Me again...

Thank you for anyone who has taken the time to read my poems. It has been a real joy to do. If you have any thoughts or constructive criticism or ideas or.. or.. then do please email me at hartleytastic@googlemail.com

I look forward to receiving your feedback.

I have written poems for as long as I can remember and would love to do more with them. I have done workshops and assemblies in schools around the country. I have performed my own poetry and then worked with children to encourage and inspire them to write their own. Doing the blog has made me realise that I can do grown up stuff too!

I have endless ideas on how poetry can be used in all different settings. If you want to know more, do please contact me.

Thank you again for reading and Happy Easter to you all.

Rach xx

Sunday 8 April 2012 Happy Easter!

Choose Life

Pressures and chaos, mountains of mess,
sadness and madness and mayhem and stress.
Bright blue skies and a glorious sun,
fab friends and family, laughter and fun.
Niggles and ponderings, dreams of all sorts,
ideas and fears and the thinking of thoughts.
Beauty amidst the strange and the odd
and how cool that we're loved by a wonderful God.
Hold onto hope and do what is right,
big love and blessings, thank you, goodnight!

Another one...

My Love

Not written him a poem,
so feel that I may owe 'im.
I may not iron his shirts,
but I love him til it hurts!

Extra poem...

Brother

He calls me names, he winds me up,
I cast my eyes to heaven,
embarrassing me hasn't stopped
(although I'm thirty seven!)
He found ways to scare me,
while I was reading books,
he says I got the character,
he got amazing looks!
He laughs at my hairstyles,
he mocks me to my face,
I'm glad he's got a lovely wife
to put him in his place!
He is caring and supportive
though I sometimes want to shove 'im,
I'll keep the wind- up bro I've got,
just because I love 'im!

Sat 7 April 2012

Regret

When we are little, we totally believe
in ourselves, and there's no end to what we can achieve.
We are eager to do at the start of the day and
we haven't let life and stuff get in our way.
There are endless possibilities, win the biggest race,
climb the biggest mountain or take a trip to space.                                  
Then at some point we stop believing that we can,
we put lids on our dreams, not our No.1 fan.
We listen to others, plant doubt in our mind,
but if we're not careful, one day we'll find-
that we wake up with minds full of worry and fret,
and find that we're living a life of regret.
YOU are fantastic, YOU'RE totally great,
now get out and start living before it's too late!

Friday 6 April 2012

Good

Sun streams enthusiastically through the windows,
washed across the sky, strokes blue and bold,
each leaf carefully iced with a delicate frost,
a world dipped in beauty, encrusted with gold.

Thursday 5 April 2012

Busy

Rushing, always rushing to where I need to be,
looking, always looking for the things I need to see,
stopping, never stopping, just climbing up the hill,
blocking out the voice telling me to, "Be still-
and know that I am God."

Searching, always searching for the happiness inside,
swimming, always swimming against the rushing tide,
pushing, always pushing, keeping on until,
a small voice stops me and tells me to, "Be still-
and know that I am God."

Wednesday 4 April 2012

Denial

When I pop my earthly clogs,
what mark will I leave?
What are my true passions and
in what do I believe?
Will I inspire with
decisions I have made?
Or will vague thoughts about me
just wither and fade.
Am I sure or am I
wishy washy with ideas,
am I true to my beliefs or
am I overwhelmed with fears?
Do I put off thoughts like this,
'cause I won't need them for a while,
do I have conviction or
am I in denial?

Tuesday 3 April 2012

Washing

Shirts jump and leap and sway,
a gloriously sunny day.
The wind begins and takes a chance,
the threads respond and start to dance.
Great spirit in those clothes of mine,
inhibitions? freedom? It's a fine line.

Monday 2 April 2012

New day

I mess up through my weakness,

There for all to see,

Thank you that your grace is

Sufficient for me.

Sunday 1 April

Unfair

Zapped of their energy, lethargic and slow,

Got up and gone has their get up and go.

We are embarrassing (but we don’t care)

And it’s totally true, life is just so unfair.

End of the world if The hair is a flop and

Energy raised then to tantrum and strop.

If allowed they would lie in til way past eleven,

Conversation is met with eyes raised to heaven.

Feisty and gorgeous, flat tummies, small bums,

BUT they still love to cuddle their mums! (Phew)

Sat 31 March 2012

Cut off

Can’t charge my phone,

Feel alone, want to moan.

