Midnight

Couldn't sleep, took an evening walk
To set my thoughts aright
My mind full of the Doomsday Clock
Two minutes to midnight.

But then I thought I was dreaming
I couldn't believe my sight
Standing on the pavement there
Shown up in the pale moonlight.

Was it an elf? Was it a pixie?
Or yes, perhaps, a sprite?
A shadow crept across my brain
Two minutes to midnight.

At sight of me, the creature jumped
Intent on taking flight
Was it they, or was it me
Who'd had the greatest fright?

I started an apology
Trying to sound contrite
Did I hear the sound of bells?
Two minutes to midnight.

But it was her voice so hushed
Accusing from her height
Whispered words that struck the heart
Making my throat tight.

"You're killing us and Mother Earth
Can you not see her plight?"
Swallowing nervously I thought
Two minutes to midnight.

What could I say to this poor creature?
So willowy and slight
The words that tried to form themselves
Shallow; Weak; Trite.

"You all shall die!" She exclaimed
Her eyes were burning bright
Drawing her finger across her throat
Two minutes to midnight.

Ability

Hard work or affinity?

Elbow grease or facility?

Daily grind or proclivity?

Dedication or ability?

Protect

My instinct
To protect
When you're sick
Keep you home
Let you rest
But policy's messed
School won't trust
A parent to know
Send them anyway
And I can't say
A word against
Don't have a voice
To break their hold
But won't be told
My instinct to protect
Is wrong.

I Am Nearby

You're getting scared
I can see why
At the top of the slide
It's very high
But you won't fall
I am nearby

You've had nightmares
It's made you cry
It frightened you
I'll wipe your eyes dry
But there's no monster
I am nearby

If you're anxious
Then speak and let fly
If you need the truth
Then I'll never lie
And if you need a cuddle
I am nearby

Emotion

Emotions are my enemy
I freeze as frustration appears
They really take it out of me
When something triggers fears
My brain becomes a turmoil
With anger I overheat
Can't think straight; situations spoil
As guilt makes me retreat

Emotions are my best friend
Love helps me empathise
If needed then a hand I'll lend
As kindness to them gives rise
I'll laugh and smile with happiness
In tune with others joy
Take pleasure from my kids silliness
When I surprise them with a toy

Energy

Just the thought
The anticipation
The worry and the hesitation
The whirling tummy
And mild sweating
Can't sit still
From all this fretting
Energy sapped
By my brain fizzing
On overdrive
Neurons whizzing
Just a few words to say
I know
But still
I don't want to go.

Bike

The bike wheel of life.
Skids on the Autumn leaf fall.
Unwary rider.