Hello Autumn 🧡

I love autumn, all the bright colours on the trees, squirrels burying their store of nuts, along this shorter colder day and warm crackling fireside evenings.  Then there`s harvest Time, Halloween and pumpkin spiced lattes.  The summer is over and now autumn is upon us, the seasons come and go and i`m sure it all happens faster as we grow older!

What does autumn mean to you?

 Autumn's Window

 Summer window is coming to a close

those glorious days in the sun

long walks by the river

paddling in the pool

lazing in the garden

cooking on the barbeque

all these events stay with us

as the window slowly closes

and another one opens

 

autumn is peeping through

bring its warm colours

reds, oranges and yellows

 

once through the window

autumn races around

as the leaves change before our eyes

and the wind knocking them off trees

making them look bare and cold

many fruits and nuts ripen

and the nights start to draw in

autumn dances around

having so much fun

in the setting sun light

 

crisp frosty mornings

cold foggy starts

our breath visible

so need to wrap up warm

 

it won`t be long before Autumn has to go

back through the window again

closing it behind as another one opens

who will be next to peep through?

© Lissie's Poems 2026

I love being challenged to try different styles of poetry and this one was great fun. I really enjoyed reading this series by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

NaPoWriMo

Prompt- challenged to write - without consulting a book I've read - a poem that recounts the plot or some portion of the plot, of a story you remember gaving liked but that you haven't read for a long time.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold

At a  underground Japanese cafe

small ritual coffee ceremony

allowing you back in time

to meet someone you knew

who's been to the cafe

time travelling

back before

coffee's 

cold

(c)  LissiesPoems 2026

 

To end one's life sadly nay seem the a  to some people and their troubled life. It takes them away from their dark place.

Remember, all of us are special, and everyone is worth saving. So always bieve in yourself and don't be afraid to after fir help, its not weakness!

Trapped within my Mind

Oh no, I'm trapped within my own mind,
clambering hard to get back outside
as my world is turning in on me
I'm feeling so close to suicide

this emptiness I find myself in
absorbing my entire existencel

losing these feelings of being wanted

numb from all sound, there`s only silence

cocooned, wrapped up, entombed in this place

trapped in here with no hope of escape
fearful, no restbit, just suffocating
pleading to get out of the landscape

so cold, bleak and unyielding down here
where sounds of water dripping with time
this rhythm is soothing to the heart
I'm here but don`t know what was my crime

I have lots of time to contemplate
to think things through and then understand
how I came to be in this awful place
I know now, I need to take command!

© Lis Bull 2026

Hello Autumn 🍂 

I love autumn, all the bright colours on the trees, squirrels burying their store of nuts. Shorter, colder days and warm crackling fires in the evening.

Harvest time, Halloween and pumpkin spiced lattes, scarves, hats and waterproof shoes.  

What does autumn mean to you?

Start of Autumn

With September rumblings
autumn`s now on its way

warmth slowly leaving the sun
cold blue skies here to stay

shorter day and longer night

colourful dawns and sunset hues

and weather is unpredictable

time to find waterproof shoes

bright colours on the trees
they`re changing their attire
orange, reds and yellows
warm summer can now retire

crunchiness felt under foot
and a strong bite in the air
wrap up now and stay warm
the season's changing, take care

September's a great month
and marks a change in the year
Mother Nature shares her bounty
for winter will soon be here..

© Lissie`s Poems 2026

 

Meditation

To sit and contemplate

is good for the soul

clearing one's mind

of all that's unnecessary

feeling uplifted

rejuvenated

whether sat cross legged

or comfortably on a chair

as long as it helps

who cares

lilting soft music

a gentle beat

panpipes

or sweet silence

Does it matter?

the steady rhythm of walking

can calm the mind

send you into a trance

gentle beating of the march

is this still meditation

yet for some

moving a warm disc

metaphorically 

with the power of the mind

around the body

warming along its route

channelling the mind

does this work 

There are as many ways

to meditate

as there are different

cultures.....

that all work the mind

thus calming the soul!

© Lissies Poems 2026

Watching the Lake

Loud honks heard from the sky

as a flock of geese land on the path

giving as impression of authority

 keep clear or you'll feel their wrath

see them all standing in a line

as each one surveys across the lake

they look so smart and confident

as this gaggle of geese claim their stake

dressed in their matching livery 

of  black and brown with white chinstrap

holding their head up straight and high

all they need now is a fancy cap!

as these beautiful birds stop by yearly

bringing a smile and joy to my heart

staying while summer spreads its wings

until its autumn, then it`s time to depart

(C) Lissie`s Poems 2026

Autumn`s  Fashion Show!

Mother nature has a new wardrobe

with tantalising hints of fiery colours

lots of splashes of oranges and yellows 

mixed with reds and browns as well

some trees even wear some accessories 

round spikey conker earrings are spied

smooth acorns with their sweet little caps

not forgetting different arrays of berries 

walking through trees of many colours

uplifts the soul and fills the heart with joy

come, breath in all the sights and aromas 

and enjoy all that autumn has to offer

(C) Lissie`s Poems 2026

I love being inspired to write and it always amazes me where the inspiration will appear too. I came across an image by Mikkolagerstedt title "Shipwreck"  It`s such a powerful photo and this is the poem.   Hope you like it.

