(Written January 2021)

Asylum seekers flooding my brain,

I’m teaching kiddies in the pouring rain.

Mums are phoning me exhausted and overwrought.

Crying their souls are lost (perhaps they’ve been bought?)

Mrs Shawnigan’s moaning, imploring me:

“They said my friend’s negative? How can that be?”

“We’ve been friends for years, she’s always had my back!

How DARE anyone label her with lack?”

I listen dumbfounded, not sure what to say?

Mrs Shawnigan you never smile, or even enjoy your day?

You bitch and moan about everyone!

Being around you, honestly, is anything BUT fun!

But I say nothing, of course, I pretend to care,

Plaster a fake smile at her overshare.

Moving on I’m in a lecture, the hall is quite full,

200 young students (I feel like a fool)

I’m wearing my glasses! (While cursing you!)

I don’t look distinguished, I feel overdue!

I catch the lecturer’s eye, the electricity is strong!

I quickly walked past! (No, I’m probably wrong)

I tried to take a seat between two young girls.

Who chitter and chatter through perfect white pearls.

One seems irritated, annoyed and tries to move.

No

“Excuse me! Would you mind?”

(This chick is plain rude!)

Next she plonks herself down on my fucking lap!

I swear, If I wasn’t so civilized I’d give her a slap!

I’m fuming inside, as I am forced to shift,

I pass a loud comment, but I don’t resist.

All eyes on me, (Ground please swallow me up!)

A familiar shame engulfs,

until suddenly I wake up!

I love my sleep I really do!

It’s the movies in my head that are constantly on view!

I wish they would stop and disappear.

I could wake up in the morning with a head that’s clear.

But if it were not for them, would I have started my poetry?

A means to express, my own personal rosary.

It’s truly cleansing to simply get these thoughts out.

When I stand up for the day I’m left with little doubt,

I am happier freer more able to accept…

life in this world is never a safe bet!

Instead, I make of each day, what I choose it to be.

I hold my answers I brandish my own key.

If I look hard enough at what I don’t love,

I will find something beautiful.

to make thereof!