Lockdown Three

Protecting our families throughout these fearful times is the single most important thing we must undertake.  Feed them, care for them and teach them all about life and how to live within our communities by observing the rules and courtesies.  To treat people the way they would like to be treated.  Give and take fairly. 

Now we find ourselves having to guide, teach and protect our families again Covid-19.  Social distancing, washing our hands, the wearing of masks and at this moment in time .. lockdown!  

Lockdown brings many different problems for parents to deal with, such as working from home and for many, turning the kitchen table into a school classroom. It`s a time of juggling work, home life and school learning while keeping safe.

The downside is people`s mental health, this can be loneliness, and services. loss, fear and for disabled people .. loss of support and services.

Our hospital and all across the NHS are in overload, numbers of Covid-19 patients are at almost maximum and over 100,000 people have lost their fight and left us.  These are happening all around us and it is frightening!

All I can do is support my family where they are, by encouraging the to follow the rules and support them when they are down. Be a shoulder for them to cry on and listen to their worries.

This time round it`s harder to cope with Lockdown three as its winter.  The weather is nasty, cold, wet and even snowy.  People are stuck indoors more trying not to tread on each other`s toes!  To much time under the same roof can lead to a friction and arguments,  heating up the tension.  Finding things to do together or on your own is more difficult.  Not allowed to go an visit friends or meet up for a coffee and cake. 

To keep in touch with friends and family, we`ve turned to Skyp, Teams or Facetime which we can access through computers, laptops and even our mobiles!  It`s great that we have the technology to stay in touch.

For me, I use my poetry to help me through these times, it`s a great way to express my emotions, fears and triumphs. I can chose to share them with others or keep them to myself, either way it is helping me to release pressure and cope with my mental health and be able to support my family to the best of my ability.

Find a way to help your emotions, whether its writing, painting, music, exercise or exploring a new hobby.  It will help you to cope with these troubling times. 

Whatever you`re doing or whoever you support, follow the rules, take care and stay safe 

Lissie 💜 

 

 

Many Hats of Motherhood

To be a "Jack of all trades"

is a hard thing to bear

cook, seamstress or banker

so many hats to wear

not forgetting councillor

that`s a demanding one to be

cleaner and taxi driver

there`s loads of places to see

barber and housekeeper

I`m always on the go

entertainer or teacher

learning all the time, you know

there are so many titles

for the one job many hate

but for me, it`s so rewarding

as being a Mother is just great!!

Just saying!!

© Lis Bull 2021

Image found on napsandroadmaps.com

 

Heavenly Moon.

This circle of bright light

shining through the dark at night

way up high in the sky

where angelic angels fly

this orb of fire that I see

glistening down upon me

a warm glow up in the sky

watching us like a caring eyes

this sweet heavenly sphere

that fills my heart with cheer

hope I'll see you again soon

my shiny heaven sent moon

(C) Lissie Bull 2021

On a clear night, it`s great to see this bright shiny orb we call the moon!

 

Liquid Black

Black oily slickness
shimmering in the light
ebbing back and forth
under the moon so bright

patches of colours
momentarily seen
amid the blackness
adds mystery to the sheen

soft lapping sounds heard
through the ebb and flow
where will this lead
I`m sure I don`t know

(c) Lissie Bull 2021

Silent Enemy!

we live is confusing times

nothing will ever be the same

during this invisible threat

Covid-19, a feared name

lockdown, queues and quarantine

and many more strict new rules

our lives are just a roller coaster

govt even closed all the schools

shortages in the supermarkets

washing our hands and staying at home

allowed to exercise just once a day

unable to visit others,  feel so alone

so much of life has been disrupted 

trust in authority is very slack

we need to beat this silence enemy

and get everything back on track

communities need to support each other 

follow the rules so that we can cope

sending you all lots of love and hugs

lets look to the future with great hope

(c) Lissie Bull 2021

 

While I was young you were always there
I remember times we spent together
your strong hand was there to guide me
pick me up as if I was a feather

we would walk and talk for hours
discussing so many topics
oh we would put the world to rights
from wrestling. art to politics

I would always look up to you
you were my rock and inspiration

someone I`d go to when times were tough
to Strive on a strong foundation

then things started to unravel
you didn`t appear to be so strong
no more advise or comfort given
just a lonely road, far to long

miss your gentle wisdom these days
sadly you`re no longer by my side
I am not sure where you really are
but miss keeping up with your stride


Lost memories ..  important to treasure!


