The Retired Bloke Poem Vault

When trouble strikes you when you are not looking When life’s speed bumps get in the way When all those around you seem not to care When fear of losing exceeds the chance of winning When your competitors seem to get the edge When it’s impossible to turn the frown into a smile When all positives seem to have vanished Take a long hard look at yourself Be grateful that you have a home a shelter a place of peace Be grateful that you have your relative health  Be grateful that you are not searching for the next penny Be grateful of help and support from family and friends  Be grateful for everything your children achieve Be grateful and appreciate the love of your wife Put all life’s woes into perspective.  Remember there’s always someone out there Worse off and in need of your prayer.   Written 5th February 2018

So that’s the end of time with friends  Of days spent strolling along the beach  Of stresses and strains that it transcends Of cups of tea and a piece of cake each Cosy nights in with wine and a box set Helping each other understand the plot Running in tandem getting up a sweat  Walking Otis, meeting a dog called Spot.  Eating hungrily the best fish and chips  Sipping a pint in front of a roaring fire.  Savouring every moment on the lips  Telling stories of people we admire  Sharing challenges, trials and tribulations  Making exciting plans for future trips.  Enjoying the variety of different locations  Starting to worry about extra inches on the hips. I can’t wait for another holiday to begin With our good friends Ian and Lynn.  Written 4th February 2018

Mean smouldering sinister gangsters  Wreaking havoc in ordinary peoples lives Dressed to the nines as if going to a wedding Drugs and drinking in equal measures Smoke filled rooms, backdrop to scheming  Razor blades hidden for evil dealings Illegal deeds delivered to feather their nest Family meetings to instigate trepidation  Relationships blighted by conflicting interests Tools of horror employed to kill and maim.  Dangerous enemies disposed of ruthlessly Living the life of a deprived street fighter The maleficent life of a Peaky Blinder.   Written 3rd February 2018

Light up your life open the aperture Focus in on what really matters Zoom in on everything important Delete what doesn’t matter  Capture all your great experiences Expose yourself every day to something new  See stunning places in high resolution  Appreciate reality no airbrushing Always be positive resist being negative Take time to support and develop others  Let inspiration come to you in a flash See the big picture not just a snapshot  Include others rely less on the selfies This is your time your biography  Enjoy life embrace photography.  Written 2nd February 2018

Blue sea, golden sands, salty air, wind in the hair.  Feeling alive, stepping out, stress free, this life’s for me. Candy floss, slot machines, big wheel, it’s the real deal.   Good friends, doting pooch, ice cream, living the dream.  Sand castles, deck chairs, fish and chips, a smacker on the lips.  Fishing boats, peeled shrimps, boats bobbing, enjoying the walking.  There’s no better place to escape from the strife Than a couple of days enjoying beach life.  Written 1st February 2018

Otis, Otis is his name A beautiful big black poodle Always fun and up for a game On the sand with his kit and caboodle  His fur is luxurious soft and comforting A kind heart and friendly with dogs on the beach His presence is calming, peaceful and soothing His unconditional love is always within reach  A pal for life is this dog’s aim Otis, Otis remember his name.  Written 31st January 2018