My name is Sandra Gordon. I’ve lived in Chandler’s Ford for nearly twenty years.
I moved to here from Kent but knew it a little from visiting family when I was a child.
I’ve worked at Hiltingbury Junior School, Otterbourne Junior School and Chiltern Tutorial School in that time.
Poetry is my passion. To read, to write and share with others.
I’ve had several poems published. The most recent was as a winner in the Writers’ Forum Magazine poetry competition. I look forward to sharing some of my work with the Chandler’s Ford Today readers.
Some of you may recognise me as the person with the two retrievers. Abi and Mabel were my faithful companions for many a happy year. Sadly, they are no longer here.
This poem was inspired by Abi. A naughty, lovable character. When she left, she left more than a big hole.
In the Garden
It’s in this spot, the place she used to dig
despite our efforts. A telling off
only got that tail wagging more, daft dog.
Backside high, snout to the ground
her paws worked in swift unison,
flicked loosened granules,
shot them under her belly.
She dug gaping holes
left scatterings, toast crumbs,
useless for the refill.
Then she’d lie in it, nuzzle shoulders
in musty ground.
Pads painted with evidence of a good time
peering up as if to say, I’ve won
again. Just look how sweet it is.
By Sandra Gordon, first published in Writers’ Forum, February 2015
Welcome to CFT, Sandra. Though Mabel, bless her, does not dig holes (my late Gracie would sometimes), I think every dog finds their own way of having a good time! With Mabel it is barking at the neighbours’ dogs including yours!