You have 8 out of 10 qualities, she says
What are the other two? I ask
Well, time management is not your strength
This after a year, two months and a morning
on trial, in court, looking for a crack
through which we might flood the system
with light and truth and joy and change
Raising up marine animals to draw hearts in,
dispensing dark chocolate and tea to
keep feet grounded and moving forward
Laughter at the bullies without imagination
Sympathy for the hungry ghosts wringing
the planet dry as they twist in agony
of not belonging, of not connecting.
This day cracked into the hot and ready pan
bubbling and crisp around the edges
what more do we have than the moment?
A knack with words, a graceful gesture
a vision of the light glittering ocean
as we plunge downward like Icarus
tired, unheard and insignificant
to the ploughman and our children
Only our friendship endures
a small battered boat without oars
on an indifferent and oil slicked sea.
Pia Massie
2019
Comments