I love learning about different styles of poetry, from rhyme, acrostic, haiku, Tanka, alphabet and many more.  This week I am looking at Mathias Svalina, who writes surrealist prompts. These poems are written in a form of instructions as a list with numbers.

This was my first attempt:-

Poem of a Tree

1 - dream of a quiet place to contemplate

2 - paint its colours on your soul

3 - sit down under the branches of this tree

4 - dip your toe in the waters of life

5 - close your eyes, touch the tree trunk

6 - feel its pulsating life force

7 - pluck its words, see them flow

8 - let the poem take its form

9 - flowing water, living tree

10 - quiet place is here in me.

(C) Lissie`s Poems 2026

Bristol Harbour cranes seen from below, remind me of steel dinosaurs. They are old cranes used for loading and unloads cargo along the dock, they look so large and cumbersome. 

 Steel Dinosaurs

Seen against a sunset back drop

standing tall above the harbour

dinosaurs from a bygone era

reflected in these rippling waters

cold hard steel dark against the sky

like robots working the cargoes

of the great tall wooden ships

that sailed the world's seven seas!

this industrial area

stands as a testimony to time

of health, wealth and prosperity

this place was once a mighty town

© Lissie Bull 2026

  

 

Cup of Kindness

Something we should bare in mind,

a little piece of humble pie

is always a good thing to have,

with a forgiving heart nearby.

this world is a harsh place to live

brutality is all around

some people don`t care who they hurt

sometimes there`s little love to be found

so lets share a cup of kindness

forgive and help those where we can

a little love travels a long way

 at least that's going be my plan!

© Lissies Poems 2026

Snoozing Cat

hidden from a busy world

high up on a shady ridge

snoozing in her secret spot

her front paws give her away

with an ear that keeps her safe

listening out for any trouble

while she continues to dream

on this hot sunny afternoon 

(C) Lissie's Poems 2026

 

 

Remember those tranquil moments

as they gently calm the soul

a soft breeze felt upon the skin

feel Mother Nature all around 

dappled sun light across the scene

while song birds heard over head

celebrate these special moments 

stilling the stresses of this life

relaxing the tensions of the mind

be happy, listen, feel the peace

breathe deeply, sense the tranquility

hold onto these precious moments.

(C) Lissie's Poems 2026  

Painting pictures with words from the heart 💖

For me,  poetry is a way of expressing my inner feelings, through the flow of my pen.  Letting the ink form words across the paper, thus creating pictures for the eye to read.  Allowing the mind to explore the soul and therefore release all the stress, passion and sheer energy into the world of Art and Literature.

Poetry can be traditional right through to modern - nonets, haiku, acrostic, shaped and even unconventional. They are all ways of painting images, just as a paint brush or pencil will create art in their different ways.

Never be afraid to put down into words how your passion feels, for from this your poetry will develop and grow.  Why not give it a go, I feel strongly, that everyone has it in their soul to write poetry, you just need to take the lid of your pen and let the ink flow.

Lissie xx

  

Elegant Beauty

Beauty that glides across a mirror

graceful and serene as she goes

slowly swimming elegantly

a picture of calmness that shows

just beneath the waters surface

all is frantic unseen action

with feet like pistons paddling

allowing such graceful motion

long slender necks held up high

orange beaks, black eyes so bright

wings folded back towards their tail

shimmering white in bright sunlight

feathers preened to perfection

this place holds to great treasures

floating across so serenely

watching such awesome creatures

© Lissie's Poems  2026

 

Through the Window!

Spying our history through history

ready and willing to tell its story

where time stretches way back in time

Picts, Vikings, not forgetting the Ba

light brings life to each coloured stone

detailed around every window and door 

altered many times through centuries

this vibrant building is no dinosaur

through a Bishop's Palace window spied

majestic St Magnus Cathedral is eyed

the tallest building in the community

as Kirkwall folk come together in unity

don't walk past and ignore this great view

stop and enjoy its beauty along the way

each and everyone is part of the story

history has made us who we are today

(C) Lissie`s Poems 2026

 

Love a challenge and had fun writing this poem 🌊❄️☔️🌬☁️🌧


Here`s the Weather

It`s a mixed bag over the UK
so here`s the forecast for today
a bit "nesh" up in Nottinghamshire
and "raining stair rods" in Lincolnshire
so don`t forget your umbrella
or maybe stay indoors with your fella
up in Aberdeen it`s "blowing a hoolie"
so the wind is really rather unruly
down on the south east coast
"here comes old Phoebe" they can boast
where ever you are, please be careful
and we hope this forecast has been helpful!

