waiting outside the doctor’s

i heard the clicking
of shoes
and looked up

it was a round man
wearing thongs
on his way
to get the paper
or milk
or bread

this was a disappointment
because i wished it was you

delve

if you want someone
to notice something
then cover it up
not all just part

the eyes will find
the edges the outlines
the silhouette the shape
the mind does the rest

when things are partly hidden
curiosity pushes the hand
to reveal what the
imagination cannot

between you and me

love one thing
don’t play hopscotch
with your heart

don’t say yes
when you mean no
let your actions show

when you make an offer
it’s there to be had
and if it’s taken
glad

you’re helping someone else
and if you want to be right
let contemplation be a light

to allow you to see
the difference between
you and me

my emergency contact

on a form
for a fun run
i wrote down
the usual

name address
date of birth
i rushed through it
male open category
twenty-seven dollars

then i stopped

after being alive
for thirty-two years
after going out with you
for one-and-a-half and
after a few seconds’ pause
for the first time
but not for the last
i wrote down your name
as my emergency contact

how was your trip?

when a journey ends
and good friends
ask
how was it?
was it good?

and you feel you should
gush and glow
and show
what you’ve learnt
what you’ve seen
how you went
where you’ve been

but nothing comes
you are empty
of answers
inside there’s a peaceful space
where all the stories
have passed through
and left no trace

but that cannot be!
no evidence?
nothing to show?
just tell us what you know

i am light
and strong
and when i lie down
i feel alright
but something is wrong

is it something
or just everything?

i’m not sure
but before much longer
the answer will come
from the stillness
from the earth

it will be
where i’ve come from
it will be where i’m going
and in between
will be the knowing

weight of love

my legs are strong
i can carry
a heavy pack
for many miles

i can run
at full pace
through the
soft sand

i can stomp
on the pedals
and feel the bike
lurch forwards

i can lead
a whole class
and navigate
the path of learning

but a phone call
at 3 am
from a girl
who adores me
makes my legs quiver
under the weight of love

mid-air refuel

i am too far
from home

but i must keep
moving

people are
relying on me

people are
trying to stop me

i am tired
i am scared

but i am
a spirit

and if i know
that you care

i can refuel
in mid-air