29 Dec 2017

I FEEL HAPPIEST WHEN

by | posted in: HMP Leicester Poetry 2017 | 0

I feel happiest when…

Whether holding paintbrush, pencil or pen

The landscapes open up on the page

Flowing ink emotions from humour to page

The world opens up from within the minds eye

With colourful phrases, sand and blue sky

Teachers and preachers, stories of old

Ancient maps and symbols dark and bold

Painting a reality on the canvas of life

Telling the stories of war, famine and strife

Turning the page to a much brighter view

Lost stories of Rembrandt and Bush, to name but a few

Looking for answers in colours and words

Answers bring questions showing life is absurd

Hiding their secrets in picture and verse

Of mysteries lost, for better or worse

Painting all day, writing all night

Shadows grow long as the candle burns bright

Working alone to tell us his truth

The artists sacrifice, his words, his youth

29 Dec 2017

MENTOR POEM

by | posted in: HMP Leicester Poetry 2017 | 0

I feel better when, in my mentor role,

I’m here to guide you and assist,

Through 1-2-1 tuition,

I may pick up o things the tutor missed.

I’ve walked a day in our learners shoes,

Saw the obstacles they may face,

Our learning environment welcoming

Allowing progress at their own pace.

I deal with learning difficulties,

That may have never been addressed,

Times like these are challenging

My ability put to the test.

I work in groups or 1-2-1,

Meeting each individual need,

There’s nothing as rewarding,

Watching someone else succeed.

Learners from diverse backgrounds,

I promote Equality everyday,

Race, Sex or religious beliefs,

Everyone’s encouraged to have their say.

I follow National Legislation,

Giving everyone a chance,

Education is important,

It’s a way of giving you back your voice,

We all have ability to progress and

Meet life long targets that we set,

Try hard, give everything your all,

Then look back with no regret.

People look up to me as a Mentor,

I try to put their mind at rest,

I feel a personal service of achievement,

Knowing I gave my very best.

I feel better when I change perceptions,

And to a face, I bring a smile,

My mentoring course has assisted me

And made every obstacle worthwhile.

29 Dec 2017

ORANGE HOUSE

by | posted in: HMP Leicester Poetry 2017 | 0

Home is where the heart is

Home is where I am free,

Home is not a prison,

Home is where I can be me”

Home is where I feel safe,

Home is what I call my place,

Home is where I have my tea,

My home is made for me!

29 Dec 2017

I FEEL BETTER WHEN

by | posted in: HMP Leicester Poetry 2017 | 0

I feel better when I’m in the bath,

Not having drinks, nor having a laugh

I like to sit there and soak

And think my thoughts that provoke

A bath is time for calm and peace

A time for aches to release

The water hot to soothe my bones

A chance to sing with dulcet tones

Sometimes, although not in ages

I read in there and wet the pages

I need to get a chapter done

I hope the ink on the page don’t run

Sometimes, I just think and lay

A chance to reflect and not to say

My best solution sometimes come

Or at least providing more than one

Topping up with extra warm

My brain relaxed and extra calm

I really do enjoy the craft

As I feel better when I’m in the bath

29 Dec 2017

I FEEL BETTER WHEN

by | posted in: HMP Leicester Poetry 2017 | 0

I feel better when

I turn off the news,

All of its sadness

and guilt-ridden blues.

I feel better when

its sun and not rain,

no sorrow or sadness

Joy without pain.

I feel better when

I see a good smiling face,

it gives me some hope

in a cold hearted place.

I feel better when

her hearts with mine,

beating together

A beautiful time.

29 Dec 2017

I FEEL BETTER WHEN

by | posted in: HMP Leicester Poetry 2017 | 0

I feel better when I am free

I feel better when I am me

I feel better without prejudice or pain

I feel love when the worlds

gone insane.

The world feels better with understanding

your world falls apart with fear and

madness commanding,

Every insane thought or erratic feeling,

time to let go, find spiritual healing.

Your minds much better

without chaos or stress,

we can make life easier

without creating a mess

Everything’s better

when harmony takes control,

you know it’s much better

when you use your heart

and soul

Life is much better

if we could only see,

that our blindness and mindless

doesn’t help you or me

Life can get better

if we just looked inside,

Our true spiritual purposes

Should never be denied.

