April 20th

A man’s not judged on what he might say
But the lives he affects along the way
But if you only listen to the loudest word
Then the wisest voices will go unheard
Respect isn’t men agreeing in packs
But by individual grace and the way you act
How will you be remembered when you go
For the lives you touch and the kindness you show
For making the best of any situation
Through kindness and decorum in the face of frustration
Will you remain sane amongst all this insanity?
Will you be a good human and help humanity?
I know that I have a lot more to give
I need to change to start to live
To focus more and do more driving
To get more I need to do more giving
So how do I change, how to picked out from a crowd
I can’t stand on tables or shout out loud
I’m understated shy polite and refined
When asked my opinion I say ‘I don’t mind’
Perhaps it’s a habit that I’ll have to break
I will voice my opinions and give my point of view
But don’t take offence it’s not going to be aimed at you
So if I do start to sound like a grumpy old man
It’s all part and parcel of my world conquering plan

April 19th

Got up for work all breezy and bright
Karen still sleeping so got ready with no light
Had breakfast and washed my cereal bowl
Cleaned my teeth, had the morning under control
Drove into work without a hitch
Got in the hotel, still no glitch
Walked through the door to fulfil my work quota
Morning Gav, haven’t you seen the rota!
Scrolled through to today’s date
I’m not on early I on late!
Had a little laugh and a little moan
Jumped back in the car and drove off home
Made it home still chuckling in my head
Got re-undressed and got back into bed
Another lie in down the drain
Drifted off to sleep again
When I woke up, there was no stopping
Headed to Guildford for some suit shopping
Felt a bit weird all melancholy and down
Wife said I’m like a sad Giraffe around town
Suits didn’t fit which didn’t help my mood
So feeling down we went to grab some food
Bearing in mind I was unhappy with my hips
We still stopped off for Burger and chips
So I filled my face, chins and thighs
Really do have to start to exercise

April 18th

Another morning started in the regular way
Both off to work, it seems earlier today
Really slow in work this morning
Drinking coffee and internal yawning
Pretty nice day, sun was shining
Which doesn’t help: when it’s for outside you are pining
Popped to Cobham, a wife to collect
And for the little town, a new found respect
Pretty combination of houses new and old
So I marched up to an Estate agents feeling bold
Something in Cobham had struck a cord
Wanted to see just what we could afford
Expletives were hurled in a four letter barrage
They wanted one hundred and fifty grand for a chuffing garage!
Looked into rentals and again sweary speak
Six hundred pounds a month, no a week!
Cobham is loverly and by it people swear
But I think we’ll have to look elsewhere
Playing footy again later so need goalkeeping strides
And they will be wearing the new kit with pride
Just back from football, some definite changes
Kept a clean sheet for longer then collapsed in stages
Goalless for most of the first period
But then one and two and we crumpled inward
I still had fun as I get to go in goal and dive
Final score? I stopped counting after five

April 17th

Found myself in a club called Ritzy
With Ska, Tom, Zoe and jay Dee
Upstairs in a tiny room with live music cranking
Me on the dance floor with Tom, Skanking
I will dance if the music is right
And must admit I had a fantastic night
Jumped on the tube headed back for last train
Fell asleep woke up then fell asleep again
Late night Saturday turned into a fun day
This was the only thing of note from this Sunday

April 16th

Today is a special Manchester day
The north is heading to Wembley to play
Keeping all old stereotypes well alive
They’ll be here with their gaits and trousers wide
On the pitch a cash of greats from football
Whilst I‘ll be catching up with Max and Paul
Enjoying seafood sandwiches and sparkling wine
Jazz quartets playing ‘You are my Sunshine’
It’s a fantastic day out in Club Wembley
It’s the only way to watch football for me
Manchester Utd went on to lose
My red devil losing streak jinx continues

April 15th

This is for my Mum, whom I’ve been thinking about all day
This is one of the downsides of her living far away
I want to be with you and hold your hand
But you are isolated on the island
I know you’re in the best of care
But wanting so much to be right there
A speedy recovery is on the card please
So we can come for roast potatoes, biscuits and cheese
I know I haven’t seen you in a while
But I hoping this will make you smile
So take this chance to sit on your bum
From favourite son to favourite Mum
On a darker note, Wife has left me again
She packed her case and headed off on the train
Off to visit Claire on her birthday
Surprising her in that Hardington way
I’ve tried to secrets with many different guises
But they don’t like the surprise aspect of surprises
If I bought her a feline pet in rucksack for a gag
Someone would definitely let the cat out of the bag
I have somewhere to be tomorrow, which will be a treat
I’m going to Wembley in those comfortable seats
Meeting with friends for a drink and a smile
Catching up and chatting, it has been a while
I am working in the morning from seven until midday
But then I am heading to Wembley Way

