Jo Hale's Poetry

Poetry about life, people, animals, religion, friendship, love, and everything that people care about. I write about everyday occurrences and events that have either happened to me or to others.

Published Poems List

Published Poems List - My published poems.

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The Fairy Tale Story

Little Red Riding Hood, where have you been?

"To the high tower, to paint it bright green

I met up with Cinders and Hansel & Gretel

Who joined in the painting of brickwork and metal

A little while later, Pinocchio turned up

Stirring the paint with his nose, mucky pup!

The colours, they mingled, from one to another

And, one of the Three Pigs mistook his own brother!

For a navy blue statue - oh, how we laughed!

When Buttons joined in, and then had to be bathed!

He splashed and he lathered and threw water about

Causing lots of merriment, laughing and shouts

But, Billy Goat Gruff, he got in a mood

When, soggy and messy, got the basket of food

Then, behind the tower, an orchard we found

Where lovely red apples had fallen to the ground

We munched and we feasted - each filled our belly

Then Humpty Dumpty discovered some wobbly jelly

That was safe, undamaged, in the soppy wet hamper

Though the rest of the food, it was left slightly damper!

Wandering along, was Little Bo Peep

She told us she'd passed an Ogre - the creep

Who took about twenty and four of her lamb

He thought they were bacon, or honeydew ham!

Despairing, was she - oh, what could she do?

Her flock numbers dwindling - missing a few

Rapunzel suggested we all go along

To see the Ogre, and sing it a song

"A song!" Said the Three Bears, "what good would that be?"

The Ogre, at us, he would laugh with such glee

"That is the point", said Rapunzel, with flair

And, flamboyantly, tossed back her long golden hair

"If he thinks we are funny and laughs at us so

It will give us a chance to distract him, you know

And, when he's not looking, all of us will

Grab hold of a lamb each and run for the hill"

"Great idea", said the Woodcutter, "I think it might work"

"Yes", said Goldilocks,"'cos that Ogre's a berk!

Remember that time, when the Gingerbread Man

Told him a joke about a new hunting ban?"

"Yes!" Laughed Tom Thumb, "I remember it well

The Ogre was aghast - and over he fell

Kicking and screaming and hammering his fist

On the ground, with such fury - you all get the gist?"

The Pied Piper remembered another such time

When the Ogre was fooled, whilst committing a crime

"He was fishing for fairies along the creek riverbank

Took fright at his own reflection, fell in, and then sank!"

Puss in Boots, passing by, said with such glee

"Hello there Ogre, in some trouble, are thee?"

And the Ogre, he roared and he spat at the cat

Who ran away, sniggering, whilst waving his hat

At a passing stagecoach, with Prince Charming inside

Puss in Boots wanted to gossip, whilst hitching a ride

"And, there was that time", said Old Mother Hubbard

"When he wore those new clothes, which he stole from my cupboard"

"We remember", said the Blind Mice, "he thought he looked swell

But, the clothing was ladies, he just couldn't tell!"

"Yes, well", said Bo Peep, "all this talking is fine

But, can we get on and recover what's mine?"

"Yes", we all said, "we must go without haste

For the Ogre will be hungry - there's no time to waste"

We found the Ogre teasing Quasimodo

The poor lad was making excuses to go

He's very shy and gets picked on a lot

And, the Ogre's a bully, he doesn't care a jot

About whom he offends - he just thinks it's funny

Robin Hood, Mother Goose, or the Easter Bunny

They've all stood his taunting and teasing, it's true

Ugly Duckling included, and Little Boy Blue

But, times were a changing, we were to fight back

For there was that beanstalk that was grown by Jack

Who would climb it and tell the giant at the top

That the Ogre was mocking them, and it had to stop

So Jack, climbed to the top of the green stalk

Where the Giant sat dozing, all big, brawn and balk

"Jack!" He cried, "Hello my dear fellow!

Grab a seat! Take a pew! Sit down and mellow!"