A Ship`s Death

Becalmed on a mirrored ocean

it`s working days have ceased

sliding slowing into the depths

sent to the grave by Neptune`s priest

It`s stern still raised to the sky

such a worthy fisherman`s friend

along with its tall straight mast

its defiant and proud to the end 

all the rigging can clearly be seen

against the backdrop of the sky

aerial, wheelhouse and railings

visible to the naked eye

the death of the hard worked ship

proves to be a sad day for all

seen sinking down into the depths

leaves memories that one can recall

® Lissie Bull 2015

Reflective moments

calming my inner peace

ripples on the surface

gentle sense of release

tranquil meditation 

 soothes the heart this day

relaxation for the soul

slowly easing stress away

(c) Lissie Bull 2026

Many years ago I was lucky enough to visit a Buddhist Monastery in Honiton. It was an amazing experience meeting the monk and learning all about them. We were also taught meditation.  Quiet meditation and also walk meditation. We walked along gravel paths in a slow steady pace that helped to slow down the mind and body.  Since then I find meditating a great help, it calms my stress, clears my mind of negativity and I find I feel refreshed and content within myself.

Have you ever done any meditation, I would love to hear about it, which method do you prefer?

In this poem I look at different methods of meditation and nature healing. 

Meditation

To sit and contemplate

is good for the soul

clearing one's mind

of all that's unnecessary

feeling uplifted

rejuvenated

whether sat cross legged

or comfortably on a chair

lilting soft music

a gentle beat

panpipes

sounds of nature

or sweet silence

a steady rhythm of walking

can calm the mind

send you into a trance

gentle beating of the march

this is still meditation

yet for some

moving a warm disc

metaphorically 

around the body

with the power of the mind

warming along its route

channelling the mind

can really work for some

there are as many ways

to meditate

as there are different

cultures.....

that all work the mind

thus calming the soul!

© Lissies Poems 2014

 

It's the little things that can make the biggest impact. A smile, a little gesture, a quiet moment 💛  So if you feel stressed, step back, pause and realise just how far you've come -  be kind to yourself 🫶

Be strong and smile

for you`re incredible

show the whole world

that you`re invincible

don't be fearful, smile 

let your heart be your guide

you are never really alone

be happy and full of pride

when you are feeling down

no matter what happens

you are one in a million

always shine like a bright star

(C) Lissie`s Poems 2026

This image of an oil painting by Alex Alemany was sent to me to see if it inspired me to write.    Its fun to be inspied by something so different.

Masks of Life

At times throughout life
we have all worn a mask
some happy and jovial
others sad or menacing

we hide behind them
afraid of consequences
uncertain of ourselves
scared we`ll be ridiculed

the stage is our play ground
each mask defines an act
some wear wings and halos
to show their goodness in life

some masks give us courage
to cope with life when we`re hurting
other masks hide our real bad side
so we can`t see who they really are

the Devil lurks back stage
an evil grin across his lips
ready to reap callous mischief
upon the unsuspecting victim

a checkered board upon the floor
arches decorate the wings
detached hands that hold our attention
with items that accumulate

so as we cross the stage of life
with our masks to hide behind
remember that the script can change
and true features are best every time..!

© Lissie's Poems 2014 

Market days are full of anticipation and excitement

Market Day

The market place is buzzing

many delightful stalls to see

all brightly set out for you

from books to bags to jewellery

each stall plying to get your attention

cuddly bears, poetry and sweets

carefully laid out to entice you in

colourful flowers and tasty treats

many varied handmade items 

beautifully crafted for all to see

when someone stops to take a look

holders hearts skip a beat with glee

lets hope today will be successful

happy customers sent on their way

many sales for each little business

here's to next weeks market day

(C) Lissie`s Poems 2026

hidden high up amongst the apples

staying well out of the heat of the day

for the season of summer is upon us

far to hot to come down and play!

what can you see from way up there?

sheltered among branches in the sun

still and silent from where you crouch

while we`re on the ground having fun

come on down little one and join us

as we enjoy a lovely sunny weekend

share some treats and plenty of cuddles

there`s plenty of fun my sweet friend

(C) Lissie`s Poems 2026

  

I wrote this poem for a very special friend and her a wonderful buddy to celebrate their Ruby Wedding Anniversay.  

Ruby Wedding Anniversary

you are the sassy couple of Clare Street

gems that make our neighbourhood upbeat 

you`ve weathered Covid and chased the sun

somehow made the mundane appear fun!

tears and laughter, parties and celebrations

or a date night in with little cheeky flirtations

from chores, dog walks to a knees up with a band

you`ve danced through these years hand in hand

so wishing you many more years spent together

as you've proven that love will always last forever

(C) Lissie`s Poems 2026

  

Painting pictures with words from the heart

colouring them with emotions 

images found in our nightly dreams

setting us adrift on life`s oceans

© Lissie`s poems 2026

 

Secret Woodland

along the old overgrown lane

 through an ancient woodland

thin hazy sunshine lingers 

not bending to man`s command

many hues of nature`s colours
fills a pathway in timeless mist
sunlight flickers through leaves
landscape caressed and kissed

sounds of trickling water

or a feather seen in the light

song birds bring the wood to life
adding to this wondrous sight!

(c) Lissie Bull 2026

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