Therapeutic Poetry.

To lose a loved one can affect us in many different ways. We feel lost, angry, confused and alone - to name but a few emotions. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, so don`t be influenced by others.  Grieving is personal to yourself and your family, there is no time limit.

Each day is different, some are good and others are overwhelming emotions that are affected by simply things like, memories, objects, people and places.

Writing a poem is very therapeutic and can help you to express your feelings. Poetry can help release pressure that can build up through bereavement. By writing a few words, they don`t have to rhyme, can help you to move forward. A few lines hold a memory together. In time more poetry will flow and help you to blossom.

Why not have a go at writing a poem about your loved one, a memory to made together or about an emotion that you feel. 

If you feel like sharing or just holding on to your poem close to your heart, that is perfect okay to do.  Give it a try and see how you feel as these are just to help you express your inner feelings.

Happy Writing

Lissie x

Bereavement....

The lose of a life is hard to bear

but the closer that person, oh the despair

feels like a piece of your has been ripped out

nothing to hold onto, but to scream and shout

The questions that linger upon your lips

as upside down your whole life now flips

it's so difficult for the ones left behind

as you try to gather all the memories you can find

There's a great big whole where once love was found

now it's torn away, buried six feet under ground

bereavement is something we all go through

a painful journey that's hard to bare too

So as the grieving continues to flow

the love that you shared will constantly grow

though the loss of a loved one tears you apart

never fear, they will remain deep in your heart

© Lissie Bull 2015

Inspired by these photos. Its such a shame these magnificent animals are disappearing from our world!  This one is quite a character and appears to want to make some new friends.

Tiger Greetings.

Looking through the display glass

a pair of eyes staring back at me

for you`re just as inquisitive

wondering who I could really be

ears pricked up and whiskers flared

you`re so alert to us watching

eyes wide open as you scan us

your mirrored patterns matching

golden hues with black stripes

white patches stand out in between

many thick whiskers twitching

what have your eyes really seen

curling your lips back in a smile

you show us your fangs so fearsome

with your huge pink tongue lolling

I hope you will still be my chum

you slowly turn and walk away

and I thank you for greeting me

you`re such a beautiful tiger

I wish that I could set you free!

© Lissie Bull 2022

Image found on  english.sina.com

 

King Lion

Surveying the savannah

that he calls his kingdom 

majestic in his stature 

full of confidence and wisdom

this great king of the beasts
watches over his family
mane waving in the breeze
proud of all that he can see

with a roaming larder all around
his pride can enjoy many feasts

healthy, wise and full of vigour

he rules over herds of beasts

his roar can be heard for miles

letting the world know he is bold

regal king of the African plain

a magnificent sight to behold 

(c) Lissie Bull 2022

 

Shrouded in Gold

In the darkness of the night

shimmering amongst black clouds

a bright moon floats on by

before being swathed in shrouds

beautifully calm golden orb

drifting silently across the sky

following its nightly route

as the world slips slowly by

as the moon moves across its arc

creating shadows through the night

patterns that twist and change

on it`s journey til morning light !

(c)  Lissie Bull 2022

Jay

Our little tuxedo cat

energetic and perky

a massive tail talker

yet so sweet and quirky

with long white whiskers

and elegant tufted ears

great adventures outside

runs about, then disappears

Joy, our little rescue cat

helping to keep our sanity

playful and inquisitive

newest member of our family!

(C) Lissie Bull 2022

 

 Humble Bumble Bee

To hear the distinctive buzz

of active bees in my garden

hovering from flower to flower

never "begging their pardon"

a livery of black and yellow

with four lacy opaque wings

hind legs heavily laden with pollen

gathered along its wanderings

from its antenna to its stinger

the sweet thing shows it`s beauty

spied amongst scented blossom

this little humble bumble bee 

(C) Lissie Bull 2022

Tim Parsons writes the Paramedic Chris Children`s Books. 

These are lovely stories about Chris and his ambulance crew, who help people in many different ways.

I was challenged to make a Paramedic Chris and a little poem from me.

Paramedic Chris

From the first call of the day

Chris and Zara are at the ready

to help sick or injured people

when they`re hurt or unsteady

travelling in the ambulance

through their local town

with blue lights all flashing

they`ll not let people down

from accidents or illnesses

Paramedic Chris is there

if they need to go to A&E

he`ll support them with care

if you`re in trouble, ask for help

the team will be there for you

with sirens going and bright lights

they will come to your rescue!

(C) Lissie bull 2022

  

Springtime!

Snowdrops, crocuses, daffodils and bluebells followed by blossoms in the trees. These are all symbols of Mother Nature awakening from her winter slumber.  The wildlife and plant life are springing into colour and scent for us to enjoy. 

Dawn chorus is a wonderful sounds to wake up to in the morning, as it brings a smile and so much joy to the heart. For positive sights and sounds starts each day in a way that will stay with us through our waking hours.  With the aroma of coffee or even tea and hot freshly made toast in the sunshine stays with us.

