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My Ode To the Netherlands

Hook of Holland arrive by the ferry Meeting our good friends Ans and Jerry The pancake house is where we love to eat Being our with our Dutch friends – what a treat Zwarte Piet will be visiting soon Children crowded into the living room Waiting for the black hand around the door Sweets are freely scattered on to the floor Visiting the haunting Anne Frank museum Makes me think of the phrase carpe diem Walking along the stunning cobbled street Our trip to Amsterdam is now complete I would love to return again one day Meet Elly Wouterse on lands far away Submitted to Elly Wouterse’s Contest My Ode To The Netherlands ~ Awarded 2nd place ~ 15th April 2014 The poem is written from very vivid childhood memories- its been a trip down memory lane - it is also my first attempt at a sonnet

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James Horn

Date: 7/18/2014 8:24:00 PM

Being our with our Dutch s/b Being out. Just received your comment about my poem regarding PnP. It is also for book authors and both of them have there place. PoetrySoup is most highly developed I have experienced so far. We are going to GB next may on a tour. Am looking forward to it. Guernsey will be our first port. Have written poems about it already. Jim Horn

Jan Allison
Date: 7/19/2014 4:44:00 AM

Thanks for dropping by James - will look at Pnp one day when the time is right. Guernsey is lovely I went there as a child many years ago LOL. Enjoy your trip:-) Hugs Jan z

Deborah Shiells

Date: 5/3/2014 4:32:00 PM

Hi Jan, First big Congrats on the win of this sweet poem that is so well written. I found my self there.Standing on the cobblestone streets:~) What a delightful write Jan.Thanks so much for sharing this poem with us here Hugs back to you. Peace, Deborah.

Jan Allison
Date: 5/3/2014 5:23:00 PM

Thanks for dropping by Deborah. it really was written from the heart - my 'uncle' was actually called Jan pronounced Yon but that didn't fit in with the rhyme the rest of it is real memories. hugs Jan x

Sara Kendrick

Date: 5/2/2014 9:49:00 AM

Way to go with this winning work..Enjoyed reading it this morning..Wonderful to hear of distant lands from one who has been there..Congrats on your win..Sara

Jan Allison
Date: 5/2/2014 10:14:00 AM

Thanks Sara for the lovely comments Hugs Jan xx

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 4/30/2014 1:30:00 AM

Just the ticket of what Elly wanted and a wonderful win for you Jan. Big Congratulations!

Jan Allison
Date: 4/30/2014 11:00:00 AM

Thanks for the lovely comment Connie. I am so pleased Elly liked this I have such fond fond childhood memories of my times in the Netherlands. hugs Jan xxx

Ivo Cos

Date: 4/29/2014 8:44:00 PM

Another well-deserved win with a superbly well-penned poem from Ellan Vannin. Congrats!

Jan Allison
Date: 4/30/2014 10:58:00 AM

Thanks so much for the lovely comment Ivo. hugs Jan xx

Poet Destroyer A

Date: 4/29/2014 6:37:00 PM

Nice win Jan, wonderful Ode... XOX~ Linda

Jan Allison
Date: 4/30/2014 10:58:00 AM

Thanks so much from dropping by Linda. i am so encouraged to do so well with my first attempt at a sonnet. Hugs Jan x

Dr. Upma A. Sharma

Date: 4/29/2014 4:35:00 AM

Great win again Jan wid this lovely write ! Congrats !

Jan Allison
Date: 4/29/2014 5:15:00 AM

Thanks for the lovely comments Dr Sharma. Hugs Jan

Tim Ryerson

Date: 4/28/2014 5:45:00 PM

Yes indeed Jan! I just KNEW this was a winner when I first read it... Congratulations are DEFINITELY in order...

Jan Allison
Date: 4/28/2014 5:51:00 PM

Thanks Tim I am so overjoyed to get this amazing place with my first ever sonnet too - am learning something new every day and being inspired by amazing people. Hugs Jan xx

Jenny Brewer

Date: 4/17/2014 10:52:00 AM

Very nice Jan. xxx I have also entered the competition as I felt compelled because of my Dutch blood. xxx It would thrill me if either of us were to win xxx The best of luck hun xx

Jan Allison
Date: 4/17/2014 6:10:00 PM

good luck Jene I just entered for fun my first sonnet so i hope its ok Jan xx

Tim Ryerson

Date: 4/15/2014 10:10:00 PM

Brilliant sonnet Jan... So you have been to the Netherlands? How I envy you!! I am Dutch but have never had the privilege...My last name is Ryerson, derived from Ryersolm (sp) We have a winner here...

Jan Allison
Date: 4/15/2014 11:14:00 PM

Hi Tim Thank you so much for the lovely comments. Yes from an early age we used to visit about 3 times a year - mum had a pen pal called 'Ans' - (may not be spelled correctly sounds like onss) the zwarte piet memory is so vivid - in the eyes of a child it was truly magical. I will never forget I was given a doll as a present and I hated playing with dolls lol I can still picture it now! Do visit Holland if you get the chance its an amazing place. Hugs Jan x

Tim Smith

Date: 4/14/2014 8:27:00 PM

I used to love the "Dutch Baby" pancake when I was growing up.. This wonderful Jan...hugs Tim

Jan Allison
Date: 4/14/2014 10:18:00 PM

Oh Tim you are too kind! We used to visit Holland about 3 times a year when I was younger - mum had a dutch penpal 'Aunty ans' her husband was Jan but that didn't fit in with the rhyme! Have so many vivid memories but at 5 yrs old a 'black gloved hand' coming round the door and showering us with sweets was magical. As for Anne frank' her books were incredible and still remain favourites today. Hugs Jan xxx