THE HEDGEHOG

Hedgehog, hedgehog, what shall I do
During the daytime I can never find you.

I look up the garden, by day in the light
Of you and your family I never catch sight.



You are so lazy you sleep all the day
I'll find where you live; there must be a way.


For years now you come out only at night
To see you I have to shine my torch light

The bowl in the garden is full of cat food
But you come out each evening, in hungry mood

When I come near you, you curl up into a ball
Of tight little needles - your protective, safe wall


Come to October your babies you bring
To fatten them up so they make it to Spring.

You love to show off with your babies galore
It's your way to say thank you, you'll be back for more


I follow you back to from wherever you came
But you run so fast, I lose you, it is just such a shame.

So the puzzle still remains to be solved
Just where do you live - is it safe from the cold?


Your secret is safe; I will leave you in peace
To live in safety in your underground fleece

Year after year you will visit again
Knowing that my garden is your tranquil domain.


Dear Little Hedgehog you will always be there
Because you know I just love you and care.

Your home is your secret, it is safe with me
But just you keep coming, for the whole world to see


THE WINDMILL

On a tall hill a windmill stood
A beacon for all to see
His painted sails flew round and round
He was as happy as happy could be.

Whatever the weather the windmill sat
So tall and bright and proud
A Landmark for every traveller to find
A sanctuary, far from the crowds

His face belied a great big smile
As he watched the world go by
“This is the life” the windmill said
"I hope I never die."

The windmill sat for years and years
The whole world at his feet,
His sails drove the water through the stream,
The chaff turned into wheat.

A happy windmill, loved by all
His life mapped out he thought,
But finally old age set in,
His sails gave up, he was distraught.

No more did the windmill smile
Nor did his sails go round
He felt that he was of no more use
His smiling face now frowned.

But one bright day as the windmill cried,
A Rainbow came strolling by
He asked the windmill in a gentle voice,
“Why is it that you cry?”

The windmill told him the whole sad tale
That he was of no more use
“Don’t worry” said Rainbow “I’ve colour to spare
I’ll paint you brightly, use oil and spruce.

So Rainbow painted all day long
And the windmill began to smile
Bright new colours of red and gold
He would be good as new in a while

Now on a tall hill a windmill stands
A beacon for all to see
His painted sails fly round and round
He is as happy as happy can be.

c. gysyb1998 15th June 2008


SHADOWS OF THE NIGHT

Shadows darting here and there

Whispers echoing through the air

The rushing wind sighing in delight

Under a starry, moonlit night.



Dormice rustling leaves for food,

Big eyed owl in grumpy mood

Brushtail fox goes walking by

Brock the badger gives a sigh



Birds a sleeping in the trees

Hedgehogs playing hard to please

Squirrels stealing nuts to store,

Witches broomstick on the floor.



Ripples swirling on the lake

Frogs and toads their chance do take.

Golfish swimming half asleep

As orange newts night watch do keep.



Shadows dart from place to place,

The spider’s web is made of lace

These are the shadows of the night

Before the dawn and morning light.



Cockerel crows to say it’s dawn

The birds dawn chorus wakes us all

The animal world has gone to bed.

The shadows of the night have fled





Gypsy