davidlegge

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”

Scones

And in the beginning there were scones. My Pop an early riser, lit the coal range for the day. The kitchen warmed up. Then we kids got up.Some hours later and moaning because of the indecent hour my Nana got up. Nana was a party girl. Stayed up late. Nana was the scone maker. CupContinue reading “Scones”

Wonder

Albert is the guyCock ‘o the RoostMachoAnd uncontested in his domain The girlsWell, chooksCommon garden chooksDo chook thingsIn their rural lifestyle block way.Laying eggsLaying eggs in hard to find placesHanging around the door making chook noises Coupla times a day chook noises bring foodSometimes a door is left openThey winkle their insideChockle their way pastContinue reading “Wonder”

And the Windows Rattled

4.00am. I am half awake. A blinding flash immediately followed by massive roll of thunder. Both cats sit up, one leaps off the bed and disappears. I know I am to blame for this.Sunday morning, breakfast, cat treats and all is forgiven.Morning walk, a calm blue spring day, a smattering of cloud, I ride myContinue reading “And the Windows Rattled”

Rise and Fall

The day traversed.Morning; plans are made and lunch –We’re half way through day,But not the plans. Evening and the day is rounding nowWith fish and chips on our wharf.Time, laughter, colour of a conversation. The things undoneIn a pot at the end of a rainbow somewhereThe tide rises, fallsTomorrow another day

A Chirp of Thank You

Black, red beak and a beady eyeAlmost hidden in the loquat treeWhen I move so does heCollecting crumbs left from morning tea I built a bird feederNot left overs but healthy,Expensive cat food.Trust. Yesterday into my living room.Food? Looking for me?Then ouldn’t find his way out.I found him fluttering at the window. He hopped down,Continue reading “A Chirp of Thank You”

Clock Forward and Sit Back

Auckland family, “It’s gone on too long,And when we can we’ll be up and gone!”The young ones – don’t know where, I don’t know when.But so good when we catch again. Nods and muted smiles, our daily tasksObscured by muffled sounds and masks. Clock forward, again in darkness waking,Consoled by longer days and baking.My partner,Continue reading “Clock Forward and Sit Back”

Morning Walk

Morning walk, breakfast, dishes done.One step, two steps, a rhythm best doneBy feel rather than the count,Connecting steps to the street aboveAnd into sun. A friendly “Hi!” A local,Masked, to me unrecognized. “Oh Hi!”That unseen smile, it means a lot –Covid Caution ~ then the tulips.