Can’t phone a friend,

so pretend that I will send-

a lovely letter.

Can’t charge my phone,

Feel alone, want to moan.

Am a mother and a wife,

Note to self, get a life-

feel slightly better.

30 March 2012

Procrastination Part Two

(Was going to write it sooner, but didn’t get round to it)

Life is for the living but it’s sometimes put on hold,

As we focus on the mundane leaving dreams out in the cold-

Which is fine if we enjoy it, but quite often we don’t,

The chance is there to seize the day but know full well we won’t.

We look forward to exciting plans or when we have been paid,

But we need to be careful that our dreams don’t start to fade.

Buried in the daily grind or swept away with dirt,

the space that they will leave behind may one day turn to hurt.

Let’s savour the moments in our life that make us “Wow”

and celebrate and live in the awesomeness of NOW!

Thursday 29 March 2012

Those who can

Listens, encourages,
nurtures, protects,
tolerates, tackles,
reassures and accepts.
Sees the potential and
rescues and reaches,
develops the dreams,
inspires and teaches.

Wednesday 28 March 2012

Procrastination

So much that I need to do,
it's really rather tough,
to sort and clear, to check and sign,
such important stuff.
I will do it right this moment and
then I can tick it off,
but first I'll make a drink to soothe
my rather tickly cough.
Once this stuff is done it will
completely ease the stress,
but I need to wipe the surfaces,
I can't work in this mess!
Now I can begin 'cause
this is really vital stuff,
but have you ever wondered
about belly button fluff?
I'm really ready now,
just take a puff of my inhaler,
and then just call my friend who
lives in Northern Venezuela.
A spot of daytime telly
then I am completely ready,
but ooh, what was the name of
my oldest, bestest teddy?
I wonder if next door have
some tea-bags I can borrow,
then I can prepare to start
immediately tomorrow!

Tuesday 27 March 2012

Fantastic Gymnastic

She cartwheels round the room,
wraps her legs around her head,
does the splits twelve times a day and
handstands on her bed.
It's like she's made of play dough as
she leaps her way around,
and she chats as she is lying all
contorted on the ground.
She's loving and she's giving,
and at random times she's tetchy,
and we love her just the way she is,
extremely jolly stretchy!

Very crazy so popping one on for ... Monday 26 march 2012

Boy

My boy is a joy
with his big brown eyes,
and his cheeky smile
and what a surprise-
when he woke me at half past four!

He climbed in beside me
said " love you mum"
then laughed as he talked about
wee wee and bum-
when he woke me at half past four!

He winds up his sisters,
mischief is key,
and he sometimes just
infuriates me.
Boy who woke me at half past four,
I just couldn't love you more!

Crazy weekend so ...Sunday 25 March 2012

Sprung

Spring has sprung, yippee I feel young,
and like every song just needs to be sung.
I will dance with joy and skip as I sing,
forget to change clocks, be late for everything!

Sat 24 March 2012

About

Support is a sport that we don't always choose to play,
time is a tax that we don't always pay.
Hope is the rope used to pull someone out,
and love is the stuff we should all be about.

Friday 23 March 2012

Perfect

There is so much pressure to be "perfect"
but what I want to know is who decides-
what is beautiful and what we should aspire to
and why nobody looks at our insides.
We must be a certain size, flippin 'eck even our eyes
can change colour to keep up with changing styles,
we are told how we should be and so cover up our "me"
with ever growing artificial smiles.
But all this trying to please others,
must begin to erode our natural fizz,
so ignore those who stare and be with those who care,
cause they're the ones who love you as you is!

Thursday 22 March 2012

Untitled

Today, a poem didn't ooze into my head,
seeping through my pores as I lay asleep in bed.
Ideas skated through my mind in the night,
I tried to sort through them but nothing seemed right.
I won't sit and wonder or wallow and mope,
I'll pause and listen, and wait and hope.

Wednesday 21 March 2012

Diet coke

Went out with some other mums for a drink,
we laughed and we chatted and I really think,
when you share a little of how you may feel,
friendships become just so much more real.
No-one pretending that they've got it right,
just openness, honesty into the night.
Different lives but similar stuff,
vulnerability replacing tough.
The price of a diet coke, money well spent,
yeah, it was groovy and glad that I went.

