The Rock

Posted on March 5, 2025 by Author Richard F Holmes

Here is the second of my sea-related verses from my trip to Weston-Super-Mare.

Mighty rock, stone of wonder who or what has hewn you asunder?

Twas the sea, the mighty sea; the mighty sea did this to me.

But she laps so gently, she whispers calm? How can one so serene and tender fashion you thus?

I have no power in her presence, all melt before her. Like a skilled artisan has she fashioned me, with both her anger and her peace, for both are born out of love. Before, I was dull and unsightly, now I am born anew. I surrender to her whims and await my next adventure…

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-rock-formations-268455/

The Bristol Channel

Posted on March 3, 2025 by Author Richard F Holmes

Photo by Ottr Dan on Unsplash

For those of you that have been reading my most recent posts, you will be aware that I was inspired by the violent storm that blew during my trip to Falmouth in Cornwall at the end of January. Although it was clearly not the worst storm ever, it was easily the worst one I’ve ever experienced first hand. In contrast to that, I couldn’t believe how tranquil the sea was during my trip to Weston-Super-Mare in North Somerset at the end of February. Once again, I was inspired to write and I came up with two poems/short stories that I shall be sharing this week. Here’s the first one:

I hear you in the distance talking to me; your tranquility speaks volumes. Almost as soon as I sit myself down, the birds serenade me with a symphony fit for a king. The cold breeze and the warm sun hug me in unison as I gaze out across the mud flats of Sand Bay, trying to fathom what you are saying. A sudden epiphany informs me that your message is in your silence.

A silence that transcends the birdsong, the breeze and the warmth of the sun.

A silence that speaks of Love, Love in all its purity, all its glory.

Oh Bristol Channel, I hear your silence loud and clear.

We are at peace…

Beautiful Storm – A Short Story

Posted on February 3, 2025 by Author Richard F Holmes

I recently went on a short trip to Falmouth in Cornwall; a truly beautiful part of the world. It just happened to coincide with the UK being battered by some ferocious storms. Indeed, it was the weather in Falmouth that inspired me to write this little story. As the days passed however, I learned that the rain in some areas had been so relentless, that homes and businesses had been flooded and people were in despair. There was also some loss of life due to falling trees. With all this in mind, I had second thoughts about posting this blog. However, after giving it careful consideration, I’ve decided to go ahead and post because everything has context, and I believe that the people who read my work will understand this and will also understand the context in which this post is written…so here goes…

Yesterday you were so calm and beautiful; you reflected the sun’s rays with such grace and elegance. But today you are angry, in fact, I’ve never seen you so angry. Along with your partners in crime, the wind and the rain, you have battered and lashed the coastline with such venom. What are you trying to tell us? Why do you protest?

The sea replied…

Beauty lives everywhere! The problem lies not with the elements. The problem lies with the human trait of judging everything as being good or bad. Until humans learn to see things exactly as they are, instead of being favourable or unfavourable, your species will continue to suffer.

So, look again my human friend, and gaze upon the most beautiful of storms.

Falmouth, Cornwall 25/01/25

The Leaf That Fell From The Tree

Posted on January 13, 2025 by Author Richard F Holmes

Don’t weep for me

The leaf that fell from the tree

I was once looking down

But now, down I lie

I’m preparing to die

But don’t weep for me

The leaf that fell from the tree

I turned brown and I fell down

But I’m only in transition

I’m in my rightful position

To get a bit moshed, and

a bit squashed

Or, I may dry and crumble

If the rain clouds don’t rumble

I feed the earth

She gives me life anew

It’s only a matter of time

Before I again enjoy the view

Resplendent in green

Surveying the scene

So come, human

Admire my hue

I only experience the same process as you

We live and we die

But there’s no need to cry

We both adorn the wheel of illusion

And, our being is as One, eternal

Weep not, but praise Mother Nature

I’m replenished, I’m offspring

I’m “Of the Spring”

Weep not, but embrace the joy

Weep not for me

The leaf that once fell from the tree

Photo by Hiwa Ali: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-leaf-2364633/ 

My Name Is Grief

Posted on January 1, 2025 by Author Richard F Holmes

I’ve tinkered with the text for this latest post. It seems a bit small
but there doesn’t appear to be a way to increase the size so this will
probably be a one-off.

My name is grief
I am much maligned
I am misunderstood
Perceived as a bringer
of pain and suffering

I constantly knock on your door
But you won't let me in
You won't listen to my message
I want to bring you joy
But you turn me away

I want to show you my true nature
But you resist...

Just relax
Take my hand
Follow me

Let me take you on a journey
To the depths of your soul
There you will find the seat of love
Where hearts meet
There you will blend as one
With those your soul weeps and yearns for

I am your friend
Trust me
My name is grief

Photo by MART PRODUCTION: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-sitting-on-floor-with-arms-around-knees-7277897/

What Would I Do Without You?

Posted on December 25, 2024 by Author Richard F Holmes

What would I do without you?

If you were not my everything, and I yours

Where would I seek solace?

Who would lick my wounds?

Would it be better I seek to grasp the air

than seek happiness?

Would I be destined to wander the barren wilderness

that knows not Love?

What would I do without you?

Oh pervader of all

Our Oneness is such

That I never have to ponder such questions

For with the same inevitability

That rain, falling from the heavens

must surely kiss the earth

So must I, one day

Return to the chamber of your loving heart

And there, rest my weary soul in the silence

Photo by Carolina Basi, Pexels

Death – Part Two

Posted on December 16, 2024 by Author Richard F Holmes

Death

You wonderful giver of life

Source of abundance

I ponder…

Will it be worth the wait to know your secrets?

“Yes, Yes, Yes”

You cry, in unbridled ecstasy

“Come, let me embrace you”

“Take you into my loving care”

A door opens

The sun rises

A flower blooms

Death

Posted on December 10, 2024 by Author Richard F Holmes

I don’t travel alone

The angels accompany me

Through the tunnel we fly

“It’s time,” the beautiful souls had said

“We have come for you”

“New adventures await”

We travel the tunnel

at breakneck speed

Warmth and anticipation swell my heart

The end of the tunnel looms

Larger and larger

The light beckons

Until…

I’m through the veil

The Spirit greets me

I’m home

Photo by Anthony DeRosa: https://www.pexels.com

Change

Posted on December 4, 2024 by Author Richard F Holmes

When change comes calling

It extends the hand of friendship

Like The Prince of Opportunity

Bearing gifts of untold possibilities

Change is inevitable

One of the few constants in the universe

It is like a majestic eruption

Inviting you to pastures new

But remember…

Resistance to change can be painful

So, welcome her with open arms

And bask in her loving embrace

Oh Majestic Sun

Posted on December 3, 2024 by Author Richard F Holmes

Oh Majestic Sun

I feel your power surge,

through the veins of this mortal body

As you graciously gift me another day

But is this another day?

Or, the same day experienced differently

In the one, single, eternal moment of Now?

As I step out into the world

Coaxed by the melodic symphony

Of Mother Nature and her orchestra

As I inhale the perfume of your love

The answer to that question

Pales into insignificant hypothesis

Photo by Tobias Bjørkli: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-standing-on-cliff-beside-trees-during-sunset-2340166/