So much of what I can’t control
is what is what makes me anguish or
what makes me whole
what steals away serenity
what ties me down what makes me free
what makes me feel I cannot cope
what feeds my fear what gives me hope
what makes some memories live on
what makes me angry what makes me strong
what makes me lie awake at night
what makes me wrong what makes me right
what makes me know I can believe
what makes me stay what makes me leave
what gives me reason to be proud
what makes me go quiet what makes me get loud
I can’t control each tiny part
of life’s enormous work of art.
Far better then learn to adapt.
You can control how you react.
Muscat sec and a heart to heart
The hazy days of chardonnay lunches
Bright sunlight filtered by branches
Or hidden by sheltering parasol parts
Kids doing kids stuff
Comes back to me in flashes
Snap shots
Clinking cutlery hot to the touch
Cutting their food up
So much to say between courses
Between getting them to eat greens
Red noses, forgotten the sun cream
We share out the ice cubes
Maybe finish their food
Waiting for the waiter
Maybe some flirtation
Or a little impatience
Laughter
Ice cream for afters
Pack up backpacks
And onto the scorching path
Then backtrack
Forgot the sunglasses.
Now a late sweaty rush
Back to the classroom hush
With sticky fingered goodbyes
And see you later cries.
