SYLVESTER THE CAT

 

The neighbourhood has been alerted as Sylvester has not been seen for days. His mum is abroad so perhaps he just became bored and crept away. Maybe he has taken a journey to try and discover where she might be. There was such a hue and cry, as he had never strayed before.

It was amazing he never knew how popular he was, till he failed to appear on his familiar rounds. He could not understand why his mum had been gone so long as it had never happened, as far back as he could remember. So he set off to explore, got himself into a mess when through an open door he decided to explore. The gale slammed it shut, at first, he did not mind as there were smells to investigate.

A cosy chair to take his repose, but as the hours' pass, hunger and thirst made him pace and call out in disgust. “Open up someone, and let me home.” No one came till day four, he was feeling rather poorly, and despair was creeping in, kept alive by a drip of water collecting and falling along the back wall. Suddenly he was woken from his despairing doze. The door swung open, he was up and as swiftly as he could manage, slid out the door, homeward bound.

Grateful to have his freedom, and return to food and his comfortable home, which he was not going to stray from for a while. Everyone was delighted to see him back, he had never had so much patting and cuddles, yet the one he really yearned for was still not there.

One thing he could be sure of was she was not nearby, well certainly not in the places he had looked. He didn’t understand that the pandemic had prevented her from returning to him but his mum knew he was in safe loving hands with his Uncle Shaun

© Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

The Magic Repair Shop

 

A name which brings a smile and interest when it’s name is mentioned.

Set in the country, in a quiet rural spot, the shop sits snugly with a cosy thatched rooftop.

Protecting the experts working away with ancient skills to restore broken treasures,

To restore memories of family members, many are grieving still.

Stories of accidental damage to treasured possessions from family, friends, or colleagues with gifts thought beyond repair.

Though tenderly kept, as considered far too precious to throw away.

Histories and colours of the gift related to the expert, so they could reconstruct and restore, not stripping the heart and memories from the piece.

Anxiously leaving their treasured possession in expert caring hands.

Awaiting the summons, “Your repair is now complete, awaiting collection.”

The way up to the door with emotions and anxiety bubbling, as they are greeted and welcomed in.

They pause before the shrouded precious item, experts waiting anxiously to display for approval, the repair laboured with the sensitivity of their skilled hands.

“Ready!" Sometimes only a nod and a smile, with a drawn-in breath.

A whisk of material and there before anxious eyes, a gasp smothered by a hand, tears slipping thankfully free.

“It is beautiful, as it used to be! Thank you, thank you, the family will be so pleased.”

A handshake, with treasure clasped in careful hands, or if heavy, lifted gently by all into the safety of a car. Before the final wave and the contented memory-filled journey home.

2022 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

QUEEN ELIZABETH

 

THE MARCH

Silently they stood at attention dressed in uniforms from all services.

Expectantly waiting for the shouted command.

It came and with the coffin of their Queen on a gun carriage, they marched off as one, boots following the beat of the drum.

Breaths blew 200 bagpipes into life joining the drums rat ta tat.

Men proudly marched in uniforms bright red, light blue and navy dark, with regalia and medals shining brightly.

Multi-coloured kilts swung in unison in a flurry of colour.

Other service bands joined in the orchestration of tunes favourites old and new.

A bell tolled a sorrowful sound ninety- six times during the journey to the final resting place.

At the Abbey, door music stopped, yet feet marched atmospherically on a few paces till called to halt.

With her family, the great and the good gathered from around the world awaiting their last opportunity to say farewell to their Queen and ours Elizabeth II.

Favourite Hymns and Prayers to send her on her heavenly journey.

Before the procession carried her to her final rest to join her husband’s remains in St George’s Chapel Windsor, all her earthly work was completed, as she moved into the comfort of God’s hands.

Another soldier a chief of soldiers now rests, all duties complete.

2022 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License 

DAWNING OF THE DAY

 

As dawn, slips it’s way up over the hill.

So does the old day, slide reluctantly away.

Taking with it the past to be remembered as history.

The birds welcome the dawn of the new day with a song,

With its stories yet to be written and told.

I take pleasure to be here to enjoy it all.

© 2022 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

IS THERE A SPELL

 

Oh, how I wish there were a spell to shake me up and make me feel better.

Not that I am really ill just that nothing is going very, well no matter what I do.

So I ponder on and on making and changing plans to find a way through.

I sometimes think I have a gremlin aboard, bound and determined to stop much of what I try to do.

Meetings carefully arranged somehow find a way of falling through.

Zoom calls timed from abroad, have storm disruption, poor connection and have to be abandoned, they do.

