Poetic expression

I was surprised when I saw him
Knees obviously giving him trouble 
Transferring weight with difficulty
Hobbling in a way that really did say
Something about the pain he was feeling

I was surprised when I saw him 
Lighting up a cigarette and reassuring himself
It was only occasional so no need to worry
They were ‘lights’, so that made it ‘alright’
Though I could see the addictive delight 

I was surprised when I saw him 
Unable to breathe as he coughed with difficulty 
It runs in the family – was his talk 
A reason he gave – for being unable to walk

I was surprised when I saw him 
Drinking Coke Zero 
Without sugar was the attraction 
Or perhaps more the distraction 
From the other harms in disguise 
That removed all sense of wise 

I was surprised when I saw him
At how we are easily lured
Fooled by the lies that are there to demise
Taking away the freedom to truly care
Or dare to do it differently 

I was surprised when I saw him
At how easy it has been
For our race to lose face 
In this crowded place 
Our world 
The disgrace of the chase


Seize 

Walking around the lake
I wanted to seize the moment
Take it all in 
My head was in a spin
Looking out at the view
With the sky so blue
Garden designs with such hue
Cobblestone paths so enchanting
Historical quaintness 
Ancient walls protecting 
Remnants still remain 
Of the past so grand 
Ours to enjoy
And to notice
And to feel the relevance 
Of what the past has disclosed 
Are we able to listen
Are we able to learn 
Are we able to appreciate 
Are we able to protect 
And bring our focus to what matters
To ensure the magic remains 
for our future generations to gain

Mystery 

Sometimes I don’t know why 
I’d rather be alone 
Without my phone 

Sometimes I don’t know why 
I’d rather not join in 
And pretend with a grin 

Sometimes I don’t know why
I sit in my pain 
And feel my disdain 

Sometimes I don’t know why 
I sit in silence and peace 
For a little relief 

Sometimes I don’t know why
I feel I don’t belong 
That something is wrong 

Sometimes I don’t know why 
I find myself again 
And without strain
Feel the light 
Enjoy the delight 
Of all things big and small 

TLaB 5th May 2025