Category Archives: Travel

The laziest rested lie backwards….

Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?

Lazy days, relaxing times

Sun is out, sitting back drinking wine

Your work done, the day is all yours

‘Over-chilling’ can leave you on all fours…

Your mind clear, no room for stress

Your house upside down? What a mess…

No need to worry, your unproductive mind;

Fades like that sunlight, into a corner you find

Remove the tasks, leave them today

Can’t decide what to do; either way

Uncluttered now as I plug in to recharge

In a state floating smooth like a canal barge

Down the river of comfort and serenity

Buzzing calmly like the alien entity

Strange sounds you emit, as you ‘chill’

Your wind subsides, slowing your ‘mill’

The relaxation time starts to close

Enjoying your own song, your prose

What is lazy? When you need your ‘own time’

Take the leap of faith, lie back, you’ll be fine ..

In truth I’m torn between feeling relaxed/lazy and being unproductive . It is a matter (I’m opinion) where you are work wise/health wise/job/relationship etc).

I go on holiday fell relaxed.and chill..worries scrubbed from memory for a few days at least . I suppose I’m being productive in a holiday sense , planning where to go, what to see that will ‘aid’ my relaxation. So maybe I’ve answered the question in a strange and cryptic sort way. You decide …

Inter-planetary & Star Struck

You may have noticed in the new this week, that one of those rare occasions occurred in the deep, dark night skies above us.

For about 3 or 4 days this well (Feb 25th -28th) we would have the chance to view all our ‘sister’ planets in an arc in the night sky.

My family drive few minutes from our house (we live near a new Observatory but that was fully booked!) but still managed to see at least 6 of the planets (apparently Neptune was hiding behind the moon..I may have wrong it could be Saturn!)

Anyway it was a rare unique this to see these planets all in alignment with the next viewing of this type not happening until 2040!

This trip inspired this short view response, as it does …

Planets of the Arc

 

The night sky offered the chance,

In February twenty twenty-five,

Reaching out with a quite voice

Come and see us; you will feel alive

 

You can take a peek with your naked eye,

We’re celestial, cosmic and bright,

We’re so lonely, so far without you

Yet we shine and sparkle amid the ‘dark night’

 

What rare and spectacular pleasure

To marvel at the arc of planets and stars

A unique and special occasion

To be linked into our solar system; so far

 

Away into the future distance

A site that will not fall for another 15 years

Take in that special wonder,

And quietly rejoice with a cheer

 

If you missed the opportunity

The repeat show will be on time,

I hope that we all look ‘upward’ with joy

 Where the pleasure will be yours and mine..

 

JW Nelson

Night of Feb 28, 2025

 

The Fireworks of your Life

It’s starts slowly, builds momentum, showers the sky with its aura, as the power fades, so do you (but we still remember the ‘sparkle’)

Having been to a firework display earlier today, it got me thinking as I watched in absolute spectacular wonder, as this unbridled free spirited fireworks joyfully peppered the black night sky, with its myriad of colours, attracting thousands of eyes, glued looking upward, transfixed at this annual spectacle.

Here’s my two pennies worth..

A quiet rumble that cannot be heard,

Begins without us knowing,

Friction generates movement all around

We watch in awe and wonder, where is this going?

A sudden expected spark

Explodes in front of your startled eyes

Unbridled power exudes forth

What we witness, shouldn’t be a surprise

Now the embryo births into life

Momentum propels growth ahead

We await the true sparkle

When we now see the ‘head’

Crying and tears hit our ears

Into the night, life crashes into the open, vibrant air

The firework makes its dramatic, memorable appearance

Staring in awe, we are consumed by care

As the pops, bangs and whistles perform

Enigmatic, joyous smiles are displayed

Illuminous greens, reds and silver shine bright

The fireworks, like all things, then begin to fade

Colours and energy shoot into time

For some, this is your journey, for now

Your aura transcends; emboldens others

That sparkle flickers; before it takes a bow

Memories of the sounds that you heard

Picture the shapes, the splendid wonder you recall

Imagine the plaintive beauty that existed

See for yourself, the magic of it all

No tricks to play here

Reality with a slice stunning, awesomeness

Cracking sounds, booms of active life abound

Enjoyment, contentment, is what we seek, I must confess

To witness a display of such freedom, liberty

Makes the eyes dance to life’s rhythmic beats

To the sounds of crackling, streaming, cheering

Knowing all too well; this is a Fireworks life; on repeat…

Keeping things in MIND…(how do you cope in todays frantic, often brutal & unforgiving world)

For protection many will seek only the people or the process close to home. The ones you can trust. In effect you have to put yourself in a ‘bubble’ to keep out the ‘rays of destruction’ firing at you from all angles.