"I'd love to, you know, but I'm here for a favour

I really should get back and really not waiver"

"What troubles ye so"? The Giant did frown

So, Jack told the story of the Ogre in town

The Giant, he listened and did not like much

Of what he was hearing of this Ogre and such

"Rumplestiltskin did mention him on his last visit

But talked of the Ogre's clothes, saying they were exquisite

And Sleeping Beauty did talk of it too

Though she just kept yawning and wanting the loo

Please rest assured, my good friend Jack

You go tell the others that I'll sort out that hack

I'll come down just as soon as I've eaten

Then I'll be heavier and the Ogre will be beaten"

Climbing back down, Jack noticed the others

Had gathered around the stalk, Dads, Kids and Mothers

To hear just what the Giant had said

Before going home to put the children to bed

As Jack was explaining, the Giant appeared

All mighty (and clean!) - A sight to be feared

In search of the Ogre, the Giant, he went

And saw Little Jack Horner, by a tree, his head bent

"Ah, Jack, me lad, what ever's the matter"?

"It's the Ugly Sisters, they just keep getting fatter

They take away my lovely plum tarts

And eat them in front of me! Oh, they have such cold hearts"

"You should cheer up young Little Jack Horner

For there is the Muffin Man, over in the corner

He's measuring the Ugly Sisters around each their waist

And the tape measure's stretching! Oh, just look at each face!

That'll teach them to take your tarts of plum

Those tasty treats have left those sisters really glum!

You won't have any more trouble, young Jack

You see if I'm not right, those sisters won't be back!

I'm off now to find this terrible Ogre bully

And find out his problem, oh yes, quite fully

For he has been terrorising you poor town folk

And I won't have it, and this isn't a joke

I'll sort him out, oh yes, good and proper

Messing with you lot, oh, he'll come a cropper

And what's that, I spy, he has hold of ole Sneezy

Also, Bad Wolf, and he's made them quite wheezy

Stop that you Ogre, you foul mean heejee

Put down those creatures and just leave them be

And, leave this town, for I rule this land

And I don't take to strangers getting the upper hand

This is my territory and it always will be

We now all live together in perfect harmony

And I'm bigger than you, so you run along

Far away from here, 'cos you don't belong

And if you backchat me, or put up a fight

I'll sort you out properly, with my muscle and might

For I am the bigger one between you and I

And I know for certain that I'll make you cry

So give back those lambs and you will save face

Be heading off now, 'cos you're a disgrace

Leave here right now and don't turn around

And never return here, or you'll see what you're bound"

So away walked the Ogre, his silly head bowed

By the increasing cheering of the gathering crowd

"Three cheers for the Giant!" Their noise it was loud

For the Giant, their hero, they were so very proud

Red Riding Hood, tell me, this all happened today?

"Oh yes, as I told you, 'tis the fairy tale way!

My poetry home page is at - http://www.johalepoetry.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/.

Fantasy/Mystical poems are at - http://www.johalepoetry.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/fantasymysticalpoems.htm.

This poem is also on the Teeny Poet website at http://teenypoet.googlepages.com/thefairytalestory.

Parting

I watched you go

You did not cry

I held your hand

As we said goodbye

You closed your eyes

Took your last breath

Your pain was all over

As you welcomed death

I cried for you

Now the pain is in me

My broken heart

Will never be free

Another day passes

My life goes on by

I think of your memory

As I sit here and cry

I remember the good times

There were many we shared

And I always knew

That forever you cared

In time you grew weaker

And I cared for you

I promised I would be there

When the moments became few

I did it for love

Is all that I can say

Your life has gone

Death has taken you away

I will carry your memory

Right here in my heart

Until the time comes

That I too must part

I received a letter from Forward Press, dated 4^th April 2008 to say that this poem had been selected and that I am a prize winner in their Top 100 2006 Competition. I won £50.00 for this poem.

Bereavement Poems - Bereavement.

Are You?

Is that how it happens

Your heart misses a beat

You think you're in love

The feeling's such a treat

You're feeling all dreamy

Did someone call your name?

If it has happened

Life will never be the same

You think about them constantly

Your stomach's in a knot

Wondering if you love them

You care an awful lot

But how will you know

When the love bug hits thee

You've been spotted by cupid

And the arrows flow free

Are you in love?

