Image: Louie a boston terrier the latest addition to our family enjoying an early morning nap (snooze). While he was sleeping it was raining outside and the following poem came to mind. The second poem was some lines I had been working with and decided to put them together to see what came out

 

14/11/14 - 1) Sat listening to the morning rain

Beating on my window pane

Louie’s on my lap having a nap

An, I’m thinkin’ so far it’s gone right

I’ve booked my accommodation, car an’ flight

Insurance an’ gps, an’ like as not, as usual the bargains I’ve got

And money I usually save a heap,

And teach others how to live on the cheap

Saying that travel can be extensive but needn’t be expensive

Give it a try; take advice from a thrifty Yorkshire Guy

So for now I’ll relax an’ listen to the rain

An’ wait for April to come round again

 

2) Autumn passes and the wind blows stronger, the nights get longer

The leaves turn brown and fall; migrating birds given their farewell call

Sun sinks low grey clouds forecast rain and snow

But things are all to hand I’m in command

So now chill and wait for next year to bring April and Texas in Spring

 

Some things never change

06/12/14 - 3) I thought things were going well then there was a voice mail to tell

From a man who said there was a change of plan

In which he took no delight but said things would be alright

As once again I found, the airline had changed things round

Not just one flight cancelled but this year two, still the man said no need to be blue

One on the way out the other on the way back no need to fear the worst 

On both flights they were the first 

The first flight out I asked when, the man replied 07:10

Earlier that planned, still the taxi man would understand

And coming home I could go, either via New York or Heathrow

Via New York meant an earlier start, not for me that kind of lark, 

Driving to the airport in the dark

So Heathrow was chosen and job done, later flight arrive home pm at half past one

So at the end of my poetry roam I get six hours longer in my spiritual home

One thing else I found, I had to change my car drop off time round

And one more good thing about the mess, is my car hire is now a few pounds less

 

03/01/15 - 4) Christmas came and went with its usual cost,

Bringing also snow and frost

Then January came round again, bringing with it cold winds and rain

Looking out at the break of day, as it falls from skies of sombre grey

From North to South East to West, raining constantly without a rest

Unsettled maybe for a few days or so, but I’ll be glad to see it go

But we’ll still be in winters grip and I believe

Before Spring it’ll have more tricks up its sleeve

More snow, fog, bad frost as others find out to their cost

Time to prepare yet still caught unaware

 Caught on the hop as things grind to a stop

And the chaos it will bring while I continue to dream of a Texas Spring

 

21/02/15 – 5) ESTA paid for and sorted, don’t want to be thwarted

Electronic System for Travel Authorisation

Visa Waiver Scheme for travel to the American Nation

All done on line, should get through the terminals fine

Enter passport number and press go, tell the staff all they need to know

Now it’s wait, patiently for departure date

And two things that’ll help me go far

A gps and a voucher for my hire car

 

10/03/15 - 6) February past March came with an icy blast,

Brought snow hope it was the last

It will bring the first day of Spring

And the nights get lighter, hopefully the sun gets brighter

Today the wind’s still cold, the sky’s blue, the grass green

Through which the first flowers of year can be seen

Snowdrop and crocus in colourful array

As if to say “Springs on its way”

That and more with my annual poetry tour

An even greater delight, when in April I board that Westbound flight

 

17/03/15 - 7) Time to get ahead with the shopping

So when I’m away the family won’t be caught hopping

And there’s plenty in store while I’m on tour

So to the supermarket we went with good intent

Walked in the door, the music could have knocked me to the floor

Took me back a while and made me smile

To find in the archives of my mind

When looking forward to the day, when I would first tour the USA

Imagining there was nothing finer, stopping at a roadside diner

Cup of coffee to drink, sit and think,

About where I was bound, country music in the background

Then finish and pay and on my way

I remembered it like it was yesterday

It sure was fun when it was actually done

Coffee after many a mile and music country style

Made me think I can’t wait, till departure date

And next month across the Texas Plain I’ll to it all again 

 

Inspiration struck when watching the news and this was on

30.03.15 – 8) The Prime Ministers been, to see the Queen

Parliament now dissolved, Cameron’s resolved

To get in again, Milliband’s started his campaign

Candidates selected, hoping to get elected

On the news will be the latest views

Expert opinion from many a minion

Surveys who’s doing well and where, but do I really care

I think not, cos’ I have got

Something grand, a poetry tour planned

24 days away in the USA

No party political broadcast, no journalists forecast

About what’s best for the nation,

Spend more money on health or cut immigration

And what’s more no knock on my door

Spouting their party’s quote asking for my vote

It’s my annual Texas tour doing many a poetry score

And taking the time to record it all in rhyme

And as is the norm my verse I’ll perform

But on polling day I’ll be there, putting my cross in the square

Pencil in hand and cock a snook to Russell Brand

 

01.04.15 – 9) Waiting to recite on my last poetry night

It’s April 1st so don’t fear the worst

No it’s not a joke from this poetry bloke

Cos’ I’ll say, it’s my last till May

In three days time, I’m takin’ my rhyme

All the way, to Texas in the USA

Festivals and open mics will abound, as I travel round

The Lone Star State, hopefully delighting

Others there with my prolific writing

Inspiration flowing, wherever I’m going

When I arrive and bring it alive

My latest score, then write some more.

As this Yorkshire man joins the Texas poetry clan

Like a family of sisters and brothers

Poetry to share when we get there

But for now it’s enjoy the present

For soon today, will be yesterday

And in my mind will lurk

Good memories of those who inspired the poem as

As they shared tonight all their very own work

 

03.04.15 - 10) Sat listening to the rain

Wishing it was tomorrow and I was on the plane

Downstairs I hear Louie barking sound like with the family he’s larking

Suitcase not overloaded, documents downloaded

Printed and put in a folder before the day gets any older

Taxi booked, no need to worry about parking,

Downstairs Louie’s still barking

An’ I’m composin’ deep in thought

Once more with inspiration wrought

Remembering something that may give me the blues

I’ve forgot to pack a spare pair of shoes

No worries I’ll get ‘em packed and it’s all done

A few minor things that can wait, till tomorrow, departure date

An’ for now downstairs I’ll stalk an’ take the little guy for one last walk.

 

11) With Louie I’m out walking local rugby team supporters talking

Still raining’ sky not the only thing that’s grey

Cas Tigers lost at home today

Annual match every Eastertide,

This year Leeds Rhino’s proving the better side

Supporters still cheerful with good reason

One match doesn’t make a season

And there’ll be many more in which to get a better score

But for now I’m taking Louie home an’ get ready for this year’s Texas roam

 

12) Tonight I’ll hug Louie and say goodbye

To Texas tomorrow I’ll fly

Hoping my heart won’t be too sore

Cos’ one thing’s for sure

I’m sure gonna miss the cheeky little guy