© Lis Bull 2014

Angel 

Soft coloured hues

these tender feathers

gentle touches

as they flutter by

caressing my skin

in a warm embrace

empowering love

through strong wings

hints of passion

among the clouds

white silk cloth

brushes past me

protection offered

lovingly given

from heaven sent

my angel`s here...!

© Lissie Bull 2021

Carolyn

Carolyn

To my wonderful daughter 

who`s kindness is beyond measure

your beauty, strength and friendship

I`m grateful to always treasure

with a bouquet of scented flowers

to brighten up your special day

and lemon drizzle cake to taste

 as we celebrate your birthday

I hope your day is full of fun

filled with happiness and laughter

and that your wishes all come true

throughout the year and ever after!

(c) Lissie Bull 2021

 

Frosty Walk

loud crunching underfoot
sparkling frost on the ground
fresh and invigorating
wintry sounds all around

icy puddles by the road side
and trees all dressed in white
sun low on the horizon
creating an eerie sight

at the end of this journey
there`s a big comfy chair
by a large roaring fire
where we can sit and share!

(c) Lissie Bull 2020
Image found on pinterest

 The Battle

Darkness hanging over me
the good times seem so lean
wish this burden could be lifted
need to brighten up the scene.

heavy rain is lashing at the window
howling winds beating at the door
I`m sat listening to Mother Nature
battle`s lost,  judging by the score.

Those hounds of doom are closing in
winds of time wrapped around this space
what was once a thriving life
is now a sad and lonely place.

my pathetic flickering little fire
will never keep sad misery away
all I can do is wrap up warm
hope the walls will keep this all at bay.

I pray the Lord will see me through
never to let me lose the fight
that I will watch another sun rise
the battle must be won tonight!

(C) Lissie Bull 2021



This poem came to me in a picture.  I could see a wooden shack standing all alone with the wind and rain beating down, and a small and pathetic fire inside.   The battle of life is raging all around.

 

On a morning after the snow has fallen, you wake up to a brightness beaming through the curtains, and you just know the world is all wrapped up in its snow duvet.  Muffled silence.   I just love that feeling.

Muffled World

Waking up to total silence
a sense of bright deafness all around me
a world covered by a thick white duvet
that shines in through my bedroom window
muffling all the every day sounds
creating a stillness everywhere
a white blanket
of cotton wool
all about me on this early morning

stood on my back door threshold
surveying the white scenery that greets me
this world still wrapped in its duvet
that covers right to the horizon
suppressing the sounds from my senses
a calmness from all the stresses
a white softness
of fluffy towels
comforting me this early morning.


(C) Lissie Bull 2021

 Valentine`s Day

These are quirky valentine verses for an alternative gift idea

These hearts come mounted and ready to give to a special person.

Available from my Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/933102102/valentines-day-verses?ref=shop_home_active_1&cns=1

Coronavirus Heroes

through these terrible times
incredibly dedicated persons
giving up their time and energy
to save us as Covid worsens

doctors and nurses on the front line

to scientists working on vaccines
slogans to remember Hand, Face, Space
social distancing and quarantines

on the front line of this invisible war
teachers, pharmacies, supermarkets all stand
serving the community and keeping them safe
this is happening all over our land!

it`s up to us to obey our new rules
not to let us crumble to our knees
be strong and support our neighbourhoods
and enable the world to beat this disease

(c) Lissie Bull 2021

Alone!

I write alone

I eat alone

I sleep alone

for I`m all alone !

I walk along

I work alone

sitting alone

so I`ll remain alone!

I feel alone

I cry alone

I mourn alone

I`ll survive alone

(C) Lissie Bull 2021

 

This weekend it will be ten years since my mum was given her wings.

