplishment of a job well done at whatever level.

The joy of the birth of your newborn, and the plea for a night of peaceful sleep, as exhausted you rock them close.

The inner peace of being at one with nature and it’s restorative powers.

Peace means many things to many people, it is sought and cherished by many, even animals as they seek a peaceful existence amongst us.

Peace is far too valuable to tarnish and lose, combined hard work and unity by all is needed to protect it.

2022 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

OUT OF THE ASHES

 

Hero’s all in uniform to protect, yet the heat fought to overcome. 

They held their ground battling to protect the homes of some they knew. 

As dwelling after dwelling engulfed in flames, roofs blackened by the flares collapsed leaving smoking ruins. 

The wind intent on destruction fanned the flames. 

As the firemen cursed and tugged on their water-filled heavy snaking pipelines. 

Is everyone out? The cry anxiously made, get everyone out! 

A fast head count showed all was well, as they were sent to the church for safety. 

Unknowing the fire was creeping through the graves, burning all that was not stone. 

A quick run up the Church Tower and the alarm was raised, as the fire made it’s way to the church door. 

Retreat by all was quickly arranged out the rear it was a close call. 

The hours passed before the flames started to dwindle, and the firemen gained control. 

It was then all could see the disaster of missing houses leaving great ruined holes. 

The village unity came into play, as neighbours gathered together, for support and early planning. 

Before some being settled in accommodation away. 

Vowing to stay united and rebuild their village, day by day. 

Out of the ashes, you’ll see one day the village that was nearly destroyed now living on for another day. 

© Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

WHERE DOES IT END

 

Our journey started with high hopes,

saying tearful goodbye to family and friends.

We packed our lives and histories into our bags,

Well all we could share and carry with us.

With sights set on that safe and promised land.

As the miles on sea and foot stretched before us,

weariness sapped our hope.

We shed belonging as with weight we could not cope.

Robbers attacked every convenient stopping water spot.

They each demanded something and wrenched it away.

There was kindness shown by some,

but to others we were disposable and in the way.

We cheered one another up, by crossing off each dangerous day.

The weather was moody, rain, wind, sun and snow.

I am not sure which we hated the most, as the journey began to slow.

At last we stood on the shore, paying everything we had,

to be secreted across the sea to that blessed promised land.

The last miles were the longest, the sea was not our friend,

it wanted to upend us, only god intervened to protect us.

On landing we were told you cannot stay here, 

Rwanda is now your journey's end.

© 2022 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License