(c) Lissie bull 2018

Happy 43rd Wedding Anniversary

To my sweet loving husband

my soulmate, my best friend

you filled my world with love

and gave me a reason to smile

we raised our family together

creating wonderful memories

to share our whole life through

I miss those happy time we spent

I miss your cheery zest and joy

yet I know we`ll see you again

Love and miss you Steve 

xXx

(C) Lissies Poems 2026

Lightning

Flash of light across the dark sky

illuminating the  garden`s flower bed

zig zagging before a clap of thunder

as the storm passes overhead

a symphony of sound to hear

electric pulses through the night

emotion felt deep within the soul

nature`s fireworks, a wondrous sight

each strike of lightning`s so unique

creating bright patterns to follow

 rumblings heard in the distance

as the storm continues to grow

nature`s battle through the night sky

large droplets of rain hits the ground

an atmosphere that blasts the senses

there`s nothing like it to be found 

(c) Lissie Poems 2026

Pets are amazing creatures and know when we are low.  My cat is no exception, she's  always full of love and very much part of our  family. She stays by my side and watches over me, my feline friend and cat companion 🐾

Healing Cat

It always amazes me
how cats just know our moods
come and show us love
whenever we need it most
sad news or illness 
they are always nearby
warming up our laps
nuzzling close and purring
when we really need it most
they have this sixth sense
that homes in on our needs
and there like a shot
healing us with all their love
cats are amazing animals
they are there when it really counts
I adore my cat 

© Lissie Bull 2026

I found myself walking along a path through a wood in springtime.  After a cold harsh winter, new life begins to appears, colours erupt from once dormant ground, all around it life yet it  was so peaceful.  I love springtime and found that I wanted to remember the experience, so I wrote this.

dappled sunshine feels warm upon my skin

as I walk gently through this lush green place

to see new life return after the dormant times

smell the aroma of nature and love this space

I'm in my happy zone, it's so peaceful here

calm, soothing, tranquillity is felt  all around

secret paths, a shady seat, laughter in the air

nature in her beauty, scent, sight and sound 

(C) Lissies Poems 2026

 

Friendship Bear

Hi, Im a little Friendship Bear 

with my own friendly bubby bear 

lets play and have an adventure

together we can have lots of fun

 maybe snuggle and read some books

so, lets make memories to treasure

(C) Lissies Poems 2026

 

We`ve reached Friday and it`s certainly been a hot week. Wishing you all a wonderful day filled with positivity, determination and quiet moments to think things through. I`m ready with my pen and can`t wait to let the ink flow freely.

Wishing the world Good Morning

the tools of my day await me

crisp white paper and a pen

my chosen sword for this task

let the ink flow freely today !

© Lissies Poems 2026

Our local park is a haven of beauty, meandering pathways, secretive spots wonderful views.

Finding a colourful banner fluttering the afternoon breeze, inspired this poem 🌳

Colourful fluttering triangles

seen waving amongst the trees

where will the lead me too

flapping merrily in the breeze

music heard in the distance

drawing me further into the wood

scents of nature fills the air

creating a mysterious mood

through luscious swaying grass

shielding a meandering way

I'm drawn further along this path

for this secret has made my day

(C)  LissisPoems 2026

 

Picnic with a Cat

Come, join the picnic
Mistress pussy cat
sat in the garden

you may need a hat

as the sun is out
shining warm and bright
with you beside me
makes an awesome sight

a piece of chicken
to start you off well
followed by some cream
it`s the purfect spell

now you're curled up snug
for you've had your lot
sleep off this picnic
in this sunny spot.!

© Lissie Bull 2014
image from funnycatsite.com

Nature is not just beautiful, calming, inspiring but a good healer too. It lifts us up and wraps us in a comforting hug.  I enjoy my walks, they help to clear my mind and inspire my heart ❤️ 

Nature, the Healer

 through good times or bad

Mother Nature heals the soul

from a torn and tattered heart

making broken senses whole

from sounds of birds singing

to a cormorant standing proud

while ducks waddle by the lake

quacking their happiness  aloud

buttercups, daisies and blossom

filling the air with gorgeous scent

nature, the healer is all around

instilling peace and contentment

(C) Lissies Poems  2026

On this day each year my family and I remember Steve, my husband, who recieved his wings and found peace.  I always write a poem from my heart and leave it on his grave. Its 19 years today

Dearest Steve 

On this emotional spring morning

I feel your presence deep in my heart

though you have been given your wings

I know our love together will never part

Can't believe where the years have gone

fighting back the tears on this sad day

once you were by my side, now I am alone

although our children are never far away

time has not changed my feelings for you 

yet as I grow older, my love is still strong

visiting your grave with flowers and a poem 

you're always in my heart, where you belong

(C) Lis Bull 2026

This is an acrostic poem written for a lovely  Italian lady who loves to crochet and cook.