Tuesday 20 March 2012

Friendship

(For Di – A marvellous mate to my mum)

Warmth like a cosy old blanket,

Comfort like some worn-in shoes.

Depth of understanding like

A well of turquoise blues.

Relaxing like hot chocolate,

Fun like toes in sand,

Powerful like the feel of something

Precious in your hand.

Enthusiasm like a puppy,

Vivid like skies above,

Abounding in acceptance-

And laughter, and love.

Monday 19 March 2012

Inappropriate

There are certain situations
where seriousness is key,
but sadly sometimes,
this doesn't work with me.
I engage with the scenario,
thoroughly engrossed,
then suddenly from out of space
comes the very most-
inappropriate urge to laugh.

I fear I may offend and
so I make a real bid,
to contain my raucous laughter
and so put on the lid.
But it bubbles 'neath the surface,
and faces disapprove,
my shoulders start to shake
and my lips begin to move-
inappropriate urge to laugh.

Aware of others watching,
thoroughly confused,
I am nearly hysterical
but they are not amused.
It erupts out of my mouth and
I try to fathom why,
but it is much too late,
I am completely beaten by-
inappropriate urge to laugh.

Sunday 18 March 2012

Mum

Loving and caring
feisty and strong,
unconditional love
makes me feel I belong.
There in a crisis,
there through a strop,
there when completely
essential to shop.
Empathy flows through
to feel what I feel,
am I wearing a vest,
have I had a good meal?
Have I taken my vitamins?
Crying allowed,
seem to mess up my life
but still she feels proud.
Door always open,
no need to knock,
I love you Mum and
you totally rock!

Sat 17th March 2012

Swimming

Some people glide and hide their face,

Avoiding eye contact , maintaining own space.

Some swim gracefully, some make a dash,

Some make no ripples and some make a splash.

Some put across a controlled illusion while

Inside their head is a mass of confusion.

Some make it look like completely plain sailing

While others thrash madly with arms and legs flailing.

Some people are so in control that I wonder,

Would we notice if they were to start to go under…

Friday 16 March 2012

Sadness

Some things happen which are beyond our belief,

Hearts blotted with the searing pain of grief.

No glimmers of hope shining out through the rain,

Through desperate times, only love will sustain.

This is a response to the coach tragedy in Switzerland. To all those who lost their lives, may you rest in peace xx

Thursday 15 March 2012

Tea

No dosh, but a nice cup of splosh
would see me through.
Tea we share, know you care
and I feel I can talk to you.
Get cosy over rosy and problems
can disappear.
Feel the warmth from my tea and
the knowledge that you are near.
As I sip and I sort through the
 worries and stress-filled haze,
this drink makes me think of
the promise of brighter days.

Wednesday 14 March 2012

Niggles

There is a something in everyone,
a niggling deep down inside,
perhaps it's not something we've nurtured,
perhaps it is something we hide.
We try to ignore it and put it away,
it doesn't fit in with our style,
but still it is there and it niggles away,
every once in a while.
We may take a peek on occasions,
if we feel it is accepted,
then hurriedly cover it over again
and get on and do whats expected.
That weighted feeling will not go away
and when life is not all it seems,
you have a choice, so I dare you give voice
to those niggling life-changing dreams!

Tuesday 13 March 2012

Sleep

Eyes shut, so tired,
brain alert, still wired.
Ideas? You're hired,
The feeling? Inspired.

Lids flutter and sleep begins calling.
Like melted butter I begin falling.
Chaotic thoughts dripping like glue,
to be sorted and planted anew.

Monday 12 March 2012

Packing

Major excitement and nerves keeping steady,
pyjamas and waterproofs, toothbrush and teddy.
Essential items in hard to reach places,
plenty of "what ifs" by those "just in cases."
Organised mum, hey, I might just cut it,
suitcase is packed, now we just have to shut it!

Early post for Sunday 11 March 2012

Sleepover

They laugh and giggle, chat and talk and

Share their secrets, weep,

Eat and drink and dance and do

Just anything but sleep!

Sat 10 March 2012

When do we stop skipping?

As I said goodbye to my three year old,

She gave me a wonderful squeeze,

With a love that had the awesome power

To bring me to my knees.

The excitement of the day ahead

Placed joy within her mind,

And she skipped away to see what

Adventures she would find.

When do we stop skipping?

