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Joie De Vivre

Upon a whim arising on this sunny springtime morn
hearing birds perform their songs at the crack of dawn
my knapsack packed already with a tasty picnic lunch
bread with cheese and wine
oh such a scrumptious tasty brunch
so full of joie de vivre am I for the day ahead
a slow ascent upon the bus as we reach *Beachy Head
then on to Belle Tout lighthouse where I alight instead
for on this glorious sunny day
in springtime sunshine I’ll make hay

Catching the light in stripes red and white
warning all mariners of dangers at night
a beacon of hope in a cobalt blue sea
her beam shining out majestically

Meandering gently nature's gifts I espy
a host of golden cowslips as if sprinkled from the sky
perchance if Wordsworth had beheld such beauty as have I 
his host of golden daffs would have a rival for to vie
wafting gently in the breeze their lemon coloured blooms
a more stunning sight is seldom seen on sunny afternoons
I wander through the woodlands approaching Birling Gap
uneven ground negotiated, avoiding a mishap
then I espy the smallest orchid I have ever seen
with purple blooms and spotty leaves
exquisite flowers I could gaze for hours
secreted for her own protection
her subliminal message for all…
‘Please do not disturb me as
you stand here to observe me
for my beauty - my shape - my hue
and please leave me in situ, for all who pass just like you 
as they pause awhile admiring the view’

Written April 2019

Contest Strand any form any theme
Sponsor Brian Strand
1st PLACE



*At 152 metres Beachy Head is the highest of Britain’s chalk sea cliffs, attracting nearly half a million visitors each year. The name ‘Beachy Head’ is believed to be a corruption of the original French, meaning ‘beautiful headland’. Some of the flora and fauna to be found at Beachy Head are purple and bee orchids, bluebells, primroses, cowslips, oxslips and hedgerows crowned in white - baby lambs and wild seas and so much more - just stunning!

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Sam Kauffman Date: 1/18/2020 11:08:00 PM Hi Ann Congratulations on your top win! I have had a similar experience with a rare orchid in the forests of Washigton state. Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 1/19/2020 7:05:00 AM Hello Sam, thanks for your visit and congrats, so nice to meet you. Yes it is such a wonderful thing when you come across a rare plant of any kind, it really makes my day when that happens. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Brenda Chiri Date: 1/18/2020 2:33:00 PM Ann congestion's on your top win!;) Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 1/19/2020 7:03:00 AM Thank you dear Brenda for your congestion's/congratulations, haha... With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Panagiota Romios Date: 5/22/2019 12:29:00 AM Outstanding poem, Anne, Thank you for explaining Beachy Head. Panagiota Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 5/25/2019 3:34:00 AM So glad you enjoyed my poem Panagiota, and yes Beachy Head is an area of outstanding beauty and I am so lucky to live close by. Thank you for your lovely comments. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Caren Krutsinger Date: 5/11/2019 2:33:00 AM I am so scared for the baby orchid, Ann. Others are simply not as kind. You are right, Wordsworth would have also been in awe of this scene. I doubt his poem would have been as full of imagery as yours though. Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 5/11/2019 3:42:00 PM So many thankyous for your wonderful comments Caren and your continued support. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Elizabeth Kinch Date: 5/9/2019 10:03:00 AM Absolutely stunning penmanship, I'm in awe of such an amazing write Ann. Your imagery is perfect. Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 5/9/2019 10:15:00 AM Gosh Elizabeth, such wonderful comments thank you so much, it really means a lot to me. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

M. L. Kiser Date: 5/9/2019 4:33:00 AM Oh thank you, I love the sea and the beach; you've painted quite vibrantly with this poem. A great way to start a day. Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 5/9/2019 6:25:00 AM Many thanks for your visit ML I love the sea too and I am so lucky to live beside it! Kindest thoughts Ann xx

Tom Cunningham Date: 5/8/2019 12:45:00 PM I've never been Ann, sounds like a beautiful place to visit. Well written verse. Tom. Login to Reply Ann Gilmour Date: 5/8/2019 1:07:00 PM It is a beautiful place Tom but sadly it has also become a place where troubled souls end their lives, but despite that there is a feeling of calm and peace, so hopefully they do eventually find their peace. Also in the summer months hundreds of tourists visit, risking their lives as they stand far too close to the edge of the cliffs, whilst posing for a photo - can you believe that - crazy! Kindest thoughts Ann xx