Teresa

The queen of writ and laughter

Energetic crocheter, ready with her hook

Regularly found cooking up a treat 

Ever the life and soul of the party

Sitting in her garden for coffee and a chat

An Italian full of class and style

(C) Lissie Bull 2026

Mental Health Awareness Week

11th to 17th May 2026

Mental Health is not always visable to people, but affects so many, some suffering in silence. It's a tough world out there. 

So a kind word, a smile, sharing a coffee and a chat, a moment of calm can really help.  

For me, poetry helps, being able to express my feelings with pen and paper. 

Sending positive and living vibes to you all

Lissie x

Depression

I have been told
I suffer from depression
mental health
they say,
emotional
unstable
well....
that`s not me, I`m sure

just being a mother
can get you down
mental stress
more like it
exhaustion
memory loss
need....
a little attention

when times are hard
a helping hand counts
mental friction
loss of confidence
need a new start
love and hugs
see....
I've now got it sussed

a little help
goes such a long way
mental care
a kind gesture
relaxation
chilling time
so...
we`re working together

© Lissies Poems 2026

 

Whispers

Listen to the whispers,

the whispers from your heart

for they will set you free

telling your soul softly

not to be afraid to walk your path....

open your eyes and see the light

that shines brightly from your inner self, 

so never fear the whispers 

from your heart

© Lissies Poems 2026

Just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who has visited, comments and support me along my      journey. In April, I had over 61,000 views. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I hope you can accompany me along the next part of my journey.

Thank you 

Lissie

   

   This is just to say thank you
   Happy to call you my friend
   Always up for a challenge
   Never a dull moment
   Knowing you've got my back

   Yesterday, today, tomorrow
   Our friendship is the best
   Unique in every way

     © Lissie Bull 2026

I love seeing these cheeky little characters playing while i`m out on my walks. They love to dash around, have so mucj fun!

Bold Squirrel 

Flashing his large fluffy tail

while scurrying across the grass

darting in different directions

he`s confident and bold as brass

 park`s most quirky character 

creature of distinction, in control

dashing towards the tree line

where he`ll locate his bolt hole

running quickly up a tree bark

with strong needle-like nails

allows him to run in all directions

his agility never fails

cheeky squirrel in his element

showing off to everyone

fast, efficient and intelligent

yet he thrives on having fun!

(C) Lissie bull 2026

 

Love Spring, when nature wakes up after its winter hibernation. Filling the garden and countryside in bright and fragrant flowers 

Pixie Pink

small bright velvet pink petals

shimmering in the afternoon sun

bobbing about in a gentle breeze

like cheeky pixies having fun

proudly growing by a brick wall

amongst the fronds of a green fern 

attracting buzzing bumble bees

as they visit every flower in turn

 scent floats on the gentle breeze

as the sunshine warms the air

nature is full of wondrous magic

as each flower smiles with flair

(C) Lissie`s Poems 2026

Hop to it

skip to it

jump up and down

fire it up

and let it fly

smile - don't frown

if you're feeling really blue

then stand on your head

don't let the world control

instead, let's just rock it!

(C)Lissie's Poems 2026

                                        

Language of Words

Burn sentences so they turn to dust

take each letter and cleanse the poetry I write

Let the blind see what the deaf can not hear

spurring on the lines to win the fight

So mix and spin the language of passion

creating pictures from deep within the mind

Spoken or written, let all the words flow

capturing them within the soul for us to find

© Lissie's Poems 2026

I came across this story from 17 years ago and found it fascinating that a cat and bear could become great friends.  This inspired me to write this little poem.

Pussy Cat visits the Zoo

Pussy cat pussy cat

          what did you do

I got on the bus

          to visit the zoo

Pussy cat pussy cat

          what did you there

looked at the animals

           smiled at a bear

Pussy cat pussy cat

            who did you see

long necked giraffes 

             and a chimpanzee

Pussy cat pussy cat

             time to go home

made lots of memories

            you`re never alone

(C) Lissie`s Poems 2023

photo from The Mirror 

Hello is such a simple word that can start an amazing new adventure! So why not say "hello" this morning and see where it will lead you.

Bonjour, dia duit, hello to you

let's welcome in this brand new day

ciao, witam, how's it going mate!

I find ' Hi ' and smile - is the best way! 

(C) Lissies Poems 2026

 

Smiles

Sunshine 

Merriment 

Infectious 

Lovable 

Energetic

Smiles everywhere!

© Lissie Bull 2026