Keeps our senses and emotions bright and cheery to help us tackle whatever life throws at us. We feel empowered to take on the world.  For a positive feeling leads to a positive thought that helps us have a positive day.  ( Starts off on the right foot, so to say!)

For me Springtime is like the start of my day, as it`s the start of a new year. Mother Nature has come to life and is full of hope, joy and goodness.   Nurture all of that, take care of it all and you will be rewarded. For a caring, gentle, kind soul with yield much love from all around them 💮💗💚

Springtime is a new beginning with new opportunities and adventures to start. These can lead us to exciting places to explore.  Do you have the faith to take that first step?

Go on give it a try, you never know where you will end up. It would be the start of a dream relational, collaboration, dream job or something you thought would never happen. 

So have faith in your ability, spring into a brand new season and believe in yourself.

Lissie 😃

Our Hands

soft tiny smooth hands, sweet and tender

reaching out to explore their world

touching, sensing, and learning

all they`ll need throughout life

strengthened by parents

and grand parents

connecting

family

love

✋

(C) Lissie Bull 2022

 Footprints in the Sand

As the ocean ebbs and flows

frothing with each gentle wave

as the sea licks at the sand

it`s life force to land, it gave

two worlds that come together

where salty water meets sand

yet both can be volatile

flowing liquid, shifting land

from mighty gods up above

moon influencing the sea

tidal events twice a day

move back and forth steadily

what appears terra firma

isn't as sturdy as you think

but are ever shifting sands

and so close to the brink

walking along the sea`s edge

standing between two domains

two worlds, oh so different

yet each one one, life reigns

leaving foot prints in the sand

and watch them fade by the sea

walking along the tidal path

listening to the tranquilly....!

© Lissie Bull 2022

 

For every wound there is a scar and every scar tells a story, a story that says...    

    I Survived!

I Survived!

I am a daughter, sister, wife and mother

not a servant, skivvy or a punch bag

for I have emotions, feelings and a heart

I`m a human being and not here to brag

for we came together through our passion

wanting to build a better life as a team

but sadly this haven didn`t last long

as behind closed doors I was left to scream

then I learnt to wear my makeup thicker

to hide the bruises that were rained down on me

outside the house, I held my head up high

I was the matriarch of my family

whatever was done to me...I would survive

finding the help needed I would have my day

I would come through all this hell in the end

just had to find the courage to walk away

domestic violence is found behind closed doors

I`m so glad I managed to work out just how

to start to rebuild my life once again

I am at peace with my family now

sadly domestic violence is still here

but with help and support, we can open the door!

I am glad I managed to work out just how

to start to rebuild my life and smile more

(C) Lissie Bull 2015

I was very happy to have this poem included in an amazing anthology to bring awareness of all those suffering Domestic Violence.   "Shout Out"  was published in 2015 and has been a wonderful success and is available on Amazon

 

Nature`s Show

On a bright sunny spring morning

my path takes my through  the trees

walking amongst their long shadows

an untouchable forest in the breeze

dotted around thick textured trunk

little clusters of bluebells grow

dancing in bright speckled sunlight

putting on such a magical show

sign that summer`s not far away
nature is something we should treasure 
surrounded by waving green leaves
these little bells bring so much pleasure

(c) Lissie bull 2022

Colours of Bereavement

 

This was my first poems to be published and appeared in an anthology titled    "The Black Rose of Winter"  in 2014.  It means so much to me and one I am very proud of.  My son Jon took my poem a few years later and turned it into lyrics and set to music.  I thought I would share both with you today.                                    Hope you enjoy them both

Lissie

Colours of Bereavement

A quiet moment to ponder

to think things through and see

the kaleidoscope of life

is bearing down on me

the colours that were first seen

after that dreadful day

were all so foreboding

like dark blacks and grey

a shaft of light has started

to peep through stormy skies

black begins to turn to blues

that`s what happens after someone dies

as despair starts to slip away

the colours change again

greens and reds begin to show

does this also happen to men?

anniversaries come and go

the light is getting stronger

colours twist and change again

more brighter tones stay longer

oranges and pinks now show

a smile upon my face

whites and creams are appearing next

and a spring is in my pace

if you could see me now, my love

you`d see a different person

bright colours all around me now

as I know that I can carry on.

© Lissie Bull 2012

Colours of Bereavement

The skies around me darkens

blacks and greys surround me

time stands still as I drown

drowning in my own grief

living in this one moment

the colours change again

that`s what happens when someone dies

the light

the light is changing again

it`s bearing down on me

peeping through the stormy skies

the blacks fade into blues

of the bruises on my heart

will these ever heal in time

living in this one moment

the colours change again

that`s what happens when someone dies

the light

the light is changing again

it`s bearing down on me

green... red... reflect on my eyes

as other colours come into view

brighter tones shine upon my face

shadows of the day fade away

once living in that moment

the colours now consume me

is this what happens when death is gone

the light

the light now blinds my eyes

no longer will I fear you

the white light

shining bright

bearing colours

colours of pain

colours of joy

colours of Bereavement!

