Jo Sachs-Eldridge

the gullible mind

it’s not a moment

but a seeping

a slow torturous drip

ever more pervasive

enveloping your every breath

it whispers words of seeming wisdom

twisting every thread

until all you see

in the eyes of your beloved

in the whirling weeds of your autumn garden

in the playful laughter of others

in the memories unearthed again

...those memories...

in the voices misheard

in the creations that never were

in the dust of your dreams

the mistruth

rises again and again

proof if needed that

you are not enough

until the cyclical twisting of the gullible mind

is again released

colours change

gardens again become sanctuary

laughter possible

even memories of that darkness

bring a smile

as you rise strong

knowing this rhythm is yours

yet demands to be forgotten and relearned

again and again

knowing that you have always been

enough

Cardigans and oatcakes

I do not want a Lamborghini

golden beaches

or a flounce bikini.

I do not want the same things as you

But I’m told I do

I’m told to

I’m told to

I want belly laughs

And reedy lakes

Cardigans and rough oatcakes.

I want flimsy maps

and half a plan

to find some place but not give a damn.

I want tow paths

and coffee stops,

bags of chips and wild spots.

I want tents and hills

and panniers filled

with sun-warmed beers.

I want to think

I can drink ‘til dawn

then fall asleep with my clothes still on.

I do not want the same as you

But I’m told I do

I do not want a Lamborghini

golden beaches

or a flounce bikini

I do not want the same as you

but I’m told I do.

I want belly laughs

and reedy lakes,

cardigans and rough oatcakes.

I do not want the same as you

nor you the same as me

So you do you

and I’ll do me

and nobody need tell

us how to be.