Updates arrive at inappropriate times, scrambling well-made plans into total confusion

Making five-minute jobs, turn into hour-long disasters failing completion too.

Oh, how I wish for a spell to clear all the mischief a possible gremlin to trying to do.

© 2022 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

 

TYPEWRITER

 

Typewriter,

Dancing to it's own rules,

Have to find a way to tame it.

Took me half an hour

To write the last piece.

I will be back.

© 2022 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

Have You Seen My Smile Today

 

Have you seen my smile today?

Each time I have checked it is not there.

Oh where do you think it might have gone?

I wear it to let the World know I am fine.

Yet it has still not arrived on waking this morn.

Oh where do you think my smile has gone?

Perhaps it is a sign all is not right at this moment.

I have something deep down bothering me.

Oh where do you think my smile has gone?

It is said that honest admission eases a weight on the heart.

Allowing sadness to flee and smiles to restart.

Oh where do you think my smile has gone.

I now have a small clue, I know what to do.

I will place my hand on my heart, head on my pillow

Releasing thoughts that are uncomfortable.

Then when I awake I will look straight in the mirror

To see if my cheery smile has returned.

IT HAS! IT CERTAINLY HAS!

2022 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

INDEPENDENCE DAY - GLOBAL LITERARY HONORS

 

INDEPENDENCE DAY GLOBAL LITERARY HONORS from Motivational Strips jointly with Gujarat Sahitya Academy is respected worldwide as the highest testimonial a poet or writer can cherish. 

This year we had 100 recipients from International countries who made it to this privileged list owing to their literary merit, interactions and clean track record. 

The recipients were approved, and signed by Motivational Strips Global Administration and Gujarat Sahitya Academy on July 20th 2022. The recipients were chosen after an exhaustive evaluation owing to their literary contributions from mid 2021 to Mid2022. 

All the recipients are eligible for an online certificate like the former years . But this year the added cherry on the cake is that the top 10 International recipients will receive  complimentary hard copy of the certificate and a souvenir medal to mark the occasion. 

Slipping Backward and Forward Through the Ages

 

In the still of the night, footsteps from the past are heard anew.

A soft brush of a sandal on a paved walkway.

A clip of hardened leather on a kerb.

The soft clatter of weight transfer together with the expelling of breath of restless horses after a hard day.

I have to let go of today to float backwards to connect with a distant time.

To really appreciate the way they lived their lives.

First the sounds surrounding us are totally different, remove bicycles, cars, van’s lorries trains, mobile phones, police cars and ambulances.

What commands your attention now? 

No, it will not be silence! 

It will be a cacophony of sounds. 

Young, shrill voices earnestly selling goods to earn food for their families. 

Costermongers shouting out their wares. 

The selling of spices with their olfactory wafting tantalisation. 

The whisper of silk beloved by women, and lavished on them by their men. 

The warmth of wool being exchanged for the coolness of cotton as temperatures rise. 

Passing the jewellery stall with a display of glittering, real or false gems tempting a purchase.

Last stop to the pub, for a pie and to sup a few tankards of well-deserved beer, never quite achieved, as you feel the years gathering you again and slipping you back to the present and home to bed.

2022 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

WICKED

 

I am feeling rather wicked, I wonder what I can do?

I am tired of being so goody, goody, aren’t you?

I will leave the dishes in the sink for someone else to clean.

Leave the drawers and cupboards open just an untidy little bit.

I will leave the lids off the jam jars and knives with peanut butter, sticking to the tops, awaiting a slice of bread to mop up the lot.

Oops someone has just come home the key is in the lock.

I better put it all away in case I give them a shock, as they are used to me being a goody two shoes.

Not hiding such wicked, wicked, thoughts.

2022 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

ELIZABETH FAREWELL

SCOTLAND THE LAND OF MY BIRTH

Scotland is on my mind today, as it gathers it’s regalia of history to bid farewell to their Chief of Chief’s. 

A woman who carried the blood of Scottish Kings within her being and love of the land and people within her heart.

As they left Balmoral for the last time, great sorrow was left behind, knowing never again would she and her corgis bodily freely roam the hills and glens.

With her seated on a saddle and on a trusty steed’s back. In time that memory will comfort many, as to the sound of the bagpipes she rode her way home to Balmoral.

On her last Scottish journey, leaving home, the drive she knew well, was lined by people in groups large and small, or in isolation in desolate parts of the drive. 

Farmers lined up tractors acknowledge her tie to the land, riders gathered in thanks for saving ancient breeds of horses. Old and young all paying their respects to the woman they honoured as their Chief and Queen.

Onwards she sped to lie in state in Edinburgh for her subjects to say their goodbyes, before journeying to England for her lying in state at Westminster Hall for thousands to pay their respects before leaving for her Funeral service in Westminster Abbey. 