Is that what it is

Your heart is pounding

Or perhaps it is his

Yes, now you're sure

It fits like a glove

What you must be feeling

Is that you're in love

This poem is also on the Teeny Poet site at http://teenypoet.googlepages.com/areyou..

Romantic Poems - Romance.

His Life

He was born at 3.30 in the morning

A difficult birth, must be said.

The labour lasted just short of two days

So, he is hungry, and demands to be fed.

Several years have now passed

And he is 5 years old.

His first day at school, it is looming

He's excited, he's brave and he's bold.

And now he is heading to college

He wants to get himself a degree.

And then he'll join the RAF

What an adventure that will be.

He's fighting for his country

Who have got tangled up in a war.

The casualties, they are heavy

He's losing comrades he has known from afar.

His plane is shot down and he's wounded

He awakes in a military bed.

No more flying for him, he's told

He'll have to have a desk job instead.

But that's not for him - not why he joined up

A pilot was all he'd ever be.

He's fighting again now, a personal battle

To get back in a fighter jet, soaring and free.

His persistence, it works, and he's got what he wanted

And a long, worthy career he does have.

He's retiring now to live in the countryside

Enjoying what his comrades died to save.

It's just passed his 85th birthday

And he is so tired right now.

His life's had its ups and down - he'd agree

But, he's got this far into it, somehow.

They said that he died whilst he was asleep

So peaceful, just as he had yearned.

They buried him alongside his Mum

And he was wearing the medals he'd earned.

This poem is also on the Teeny Poet site at http://teenypoet.googlepages.com/hislife

Historical Poems - Historical.

Rain

Running its race

I watch the rain

Trickling down

My windowpane.

Joining its friends

They form a line

Increasing the chances

Of bettering its time.

Pitter and patter

The hypnotic sound

As it travels the window

On its' way to the ground.

Dripping and splashing

Collecting together

How interesting it can be

Watching the weather.

Rushing in streams

They group to a huddle

Wanting to be next

To land in the puddle.

That is where

Their race it does end

Accomplishing dreams

And meeting a friend.

This poem is also on the Teeny Poet site at http://teenypoet.googlepages.com/rain

A Recipe for Spring

What a lot of entertainment

From some old bread that has gone stale

Normally it would be just thrown away

Yet, now it has created this tale.

A rewarding fine sight will emerge just for you

And, all you need is some bread that is old

Eventually, (it'll take just a minute or two)

You will see colours so clear and so bold.

A slice, or two, of old bread - that is all

Broken up into 'bite-size' pieces

Then just scatter them around your garden

Across lawns, by paths and near niches.

Return to the comfort of your home

Pull up a chair, and just wait

It won't take long - just you see

Your patience will reward you - its' fate!

A brave one will appear by your unwanted bread

Feasting quickly whilst abating its fear

Then the others of its kind soon arrive along side

For they all have the same idea!

With hungry mouths to feed at home

There really is no time to waste

Just gobble some bread down quickly

No time to savour the taste.

After stealing a second for their own meal

They gather as much as they can

In their mouths, they cram it all in

This banquet provided by Man.

It is Spring, and the weather is sunny

Refreshing - each morning, and clear

They race for some food for their families

Before others of their type draw near.

Males and females taking turns

From safe distances, one acts as the lookout

For the dangers that are always present

Whilst out 'shopping' for food, there's no doubt.

Their children, back home, are all waiting

Reliant on your old, stale bread bits

The Sparrows, Blackbirds and Finches

Also Magpies, Jackdaws and Tits.

So, your pieces of stale bread are not wasted

When broken up and strewn all around

You'll be visited by all different birds each time

When they spot you down there on the ground.

It is a true recipe for Spring

Pass it on, and let it be heard

When your unwanted food gets 'recycled'

Filling the bellies of new baby birds.

Remember, all it takes is some bread

Good intentions and patience, 'tis true

Your reward is the trust from the parents

When their babies they will bring to show you.

With fluffy feathers, and now as big as their parents

Though certainly nowhere near as wise

The young fledglings all baying to be fed at once

In your garden, right in front of your eyes.