29 Dec 2017

LIFE IN A NUTSHELL

by | posted in: HMP Leicester Poetry 2017 | 0

I feel better when

The goodness of people’s hearts are exposed

And their kindness shines through like the sun

And the hope people convey is good for everyone

And nature isn’t tampered with

And forests aren’t dug up, spoiling wildlife’s homes

I feel better when I see a happy child

And everyone runs a mile from cruelty

And we treat all animals with respect

And turn frowns into smiles… that could be you and me

I feel better when I see the stars in the sky are twinkling

And I see a beautiful rainbow

And all nations are united

Blue skies are all around, daisy chains linking

And no more wars, yet we’ve got a long way to go

Let’s cease the fighting

I feel better when I see there is hope for the homeless

And no-one’s living on the streets

And poor countries get help they need

And best of all there is no more disease

Last but not least…

I feel better when

I feel better

That’s why I’ve said it all

In this letter.

29 Dec 2017

I FEEL BETTER WHEN

by | posted in: HMP Leicester Poetry 2017 | 0

I find where there is knowledge,

One goal, one vision – inside college.

If you can dream it

You can do it

Respect yourself

Live drug free

Hope is freedom

Cement yourself a future

You will soon see

29 Dec 2017

I FEEL BETTER WHEN

by | posted in: HMP Leicester Poetry 2017 | 0

I feel better when

the world seems at peace

Imagine if all wars

came to cease

Wouldn’t it be better if

everybody got on

No matter our colour, religion

or where we are from

Life would be better

without hearts breaking

Love being honest

keeping vows we are making

I feel better when

I make someone smile

after all, kindness is free

so why not go the extra mile?

29 Dec 2017

I Feel Better When I am

by | posted in: HMP Leicester Poetry 2017 | 0

As inevitably the morning alarm rings out, it shakes me from

darkness, senses shout,

I open my eyes and let the light filter in,

To my surprise, systems check, all good, despite late night sin,

I indulge myself a moment, lay, listen to birdsong,

Until finally the need to smell and taste coffee is too strong.

The aches and pains of prone to upright are sorted,

Soon transferred as impulses, nerves to muscles are shouted.

Inevitably the first earworm of the day pops in,

Not long before my voice crackles in to life, singing, it’s a win, win,

Taking me back to the day, forward to the next May,

Daydreaming of good day sunshine and Mr. Moonlight,

Thanking the heavens for my great gift of sight,

The power of flowers to entertain me for hours,

Their movement in the breeze and the ozone smell of showers,

Venturing in the countryside with the kids,

Remembering the winter and sledging on bin lids,

The endless boundaries of blue sky and green grass,

Garden fetes, cream teas and bands of deep brass,

Freedom to move from left and to right,

A cloud, drifting through life with humour so light.

The sea, so rhythmic, reminds me of my place,

In a Universe large, endless time and space,

The sun warming my skin and walking for miles,

The wind leathering my face giving me stretched smiles,

I feel better when riding the middle ground of life,

I feel better when I am feeling bereft of strife.

29 Dec 2017

I FEEL BETTER WHEN

by | posted in: HMP Leicester Poetry 2017 | 0

I feel better when the sun shines

Turning night time into day

I like it when the bird sings

Makes bad memories go away.

I feel better when the flowers grow

Right before my eyes

I like it when the children play

Chasing colourful butterflies.

I feel better when there’s laughter

Drowning out a painful cry

I like it when the weathers hot

Sun scorching bright blue sky.

I feel better when I have feelings

Than a heart made out of stone

I like when we’re together

I dread feeling all alone.

I feel better when I see you

Or read the letters that you write

I like it when I hear your voice

Only in dreams throughout the night.

I feel better when you miss me

You mirror how I feel

I like it when I hold you

My heart you always steal.

I feel better when I close my eyes

The nightmares I keep at bay

I like it when you kiss me

In your own special kind of way.

I feel better when the sun sets

A day closer to the end

I like it when you’re really there

I no longer have to pretend.

29 Dec 2017

MENTAL HEALTH

by | posted in: HMP Leicester Poetry 2017 | 0

Mental, I feel like I’m in my body like a rental,

Boiling up in my head like lentil

Having emotions leads to me taking potions,

But this notion is no promotion

My feelings lead me to depression,

But is this suppression a better lesson?

Safety and emotion give me devotion,

And helping others is my motion

My self esteem will keep me clean,

And then maybe I will be able to dream

Mental health is my great wealth,

And my great wealth is my mental health.

