THE BUDDHIST CARER

Twenty twenty five Wonder what you have in store? Nasty surprises Or peaceful moments Full of gratitude and joy Let’s just wait and see.

Well, I’ve had enough More than my fair share, I’d say I’d like to get off. This ol’ caring lark Never was a novelty. I’ve had my fill!

People never ask How are you doing Suzanne? Well, hardly ever.

Christmas lights in town An upside down reflection Different perspective Puddle on the road Splashes of bright, coloured lights It’s nice...

I have so much time Endless, never-ending time All of a sudden No caring to do Responsibilities gone Temporarily But I’ve forgotten How...

It creeps up on you Then hits like a sledge hammer When someone is kind Or when I stop, pause, Take in the enormity Of my reality. At...

A harmless question: Tell me, is father here? Just a gentle no. He’s been gone years now But puts in an appearance Every now and then....

Feeling pretty rough Cough, splutter, wheeze, sniff and sneeze Just no energy. No point battling through Give in, surrender to it Rest...

When’s a leaf a leaf? Soft spiky or succulent Green red brown, yellow. Simple blades or plump With veins and variegations. Crisp,...

Hustle and bustle Charity coffee morning Crowded, yet alone. Averted gazes Am I being paranoid? At least the cake’s good.

Sudoku master King of the cryptic crossword No longer the case. Even word searches So mind numbingly inane Are a struggle now.

Superior, me? Intellectual snobbery Didn’t realise. Judging, comparing Pedagogic snobbery So unattractive. What does that say, then About...

When I take time out Away from the busy-ness I feel more spacious Energy restored Productivity rises I get into flow Making space to be...

Retreat conditions? I’ll make do with what I’ve got. The caring goes on A shift in mindset A setting of intentions Lighting of incense...

He is my husband. We’re officially married. Doesn’t feel that way. Haven’t worn rings They’re lost or no longer fit Says it all really.

I am so rubbish At making mashed potato Lumps, lumps - lazy cook!

How’s John? they ask Not really wanting to know. Do I tell the truth? Still, better to ask Despite not wanting to hear The hard-to-hear...

Thistle-y in Mistley Men by trees in Manningtree Towers towering. Mud flats, stranded boats Feeding time for geese and swans A simple day...

Can a language learned Be completely forgotten If it’s in your heart? Decades and decades Of superficial usage Yet there it still is....

Three weeks of illness Then two weeks of annual leave Work, a distant thought Some trepidation Thoughts of catching up, deadlines No real...