Brian is a retired engineer now living permanently in the Dominican Republic. He has two daughters and four grandchildren. He has written many short-stories over the years and is currently preparing two novels. His one published book was a technical book published many years ago (1978). He has started writing poetry only in the last 6 months under the guidance of Wendy Pratt.
Shoes? No thanks!
I have two pairs of shoes
One for weddings, one for walking the dog
Otherwise I prefer bare feet
Well, I do have another pair
For visiting family or friends.
The freedom of bare feet, in rain
Isn’t difficult to explain
All my life I wore black brogues
Every day, all day, always the same
Suffered the pain.
Always bought Bally brand
Until I up-wised
Clarks were more comfortable
Upset my wife, comfort over fashion
She could not understand.
Now my feet are relaxed, no hard skin or blisters
I can even watch my toenails grow
Too quickly sometimes it seems
Lady comes to spruce them up
Though no black polish, like my sisters’.
When I was young I didn’t wear shoes
Just black wellington boots
Except when mum would take me out
After a game of push and shout
Forced to wearing brown shoes.
No carpets out here, but there is a lovely white beach
Lying on the floor for me, is very hard yet,
I tried the glazed tiles but the smell of the bleach
Was different to a soft underlaid carpet.
Still, In for a penny etc, I didn’t get so old
Without Wanting to try all these fun things
So I had to prepare myself to be bold
Just like hurting myself on the swings.
So i got down, first on my knees
The dog thought this was a good game
Oh joy, I can even check him for fleas
Later I tried to get up but was lame.
The floor that I chose, the bedroom was safer for sure
Copy of “Keeping On, Keeping On” in my hand
Once I could read or sleep all day on the floor
Joints getting stiff, I think I now prefer the sand.
Looked under the bed, checking on the maid
Wow, she cleaned it I hadn’t been sure
Can only see a slight glow far too much shade
Bed is too big and low to the floor.
So, still lying here, I think Mr Bennet needs a better cleaner
No crackers in here, no fluff under the chair
It would help getting up if I were leaner
I tried but I failed, is that coffee I smell in the air?
Orange
Robes, all clothes
Should only be one colour
For me
It gives me comfort and
Relates my heart
Down to the world
Walls, doors, can be green
But then much better
Orange.
Floors and ceilings as you please
My floor is earth, my ceiling sky
But the clouds give colour
Flowers give colour, life and food
As a youth all was green
Maturity brought me purple
I still like both
But peace and love are
Orange.
Wendy's April Write-a-thon 