29 Dec 2017

A THOUGHT IN MIND

by | posted in: HMP Leicester Poetry 2017 | 0

The flowers shimmer in light upon each petal

Brushed with vivid shades of manifest colour.

The music in vocal harmonies like a glance of tomorrow

Borrowed and cherished forever in memory

A gift to call your own.

The way we shake a hand in protective unison

To love or forgive or simply to forget and suggest.

These all have their worth in places, to feel safe,

Engaged and full of hope, in blessing today,

For tomorrow is but a heartbeat away.

29 Dec 2017

I FEEL BETTER WHEN

by | posted in: HMP Leicester Poetry 2017 | 0

I feel better when I smile

a cuppa, a chat, a friendly handshake

a fist bump or a hug

an app coming back.

I feel better when I use the gym,

lifting more and more

“go on”, “you can do it”

pushes me to carry on.

I feel better when I have a visit

a panini, a slice of cake

a hundred hugs over

kisses and tears make me stronger

mums and dads, all kinds of people

laughter and the hope of a better ever after.

I feel better when I’m kind

I feel better when I help others

filling forms

going to the library

singing as I work, playing a game of scrabble.

I feel better when the door closes

I feel better when Emmerdale starts

The freedom of thought

a chance to share stories

to be a shoulder to cry on

I feel better when I am me

I feel better when I breath

to reassure that i am alive

to know this is not forever.

29 Dec 2017

STEPPING STONES

by | posted in: HMP Leicester Poetry 2017 | 0

There was a young man from Welford,

whose head was misunderstood,

he put in an app,

to speak to a chap,

to change his life if they could.

A problem shared is a problem halved,

or so the saying goes,

the service is good,

we would if we could

remove your troubles and woes.

Gone through his pain and all his admissions,

he’s no longer in those downward positions,

took him some time,

great he feels fine,

now in the state of remission.

29 Dec 2017

LIVING MENTAL HEALTH

by | posted in: HMP Leicester Poetry 2017 | 0

Day to day struggles

none can comprehend,

living mental health,

mind goes round the bend.

Talking helps they say

no it can’t be done.

I reveal my demons

I’ve lost I haven’t won.

My burden to bare

those scars from my past,

living mental health

mind will never last.

As time goes further on

I’m filling to the brim,

all the rage inside

I’m turning to the grim.

That’s it, no more

I’m finally at my breaking,

living mental health

mind is most forsaking.

I’ve finally done it

I’ve just broken through,

that hard barrier of talking

to help my mind stay true.

This feeling’s getting better

of hope, love and content,

living mental health

no more a harsh torment.

10 Feb 2017

Clearout

by | posted in: Leicestershire Partnership Trust Poetry 2016, Poems 2016 | 0

Clearout

 

too heavy to lift

too heavy to shift

silently sulky

it stares at me

that big brown cardboard bulging box

looming overlarge

lurking in the corner

shoved under the table

sucking my energy into its vortex

sides sagging

full

far too full

for far too long

always present

its shadow self

harnessed to my back

dragging me down

 

too heavy to lift

too heavy to shift

a toe-stubbing obstacle

archive of forgotten obligations

broken promises

scattered dreams

paper layers describing life’s twists and turns painfully itemising faded hopes

 

too heavy to lift

too heavy to shift

until now

because today

I cleared it

black bin bag in hand

I rooted it out from under the table

 

crushed and stuffed its history into oblivion swiftly cutting fast that box now lifted that box now shifted shoulders are looser eyes are brighter I sway and dance around my room as music flows through my life again

10 Feb 2017

Clearout

by | posted in: Leicestershire Partnership Trust Poetry 2016, Poems 2016 | 0

Clearout

 

big

bulky

cardboard box

heavy weighty

too full for too long

toe-stubbing  obstacle

archive of old promises

and forgotten obligations

my history preserved in paper

layers evidencing my life story

 

dusty disorganised but demanding

faded words blur wanting attention

sensing a shift resisting change

they argue their importance

but crushing and tearing

I have had enough

bin bag ready

I clear it

lighter

free

10 Feb 2017

Asleep in my dreams

by | posted in: Poems 2016 | 0

I feel better when , being grateful and content with what I have

Asleep in my dreams

With laughter asleep in my dreams
To see things as they are and not as I want them to be
A meeting of reason, as if to unearth , to locate, to glimpse a secret self, like the wave fawning, inferior to the sea surf current, to be
Grateful for this opportunity to heal
Although this incurable community a nuisance
The echo of amnesia a voice of a past emperor and begger combined

Looking lovingly upon the gift
Waking these things forever true.

