Penelope S Hellyer – Author

Where My Heart Is  – my first collection of poems, written over the last two decades has now been published by FeedARead. Available from both FeedARead and Amazon.

‘Where My Heart Is’ – comprises a collection of poems written during my time in the magical setting that was Orchards – my childhood home in Rowfant, Sussex where I also raised a family. My time there richly depicted in my book ‘The Haphazard Gardener’.

Memories both good and bad are portrayed in the poetry; which has always been a constant and important part of my life. The poems include observations from my surroundings, and the direction my life has taken. Many were written after I met my husband Philip, when life became calmer and I became more content.

I have included two poems by my granddaughter Erin McCarthy who – at the tender age of seven – has already been described by poet Sue Johnson as very talented.

Although I left this idyllic place in 2005, Orchards it is still where my heart is.

Fair Weather Gardeners

This piece is taken from ‘The Haphazard Gardener’ 

Fair weather gardeners may miss the subtleties of colour, texture and new buds forming. Thanks to Gay’s teachings and my passion for what I was doing, no matter what time of the year, my eyes and senses were constantly open and alert whilst I worked at Orchards.

As the herbaceous plants were cut back, rich brown compost was laid on the cleared borders. Dew laden spiders’ webs glistened in the early morning sun. Minute diamonds dripped from open panicles of panicum and miscanthus. Fluffy inflorescences’ of miscanthus now faded from the rich reddish-purple of the unfolding flowers which matured to a silvery hue then white to beige; closed tightly in the dampness reverting to a dull corn tint

Shortening Days

I loathe shortening days – an anxiety sets in – alleviated only by the coming and going of the 21st December, when I swear the days lengthen again with a flourish. I expect it is all in the mind – the slight panic when your days ‘work’ isn’t done, when an hour seems like thirty minutes and it is dark once again.

But I love autumn, the golden leaves light the roadsides, where dull dusty green clothed them throughout summer. Beech in particular are a golden ochre, brown, and yellow. Sycamore seeds carpet our garden, yet still I admire the glorious creamy-yellow, buttercup-yellow and primrose hues of the sycamore leaves. Rich reddish-pink, salmon and fuchsia illuminate the dark wet trunks of several cherries and our purple maple, dulls to a musty orange, against the red crab apples on the neighbouring tree.

Fiery red shades on liquidambar – some like burnished mahogany cling to the branches, their prickly fruits hang like baubles – contrasting in texture with the smooth leaves.

 

 

 

Where My Heart Is – published today

My first book of poetry has been published today.  It is available on FeedARead and on Amazon (paperback only – kindle copy to follow).

‘Where My Heart Is’ – comprises a collection of poems written during my time in the magical setting that was Orchards – my childhood home in Rowfant, Sussex where I also raised a family. My time there richly depicted in my book ‘The Haphazard Gardener’.

Memories both good and bad are portrayed in the poetry; which has always been a constant and important part of my life. The poems include observations from my surroundings, and the direction my life has taken. Many were written after I met my husband Philip, when life became calmer and I became more content.

I have included two poems by my granddaughter Erin McCarthy who – at the tender age of seven – has already been described by poet Sue Johnson as very talented.

Although I left this idyllic place in 2005, Orchards it is still where my heart is.

I hope you enjoy this collection