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
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

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Horn Avatar
July 18, 2014 at 8:24 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
Allison Avatar
July 19, 2014 at 4:44 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
Shiells Avatar
May 3, 2014 at 4:32 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.
Allison Avatar
May 3, 2014 at 5:23 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
Kendrick Avatar
May 2, 2014 at 9:49 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
Allison Avatar
May 2, 2014 at 10:14 AM
Thanks Sara for the lovely comments Hugs Jan xx
Marcum Wong Avatar
April 30, 2014 at 1:30 AM
Just the ticket of what Elly wanted and a wonderful win for you Jan. Big Congratulations!
Allison Avatar
April 30, 2014 at 11:00 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
Kos Avatar
April 29, 2014 at 8:44 PM
Another well-deserved win with a superbly well-penned poem from Ellan Vannin. Congrats!
Allison Avatar
April 30, 2014 at 10:58 AM
Thanks so much for the lovely comment Ivo. hugs Jan xx
A   Avatar
April 29, 2014 at 6:37 PM
Nice win Jan, wonderful Ode... XOX~ Linda
Allison Avatar
April 30, 2014 at 10:58 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
A. Sharma Avatar
April 29, 2014 at 4:35 AM
Great win again Jan wid this lovely write ! Congrats !
Allison Avatar
April 29, 2014 at 5:15 AM
Thanks for the lovely comments Dr Sharma. Hugs Jan
Ryerson Avatar
April 28, 2014 at 5:45 PM
Yes indeed Jan! I just KNEW this was a winner when I first read it... Congratulations are DEFINITELY in order...
Allison Avatar
April 28, 2014 at 5:51 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
Brewer Avatar
April 17, 2014 at 10:52 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
Allison Avatar
April 17, 2014 at 6:10 PM
good luck Jene I just entered for fun my first sonnet so i hope its ok Jan xx
Ryerson Avatar
April 15, 2014 at 10:10 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...
Allison Avatar
April 15, 2014 at 11:14 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
Smith Avatar
April 14, 2014 at 8:27 PM
I used to love the "Dutch Baby" pancake when I was growing up.. This wonderful Jan...hugs Tim
Allison Avatar
April 14, 2014 at 10:18 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
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