A small token of kindness from you each day

With no baking involved on your part

This simple recipe for Spring has unfolded

Warm images to keep in your heart.

I received a letter, dated 25^th February 2008, from Forward Press Ltd, to say that this poem has been selected for their book "Nature's Paradise", due for publication on 30^th June 2008.

TeenyPoet - Rain

Nature Poems - Nature.

Seasons Poems - Seasons.

The Pedigree Adoption Drive

Tiny, big, medium or tall - short hair, long fur or sleek.

Homes are needed for abandoned dogs - every single week.

Encouragement, from "Pedigree" - awareness is their goal.

Please adopt a dog - open your arms, hearts, and souls.

Each dog is different - with their funny, quirky ways.

Doing things that will leave you smiling for days!

Invest some of your time, to teach them, and guide.

Great love you will receive, from the companion by your side.

Running around - with big grins on their faces,

Enjoying their new life, with new smells and new places.

Everlasting love, your new dog will give you.

And, devotion aplenty - with a friendship so true.

Don't ever judge them - for they will accept you as you are.

Only, expect to be hero-worshiped, from near or afar!

Plenty of time to form memories and laughter.

To bond with you, play with you, but will need looking after.

It's so rewarding - sharing your life with one dog, or more.

Only, don't accept my word for it - (though it is hard to ignore!)

Now is a good time to visit your local animal shelter.

Dogs all in need of loving homes - each one a heart-melter.

Retrievers, terriers, spaniels, crossbreeds - one will be just right for you.

In need of a new start, and to live their lives through.

Valiant people, come forward, your heart you must lend.

Enjoy your new life, with your new four-legged friend.

Pedigree adoption drive - http:www.pedigreeadoptiondrive.com.

Guinness as kitten asleep on pillows

Teeny Poet Picture for Ginger Cat

Teeny Poet - Animals - Ginger Cat.

Ginger Cat

There's a hole over there, that I haven't seen before

I could have a big adventure, if I go in to explore

What would I find? Maybe a well dressed mouse

Or a gingerbread family baking a house

I could be a lion in there - big, brave and strong

A ruler of all territory; oh, how I would strut along!

Standing before me, a jazz band of bats

Trapeze artist rabbits, and lots of clockwork rats

Poke my head inside the hole, to see what awaits me there

Ablaze with cartoon characters, playing ludo on a chair

Trumpet playing goldfish, horses placing bets on frogs

Stampeding snails, with cat food tails, and elephants wearing clogs

I could go over and take a look inside the strange new gap

But the sun is out and I'm asleep - taking one of my hourly catnaps!

Guinness as kitten on pink sofa

Teeny Poet Picture for Ginger Cat

Teeny Poet - Animals - Ginger Cat.

To Them It Does Not Matter

If you're abled or disabled

Or whatever colour your skin.

To them, it's not important,

You're just another of their kin.

They also do not see you

As too fat, too thin, no hair.

And it's no relevance to them

What fashions you decide to wear.

They love you for you, just as you are

And for the love that you give back

They live for your smiles and your cuddles

That's all they require, from the leader of their pack.

They don't care if you are older

And your joints, may creak and ache

They have such adoration for you

There's no need to change for their sake.

They do not worry if your breath smells

For they know that theirs does too,

Your feet may pong, but to them - nothing's wrong

And they won't talk about you, 'tis true!

Never mind your sexuality

To them - it makes no difference

They love you, no matter what, you see

Without question, or significance.

What am I talking of here?

Who is it that has no regret?

Now, listen when I tell you all

It's our dear, beloved pets.

This poem is also on the Teeny Poet site at http://teenypoet.googlepages.com/tothemitdoesnotmatter.....

Animal Poems

Animal Poems are at - http://www.johalepoetry.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/animalpoems.htm.

Poetry e-Book

Poems by Jo - http://www.lulu.com/content/621509 - I have been writing poetry for many years. I am inspired by everyday life events, animals, nature, people, places, and whatever comes into my head - depending on my inspirational mood at the time!