 (C) Jon Bull  2014

These lyrics were developed from my poem Colours of Bereavement  by Jon Bull.

 Pulsating Beat.....

there`s anticipation in the air

drums, mic, guitars and bass

all that`s wanted is the band

come on! let crank up the pace

then as the lights start to flash

to the shouts from the crowd

thumping beat of the music

feeling the pulse good and loud

for as they strut their stuff

racing all about the stage

while hyping up the audience

with their energetic rage

screaming out the lyrics

head banging to the beat

for the band`s in their zone

playing in this pulsating heat

© Lissie Bull 2021

 

When I see a daffodil, I know spring is here!

Guardians of Spring

Bright golden trumpets

swaying in the sun light

nodding to each other

creating such a sight

standing to attention

with their heads held high

grouped in their squadrons

under a bright blue sky

guarding the pathways

flanked by their greenery

smart in their uniforms

leaves just like weaponry

these yellow soldiers

standing in their drills

saluting a new spring time

we give praise to daffodils

© Lissie Bull 2022

Just love the ocean and is mesmerising sounds....

 Rhythms of the Ocean

watching the tide creeping in

freshening up all around

sea edging slowly inwards

making rhythmic sound

like ebb and flow of life

sets the rhythm of the day

controlled by the moon

that affects us in every way

at high tide all is submerged

lapping at the thick stone wall

until the tide slips away

revealing sea defences tall

as it slowly leaves our shores

debris is found on the sands

what`s the ocean left us today?

that we can turn with our hands

twice every day this occurs

through rhythms of the oceans

always stands the test of time

creating harmonic motions

 © Lissie Poems 2022

Love learning new styles of poetry.  

Today it`s Etheree is a syllabic poem. It is made up of 55 syllables starting with 1 in the first line and finishing with 10 in the last line      

 

moon

shines down

brightly seen

across the sky

lighting up the land

gently gliding along

beautiful celestial sphere

mysterious in every way

disappears under the horizon

as the dawn breaks upon a brand new day

(C) Lissie Bull 2022

 

 Mornings!

Bright light shining through my curtains

a glowing sky, full of vibrant hues

birds chirping with the dawn`s chorus

I`m laying here, just wanting to snooze.

the dawn`s colours have changed now

awakening to the full rays of the sun

I am ready for what is thrown at me

hope it`s full of laughter and fun.

my daffodils are flowering in the kitchen

and tulips are blooming in the front yard

 sunshine beats down upon my shoulders

the garden`s looking just like a postcard.

sweet aroma of fresh coffee fills the air

 crunching hot toast as I sit and think

crisp morning paper rests beside me

my start of the day is now complete.

(C) Lissie Bull  2022

 Mankind and nature can work side by side for the benefit of our world 🌎 

Harmony

Nature is all around us

entwined with all we do

symbolizing our relationship

as we travel on through

for when we work together

our health is reassured...

we complement each other

therefore life is secured

building on this foundation

we will all find harmony

tolerance and compassion

best recipe for life, you`ll see!!

© Lis Bull 2022

Today it would of been my husband`s 62nd Birthday.  Sadly we lost Steve to  cancer nearly 15 years ago but have never stopped missing him.

Cancer strikes when you least expect it and hits harder than you can imagine.

Steve was taken far to young, we as a family have so many wonderful memories to hold on too and cherish.

Wishing you a Happy Birthday Steve 💖

Happy Birthday

Each year this day comes around

wish I could call you on the phone

just to hear your voice once more

but I must remain on earth alone

precious memories to hold on to

as your voice fades over the years

I`ll hold them safe within my heart

our strong love never disappears

so I`ll light a candle to remember

all the great times we had together

wishing you Happy Birthday Steve

remember our love with last forever

(c) Lissie bull 2022

Just for a bit of fun!

Rock a bye monkey
on a tree branch
when the sun rises
it`s time for some brunch
as shadows grow long
monkey starts to now play
when the moon shines bright
it`s end of the day

(C) Lissie Bull 2022

Life doesn`t need to be made up of headliners or action but good friends, close family, happiness and love.   People come and go with us along our journey through life.  It helps to make us who we are!

 

 

Funny Old World 

This world we live in, is a funny place

far to complicated for me, you know

want to see what`s happening in my place ?

then come along, see it all, watch it flow

there have been many people in my world

they come and go through out my life time

some for a day, others for many years

and they don`t always see me in my prime!

you can`t choose your family, just your friends

I've made good ones along the way

remembering all those from my childhood

to the ones I hold dear this present day

its a wonderful, energetic life

some times there's sadness but lots of laughter too

and all the love I need around me, so

I`m blessed with happiness because I have you!

© Lissie Bull 2022