Category Archives: Experiences

Considering Cruising

To pass some time upon the boat
Observe your fellows whilst afloat
It’s human nature; you’ll soon note
Most are friendly; some more remote

In conversation, there are those
Who heedlessly tread on others’ toes
Forthright opinions they’ll impose
Deep-rooted bigotry to expose

Sunbeds on deck are a common source
Of tensions, as you wend your course
Early risers show little remorse
Placing towels before breakfast; their claim to enforce

Seasoned cruisers will often enquire
Whilst subtly inspecting your evening attire
The pecking order is their only desire
They’ve sailed more often, it will transpire

But don’t despair of having fun
It’s a perfect way to get some sun
Each day a new port to hit and run
Ticking off destinations, one by one

And FOOD!, such food, you can’t resist
Meals can become why you exist
So exercise regularly; in this persist
Or remove that cruise from your bucket list

An Encounter

I thought I saw something ahead
A shaft through murky skies
As opaque curtains moved apart
To show once hidden lies

I do not know if it was real
Or mirage-like in the eye
Yet it struck a part of me
That much I can’t deny

Some talk of visions sent by God
I do not speak of these
Nor yet some natural, lovely sight
Like leaves flickering on the trees

I wish it needn’t be the case
Just then to be all alone
And see that truth which, truthfully
Would turn my soul to stone

It’s A Riddle

There’s just not enough of this about

Those who need it sometimes shout!

It’s found in some shops over here

If… you take your turn, my dear

Even then, it’s not for sale

It’s never found near a rail

Gardeners use it to grow flowers

Some know it well in sleepless hours

Can be won in a solo game

With no cards left, you’ll know its name

If the answer’s still not clear to you

Go back to the beginning and start anew

Wishful Thinking

If ‘happy’ is a state of mind,

And life granted people wishes

Would you ask for simply this

Or would you wish for riches

 

For me I’d ask for inner peace

To feel I’ve done my best

Not joy or wealth or even health

But to know I’ve passed the test

A Knight To Remember

Two nights ago, at the Albert

A treat worth waiting for

The audience held collective breath

As Gladys took to the floor

 

Her voice was great, act well rehearsed

She commanded both stage and crowd

We’ve seen her now four times in all

And would more if funds allowed

 

She truly remains at the top of her game

An Empress without any measure

Your heart will soar on her soulful songs

And she’ll give memories that you’ll treasure

Yesterday

Hold back for now this fresh dawn

Don’t begin the day so soon

There’s unfinished business from the one just gone

In my mind remains yesterday’s tune

 

Empty the dregs of earlier thoughts

Settle the still stirring dust

Silence the echoes of feelings now past

Before facing the day, as I must

Time to Watch A Rock Grow

Dashing, chasing, rushing about

Mental gymnastics, crushing doubt

Grabbing a bite, snatching some zzzs

Too much to do to be at ease

 

Never noticing colourful flowers

Or the passing of daylight hours

Missing the trill of a single song-bird

Passing scenes with beauty blurred

 

There has to be another way

Finding some pleasure in each day

By taking time, beginning to slow

Patiently watching a small rock grow

To The Few

If you are a person, who can see a job through

And not seek to boast, about that which you do

If friends mark you out, as one who shares

And strangers describe you, as someone who cares

If you keep your own counsel, know your own mind

And try to help others, not just your own kind

If you love somebody else, with all your heart

And cannot be tempted, when set far apart

If you are a constant, when others should be

And, knowing their weakness, still have pity

If put in harm’s way, you help others first

And put under pressure, cannot be coerced

If knowing your faults, you try to improve

And not expect others, their flaws to remove

If just some of these facets apply well to you

You are a great person, And one of the few

Preparing for the Worst (Interview)

Give us five reasons why we should appoint you

In building a team, what’s your favourite ‘glue’

Tell us about how you motivate others

How would you get rid of any non- runners

 

What’s the most challenging task you’ve ever done

When not at work, how do you have fun

Have you got a usp

If you were a tree, what type would you be

 

Where did you find out about this position

Do you consider yourself to have ambition

If appointed, what’s the first thing you’d do

When under pressure, how do you come through

 

What added value could you bring to the post

What is it about us that you like the most

Are you able to follow the company line

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time

 

Have you seen our M.S., it’s out on the net

Would you like a tissue, please don’t get upset

What is the name of our CEO

In preparing for today, how far did you go

 

Which of our ‘products’ do you think is best

Do you think you did well on the psychological test

What salary would you want if we took you on

Did you take account of the perks in that decision

 

Finally, would rate yourself as A++

And , is there anything, not covered, you want to ask us