Poetry Thursday 54 - Not my people

 Moving away from the tight structure of villanelle this week allows a degree of flexibility of expression. Also you get two for the price of one!

Not my people

 

Shipyard fortnight they called it then,

businesses in town closed for 14 days,

seemed like all the people packed their bags,

and left the town for summer holidays.

 

First there was the preparation,

 finding some place to go and stay,

 then buying khaki shorts, snake belt, t-shirts, new pants, socks, and sandals,

 and mam and dad got summer claes.

 

Setting off few had their own cars,

so off to the station on the day,

lugging stuffed suitcases without wheels,

an early start to be on the way.

 

All so that we could go to the beach,

where I got lost and started to whine,

surrounded by hundreds enjoying the sun,

but the people I could see were not mine.

 

All was well in the end, mam came,

ice cream mended the fractured day,

time passed quickly and soon it was time,

to set off on our homeward way.

 

An annual event designed to refresh,

relieved to be on the homeward track,

a shade darker, winter claes a touch tighter,

but overall we’re glad to be back.

©David L Atkinson August 2024 

The Floor

 

It dropped on the floor and then rolled away,

I watched in puzzled indecisiveness,

wondered if I’d need it again today,

procrastinated with creativeness,

considered the available options,

and dropped to the floor with assertiveness.

 

Remember consequences of actions,

too late for ‘what am I doing down here?’

what are the back to vertical options,

up on my knees position to clear,

looking for handholds within easy reach,

three deep breaths, hold tight, haul without fear.

 

Range of lessons available to teach,

easier to stay vertical philosophy,

avoid damage to joints, don’t overreach,

leave fallen objects to lie quietly,

until enough accumulate below,

to warrant the peril of injury.  

©David L Atkinson July 2024 

God Bless