After which in procession with her family, they will make their way to her English home and internment beside her husband in St George’s Chapel Windsor, together with her many majestic relatives in final rest.

The Queen’s legacy of strength and commitment will be spread amongst her people for the unity of all.

© 2022 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

SHOCKED IN DISBELIEF

 

I clicked on an advert from a well-known fashionable shop. 

What a shock I got! Sandals flat and cushioned with a price that gave me a knock-

Who can buy these, they are nice looking, but oh my at a price tag of £1,010 a pop?

They are not a colour you could wear a lot, flashy though they are. They were not made to last for long as far as I could see.

Scuffs would soon show with wear and tear, repairs would cost an arm and a leg.

They must be mad as I run my fingers through my hair. For that price I could feed a whole family for a month it’s not fair.

If you are tempted, go to a cheaper area, you will find equally lovely sandals waiting there.

It might give you the thrill to have money available, for the appearance of some of those nasty little extra bills.

2022 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

WITHOUT YOU!

 

Without you, I'm in trouble,

Without you, I'm in a muddle,

Without you I'm lonely,

Without you, I can't find a thing I need,

Without you, I really go to seed!

Without you, I have memories to treasure.

But sadly I am now without you.

© 2022 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

THE KEY

 

I have just been given that key,

To open my door.

To set me free now I can explore,

Searching for friends to help.

Make amends to those trapped

In poverty without end.

© 2022 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

THE MAGIC OF A SMILE

 

A smile once started, seeps out and spreads around the room. 

Pushing away that long-existing feeling of gloom. 

Even the hardest of hearts slowly gives way. 

The longer it is observed, the wider it grows. 

As you slowly push the gloom away. 

Before walking forward to say in concern, 

Daddy, did you really have such a terrible day?

2022 © 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 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.

2022 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

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! t 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 the 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.

© 2022 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

TERROR ROAMS

 

Leaving home where I live, is not a natural thing. 

Fear cloaks and surrounds you as you go innocently on your way. 

Hoping you will not meet a knife carrier on the street today. 

It is amazing, that they have not learnt that it does not give them strength. 

It is the means to take their life away too. 

After the attack, many perpetrators are caught within hours and after a trial in jail packed. 

Under threat from attack from other criminals, never knowing who has your back. 

Afraid to be alone or one of a pack, or to be singled out for too much praise. 

Which gives rise to other inmates' jealousy and rage. 

Leaving two families in different ways forever changed and no way back. 

So before you pick up the knife remember it has the power to destroy many lives. 

Not just now but for generations to come, destroying yours too. 

If not caught, the guilt will weigh you down and fear will reside in your chest. 

You will never be the man you wanted to be, a man of worth, respected. 

Cloaked not in fear, but in the arms of generations of a loving family. 

The choice is yours, mine too, never to carry a knife anywhere with you.

2022 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

SUMMER TIME IS FADING

 

Summer time is fading away, back to school is fast approaching. 

Gone the lounging on the back lawn with loads of sun protection screen on. 

Under an umbrella with sunglasses perched on my head ready for wear. 

I-pad in action a game in full play, I reach for a cool drink, to ease the tension away. 

Radio playing the latest hot tunes of the day, cause my feet to tap, body to sway. 

Later today mum has been making appointments for us to keep, purchasing new uniforms and shoes for our feet. 

Along with trips to the dentist, hairdresser for a short back and sides. 

To the bookshop for books we just have to have, for school requirements for course work, exercise books and new pens. 

I am allowed to choose some exciting new books, to swop and share with my friends. 

As the new term approaches there is a flurry of family visits, trying to fit them all in. 

As once term starts there will be little time to visit them. 

A last a short holiday weekend break, all we can afford to contemplate. 

Budgets are tighter than they have ever been, as our parents keep reminding us. 

Finally a big clean out of our personal space, to make room for all the new things we had to purchase. 

As we pack our school bag, ready for the final Summer-day that is slipping away and we stand waiting, for the arrival of the school bus, ready to take us to whatever’s there ahead of us. 

© 2022 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

A GLANCE

 

When passing a mirror, 

I happened to see new wrinkles looking back at me.

How did they appear so quickly?

Glancing again hoping the angle was better, 

The effect was the same.

Those wrinkles had come to stay, 

They would not leave again.

Unless I smiled. 

Then they sprang into a different line.

So constant smiling, is now a act I have learned to acquire,

To hide my wrinkles with what I hope is a beautiful smile.

You should try it, as it works.

2022 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

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.

© Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Daniela Silvia Serban

CERTIFICATE OF INDEPENDENCE DAY LITERARY

 

CERTIFICATES OF INDEPENDENCE DAY LITERARY HONOURS 2021

The pending certificates of last year's Independence day literary honours are being posted on behalf of our respectable founder Shiju H. Pallithazheth, from Media coordination office Bangalore.

Congratulations  to the recipients of Independence Day Honours from Motivational Strips jointly with Gujarat Sahitya Academy. 

OH BED!

 

Oh bed you seem so inviting,

Yet your pull is not enough

I must keep on writing, writing.

Stories slip with speed across my mind.

I dare not stop or they will escape.

I try to keep on repeating so I can find

Them one more time.

Oh bed I know you are still calling,

I am sorry to keep ignoring your desire.

One more line to write before falling,

Into bed to rest my oh so weary head,

Till morning.

© 2022 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

IMPERIAL GARDENS

 

In the Imperial Gardens, 

the willows bent and sighed, 

sharing court secrets heard nearby. 

Dipping leaves in the water as it languished, 

slipping, bubbling musically, on it’s way. 

The carp played hide and seek, 

away from the majestic eagle eyes. 

With courtesans, twittering like birds, 

walking sedately by arm in arm, 

leaving scented remembrances behind. 

All is at peace in this garden, at this time.

© 2022 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: © Pixabay

Happy International Cat Day!

 

 

I AM AN UGLY BUG

 

I am an ugly bug, a really ugly bug

No one wants to give me a hug.

People chase me away or want to kill me with one swipe.

All I want to do is live like you.

I have to kill to eat, then so do you.

How I do it is not nice, yet it is what I was designed to do.

My job is to keep the cicada population down under control.

© Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

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

FRIENDSHIP

 

A friend walks beside you,

Supporting you through difficult times.

A friend does not leave you to blunder alone.

A friend is not judgemental.

A friend is there to confidence build.

Releasing you, when the time is right.

A friend knows when to be very close.

A friend, a true friend is there for a lifetime!

© 2022 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

NURTURING

 

To the cradle of the forest, I am drawn when sad, allowing tears to fall unchecked in solitude.

Listening between sobs, for birds soothing calming songs. My mind slowly releases the hurt holding me back, as the wind rustles the leaves into a conversation.

On passing caresses, my face dry with it’s gentle tender touch. I look round at the years of death decay and regeneration, with water the bringer of life, waltzing through. Bursting into new growth, covering the tree canopy in fresh green.

The floor is decorated with multiple scented colourful entrancements. Soothing my spirit, as insects join the chorus, reminding me, sadness is not meant to last forever.

As small amounts of joyful memories carry me to a new day!

2022 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

LITERARY FESTIVAL CERTIFICATE 2022

 

Motivational Strips 4th Anniversary Literary Festival 

SIMPLY THE BEST

I heard of Motivational Strips,

Through a friend who encouraged me.

Putting pen to paper, 

Words would appear awash in anxiety.

I am dyslexic you see!

The fear that has terrorised my life,

When written work was requested.

My mastery of the spoken word was scrambled,

When released by my pen.

As spelling and punctuation were and still are,

A complete mystery to me.

No matter how hard I tried, 

Disaster was all I achieved.

So a storyteller I became, 

To release my tales to inform and amuse.

Dodging the need to record them 

In a book or on the internet.

With encouragement from friends 

And reliant on Spell Check,

I pressed send and off sped my effort to Motivational Strips.

In trepidation I checked the page, 

And a magical line appeared accepted by an admin.

The anxiety increased. 

They are great writers, 

Would they understand me?

What I have to share is everyday material, in a plain way.

Not like the literary giants of today and others long gone, 

With deep thoughts and sparking form.

With words beautiful to use 

And hear when read aloud from a book.

My hands shook when the likes 

And comments started to follow me.

Emotions hit me from all over the place, 

Here at last I feel comfortable enough to write.

The years have past, 

Motivational Strips has encouraged me all the way.

I have a small place in the world of writing, 

Though errors still slip through.

The task is now to encourage others to join us 

And see what they can do.

Motivational Strips itself has not stood still, 

It has advanced into many countries.

Seeking writers of good writing, 

And storytelling straight from the heart.

Encouraging young writers, 

With initiatives for them to take part.

Motivational Strips works because it is not propelled by one person.

Each member has a say and helps it expand internationally through admins, artists, media and management back to the main front man Shiju H. Pallithazheth

Penny Wobbly is a thankful member of Motivational Strips, looking forward to the next exciting year of new members and wonderful writing.

© 2022 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Motivational Strips

HOPE

 

Kindness is a feeling well worth universal spreading.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License