Well being is touted often and maybe in some people’s eyes far too often. Yet everyone has the propensity to ‘suffer’ from any type of instability. As it’s such a personal journey what affects one person is water if a ducks back to someone else. Still you treat each case as necessary. Maybe little little ditty reminds us all that it could be ‘me’ next or at some point in the future.

The Bubble

 

Something isn’t quite right

I cannot tell you what;

Tormenting me all day and night

Like that buzzing fly, I need to swat

 

I rack my torrid, fragile brain

Hoping to find some respite

No umbrella nearby and here comes the rain

A creeping darkness now envelopes the light

 

How do I get break free?

What help can I seek?

Is the answer; a glass of vodka martini?

Or will someone listen, as my words leak

 

Being in a bubble keeps you sane

Locked inside a delirium of fantasy and awe

The next addiction is sweet like sugar cane

A damaged mind plays tricks and is never a bore

 

As I sit here and ponder the winding route

Of where to plunder next;

Where is the map of support I can salute?

You can send that to me by text

 

I can read it, and will probably weep

My eyes, heart, filled with trepidation

Out of my skin my words begin to seep

Please defibrillate me into resuscitation

 

With a heavy, laden load I submit

Over to you to pick me up

I hope you’ll never ever quit

Lead me to once again, to drink from the ‘happy’ cup

 

 

Dreaming into Reality?

What alternative career paths have you considered or are interested in?

Once again I I haven’t choices for this question.

  1. One of my alternative careers would have been to become a stockbroker or an actuary ..something along those lines . I’m good with numbers and I’m in sales now so this would have been one of choices if I could have gone to university. (Another goal aspired to but not reachable from my background) . Watching films like Wall Street I did wander if I could have lived that life especially in the decadent and voyeuristic Lifestyle depicted in the 1980’s and 90’s. Anyway the money would have been great, as long as you survived the 100 mile an hour weekly race to step on anyone around you (if the films are to be believed )…
  2. 2nd choice is still my dream. Becoming a full time and sustainable writer of books, poetry , thrillers and adventures. I have 3 books available covering : poetry (Poems for the Festive Season)- 25 poems one foreach day to take from December 1-25th. I https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00Q3C4BEU
  3. I have a Young Adult fantasy, mystery adventure – Pentagon Pirate Gang: The Secret of the Orchard (available on Amazon and book shops- this is the first in the series)- https://amzn.eu/d/c4Xq0Ef
  4. finally for Adults- Company of Fools (Amazon only ) – comedy drama about the year in the life of a salesman as he seeks 3 life goals (1 a wife 2 a good job 3 start a family )…https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08GFS1W18/
  5. Maybe one day that ‘Dream’ will become a ‘Reality’..,(happy to get any advice /help on anything to do with writing/publishing/marketing )

Time For Valentine ….

Oh yes it’s that time again
To declare togetherness and love
For those committed to remain
A connection as pure as a dove


Today’s love is smart, warm and clever
For two people to be intwined 
A bond to last as long as forever 
As we all celebrate every day as a ‘valentine’…

JW Nelson 
February 14, 2024

Jamaica – WHERE MOVIE MAGIC IS WRITTEN…

For the sake of remembrance and just returning from my mother’s homeland in Jamaica, it reminded me of Ian Fleming, his books on Jame Bond (007) and the fact he has a Hotel called Goldeneye near Ocho Rios means I couldn’t resist re-telling the first Bond movie shot mostly in Jamaica some 61 years (released October 1962).

So here is my poetic repost of that first encounter with the ‘Man with the Golden Gun, who ‘Died/lived Twice’ and faced his first real enemy in the shaped of the ham-fisted Dr No.

I wonder who will fill next fill the 007 shoes and what dangers lie in wait for them …

THE FIRST IN THE SERIES (COVERING THE BOND MOVIES) – this is my own title v- enjoy…feedback..respond..