When do we lose that drive,

To seek out life’s adventures

And truly feel alive.

When I collected her, she ran to me

We cuddled and we smiled,

As she poured out her adventures

That were simple, fun and wild!

We turned to wander home,

And as we had nothing planned,

We chatted to some elephants

Then skipped home hand in hand!

Friday 9 March 2012

Thirty Seven

Thirty seven, thirty seven,

Not my idea of heaven,

Thought I may now live in Devon by the sea.

Instead life is getting quicker

And I’m married to a vicar (!)

Which I never would have thought was really me!

I was wrong, and I admit it,

My life turned upside down,

And Him upstairs, we’re happy now to serve,

I may be thirty seven, not a penny to my name

But I’m surrounded by the people that I lurve!

Thursday 8 March 2012

Breath

Think about your breath as you inhale,
the thought of life without it leaves me pale!
At your first gasp, beginning life sets sail
and your final one, ends your earthly tale...

Wednesday 7 March 2012

Car

Journey never-ending, mind sending tired thoughts,
in a trance, I glance at the licorice all-sorts.
Don't need to eat another, I'm not hungry, they're just there,
should show self control and discipline,but lost the will to care.
Just keep driving, keep on driving on this never ending road,
Hard shoulder, one way traffic, lights at amber so I slowed.
I imagine my duvet, how I'm longing for my bed,
I can feel delicious pillows lying warm beneath my head.
Focus on the road ahead, isn't it so kind
when you sing loudly to the radio, it doesn't seem to mind.
Final destination reached, at last mind can relax,
but instead I dream of driving and have I paid road tax?!

Tuesday 6 March 2012

13

I was smitten by her charms
as I held her in my arms,
I stroked her soft and tufty hair.
Her eyes were wide and bright,
as they watched me through the night,
I held her close and didn't want to share.
I recognised the miracle with which I had been blessed,
I watched her perfect body lying curled,
I loved her very being, from the moment that we met,
and I wanted to protect her from the world.
Now she is nearly a teenager, thirteen whole years old,
"It's soooo unfair" (and I'm the one to blame.)
But I loved her very being from the moment that we met,
and I still want to protect her just the same.

Monday 5 March 2012

Monday

Mondays are manic, or so the Bangles said,
mind begins to panic cause it wants to be in bed.
Longs to snooze, to diffuse the mucus that swims
in my brain, so insane like it's rammed full of Pimms!
My head's in the gutter, I splutter and cough.
common cold, be so bold as to sod right off!

(Promise to be chirpier tomorrow! xx)

Sunday 4 March 2012

Grey

Grey day, thoughts play in my mind.
Blue skies, mud pies and shells to find.
Worries and niggles and stress,
phased out by a bright yellow dress.
Silence and sadness and sorrow,
washed clean by blue skies tomorrow.

Sat 3 March 2012

Munchies

The house is quiet, on a diet so
I long to raid the fridge.
I wonder what I'll find, so in my mind
I form a bridge..
That takes me into a sea of delight,
things are made out of chocolate but
my clothes are not tight.
I slink through meadows of popcorn and cake,
I am sylphlike in bikini(!) as I dive into a lake..
of alcohol!

The reality that sits in my fridge (when will I learn?)
is a mouldy old carrot and some milk that's on the turn!

Friday 2 March 2012

My Dad

I asked him for a title and this is what he gave,
write a poem called "My Dad," Oh how very brave.
So what can I tell you about my oldest, dearest Dad,
that he is undoubtedly, completely raving mad!
This is one endearing quality, but there are many more,
he is glued to the crossword which can sometimes be a bore.
He thinks he's a comedian, he often loves to tease,
and I'm very sad to say that I inherited his knees!
If we pop there for a bite to eat, at the very least
will be enough food for an army, a most amazing feast.
Astonishingly generous with love and food and wine,
so glad the greatest dad on earth is well and truly mine!

Thursday 1 march 2012

17 Muscles

If you're feeling rubbish, just force yourself to smile,
and if you don't believe me then just try it for a while.
First wiggle round your facial muscles, then you can begin,
to open up those luscious lips and flash a cheesy grin.
You have to keep it going, you can't just stop and glare,
you may just feel like frowning, but accept that life's not fair!
Do as you are told for once and force your lips to turn,
now give a little chuckle as you give a little gurn.
You may be looking odd as though your face were made of plastic,
but you won't care at all cause you'll feel totally fantastic!