April 14th

Only my second failure in my year of rhyme
Committed the ultimate of writing crimes
Missed today’s poem for a year in the life
So please accept this: a gift to my wife

Happy Birthday, my ‘beautiful girl’

My hopes and dreams and best part of my world

If you set your sights on astrology

The planets aligned when you and I became we

Or if you like to take fates view

Then I was always meant to meet you

Or if religion is your thing then, according to God

You’d have to ride on a donkey, which is a bit odd

If you are going to read a book then read the one I’ve written

It’s the story of a boy and a girl with whom he’s smitten

She is always there through the good and bad times

Keeps him focused and helps out with his rhymes

She makes him smile from dawn to days end

His wife, his lover, they are the best of friends

She shares his wants and pushes him forward

And of his silly jokes, she never gets bored

When he is by himself, he is never alone

Where ever she is, that’ll be his home

She caters for his needs, and his faults she accepts

He cannot fault her at all as she is perfect

When she first saw him, she thought he was a chancer

To him she was always his tiny dancer

They share the music, wine and the laughter

And they live together, happily ever after
  

April 13th

Back to work after two days away
Very little to do, a very slow day
Brooklands F.C kit finally did arrive
At least we’ll look better as we try to survive
Received a letter informing me of some change
Another pay review and possible positive financial rearrange
Read it thoroughly and there before my eyes
‘Congratulations – we’d like to give you a pay rise’
But wait, that’s not the end of the good news yet
Fifty pounds in shopping vouchers for hitting sales targets
It’s nice to have rewards, it makes you feel better
Also received a congratulatory management letter
Because of slow day I trawled the internet
To spend my vouchers and find out what I could get
Looked for a dab radio with an I-pod dock
But the one I wanted was out of stock
Checked the small print on vouchers, what do I see
They are accepted in music shop Hmv
Work has been a lot better since recent events
Being managed correctly and growing in confidence
Still don’t think it’s what I want to do
But it’s better to work without a cloud over you
Received new rota for the next fortnight
An instant improvement, making things alright
Small changes making it better in a lot of ways
That and three days off because of bank holidays

April 12th

What is less than nothing and equal to zero
Today I did nought – a non working class hero
Sat on the sofa catching up with networking and emails
I noticed that an old friend of mine from Wales
Is taking a photograph every day for a year
An amazing insight as into her life we peer
Apparently 2012 the end of the world will strike
So she’s keeping daily reference, great minds think alike
I caught up with some films that I borrowed too
Dancer in the Dark and Dead Man’s Shoes
Two films lent to me by Mr Darren Ali
And now he says he wants them back from me
Dead Man’s Shoes is a good film, that I had seen
Dancer in the Dark was good too, glued to my screen
It changes pace as the stories fork
Featuring the most unique individual Bjork
Its fits into many genres and categories
Traversing upbeat musical with sad story
I also watch Waltz with Bashir
About lost memories and conflict fear
Following Bjork depression, it was less rough
A great film, can’t recommend it enough
Needed an excuse to get out and feel better
Postman delivered a note about an undeliverable letter
Posted from Norwich but missing 12p
I had to pay a pound for a handling fee

April 11th

Because of my bathroom rant yesterday
I didn’t tell you what happened in my diaretic way
After work met up with friends for something to do
Bumped into Darren in a pub in Waterloo
Headed across town to see Tommy at Euston
Northern line closed which led to some confusion
(Whilst on ‘bad rhymes’ Darren had some myth
About his names earlier rhyme from February fifth)
He was a little upset and caused a scene
That I’d rhymed Darren Ali with Sarah the Bean
He had a fair point it was a little lame
But as Shakespeare said ‘what’s in a name?’
We asked each other how we’d been
Put some money in a quiz machine
It makes you feel better and frustrations mend
When you spend time talking nonsense with friends
Monday sees the start of the hotel football
Is it wise or foolish, a good or bad call?
At the end of the day it’ll be some fun
After all I am Brooklands No1
It was a good kick around, a way to make new mates
We played Real Madreadful who were ironically great
What? The score, oh I didn’t know you cared
Okay I’ll tell you, eight goals were shared
The game was open and played with great skill
It was just bad luck that we lost eight nil
And if that wasn’t enough this as an after thought
Whilst playing in goal I ripped my precious Gills shorts

