thanks for the lovely stay

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I just wanted to put in an example of a special event which sometimes goes un-noticed; that of visiting friends, house-sitting and spending some time relaxing.  A poem can say so much, particularly when it talks about things that have happened recently.  

memento – with thanks

it seemed the dorset slopes had eased into our feet
and we landed in the sea – the coldness beat our skins
the ice cream turned our tongues to sheets of sweet
and finally the rain that sought the seed purred on in

and we landed in the sea – the coldness beat our skins
this house has held us warm and comforted our days
one place to t’other – we drove and walked the whins
we settled in the nights – we saw the full moon’s sway

the ice cream turned our tongues to sheets of sweet
the chips (no mushy peas!) staved cravings for the beach
while bluebells turned – we mocked the lambing bleat
the sun shone by our heads at ‘puddle’s seat

and finally the rain that sought the seed purred on in
we’ve caked ourselves with scones and flapjack too
the durdle showed its door – the car park shook its tin
two women told us that it’s just not worth the view

and we landed in the sea – the coldness beat our skins
the screams of terror – the waves that stabbed and chapped
one wave two and three and four and the quins
rolled (and laughed) at northern bellies slapped

this house has held us warm and comforted our days
it’s given us the window on the south
it’s fed us with the views – let us know the blandford ways
it’s kept us with its key – then let us drowse

one place to t’other – we drove and walked the whins
we prickled in the brambles – wandered in the heat
and kingston lacey’s sculpture seemed so thin
(though money back – the day seemed such a cheat)

we settled in the nights – we saw the full moon’s sway
we’ve caught up with the friends – and drunk the tea
postcards penned now afternoon is grey
the energy has dropped its coastal sea

the ice cream turned our tongues to sheets of sweet
it seemed the dorset slopes had eased into our feet