10 Feb 2017

Colouring in

by | posted in: Poems 2016 | 0

I feel better when , just being myself and seeing the colour of life more , not just the black and white of the mundane

Colouring in

The winds of scarcity pinch colour from my already desolate world
Becoming restrained in an amemic terrene
Even the tone of these voices a shortcoming , dearth of colour
Here a heart in exile , more bitter than yours
As if to bury my hopes in a grave

A Mothers voice cloaked in empathy , reveals a loving heart
To behold beauty without colour how?
This heart seperated and in pieces though white as snow, muttering “ I will soften, I will soften , I will soften”

Colour all-important as needful as air, water and food
In my hopelessness , feeling worthy would be a revolution
These pills in their bleached innocence default of colour
Eyes like a tent to the senses , monotony arresting an intensity under wraps

My perception breaths life , a new individuality emerges, a continuation of the previous essense
An observant soul makes an appearance as tenderness and zest returns

10 Feb 2017

A Perfect Day

by | posted in: Leicestershire Partnership Trust Poetry 2016, Poems 2016 | 0

A Perfect Day

 

Morning

Back of garden sunrise.

Hay-fever pills.

Vegetables,

coffee and toast.

Get up tracksuit

bottoms and

red tee-shirt.

phone-call from Sue.

 

Afternoon

Cup of tea.

Teacake.

Butter

and jam.

Sitting in chair,

leopard skin

swim suit,

wearing cream pants

flowery top.

 

Midday

Listen to radio.

Cheese and onion cobs.

Glass of ginger beer.

On radio “What

a Wonderful World.”

 

Night

Stir fry chicken with Chinese.

Glass of white wine

watching of Match of the Day,

Leicester City.

Claudio pizza’s tomato,

ham and cheese

bed time.

10 Feb 2017

I feel better when I am…

by | posted in: Poems 2016 | 0

I feel better when I am…

With my husband and dog on the beach

The humdrum of modern life is far out of reach

The sun in the sky, the wind in my hair

I’m living my life without worry or care

The seagulls cry, the waves crash on the sand

I smile as I walk with my husband, hand in hand

Life isn’t promised, it comes with no guarantee

But my life feels complete as we look out to sea

As the twinkling stars fade, and the sun brings a new morn

A sense of well being makes me glad I was born

9 Feb 2017

Allotments

by | posted in: Leicestershire Partnership Trust Poetry 2016, Poems 2016 | 0

ALLOTMENTS

I don’t have the country

Nor cousins to visit and drink lemonade

no landscape to yearn for when stuck

in a red brick wilderness

but I have a key to another heaven

another kingdom without

government taxes and power

who’s patron saint is Percy Thrower

where I can disappear like a rabbit down a hole and

appear in

the allotment

my fields my trees my bush my jungle my shanty town

my rough paths of upturned wheelbarrows

entrenched forks abandoned spades

casual work lazy days smokey roll up afternoons

where a few chickens share the sunlight

sloping sheds that dance in all weathers

swaying plastic barrels will always have a drink

heart is where the allotment is

mine ‘s as big as a cabbage when there

the neat surrounding gardens

that border my kingdom tut tut in scorn

‘those dreadful shed people’

but these tidy neighbors

lack a certain unruly charm

a unique voice a grounded air an allotment

away from congestion and concern

ant like toil and consumer care

no dull anthem here but bird song

a joy for the eyes and a lift for the spirit

I don’t have a country but an eccentric

sanctuary an allotment

an escape hatch from the town roar

you only hear when the city score

where everything quietly grows

in rows to ripen when nobody knows

to find my country look in the town

but it’s a secret kingdom an allotment

if you go through it’s gate

shut it !

9 Feb 2017

Dragonfly

by | posted in: Poems 2016 | 0

DRAGONFLY

 

Come shaking into water, I

Swam foolishly

In small hope of

Summer’s final sunlight

To gild me,

Forests to frame me, and

The river

To wash it all away.

–       Snow on the mountains.

 

Close to the bank, there were

Branches to cling to,

In shallow lappings,

–       For fear of the depths;

Lifelines beside eternal current –

Ramparts, at river’s edge, of

Autumn’s tangled cities –

Guarding mud and lost feathers;

Crusted cowpats barbed with dead thistles;

Desiccated grasses; dust-brittle leaves.

