THE BUDDHIST CARER

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....

What did I expect? A sticking plaster at least More than platitudes Yearning to control Impossible to predict So onwards I trudge.

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.

The midnight sky Expansive and spacious Compelled to step outside To take it in. ——- The setting sun Autumnal tones And lingering warmth...

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...

A tree that I love Is on common ground, nearby. In springtime it’s laden With heavy leaves Lush, green, succulent. Drawing energy up...

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...

Der letzte Montag Im August ist Feiertag Was gibt’s zum feiern? Als „unpaid carer“ Jeder Tag gleicht dem anderen Kein Feierabend.

He’s reminiscing On the phone, with his dear friend Laughing and joking. Strong voice, erudite Parkinson’s briefly on hold Completely...

Hyper vigilance Carer’s default position Draining, exhausting.