davidlegge

Solstice

Sol means ‘of the sun’. The ‘stice’ goes back into ancient, Latin times meaning to stand still. I’m not sure what actually stands still. The solar system keeps creaking as does the universe and my bones.The Solstice occurs when either of Earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun. So I guess we’reContinue reading “Solstice”

Today they spread Daniel’s ashes at seaDaniel the small boy so attentive to his grandmaDaniel the high risk boy on a skateboardAdventure, speed, exhilaration Daniel the surferDaniel, drowned while surfing in a culvertAt the peak of cyclone Gabriel Above the beachA simple and warm ceremonyHis parents, brave, capabably leading the way Over one hundred peopleContinue reading

of hypoid gears, a wharf and pedalling

This is a part of a ‘Real Bike’. A Real Bike has no battery but just pedals. And you push – in my case I grunt as well and the bike moves forward. On a good day with the wind behind us we go up hills too. My E-Bike is at the vet. The EContinue reading “of hypoid gears, a wharf and pedalling”

the Mountain Bikers

Slowly, reluctantly they wake.They try to be communicative,And polite,They, the teenagers and their father are on holidayOn holiday to go mountain bikingTo eat, sleep and wake up moaningReliving the aches and the spills of yesterday.It’s called ‘Having Fun”In this group father and sons become the ‘boys’.Four energetic, fit, forever hungry guys. I, Poppa have beenContinue reading “the Mountain Bikers”

More and more they take over.And these days I’m happy to be looked after.Growing old gracefully.“Go gently into that good night”

Quicker witted, when my grandson drives I relaxHe has his own way of outwitting lane burglarsOr just standing in line, being calmIn bovine-like traffic.He often goes the ‘wrong way’ but,Zing! We’er there already “Relax! They’ll come and pick us up.”Art in the Park.And a late model, large, absolutely comfortable BMW glides to a halt.“Come onContinue reading “More and more they take over.And these days I’m happy to be looked after.Growing old gracefully.“Go gently into that good night””

Pictures at an Exhibition

Agreed, leave at 9.30amUp, dressed, cats fed, breakfast.We leave at 9.30am A drive from Thames to AucklandMajor roads predictable, stress free.GPS reduces the worry of ‘Where do I turn off?’Destination is some obscure street in a half remembered Auckland.Off ramp identified, negotiated, gleeful shout of relief. “In 400 metres turn left into …”400 metres isContinue reading “Pictures at an Exhibition”

Three Plates and a Pizza

Three Plates and a Pizza Three grandpas on bikes, and a warm sunny dayChatter and chuckles, like three kids at playRob wobbles, Bill weaves, we cycle all threeA good steady speed, we had batteries you see Our very first ride, mild consternationRob’s back tyre was flat, it needed inflationThames Jolly Bikes, fixed it up fastAndContinue reading “Three Plates and a Pizza”

Who Needs Sleep When . . .

2.00am and up he comes. Up the stairs, yelling his head off. He’ll be dripping wet. Loves the rain. Loves jumping on the bed beside me, wet as a sheep due for the spin cycle. Wet cats do dry out quickly. Damp sheets need time. All is forgiven. That soul warming vibration of a cat’sContinue reading “Who Needs Sleep When . . .”

Anzac Day, 2023

~ and memories from a long time ago I can remember I had started school. My mum, sister and I lived with our Nana and Pop in Herne Bay. Dad was away at the war. Pop would sit in front of the valve radio and a little man inside the radio told us about theContinue reading “Anzac Day, 2023”

And Over the Bridge

Concentration. Wire matting can deflect,Catch my front wheel.Now I’m over the bridge.Solitude, space and the soft crunch Of tyres on gravel. Nearby a slow and steady throbbing.Now I see it, a tractor,Towing some ungainly device,But useful I’m sureOnly to be seen in a farm paddock A dog barks.Birdcalls – birdsounds come in flocks too. SlowContinue reading “And Over the Bridge”