–       Submerged, leviathan trees; rocks’ threat.

 

Bullet eyes skim the flow;

Circle brambles’ proud hoven;

Land inch-perfect.

 

This is your kingdom.

Crowned now with

Fleeing azure;

Twice-given sapphire;

–       Dead black.

 

The splendours of

Your holy wings

Honour your waterside lands –

Home of the burrowing righteous – with

A hope of beauty and life;

Light and sky

For all the tiny cousins

Of Ezra’s ant.

 

For me,

–       Suppliant, sinner, refugee

Broken

By a world

Too big and smashed and angry;

–       Exiled to flounder beside whirlpools,

For me,

Your sentinel beauty:

Salvation above thorns and eddies,

Absolution in a wing beat.

9 Feb 2017

MATCHDAY

by | posted in: Leicestershire Partnership Trust Poetry 2016, Poems 2016 | 0

MATCHDAY
MATCHDAY LOOMS

OVER THE CITY

FOOTBALL FANS TOSS AND TURN WITH INSOMNIA

ALL OVER THE LAND

THEY WAKE UP WASH AND PULL ON THEIR BELOVED SHIRTS

THEY KISSS THE BADGE WITH PRIDE

THEY LIVE FOR IT

EAT IT DRINK IT TALK IT

ANXIETY RUNS THROUGH THE SCARF

WITH A STRANGLE LIKE GRIP

NERVES JANGLING HEAD TO TOES

THE TOWN IS AWASH  WITH DRUNKEN FRENZY

AGGITATED MINDS ROLL THROUGH THE STREET

SADNESS RULES THE MIND OF THE HOOLIGANS

TABLES AND CHAIRS FLY DOWN THE ROADS

MOTHERS AND CHILDREN CRY WITH FEAR

THE BLUES AND TWOS SORT IT OUT

AND SLAM THE DOOR SHUT

THE FAITHFUL STRUT DOWN THE HUSTLE BUSTLE STREET WITH JOY

CLOSE TO THE GROUND EXCITEMENT RUNS THROUGH THE VEINS

HAPPINESS COMES FROM THE SUN

THE TURNSTYLES RATTLE RATTLE RATTLE

THE PLACE IS BUZZING

THE BEER IS FLOWING

THE SONGS HAVE STARTED

THE CHANTERS ARE CHANTING WITH PASSION

EVERYONES IN THEIR SEATS

EXCITED ANTIPITATION FILLS THE AIR

THE FANS ARE WARMING UP

SINGING SONGS TO RILE THE OPPOSITION

IT SEEMS LIKE HATRED WITH ANNGER

TWENTY MEN CHASE THE LEATHER

THE CROWD ARE GOING CRAZY

TO A FRENZY

CITY SCORE A GOAL

THE HOME CROWD GO BESERK

ECSTACY AND JOY FILLS THE STADIUM

CITY WIN THE GAME ONE GOAL TO NIL

THERES NO NEED FOR A NARCOTIC PILL

THE DRUG IS FOOTBALL AND FOOTBALL IS A DRUG

AND EMOTIONS RUN WILD

GLUG GLUG GLUG

9 Feb 2017

Bee

by | posted in: Leicestershire Partnership Trust Poetry 2016, Poems 2016 | 0

Bee
wings

like invisible

shields. Bee hive

body like a tiger – striped

fur. God of life and carnations

pollinating seeds. Tribe of warriors

killer bees, boxers of venom, sting

like a bee, float like a butterfly.

Aliens of rare species. I was stung when I was 27,

on Narbourough Road, near Enderby –

bee, bee, bee. It was painful,

swelling in my hand. I tried to kill the bee

I still like them

I bear no ill will

Sun angels in spirit

buzz around the sun

Rainbow bees of creation

9 Feb 2017

Seeing Red

by | posted in: Leicestershire Partnership Trust Poetry 2016, Poems 2016 | 0

Seeing Red

Bees see all colours except the colour red.

Does the colour red present danger to bees?

Do they feel it’s a threat to their domain?

They are active agents in the insect world,

pollinated and thriving in the thoughts of summer.

They produce the most delicate of honeys

profusely flying, a secret host, never seeing red.

9 Feb 2017

This Year

by | posted in: Leicestershire Partnership Trust Poetry 2016, Poems 2016 | 0

This Year

I’ll be waking up at the crack of dawn.

