A new Year

as this year draws to an end

and a new year is revealed

memories are brought to the surface

of all that has taken place

some have been hard to bear

while others have warmed the heart

all are part of our life story

what will your story be about?

(C) Lissie Bull 2020

As this year draws to an end..

 

As this year draws to an end ....I find myself looking back over very unusual year indeed!  Nothing about this year has been normal and we have seen many changes along with sadness and fear.  We suddenly lost one of our beautiful cats,  Squeak, she was such and amazing character and would of been 17 in February. However  I was lucky to visit my son in Orkney, such an inspirational island. My eldest son turned 30, so we have a social distanced BBq at his forge workshop.  It was a lovely party in the sunshine.

It`s be a challenging time to find new and innovative ways to reach my markets. Turning to virtual markets and working on my Etsy Shop has enabled me to continue to build my business. 

The one thing that's always hits me though ... Steve is not here by my side to share these events. Then I remember .. Steve may not be by my side, he is still with me through everything .. he`s the reason for my writing and always in my heart. Accompanying me in all I do and also with each of his children too.

Lockdowns, tiers, masks and social distancing have taken their toll on people, families and individuals, especially the elderly, people with mental health and young children.  This pandemic has effected jobs, education, businesses, NHS and so much more.

I`m thankful to the internet as it has enabled us to keep in touch by video calls. It has certainly helped business and school lessons.  

So if you feel lonely .. remember your loved ones will always be with you held lovingly in your heart and those of your family.

I'd like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all of you who have joined me on my journey as you travel along yours too. Though this year has been challenging,  it`s amazing how we have all found ways to cope with it all.

Happy New Year, here's to an amazing 2021 full of opportunities, adventures and new memories to make and some to share.

Lissie 💜 xXx

 

Loneliness

Life is hard enough

during these tough times

even lonelier 

in a house full of people

distant voices heard

yet there`s silence all around

creak of a floor board

is there movement upstairs

I feel so very  much alone

would so love some company

(c) Lissie Bull 2020

13th Anniversary of Steve`s death

through these troubling time amidst Coronavirus pandemic you are always on my mind and in my heart.  I miss you so much, more and more as each year passes by.

As I get older I find myself spending more time on my own as our children move on in their lives travelling along their journey`s road.

yet another year has passed 

 with each one I feel much older

as our kids are venturing out
 with your help I`ll be stronger

 remembering my love for you

the joys of life spent together

all the happiness that was ours

memories that will stay forever

through these terrifying times

I am missing you more and more

want to feel your arms around me

have life back as it was before

to join your for a long beach walk

feel your fingers through my hair

but now you have your angel wings

I am lost, life can be so unfair

can`t believe it`s been 13 years

you tried so hard but lost your fight

rest in peace my dearest love

amid angels and heavenly light

(c) Lissie Bull 2020

 

Wintry Tree

A solitary tree stands in silence

under a bright blue wintry sky

branches that were once wrapped in green

now stand out with snow piled high

so white against the snarled bark

snow crystallized, an eerie sight

a thick blanket covers the landscape

glistening in the sun shine bright

cotton wool covered tree trunks

standing in a line at the edge of the fields

nature tucked up in its warm covers

like soldiers protecting with their shields

muffled silence from the snow fall

most creatures hibernating now

only venturing out when needed

racing through old furrows from the plough

so as we stand and admire

that ancient tree that's standing here

all dressed in its white wintry coat

we know that spring will soon appear !

© Lissie Bull 2020

image found on cgtrader.com

 Santa`s Reindeer

Oh to be a flying reindeer

racing across Christmas skies

by helping dear old Santa Claus

deliver presents before sunrise

eight splendid sturdy beasts

all rigged up to Santa`s sleigh

with magnificent antlers

they are soon upon their way

all booted and suited in bright red

Santa takes the reins and off they fly

soaring high above the snowy land

almost invisible to the eye

visiting each and every home

while households are fast to sleep

leaving gifts for all the children

before little feet start to creep

when all the gifts have been delivered

Santa lets out a great big cheer 

for Christmas can now begin

for Santa and his wonderful reindeer!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas

🎅🎄🦌

(c) Lissie Bull 2020

 

In this day and age, Christmas seems to be about presents, food, decorations and cards, but that was not how it use to be.  Maybe it`s time to remember the true meaning of Christmas and the birth of baby Jesus.

Merry Christmas to you all !!