April 10th

Our bathroom is empty when the wife is away
All the bottles and potions she needs for one day
The make-up bag and case from the shelf
The conditioning hand cream for continued nail health
Pots of cream to make her smoother
For every action there is an equal remover
Before she retorts or tries to cause a scandal
I own up to owning the bubble bath and candles
What! It helps me relax if I’ve had to be up early
I enjoy a long hot soak, that doesn’t make me girly
I don’t know why she bothers; she doesn’t need this stuff at all
With or without it she always looks beautiful

April 9th

It’s not just mid week, up early on weekends too
Wife has headed off on a hen doo
What happens on a Hen is not as clear as crystal
All I know is that they are heading to Bristol
I should be home by four, if I channel my resources
It’s the Grand National today, Come on the horses!
We’ve had a little flutter on the Gee Gees
Don’t push it, Midnight Club and because I couldn’t see
To me all the horses are the same
We just pick them if we like the name
It’s nice to have a bet, it makes it more fun
I always get the donkeys rated at a hundred to one
We actually got second and third, quite nifty
For a twenty pound stake we won nine pound fifty

April 8th

Up early this morning so headed off to the shops
Before the shutters were fully open, still cleaning with mops
Karen buying something for her weekend away
I was looking for Astroturf boots for football on
Monday
Shopped out by ten thirty with very little fuss
Headed back to the flat and our nephews were waiting for us
Keeping them happy today was my aim
They were soon using me as a climbing frame
In the flat they were restless, so we took the bunch
Out to the park along with our packed lunch
Sitting outside always pleases me
Kicking a ball or throwing a ‘crispee’
Running around with a laugh and a scream
It’s a hot day, ‘Who fancies an Ice cream’?
Hot and sunny around lunchtime
Needed a Fab or a ninety nine
Just outside the sports centre, he’s always there
Until today, where’s he gone, that’s not fair
My time is up I have to start work at three
So no ‘Funny Foot’ or Calipo for me
First day out this summer and already lesson learnt
Didn’t put any cream on and my big face got burnt
Just slip slap slop before you go
I know my mum will say ‘I told you so’!
Karen was worse as she later confessed
I now call her robin as she has a bright red chest

April 7th

I looked up into the sky today
And saw something staring back this way
Something that makes our day much brighter
Our smiles widen and our problems lighter
It seems to make people react differently
Happier and playful and a little more free
It makes suited businessmen discard their cares
And lay in the park at lunchtime, shoes off, feet bare
Places come alive as families head out
Kids laughing on swings, slides and roundabouts
Suddenly small things don’t seem to matter
The picnics come out and the ducks get fatter
It suppose to happen every year, but it does come and go
That’s why people are milking it so
Summer shorts out if you are prepared
Sunglasses on to reflect its glare
Bags of Frisbees and balls hung over pram handles
Shoes and socks replaced by open toed sandals
Winter keeps folks in and subdued
A change in weather changes moods
Today is sunny; let’s hope it starts a pattern
And from now on, every day the sun has got its hat on
Enjoy your summer where ever you are
Keep your windows down when driving your car
Sunbathe in the park or become a beach bummer
Make the most of your long hot summer

April 6th

Another morning shift for wifey and me
But when you start early you finish early
Since the clocks went forward it’s been a bit funny
Mornings start off all bright and sunny
Opening the blinds is a bit more painful on the eyes
But I’m happier to see the bright morning skies
I think this year is going to be a good summer
An improvement on last year, bit of a bummer
I suggest to Wifey that we jog after work
Finishing at three does have its perks
But we didn’t end up going out of the flat
Had some paperwork to do, filing this and shredding that
The sun was beaming into the lounge as its afternoon crescendo
Showing up the image of the bird that flew into our window
He hit the glass hard, that’s got to sting
You can make out his face, beak and wing
I made dinner today a Mexican extra cheesy
Finding a rhyme for enchiladas was not easy
So I skilfully moved it to the middle of the sentence
It’s cheating a little but it does still make sense
With wine in our glasses and food in my belly
Did the washing up before switching on the telly
Sat on the sofa for two hours to fester
Champions league on, Chelsea verses Manchester