Two laps jogging round the park. It’s time to say

goodbye to that low frequency of fear of procrastination.

Tim to raise V vibration. I’ll rewire my brain.

Existing in a higher state of mind.

One that expresses love not fear, a positive outlook.

I shall spread that love like

butter on hot toast. Bringing light to the darkness

Injecting hope in the faithless. It really is

the only way to spend your life.

We are all in the pursuit of happiness.

9 Feb 2017

Starting Again

by | posted in: Leicestershire Partnership Trust Poetry 2016, Poems 2016 | 0

Starting Again 
Pluck up your courage.

Don’t be afraid of the change.

Knock on the door and if it doesn’t open

break the knocker and push it in.

In the past bereavement and self-doubt

but now I’m heading for the high

and new achievements like a pioneer.

The warmth of my breath will melt the mountain

and the tremor of my feet will open the path.

All those people who tell you

can’t take their words and knit a scarf.

Don’t let them win.

9 Feb 2017

Bed

by | posted in: Leicestershire Partnership Trust Poetry 2016, Poems 2016 | 0

Bed.
Dark, peaceful at the top of the house

it lies there, its soft bulk, mother lap.

The comfort of birds resting in nests,

sucks in all tiredness, takes off weight

I float like a feather,

enter the world of seraphim.

The thick plank

decorated with colorful quilts

making me drowsy,

once I tuck in.

9 Feb 2017

Thursday

by | posted in: Leicestershire Partnership Trust Poetry 2016, Poems 2016 | 0

Thursday

Thursday,

the day of days for me,

the day that sets me free,

the day I’d like to be, like the alignment of the stars,

find me in pubs and bars,

doing back flips on top of cars

that’s how much I cherish it. The Sunday beret doesn’t fit.

I like Saturdays a little bit,

when Thursday is over

I’ve found my four leaf clover,

peace to Satan, praise for Yehovah

but when Thursday comes back

I’m on my grind,

there’s no other day

that fun could find,

at the peak of my week

I make my speech,

suck on Thursdays

like a leach,

measuring the time it takes

to get back to Thursday,

it goes by so quick

I measure again.

I love Thursdays

and I cannot pretend,

thinking of Thursday

till Wednesday ends.

Friday is my foe.

Thursday is my friend.

All other days

send me round the bend.

Thursday, I love you,

you’re one in a seven,

fifty-two in a three-six-five.

You’re the one

who makes feel alive.

9 Feb 2017

Pie

by | posted in: Leicestershire Partnership Trust Poetry 2016, Poems 2016 | 0

Pie

Golden firmness,

crinkling as my fork smashes through,

delving into silky smoothness,

before finding a home in a bedrock of steak and kidney.

Sending up a torrent of steaming gravy as it withdraws,

towards my watering mouth.

9 Feb 2017

Post Card from Canada

by | posted in: Leicestershire Partnership Trust Poetry 2016, Poems 2016 | 0

Post Card from Canada

(Picture of Vancouver Cruise Ship Center with a background of mountains. Cruise ship to Alaska)

 

Dear Brandon,

Having a wonderful time. Visited Gas St working street clock. Having Maple syrup and pancakes with ice cream. Been on a ferry trip to Vancouver Island, seeing seals flying along the water old Mustang on boat. Victoria on Vancouver Island seeing old red bus. Been to British Colombia Museum History of People Working Model Railway. Having English afternoon tea in Empress hotel, with water flying aircraft taking off in harbour.

From Mandy Year of 2018.

9 Feb 2017

First time I went to Canada

by | posted in: Leicestershire Partnership Trust Poetry 2016, Poems 2016 | 0

First time I went to Canada, 1981. First city I visited, Toronto by Coach from New York. Fell in love. Saw travel holiday television show about Canada, wanted to find out more. Got DVDs and tapes, also books, read newspapers. I will be 70 in 2018, it will be a special trip. Good time of year in June with long days of light, getting flight and travel details. Few years ago, went on train from Prince George to Prince Rupert, British Colombia. Saw vast area forest and countryside with very small town and villages, saw from top of dome car with cup of coffee. When go in 2018, travel from Toronto to Vancouver from plains and rockies. Visiting Jasper and Baniff Lake Louise, also getting ferries from Vancouver to Victoria. There are wonderful gardens and wildlife, nice to dream about it. You can have a wonderful rail trip in Scotland, cost much less money. Hope my health is keeping good to go to Canada. Do not forget your updated passport.

