Category Archives: Experiences

The Visitor

Listen if you will in the quiet of the night

To the scraping and scratching of things out of sight

To the noise of blood as it roars in your ears

To the beat of your heart as it measures your fears

 

Somewhere in the house a clock says tick-tock

Below in the street a key clicks in its lock

The third stair from the top creaks as it might

When stepped on in stealth by something so slight

 

Then hinges in want of an oil drop or more

Announce a faint shadow at the bedroom door

You turn on a light to see who is there

Not even a dust mote moves in the air

 

Return to the pillow, try to find sleep

The visitor is gone, no need to weep

Confinement

I’ll be two months old tomorrow

Half of that in what the telly calls ‘lockdown’

Mum and dad try to hide their sorrow

Not able to take me round town

 

Grandparents’ hugs; just a distant memory

I must hope they are still alright

One day there might be a remedy

Though that day isn’t yet in sight

 

Tight confines of mother’s womb

Now swapped for my parents’ home

This serves as a loving classroom

But how long for the chance to roam?

The Window of Lucidity

Tossing, turning in a sweat soaked bed

Tugging moist sheets from legs of lead

Cracking an eye to the light of dawn

Another day’s prospect, this new morn

 

Pulling on socks, trousers, shoes

Tee shirt with logo “What’s to lose”

Brushing teeth that taste of booze

How did I get another new bruise?

 

What did I eat, it’s hard to remember?

My stomach churning like a blender

Shakily pouring a glass of juice

All this down to alcohol abuse?

 

Perhaps I should cut back a bit

But can I show the needed grit?

Jut now I have the power to decide

But think tonight, I’ll go with the tide

Sceptred Isles

Most migrants and refugees want a place

Where people won’t judge simply on race

Hearing of isles with tolerance and care

If it was you, wouldn’t you try to go there?

Looking for a better life

Less danger and hardship for family and wife

Not demanding how it must be

Willing to integrate with you and me

Britishness is a frame of mind

From ancient settlers and more recent kind

Our diversity matters, it’s made us great

Different views, productive debate

Working together to create common wealth

Valuing freedoms and national health

Respecting others’ beliefs, and those with none

Recognising arguments aren’t won by the gun

Some might feel this is not for them

But hold fast and don’t condemn

Perhaps another utopia exists elsewhere

But think on, don’t we have it, right just here?

Egocentricity

Why is it that not all can see

This universe exists for me

Plebs and vassals about this earth

None but me have much worth

 

I am not run-of-the-mill

But the exception; if you will

Hoi polloi may ever be

A unique status applies to me

 

Not expected to do my share

Of others’ plight, I need not care

So do your chores, hold open doors

Place my desires above all yours

The Good Guests

When circumstances dictate

That dinner would be nice

Friends soon agree the date

And check you’re happy; twice

 

The day before arrival

They phone ahead to say

“Are we still OK to visit?

Tomorrow is the day”

 

At the time they are expected

They knock upon the door

“Hello it’s great to see you.

We’ve brought flowers, wine and more”

 

They take care not to be too nosy

“Your home’s like a paradise”

Accepting whatever drink is offered

“Can we help with anything?”, twice

 

Catching up on the latest news

They seem to welcome your advice

Coming up to food time

“Do you need a hand at all?”; twice

 

Eating the fare provided

They praise the cooking, lots

“We don’t know how you do it”

Rising to clear away the pots

 

Long before it gets ‘awkward’

You’re waving  ‘goodbye’ in a trice

“You really are the perfect hosts”

They say with meaning ; twice

What’s Best?

As soon as I reach the best age

I will break out of my cage

I’ll tear down the door, throw it to the floor

And spend the last of my rage

 

What then might I have to say?

When free to speak as I may

What wrongs would I right, which battles to fight?

How can I know the best way?

 

For freedom brings many choices

Amidst conflicting voices

Only one path is true, the best thing to do

Bring peace so the world rejoices