Joan E. Clark

Ceredigion, Wales, United Kingdom

Living in the delightful countrysides of Wales with my beautiful cocker spaniels enhanced my appreciation of the beauty of nature. My former life as a nurse, health visitor and, in particular, mother to my four children, has helped me to understand the achievements of ordinary people. I try to reflect this in my writing, as in my published novel, "The Brooch", written under my pen-name "Evelyn Sefton". I am very honoured to be a member of the International Society of Poets and have my poems published in such wonderful anthologies. Retirement has certainly opened up new opportunities for me!

The Lamp of Phoebus

The lamp of Phoebus slowly rose,
Shyly her light so feebly glows;
Reluctant to release her rays
To herald the extending days
And conquer melting winter snows.

Her sister lamp at times bestows
Companionship and proudly goes
Across the sky and homage pays
To the lamp of Phoebus.

A glorious season of beauty follows,
Warmth and colour highlight our tomorrows;
Forgotten the gloom of yesterdays,
Even rain and mist cause no dismays,
As ever bright in the wake of rainbows
Is the lamp of Phoebus.

To My Dear Old Friend

The horses of Helios rise to cross the skies,
The pale lamp of Diana gently fades and dies,
Tears of Eos slowly melt away,
The world awakes to greet another day.

We are both getting old, my little friend
And our romps through the woodlands soon must end.
How many more dawns will we see, we two,
Before I must say farewell to you?

The path to the woodland gets more steep
But we still go each day, our routine to keep;
We pause and pretend that you've found a new scent;
Your legs are stiff and my back is bent!

When the snow white horses take Helios to rest
We sit by the fire, this time is best.
Your misty eyes close and you give a big sigh
And snuggle up close until morning is nigh.

I remember the time when you ran wild and free,
Full of mischief and fun, but faithful to me.
How swiftly life passes, but at least you must know
That I'll care for you always 'til it's time for you to go.

The Nightingale

I was spellbound that night as I heard a magical sound;
Oh Philomel! sweet Diva! it must be you out there.
In the darkness I listened and my heart began to pound
I was spellbound.

Time stood still whilst music filled the air
A cadence of wonder brought feeling so profound-
of love and joy. My heart was soaring as in prayer.

Never again would I hear that wee bird so rare
But memory recalls the night that I had found
God's love and beauty in nature, none to compare-
I was spellbound.