9 Feb 2017

Lemon Flower

by | posted in: Leicestershire Partnership Trust Poetry 2016, Poems 2016 | 0

Yellow Flower 
I want to graduate to a peaceful mind

Like running a marathon, to master my mind.
Before I start running,

Like a baby in the world

I train, and travel, to Canada, in my mind.
I want to graduate to a peaceful mind

Out of hospital, with clarity,

To live a guilt free life.
I want to graduate to a peaceful mind.

Published a book, and bought a house,

Met a master of the Tabla

Out of hospital, that’s already done!
I want to graduate to a peaceful mind,

To finish my Masters in peace

Cuz Masters finish, no matter what.
They run the marathon

Finishing the race,

to master their mind Cuz Masters finish,

no matter what,

No matter what,

I want to graduate to a peaceful mind

Like a yellow flower,

On a summer day.

9 Feb 2017

Life Train

by | posted in: Leicestershire Partnership Trust Poetry 2016, Poems 2016 | 0

Life Train

If you have become mentally ill, then yes you are unlucky. I and many more who know you will be feeling very sad too. We will be there for you, and rooting for you. Also, if you have found yourself to be delivered to a psychiatric ward then that is very sad too. Trust me people you know will be thinking of you and will come and visit you as regularly as they can. As angry as you are feeling, you are there because your family and doctor

and maybe the police want you to get back on track.

I would like to tell you about that track.

You are on a train, you are on a very long journey, this journey is your life. You have reached the first station. You are feeling very tired and not very well. Some people on the platform have noticed you through your window, they realise you need some help. So the station happens to be the psychiatric ward you are dwelling in. Whilst you are there you will meet the stationmaster (your psychiatrist). When you meet that person, you may well say – “Excuse me why have you taken me from that train? I am in a serious rush and I must get to my final destination now.”

The station master will hopefully say – “Hello passenger, some of my friends saw you on that train. These people are my messengers and they called me and told me what they had seen. Because I care and have cared for many passengers on many life trains of life. Because I care and have cared and have cared for many passengers and put many passengers on the next available life train, I would like you to put your trust in me, I will do my best to refresh you, fill you back up. I hope to fill you with a new zest for your journey, and when you are full and your zest is there and I am totally sure you are ready to get back on the next available train, I will smile at you, you’ll hopefully smile back at me with that new found zest in your eyes, I will give you my firmest handshake. Then I will give you your ticket back. Then my messengers will take you back to the platform, and wait with you for your train. Hopefully it will arrive on time, when it does you may feel a little nervous and unsure, so please try to remember the things I have said to you whilst you were in my waiting room, and step on that train with assurance, confidence, knowledge, positivity, peace and love.

This luggage will help you on your new life train. That train will reach many stops along its tracks. There will be a station at every stop. If you ever need a bit of refreshment or a rest at any stop, don’t be afraid to step off your train, and take a walk with the messengers to talk with the master.

If this ever happens there will always be another train, so once all our work is done you will be back on track. And I know you are in a rush, but remember a rushed job never gets done right.”

My name is James. The reason I know is that I am on the train in front of you, and I have become tired many times. Every time this has happened I have stepped off the train and gone for a talk with the master.

When I have been ready I always get my ticket back, and jumped on to the next train.

Our journey is long, as long as we look out of our windows we see many things and learn many things also. And as long as we keep ourselves safe and visit the master at any station, our journey will continue through life, trust me even people who aren’t mentally ill will need a break along their way, and I just hope they will never have to meet our station masters.

Get well soon and enjoy your ride!

4 Feb 2017

Mummy glue

by | posted in: Poems 2016 | 0

Mummy glue

I open

The door

She is awake

Mood is not good

Still she gets up

She makes me breakfast

She messes my hair up

Tries to smile

Gets me ready for school

Checks the book bag

Places the dinner money in an envelope

Wraps herself in a long coat

Walks me to school

Smiles again

Kisses me

I still say

She is mummy glue

She is keeping it together

She is holding it together

She is the glue

That keeps me together

4 Feb 2017

She

by | posted in: Poems 2016 | 0

She

She talks to me

She reads to me

She listens to me

She cooks for me

She fixes the house

She will not let the illness control her

She potters around the house

Until she is ready

To sit in silence

When she thinks she is ready

Ready for her bed