Wed 29 Feb 2012

Why?

Sometimes when I look at the world, it is so hard to understand,

Why there is so much suffering, is this really what was planned?

Free will is great, so we can choose if we do it,

But we got greedy and abused it and honestly, we blew it!

There is a great big holy God, in whom I put my trust,

And sometimes I wonder if he really has us sussed.

But he knows us and he loves us, though I sometimes wonder why,

And for us and our salvation, He sent his son to die.

When I feel weighted down with worry, wonder who will care,

The pressure is relieved because I know that He is there.

When I feel as delicate and fragile as a leaf,

To know that I am not in charge is frankly a relief!

Tuesday 28th Feb 2012

Life is Sweet

I have toothache and am feeling rather sad,

I am pitiful and wretched to the core.

The waves of pain are driving me quite mad,

I have toothache and am feeling rather sad.

The sweets were there, I kept on eating more,

I am like a man with man-flu, it’s that bad!

I have toothache and am feeling rather sad.

I am pitiful and wretched to the core.

Monday 27 Feb 2012

Love me, Love my Cobwebs!

Housework is really quite dull,
it is merely a means to an ends.
As I ponder and pray, I realise Hey!
What's a little dust between friends?!

Poem for Sunday 25 Feb (posted early 'cause day of rest... four children and a husband,mmmm...)

Choices

When life gets you down and you’ve nowhere to turn,

Unsure which direction to take,

When needs must, turn to what you can trust,

Take my advice-and choose cake!

Sat 25 Feb 2012

Friends

No pressure, no stress, no need for posh dress,

Likes me no less, if my house is a mess.

Comfortable chat, curvy not fat,

And NO, our bums are not big in that!

Listening ears, inner most fears,

Plenty of tissues and plenty of tears.

Gallons of tea, fine just to be,

Stay up til 3 and laugh til we wee…

Friday 24th Feb 2012

And breathe…

The morning begins like a whirlwind,

With everyone rushing about,

It is not possible to talk calmly

We must only converse at a shout!

Who needs a packed lunch and who’s done their homework,

Are friends coming back for their tea?

Please eat your breakfast, stop pulling her hair,

And stop acting like you are three! (What do you mean you are three.. stop arguing!)

Frantic teeth brushing, where are clean pants?

What is that terrible smell?

 I really don’t think that’s appropriate

To take in for your show and tell!

One glove, one school shoe, I don’t care if

She poked you while I wasn’t looking,

You need the ingredients right now to make

A stilton risotto in cooking?!

Why can’t we be like a normal family,

Who seem to ooze sunshine and joy,

They skip through fields full of daisies

With their angelic girl and good boy!

We burst through school gates in a flurry,

Faces already a mess,

Trying to give the illusion of calm

But sending out vibes of great stress!

Why me, I want to cry out to the heavens and

Throw myself down in great sorrow,

But sure enough, here I will be,

Doing the same thing tomorrow!

Thursday 23 Feb 2012

Stuff

Why do we fill our lives with stuff?

Seemingly never having enough.

Then we pass down our values, generations want more,

Why do we do it? Not really sure!

Maybe, just maybe we’re filling a space,

That aching inside us not shown on our face.

Do we just keep on going, and cover the mess

That we’re leaving behind in a land filled with stress.

Or do we open the tin, put away on the shelf,

And get out and share just a sprinkle of self.

So when we see others sink as they struggle to cope,

We could maybe just offer a heart filled with hope.

Here goes...

Poetic Pancakes

I never want to see another pancake,
Their greasy charm just isn’t very nice,
Will not let them pass my lips and leap directly to my hips,
NO! I’m sure a bowl of salad will suffice!

I never want to see another pancake,
I will not be seduced into their sect,
I am not within their power, just cause I ate twelve in an hour
And I’m sure that fruit would have the same effect!

I never want to see another pancake,
Eating them just really isn’t fun,
It is willpower I choose and with discipline can’t lose,
So will start from NOW… well maybe just the one!


Joking aside, this is intended to be a kind of creative discipline for me. I love words and have always spoken a lot of them(!) and written a lot of them. But, I go through phases and so want to challenge myself to be inspired by something every day. I write what is on my heart. I love to write and would maybe like to do more with it when I grow up(!) Therefore, your feedback is appreciated.