poetry

Looking

There was no warnin' sign
There were no flashin' lights
I just knew
When I saw you
Amy MacDonald, Forward, 2025 BMG Records

I wish it were that easy, to just look at someone and be
Yes! You! 

It would save me a lot of trouble, that. 
I mostly go around thinking
Well, if I absolutely have to. 

Which might be the equivalent 
of opening the fridge door 
every five minutes 
when you want a snack 
and expecting the fridge content 
to have changed 
since the last time you looked. 

I have passed a shop window 
and seen shoes and went 
Yes! You! 

But every time I go in to try them on, 
they don’t fit properly. 
Maybe that works for people too 
and I am better off not going 
Yes! You! 

Then again people aren’t things 
so maybe you’re a little fucked in the head for going 
Yes! You! 

Many people have told me
 that I will find the right someone one day, 
the oh well will turn into yes, absolutely that one. 
Most of those people have not tried dating lately. 

There are moments, 
that almost feel like maybe,
but they are slippery 
like all the fish, 
that I am told
are still swimming in the sea. 

This Much I Know

My Loves, 
Letting go is easier than holding a grudge, 
crying is good for you,
cheese makes everything better,
eat cake when you want to. 
Reach out to your friends often
and your family too, they will remember if you did. 
Buy whatever fruits and vegetables are in season
to make soup and jam to keep for later. 
Be kind to people and be firm when they are not,
find out what you want from life and work for it. 
Do something just for yourself every day,
dance when no one is looking and always,
always tell the one you love that you do. 
Even if it scares you,
Especially if it scares you. 
Buy shoes that fit you right and invest
in a good winter coat,
wear natural fibres so you don’t smell. 
Ask people for a hug if you need it,
offer one just because and most importantly
be gentle with yourself, you need that. 
Make spontaneous plans and ones long in advance,
never diminish yourself for others,
and when I die, plant a plum tree on my grave.