Christmas Keepake.

There's always that one item that's somehow left behind

When you pack away your Christmas stuff, its guaranteed you'll find

A random piece of tinsel which still sparkles bright and gold 

Or a cheeky little bauble which escaped and simply rolled

To a corner undetected, where it rested out of sight

Till you'd packed away this Christmas and put the lid on tight.

You won't find it for ages, oh you'll 'see' it several times

But it won't get your attention, to the obvious we are blind

It's the best way to be hidden

Find a place that's in plain sight

'Twill be safe for quite a while,

Gathering dust by day and night.

My mystery item found a hiding place behind a card

Then leapt out to surprise me

With triumphant disregard

For my careful tissue wrapping and bubble wrapped endeavor

There it was, just grinning widely,

Oh it thought itself so clever.

This ornamental Christmas tree

With gold, 6 pointed star

Remains unpacked, untidied in my plastic box so far, 

And I wonder, as I ponder, if a lesson lies right here 

That there's some small part of Christmas we should keep throughout the year.

Karen Holmes

5th January 2026.

Unceremonial foot washing.

Well you know you're getting older when you have to soak your toes

And the wash basin's got higher more in line now with your nose

And your bones have stiffened up, so there's just no way you can hope 

to get your feet into the sink and give them a good soak.

The water once would foam and smell

Of  scent and luscious fruits

But now quite sensibly I add

The stuff they sell in Boots

The moisturising gel that adds 

No hint of sex or lust

But it makes my toe nails softer

And at my age that's a must.

So now the bit I do not like , the cutting of my nails

My arms must have got shorter

Or my feet have moved to Wales

How did they get so far away

They mock me from a distance

And if I get within their reach they offer much resistance.

I must have rhino relatives, perhaps I'll grow a horn

I'll check my ancestry in case t'was known when I was born.

Well finally, contortions over, my task is now complete

I'm quite worn out, and all I've done

Is wash my flippin' feet!

What challenge should I line up next

Perhaps something that's fun

A hike up Everest would do or a 50 mile run!

Karen Holmes

3rd January 2026.

January musings

 I think today is Thursday,  no it can't be that's not right,

It was new years day just yesterday and I've slept for one whole night.

So today is Friday, and it's snowed or so my husband reckons

It lasted just 5 minutes, just 300 frosty seconds.

I had gone upstairs you see, to dye my faded hair

I put some red into the mix and it went everywhere. 

The water took forever to run clear once again

And when at last I came downstairs the snow had turned to rain.

By lunchtime it was sunny and the thermostat confused, so why didn't I feel  toasty warm, I took the time to muse.

This poem's lost its way a bit 

No clear theme has emerged

Just waffle really, random chat and disconnected words

But still, it's kept you entertained and made you pause and think

That life is good if you are free from hair dye in the sink!

Karen Holmes

2nd January 2026

New Year Food mishaps

 A poem.

New years eve brought waffles and beans that leapt off my plate with glee.

The air fryer had made the waffle crisp so it launched an attack on me.

It skidded across my plate and landed underneath my chair, 

I retrieved it as soon as feasible

and picked off fluff and hair.

The beans had made an awful mess, landing amongst some papers, 

I really wasn't too impressed with my food and all its capers! 

But today begins a new day, a new year beckons me. 

And so far I've only managed

to dip my finger in a cup of tea!

But worry not - I'm out for lunch

so there's still time for some fun

Perhaps a naughty piece of fish

Or a flying burger bun.

Karen Holmes

January 1st 2026

JELLEYFEST 4

 I wrote a poem about Jelleyman's Mill and jelleyfest. This is the first poem I have written in a very long time so be kind. 🙂

Summer sunshine, through the trees, Dappled water, gentle breeze,

Ladybirds and bees that linger, pausing, resting on my finger.

Plastic chairs with tales to tell,  steampunk clothes and hats as well.

Handmade crafts, soft cake with icing, wooden robots - so enticing

Cups of coffee, friendly faces, little children, open spaces.

Music, food, cocktails too, photos, daftness, memories new.

Yarn wall selfies, and yarn to buy, a whole host of good things-

A feast for the eye.

The Crafty Jelley  with treats galore, gorgeous artwork, wood - and more!

Cards and coasters, crafts to try, the river gently running by.

Jelleyfest in all its glory overlooked by the mill with many a story.

Those who once worked there, some will recall

Long ago memories in those tumbledown walls.

Jelleyman's Mill has been workplace and leisure

But for me it's brought friends, conversation and pleasure.

Thank you dear mill, long may you survive and may you grow stronger in order to thrive.

©️ Karen Holmes.

August 2025

Music Stand conundrum

 I wrote this after somebody somewhere questioned the use of music stands in church, suggesting they spoiled the atmosphere. 

Should we be using music stands or might there be a way 

That feels less conspicuous and won't get in the way

Could music be suspended from a beam high in the air

But oh what chaos might ensue if someone moved your chair.

Perhaps a more effective way

Some order to restore

Would just involve musicians 

To lie upon the floor

Perhaps a row of pillows to balance books or sheet

As long as those with little kids

Didn't fall asleep. 

Or maybe see through stands  would work

They'd not obscure the view

Though they might break if falling 

As stands are prone to do.

I have a few ideas here

But nothing of distinction 

For I think music stands work well 

I'd save them from extinction 

Protect the humble music stand

It's served us well for ages

As long as someone near by 

Is there to turn the pages.

Karen Holmes 

28th October 19 2021

Pumpkin Hair

 I'm planning something orange!

Specifically my hair

I'm going to dye it next week 

To see how people stare!

I'm doing it for Mermaids 

To raise a bit of cash

I've thought it all through carefully 

Although it might seem rash.

I'm feeling rather nervous

So I've bought a great big hat

And if it looks horrendous 

I'll cover it with that.

If you would like to sponsor me

Just giving is the way

It would help a lot of people 

And really make my day.

But if you can't afford it

Then raise a cheer instead

And when you see the photos 

Have a laugh at pumpkin head!