Find a brush or duster
to sweep it all away.
It never happened,
the scared accused
quickly leap to say.
Their defence is ignorance.
Ignorance remains bliss.
It’s a weak excuse.
What’s needed instead
is a breath of fresh air.

Fling back the curtains.
Open the windows.
Stand with chest laid bare.
The truth can be awkward.
Don’t dress it up with feeble lies.
Spill the beans
before inspiration
slowly wilts and dies.

When they carry the coffin out,
all is still and quiet.
The silence is mildly suffocating.
Better to embrace the freedom
of trying to start again.
The day draws to a close.
Nothing much has changed.
Nothing new has come.

In the morning go to work
and all is comparatively calm.
Sit at the same desk.
Turn on the computer.
Pick up a phone.
If you have an idea,
quietly write it down.
May joy and happiness go with you.
May you never be alone.

ANDY BOTTERILL