True Christmas

On Christmas eve it was so cold

like it was all those years before

as a couple tried to find a room

but they're only offered a stable floor

amongst the hay and ox and ass

the saviour of the world was born

laid in a manger warm and safe

watched over by Mary, `til the morn

there were shepherds in the field

all guarding their flock by night

when a heavenly host appeared

telling them of the child, with delight

leaving to visit the baby

travelling to the little stable

bearing gifts for baby Jesus

showing him love, as they were able

Mary takes this all to her heart

God has told her, he was precious

so as we gather altogether

let`s remember that first Christmas

© Lissie Bull 2020

Cat amongst the Crib

 

Cat amongst the Crib

I don`t mean to be disrespectful

but this spot is very comfortable

snuggled among these little creatures

even though they`re Christmas features

 I really hoped you wouldn't see me

after the problems with last year's tree

so I`m here to guard baby Jesus

until he is big enough to protect us !

© Lissie Bull 2020

Image found on Facebook but don`t know the source

 

Christmas Cheer!

It`s that time of year again

the excitement is growing

everyone has their secrets

there`s no sign of it slowing

Shopping bags and packages

sticky tape, and wrapping paper...

cards written and presents done

all this fun is such a caper

Decorations all in place

just love the atmosphere

raise you glass everyone

for Christmas time is here!

Christmas count down has started !!

© Lissie Bull 2020

 

Good night little kitty

such a soft bundle of fur

dream all your sweet dreams

as you slumber and purr

while the moon drifts on by

you`re snuggled up tight

rest up your weary paw

until the morning light!

© Lissie Bull 2020

 

Mysterious Tranquility

standing by the waters edge

watching the clouds reflected

touched by the mystery

just feeling so connected

landscape mirrored on the surface

reflecting every rock and tree

opening your soul`s window

creating tranquility

silence is broken by a screech

and a fluttering of feathers

as an eagle swoops over

disappearing into the heathers

waters cold upon my feet

rippling over my skin

as I stand in the shallows

fighting the urge to step in

this place is full of mystery

mirroring your inner peace

nature at its purest

full of contentment and grace.

(C) Lissie's Poems 2015

I saw a lovely photograph of a lake surrounded with trees and rocks creating a mirror image on the waters surface.  It was beautiful and so peaceful. I just wanted to step in and reflect.  Some where to meditate.


image found on jjhiii24.wordpress.com

 

Sadness of my Journey

Since losing my beloved cat squeak 

it has made me realise 

how many wonderful people 

I have lost along life`s journey

it feels as though my circle

is diminishing more each year

loved ones have been torn away

and then given their angel wings

father, mother, husband, friends

each passing feels like a knife

plunged deep with in the heart

chipping slowly away at my soul

time can be a healer, I`m told

everyone copes in their own way

it`s not weakness to let tears flow

but a release of memories

to lock in the heart foe safety

until we meet again my dears

(c) Lissie Bull 2020

It`s a Cat`s Life!

Curled up sleepy on the sofa

taking no notice of anyone

dreaming of chasing playful mice

after a great day having fun

climbing trees while eyeing up birds

by the pond trying to catch fish

but best of all racing around

a cat completing every wish

stretching out slowly, then yawning

turning round to get more cosy

cat napping is quite an art form

future`s looking very rosy

Love the life of a cat, three quarters of their life time is sleeping!!

© Lissie Bull 2020

 

Christmas

with a twinkling Star

placed on top the tree

tinsel and baubles

all dazzling to see

cards on the mantle

presents wrapped up too

mistletoe by the door

Merry Christmas to you

© Lissie Bull 2020

I adore elephants, they are amazing animals, caring for each member of their family through the generations.  Majestic creatures that we can learn from.  

Through these troubling times, our zoos are struggling and I fear we will lose many species.

 I wrote this poem a while ago 🐘

Majestic Matriarch

These awesome mammals

pachyderms that walk the land

dominating the horizon

looking so majestic and grand

Plodding through the sparse scrub

she`s watching every thing around

able to keep the herd in check

with just one single low sound

Her presence is so powerful

yet she`s such a loving creature

need to protect these elephants

they are a national treasure

With two curled ivory tusks

and her long slender trunk swaying

this wonderful old matriarch

her sparkling eyes she`s displaying

So through this awesome landscape

watching these animals walk by

lets remember they are dwindling

we need to keep the numbers high

Standing here watching the Savannah

knowing all life here has it`s worth

I love to see the creatures roam

admiring all of Mother Earth

© Lissie Bull 2020

Photo titled "giant" taken by DaSchu and found on DeviantArt