26 May 2009

A Dog's Life


The sea! The sea! I love the sea,
With waves that slosh about.
Its salty water beckons me,
‘Come in, please don’t stay out.’
Although it’s freezing, I am bold;
I’ll gladly take the chance
To plunge into those waters cold
And splash and swim and prance.

The sand! The sand! I love the sand
That lies so flat and wide.
There’s lots of room upon the strand,
Depending on the tide.
I’d gladly stay here all the day
To splash and chase the brine
And run to fetch my ball and play
And dig the sand so fine.

The car! The car! I love the car
That brings me to this place
And takes me home to fields afar
With wind blown in my face.
I love to have the window down
And roll upon the seat,
And smell the smells of field and town,
And wipe my dirty feet.

My food! My food! I love my food
Served in my shiny dish;
Leftovers fried or boiled or stewed,
Or even some fresh fish,
Are what I like the best to eat
But kibble smells all right.
I’ll gobble ‘til I’m quite replete
Then fart for half the night!

My bed! My bed! I love my bed
With stuffing soft and deep.
I’m quite worn out and nicely fed,
So, time to go to sleep.
I’ll dream of cars and sea and sand
And other pleasant spots,
And food that fills my tummy, and
My folks, who love me lots.

Copyright © 2009 Desmond Hilary (with help from Maximus Flatus Rex)

25 May 2009

A Summer Reverie

When summer kisses England
There is no lovelier place.
See the green meadows
With wild flowers festooned:
Brazen buttercups hoist high their heads
In mimicry of the sun;
Subtle speedwells, spread carpet-like,
Reflect the firmament;
Dazzling daisies’ pristine petals
Resolutely face the light;
Campions blush, embarrassed
By their own beauty.
Bees, in lazy haste,
Unbiased, visit each bloom
With diligent care.

The river, no more rushing
From wintry ravages to salty oblivion,
Now languid, slides slowly by,
Playing among the rocks,
Basking in warm sunlight.
Swallows swoop and dart
And twist and dive,
Beneath the open sky.
Multifarious birdsong breaks
Upon the listener’s ear,
Instilling awe and wonder.
The riotous greens that surround,
Of tree and field, of vale and hill,
Fill the eye and its owner
With rest and joy of living.

No, in all the world,
There is no fairer place
Than England’s countryside
Caressed by summer’s kiss.

Copyright © 2009 Desmond Hilary

11 May 2009

The Ornamental Garden

Here, Nature's marvels orchestrated
Play, the human eye to please,
With rich new colours variegated
Set beneath great, ancient trees;
Warm sunlight bathing open spaces,
Shapes and patterns, shades of green,
And greens in shade in sheltered places;
Birdsong urgent, now serene.

The paths that guide the eye's direction
Lead our weary, wand'ring feet
To find a place of contemplation
At some beauteous vista's seat.
In view, in watery reflection
Muted, Nature's song still clear
Can melt away our disaffection,
Quell our darkest, inmost fear.

For here, all Nature's gathered treasures
Ordered by the craftsman's skill
Can clouded minds transform with pleasures,
Anxious hearts by respite still.
This peaceful place, its moments tranquil,
Bars all turmoil from its ground,
Reminds us that our lives are special,
Tunes us to a deeper sound.

Copyright © 2009 Desmond Hilary

Inspired by Samares Gardens, Jersey