March 22, 2026

 

and nightime comes

as nightime must,

at the close of every day.

 

with sleepy dreams,

and hot water bottles,

melting frustration away.

 

and we recall 

as our minds unravel,

our lost loved ones, for whom we pray.

 

in these troubled times

with no future clear,

we long for the month of May.

 

when lighter nights appear,

and the sun breaks through,

dispersing clouds of grey.

 

and daytime comes,

as daytime must,

at the start of every day.

 

 

 

 

Sometimes I say ‘Hello little girl’.

Other times I call her ‘Sweet Pea’.

But when I say the name she arrived with,

she takes no notice of me.

 

She responds to me when I ask ‘Are you hungry?’

and begs me for Dreamies as her dessert.

I empty her litter tray twice daily,

but when I clip her claws, she goes quite berserk.

 

She lets me carry her outside to her Catio,

which I erected as a surprise.

I win her over in there, when I brush her,

until the devil arrives in her eyes.

 

She certainly isn’t one to be cuddled,

and prefers her Dad, because he sits and reads.

I am merely a servant to both of them.

but love them to bits – they fulfil all my needs.

 

Sometimes I call her ‘Little Madam’.

Other times I tell her she’s a curse.

And when her Dad gets very possessive with her,

sometimes I call him  something far worse!

 

In the end we all gel together,

and exist in our own separate ways.

And our rescue cat, formerly known as Lucky,

fits in nicely and brightens our days.

 

 

 

March 13, 2026

 

When in doubt, do nothing:

that’s what the sages say.

Tomorrow will look different.

So for now, just kneel and pray.

 

When filled with sorrow and wondering,

about decisions made in haste.

And sense turns into nonsense,

leaving an all too familiar taste.

 

And time, that is the enemy,

with so much left undone.

Now facts resemble fiction,

when folklore tales are spun.

 

And the clip-clop of abandonment

when set loose on freedoms lane.

The waking up not knowing

which way to turn when racked with pain.

 

And passion wrapped in tissue paper,

as delicate as a fresh meringue,

that melted in the moment,

when heavenly angels sang.

 

And night time sleep that comes at last,

with dreams of yesterday.

When those on a secret mission,

line up along those they want to slay.

 

With such intensity building up,

like a ram set loose – the ewes to tup.

 

and blinding love, that is unbridled passion,

with a novice jockey at the reigns,

 

with all the odds stacked against

the last one out of the stalls,

who leads the field at the finish,

with heart, and guts and balls.

 

 

 

 

 

She is always with you

wherever you go.

On the darkest of days

when rain turns to snow.

 

When you’re feeling lonesome

and downbeat and low,

she is watching over you,

and this you should know.

 

She is always with you.

Every  heartbeat she hears.

She’s your guidance and comforter,

until morning appears.

 

When you’re unsure and uncertain,

and your mind’s full of fears.

Her presence you’ll feel,

gently mopping your tears.

 

She is always with you,

through the toughest of tasks.

Her faith in you never falters,

so fulfill all her asks.

 

When you’re wondering what’s the point,

and hiding behind a mask.

She will stay right there with you,

until once more, in sunshine, you bask.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 3, 2026

 

The first of 14 UK hits came on RCA, when

in 59, I Go Ape, made No.9, followed by, Oh Carol at No.3.

In 60, Stairway To Heaven, rose to No.8,

and making No.45 was, You Mean Everything To Me.

 

In 61, Calendar Girl, reached No.8,

and Little Devil, a No. 9 proved to be.

Ending 61, Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen, was a Top 3,

and in 62, King Of Clowns, rose to No.23.

 

Next in 62, came a US No.1 and UK Top 7 – 

being, Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.

And ending 62, Next Door To An Angel, made  No.29.

And in 63, Let’s Go Steady Again, settled at No.42.

 

In 72, on RCA – Maximillion, reaching No.19, was,

Oh Carol/Breaking Up Is Hard To Do/Little Devil.

Also in 72, Beautiful You, peaked at No.43.

And in 73, That’s When The Music Takes Me, hit a No.18 level.

 

Also in 73, Standing On The Inside,

on MGM climbed to No.26.

And, Our Last Song Together, at No.31,

also a MGM mix.

 

In  74, A Little Loving, on Polydor, rose to No.34.

and Laughter In The Rain – a US.No.1 + UK No.15, on Polydor.

And ending this tribute to Neil Sedaka,

In 75, reaching No.35, also on Polydor, was, The Queen Of 64.

 

Thank You for the happy, feel-good music  Neil Sedaka

RIP  1939 – 2026

a fine vocalist, pianist and great songwriter for many.

 

written by

Harriet Blackbury.