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Susan Harlow Poem
A giant magnet for young and old
Its many mysteries to unfold
For dipping toes in ebb and flow
Revealing wonders deep below
Calm and still like mirrored glass
Then raging wild a storm can blast
Giving pleasure, causing grief
Magnificent colour of Barrier Reef
Tossing sails yet lapping the shore
Sinking ships in times of war
Sometimes dark, it’s strength foreboding
Tempting too but fiercely goading
A home to fish of stunning hue
Reflecting the sky in shades of blue
Underestimated in its power
Challenging man oft forced to cower
Innumerable colours of blue and green
The prettiest shells you’ve ever seen
Home to coral iridescent and bright
Displays of foam in whirls of white
Dashing the coast in waves of thunder
Giving pleasure, then pulling you under
A background for artists, a playground for tots
Sometimes frightening, sometimes not
Dividing the world in all its glory
The source of many a heartfelt story
Healing the soul when darkness calls
Noisy too when seagulls squall
Shattering lives with remorseless pressure
Beckoning man to false endeavour
A home to many all afloat
Enormous tankers, a tiny boat
Unforeseeable eddies and tides
A gentle sail or risk-full rides
Relentlessly breaking on distant shores
Enticing man for evermore
A means for adventure, for voyages afar
Under sunny skies or a million stars
An erratic, moody source of fear
Taking lives once held dear
A timeless home for hidden treasure
For searching men, unequal measure
Plentiful food for man and beast
A meagre meal or a giant feast
A workplace and a surfer’s delight
A vast beyond - a beautiful sight
A constant means for flight or flee
The amazing, unpredictable sea
Copyright © Susan Harlow | Year Posted 2023
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Susan Harlow Poem
You’ve reached a certain age when life has set you free
You can cock a hoop at protocol; do things that aren't PC
You can swim in just your underpants; be a gentleman or lout
Speak your mind without a care; wear your sweater inside out
You can stay up 'til the early hours with a glass of wine or two
Wear red pyjamas in the street or shoes of green or blue
You can dip your biscuits in your tea or don a fancy hat
You can eat your crisps when in your bed; be happy thin or fat
You can paint the town bright red, or sleep until midday
Wear a tie that's bright and gaudy and not care what people say
So shout at the moon and dye your hair; take up 3 seats on a plane
Talk to people very loud and dance naked in the rain
Be irascible, grumpy or grouchy and simply not care a jot
Be far too busy having fun whether people like it or not
For years you've always done what's right - faced life with good intention
Now it's time to just let go and discard all convention
Just try to think outside the box - give life a damn good beating
For time is very precious, every moment merely fleetingg
Display a smile or wear a frown, embrace those dirty looks
Turn this world upside down; don't do things by the book
Go and get a fine tattoo or indeed a gold nose ring
Maybe pierce an eyebrow - just do things on a whim
Mumble and wheeze without a care and always buck a trend
Answer back and disagree, burn the candle at both ends
Tho' your hair is getting greyer and receding - well it's true
Your eyes still have that sparkle; your zest for life brand new
You're chronologically gifted; you've got a cataract or two
Your spectacles are stronger but there's still no stopping you
For age is just a number - it evades no beast or man
Say not "I cannot do this", but "yes, of course I can!"
Go put on your glad rags, paint on a wicked smile
Face each day with vigour; let down your hair awhile
Your skin is getting saggy but it's a joy to run forth wild
To wear those clothes so baggy and release that inner child
Your neck is like a road map with wrinkles, crags and creeks
Your teeth are getting fewer and you get those little leaks
Just forget about such trivial things that make you squirm and dither
Wink your eye and stamp your feet - don't let your senses wither
You're about to embark on a special year, so give it all you've got
Spread your wings, raise the roof - live, love and laugh a lot
Copyright © Susan Harlow | Year Posted 2023
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Susan Harlow Poem
When I'm gone remember how I used to smile
How I used to comfort you and hold you for a while
Remember too the good times when we laughed and sang together
And even so the bad times when we conquered stormy weather
Weep for just a little while for that will help your soul
Don't dwell upon the sadness for that will take its toll
For I have had a good life, been blessed with many things
With a family that loved me and the joy that loving brings
Ive known a life of brightness, of beauty and of smiles
Been blessed with friends - so many - for such a long, long while
For know that I am with you wherever you may go
I'll sprinkle you with fairy dust, and cool your face with snow
I'll shine upon your laughter and hold you oh so tight
I'll touch your hand in darkness; walk beside you in the light
And when the sun shines brightly or your face is damp with rain
In every coloured rainbow you'll see my face again
I'll never truly be away for in your heart I'll stay
And I will always love you, forever and a day
So live your life in earnest, unto yourself be true
Take heed of all the blessings that life has given you
Don't dwell upon the sad things, the cruelty or the pain
Forgive me if I've hurt you, and smile for me again
Be loved, be kind, be happy, be strong and brave and free
Be the very, very best that only you can be
By doing this my dearest ones, you'll be doing it for me
Copyright © Susan Harlow | Year Posted 2023
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Susan Harlow Poem
We’ve seen a lot of stuff together, Gumpa Bear and me
He’s been my cuddly confidante from one to seventy-three
He’s looking pretty tired now - his fur has lost its shine
His head is very wobbly, but I’m really glad he’s mine
He’s listened to my worries and comforted my tears
Shared a million secrets, banished all my fears
He’s guarded me through childhood, been there throughout my teens
Been steadfast in my adulthood - who knows what he has seen!
He’s kept a silent vigil and watched me as I sleep
Perhaps it’s just a blessing that he cannot speak
But he has a hidden voice you see that only I can hear
Special words of wisdom whispered in my ear
I’ve made him many outfits to make him look so smart
To cover up his patchy bod and warm his teddy heart
He’s looking rather dapper now in navy blue and white
He is my guardian angel each day and every night
He seems to understand me with his gentle brown-eyed stare
I love him more than words can say - my darling Gumpa Bear
I’ll never ever part with him as long as I may live
And then I hope that someone kind a home for him will give
Copyright © Susan Harlow | Year Posted 2023
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