NO WAY…

It was an EON ago when it began

Nineteen sixty-two I believe

Broccoli and Saltzman had a plan

And there he was Mr. Sean Connery

From the pen of Mr. Fleming

Films that set the spy world alight

Cinema goers followed the sparkle like lemmings

Off the cliff of entertainment, into the night

In Jamaica an inspired Fleming wrote

They filmed Dr. No there

The exotic location was worthy of note

The choice, like Bond, was a dare

Bond fought ‘the hand’ of crime

Used the tricks of the trade

Ursula shone like a coin, a dime

Beauty met beauty; in Jamaica it was made

With action, pace and the one liner

Delivered to the enemy and the viewer

Followed by the baddie with a shiner

As Bond sat in a bow tie, eating from a skewer

With a nod and a wink

Good triumphs over evil

Facing the barrel of a Walther also makes one think

About not reneging on paying your bill

The bill for SPECTRE is a high one

Only 007 can guarantee payment

Supported by Ryder their work is done 

Now it’s time to send the statement

With Dr No. dead in the pool

Bond can get his hand on;

Cuddling Honey Rider as calm and as cool

Then sail away to safety; to the Bond theme song…

70th Heaven – The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

In memory of the longest serving monarch in British history here is one way to remember our Elizabeth – “The Queen of all Hearts”

70 years later we are ready for another celebration. A date set for all the of the uk. A time to come together a one nation. This is my small take for a poetic viewpoint.

70th HEAVEN

Q uintessential

U nsurpassed

E lemental time

E lapsed

N ational appeal

E ngland is home

L ong may she reign over this;

I slands ruled from the throne

Z ooming

A cross the ether

B roadband carries her waves

E ver present from past to future

T omorrow is yet another day

H eraldry holds the spine that is set

P rominence is the byword

L et us never forget

A n announcement that must be heard

T hree score and ten years

I rrefutable in its achievement

N ow we exhibit the joy of tears

U nmatched by the personification of sentiment

M arvel in the trust; we have the belief

J ustified across the board

U nflinching is our master chief

B ending on knees she knight the lords

I n harmonious voice

L et your soul and hearts ring at seven

E ncompass family; sing and rejoice

E lizabeth holds her arms out; welcoming you all to 70th Heaven…

70th Heaven – The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

In memory of the longest serving monarch in British history here is one way to remember our Elizabeth – “The Queen of all Hearts”

70 years later we are ready for another celebration. A date set for all the of the uk. A time to come together a one nation. This is my small take for a poetic viewpoint.

70th HEAVEN

Q uintessential

U nsurpassed

E lemental time

E lapsed

N ational appeal

E ngland is home

L ong may she reign over this;

I sland ruled from the throne

Z ooming

A cross the ether

B roadband carries her waves

E ver present from past to future

T omorrow is yet another day

H eraldry holds the spine that is set

P rominence is the byword

L et us never forget

A n announcement that must be heard

T hree score and ten years

I rrefutable in its achievement

N ow we exhibit the joy of tears

U nmatched by the personification of sentiment

M arvel in the trust; we have the belief

J ustified across the board

U nflinching is our master chief

B ending on knees she knight the lords

I n harmonious voice

L et your soul and hearts ring at seven

E ncompass family; sing and rejoice

E lizabeth holds her arms out; welcoming you all to 70th Heaven…

BLUE SKY THINKING….

On a random sunny afternoon, sometimes thoughts, ideas, musings from the past, present and future merge as you look skyward. The deepest blue sky and potent yellowy sun start to speak to you in rhyme. So you close your eyes and respond in kind…maybe with something like this…

Sitting in the afternoon sun

I breathe deeply with heat on my back

Not a cloud my eyes can see

My pet dog lies strewn with comfort


The trees sway this way and that

Their shadow cast spookily across my lawn

A small insect escapes the blades

As I watch it struggling to find a path


To dream as I do

It only happens when the sky is eternally blue

A cool breeze refuses to share it’s energy

And supply me, my dog with sufficient air


To feel my dreams develop beyond

An horizon that is impossible to view

How the mind works to supply hope

To those who dare to dream

When sky becomes eternally blue

Radiating heat from the sun

Splatters on my face

On my back on my neck

It’s the suns way of a loving embrace


Yes I dream still of nothing

Into the eternal blue yonder

To find no answers as such

Light years from perdition

I hope and can only wonder


Enjoying the reflective glare

Squinting with delight not derision

My blue sky that is above me;

Could it mean I’m looking;

Directly into the heavens?


A star; yes the celestial being

A yellow ball of sublime heat

And perfunctory light

I sit here to worship your power

With every bone and sinew


The blue sky motivates the thinker

Metastasises the brain like an engine

Churns thoughts, hopes, the unseen shadow

Eyes open wide now as the truth

Waits for you unbidden