Missing her so much

Rest in Peace 

💗

Mum,

as each year passes

I miss you more and more 

thinking of you each and everyday

your wisdom, compassion and gentle nature

miss hearing your laughter and tasting your baking

your love of gardening and  ability to listen 

putting the world to rights over a tea

my life will never be the same

rest with the angels now

love you mum!

💖

(c) Lissie Bull 2021

 Life is but a journey

age is but a number

memories are everything.

(c) Lissie Bull 2021

Chepstow

Cas-Gwent, a town on the River Wye

Haven on the English/Welsh border

Equine Racecourse - Welsh Grand National

Picturesque cast iron 'Old Wye Bridge'

Seized German U-Boat gun stands in the centre

Town bustling with centuries of history

Oldest stone built Castle in Britain

Welsh town full of amazing character 

(C) Lissie Bull 2021

Squeak!

Remembering our precious cat

you meant the world to us

we miss you oh so very much

curled up snoozing, you loved a fuss!

you were a wonderful companion

we loved you from the start

along with your caring sister

you left your paw prints on our hearts

never forgotten, always in our thoughts

remembering your loud purrs making us sad

memories of the joy you gave us

and all the specials times we had

We know you're up in heaven know

enjoying the Angels tickling your cheek 

rest your weary head our blessed cat

sleep in peace our loving Squeak

(C) Lissie Bull 2021

Deathly Mixture

dripping gently down

so slowly from above

oozing  and pulsating

never really mixing

reds, blues, silvers

thick, gloopy, syrup

streaking in pattern

deathly existence!

blood and oil

concoction from hell

as life seeps away

united only in death.....!

© Lissie Bull 2021

Image titled "BloodForOil" by stefanweil found on Devianart

 

Wise Owl Hunting

Watching, wondering
the wise old owl looks
ever vigilant
its talons, curled hooks

listening tentatively
for mice down below
as she sits so still
silent as the snow

her plumage blends in
with nature around
patience is the game
as she makes no sound

how long she will wait
longer than I would
her eyes miss nothing
for this owl`s so good

I watch her for hours
now chilled to the bone
so I`ll take my leave
let her hunt alone


© Lissie Bull 2021

Photo taken by gigi50  found on DeviantArt

Wintry Hearth 

winter has hit us with full force

howling winds swirl all around 

snow drifts piling up against walls

thick white blanket hugs the ground!

a log fire blazes in the hearth 

warm glows fill the room with light

creating shadows on the far side 

as under the door creeps in the night!

listening to the wood crackling 

as it burns deep within the hearth

come gather round this evening

for winter has engulfed the earth

(C) Lissie Bull 2021

 

Snowdrops in the Snow

Tiny shoots peeping through the snow

first signs of growth this year

crisp in the morning sunshine

wonderful to see them here

it feels like a new beginning

a fresh start towards the spring

nature waking up after winter

certainly makes my heart sing

little flashes a green and white

they raise their tiny heads each day

these flowers will be joined by others

as the snow slowly melts away

so when I see the first snowdrops

I know spring`s just round the corner

for winter will soon be behind us

as the year starts to get warmer

I have always felt that to see the first snowdrop of the year peeping through the snow

is something very special.

© Lis Bull 2021

 

Wintry Sun

Silence as felt in the still place

with snow muffling any sound

trees silhouetted by the sun

a scene that sparkles all around

dark boughs fringed by shining twigs

looking like a shimmering white beard

sun light flashes brightly through 

such an awesome sight, as it`s cleared

clear bright blue skies above this scene

with a layer of snow everywhere

the sun like a spot light shining

illuminating these trees with care

this image is a moment in time

a winter postcard looking grand

bright sun shine shimmering on snow

creating a magic wonderland

© Lissie Bull 2021

 

January

As the old year finally closes
the door to a new one opens
creaking softly as we step through

moving forward with a smile
let the old one slip away
and experience whats offered a see

with new opportunities
that can lead to success
the choices are up to you!

(C) Lissie Bull 2022