April 5th

Another year and another birthday for my wife
Took her to London where she started her life
Had a city cruise from the pier at the millennium wheel
Stopped off at Butlers Wharf for an Italian meal
A great way to see London and there’s a lot to see
I don’t know who was more excited Karen or Me
Loads of old public houses where Pepys did his thinking
 I like the fact that the oldest buildings were mainly for drinking
The commentary, on the boat, that the local man gave
Was in true London style, he was probably called Dave
He collected his tips in an old titfer tat
Struggled with f’s and t’s, can’t say fairer than that
Sat outside for the cruise, the wind made us shiver
Soaking up all it had to offer that dirty old river
We loved our trip and learnt some history
All those nameless buildings are now not a mystery
We hopped on the tube with some sights to see
Went to Piccadilly Circus, it was really busy!
With all this tourism stuff, I had no time to bake
So we stopped at the co-op for some birthday cake
I hope my wife had a good birthday treat
Walking along the old cobbled streets
When you are tired of London, you are tired of life
I could never get tired of spending time with my wife
Great day with great memories to hold dear
I love you my wife, have another great year! x

April 4th

Day off relaxing with nothing to do
Listening to music from the Fighters of Foo
Amazing new album Grohl is the main charmer
With help from Bruce and Chris, it sounds like Nirvana
Also watched Shutter Island on blu ray
Twisted my mind in a curious way
Excellent film, excellent story and acting was nice
Even better film when you watch it twice
Wifey back from work around four-ish
Cooked us some dinner, a beautiful dish
A ten pound Tesco bargain, chicken and creamy spinach
A glass of wine too, pink but with a smooth finish
The hotel have sorted out a five-a-side match
I’m in goal; I hope I remember how to catch
Playing for fun this week, but next week for points
That’s if I can move my stiffening joints
Really good kick around and I actually played well
And the teams passing movements were starting to gel
So the league starts next week on Monday
With fully officiated referees from the F.A
Wore my old shirt, old shin pads and old boots
I hope there are enough players for substitutes
I was diving to the right and saving to the left
I was tipping and flicking with touches deft
The exercise regime has just begun
And I’m Brooklands No.1, Brooklands Brooklands No.1

April 3rd

First day off in a little while
Headed to Portsmouth to see my folks smile
Happy mother’s day, Karen working so on my own
Booked a table for us three in Fire and Stone
Lots of choice, so finding something is not a worry
Mum had pasta, Texan pizza for me, Dave had curry!
Train down to Gunwharf Quays was pretty good
Helped that I knew at the end there would be food
Got to Portsmouth in just over an hour
Got a picture of Ma & Pa by the Spinnaker Tower
Really nice day, wandering around and sat on my bum
Hope you had a loverly day, My Loverly Mum x

April 2nd

So Saturday came and went with no job news
Starting to feel the rejection blues
But let’s not get hasty, as support Wife lends
You’ll hear Monday, these guys won’t work weekends
It’s hard waiting for the final decision or outcome
But tomorrow I’ll get to hug my Mum
Nothing equals a mother’s love for her son
She still sees the light in his eyes when dark times come
She’ll make you smile if you are feeling crappy
Nothing makes me happier than my mum being happy
So here’s to you Mum for bending and cleaning my ear
If fact, Sod Mothers day lets have Mothers year

April 1st

have never really understood the meaning of today
How normal people become comedic in an unfunny way
The deadpan quiet guy becomes the office joker
By randomly spraying people with his super soaker
I didn’t want to be a victim to any little squirt
So I kept my eyes and ears on full alert
It was a bit of a letdown as nothing bizarre happened
I did wear my luminous socks with the diamond pattern
Other than that nothing to report
Day plodded on, the regular sort
Just then a knock at the door
Look out! It’s the mother and father in law
Sat down had a chat, mostly catching up
Time passed as we drained our coffee cup
Where to go for a little lunch taster
A new place for us, the Oatlands Chaser
Lovely little place serving food hot and cold
A converted hotel from nineteen..erm well it’s old
All plates clean and before I get a coffee to quaff
It’s time for work so I have to do the off
A long labouring shift, not a very fun day
Still getting closer to day off Sunday
Three days off and heading down south
Meeting my Mother and Father for a day in Portsmouth
Then wife and I will celebrate Tuesday in our own unique way
So I might have a day off but never an off day

March 31st

Early morning for the wife and I
Grumpy as always, but I do try
‘You’ll be finished first so could you pop
Up to Tesco to do the Friday big shop’
‘Here is your list and card for reward scheme’
In to the biggest shop I’ve ever seen
I’m all for equal rights, but try avoid big shop if I can
Shopping just isn’t for me, I’m not a fan
This coffee is instant sugared and ground
But more expensive buy at least three pounds
I’m a sucker for a bargain table
An aisle end or red and yellow label
Fabric conditioner! My dizziness enhances
Two lanes, six deep, I’ll take my chances
Made sure I got a summery breeze flavour
Hold it up high, a shopping victory to savour
This was the right one; I found it in all these lanes
Since found out it’s not conditioner it’s for removing stains!
This is only a pound and save money on that
Three for the price of two on shoes for your cat
His and hers matching cups and saucers
Earn double points on the complete works of Chaucer
Retailers I buy anything when I darken your door
If you say it’s cheaper now than it was before
So consumerism you are the devil
I can’t help but react to ‘eye level is buy level’

March 30th

Got up got dressed, put on my best suit
All ironed shirt, tightly tied tie and shiny boot
Gelled and styled hair so none were out of place
To a razor to remove the beard hair from my face
This is as good as I get the best I can be
Mirror winked as it looked back at me
Made sure I was on time, in fact I was early
Showing them the eager and punctual me
Confident handshake but not too tight
Laugh at their jokes, smile and be polite
Sit up straight and don’t fidget in the chair
Make eye contact but try not to stare
Speak your mind but say nothing rash
Sell yourself but don’t come across flash
Feeling relaxed now getting into my flow
‘Thanks for your time, we’ll let you know’
What that’s it? It’s over before it starts
I leave them with something before we part
I’m grateful for this chance and if it’s to be my career
I’ll do my very best; after all it is my year
You don’t know how great I can be
I’m in it for the distance, take a chance on me
I’m passionate, enthusiastic and loyal to a fault
If you buy into me then you stay bought
You are all invited to the Gav Ellis show
‘Er yeah thanks for that, we’ll let you know

March 29th

The morning after the morning after the night before
Recovering body but mind still a little raw
Paintball wound now a black and blue bruise
Starting to feel the muscles usually unused
Would like to lose weight around belly and thighs
So will put the plan in action for some exercise
Keep my mind active with all this blogging
Need to help body along, perhaps some jogging?
May join a gym or a local fitness scene
I’ve heard they got a great vending machine
Unable to travel to Wembley to see England verses Ghana
Working late so need energy, oh look a handy banana
(I do apologise for that last rhyme it really wasn’t that strong
It appears to be getting to me, only writing in verse for this long)
 All the days are starting to blend
But had some great blog feedback this weekend
Even if they don’t understand why
They react positively that I even try
Getting anxious and feeling a little tension
You know that thing tomorrow that I can’t mention
Remembering the last positive meeting
Looking forward to a warm greeting
I’ll march down there and answer their questions
I hope they listen and like some of my suggestions
I’ll give it my best as I step up to bat
‘I’m Gav Ellis, give us a job, I can do that!

March 28th

With head all achy and muscles sore
It is the week after the weekend before
New friends made and memories kindle
Memories grow as headaches dwindle
Nothing on in the A.m, so lazy morn
Feeling sore, bruised and worn
Add new friends as soon as facebook logging
Using the time to catch up with my blogging
Certainly had a full and fun weekend
Friends new and old easily blend
Won’t see them now, until the wedding of G
So we’ll hop in the car to see him and Hayley
We’ll see if we can’t drop a size
Make our belly as big as our eyes
So this week is a week of reckoning
New career and possibilities beckoning
And maybe win a trip to Rome
All this and we are selling our home
By the end of the week I’ll know what I have
A big week in the year of the Gav
Work still fine since the big rearrange
I now know it’s not me and the feelings won’t change
It’s not the job or colleagues it’s me
There is somewhere else I’d rather be
All is well between me and the wife
Happy week thirteen for ‘a year in the life’