That bumper sticker
is only two lines away
from found poetry

Rosa Isabelle is a splendid sixpence,
Shining silver, bright and smooth,
Rosa reflects love, joy and the pride
Felt by family between budding and bloom

Parenting is a statement
of belief
in our future
in our potential
in our intent
to grow
and to change.

Parenting is a statement
of faith.

You glance up once again
from the rediscovered photo,
sellotape stained and saved
for this future finding.

You hold me yet again in
the honesty of your peaceful smile,
in that shared perfect moment
catching us all unaware.

But that was just before our fall
into confusion, into the fog
that suddenly enveloped you
and robbed us all completely.

But now you return to mind
and I can return your smile
once again.

‘Once upon a time’ -
that’s not the first line
not the start of this plot
it’s not where we start

no smart talking mirror
no scheming stepmother
no frog in a pond
no magical wand.

‘In the beginning’
and then ‘In the beginning’.
That’s the story we’ve got -
us and our God.

When fighting your monsters
- watch yourself
less you become monstrous.

When fighting your monsters
- watch yourself
and arm yourself with virtue.

When fighting your monsters
- watch yourself
and shield your deep innocence.

When fighting your monsters
(and you must fight your monsters
no matter the depth of the abyss)
- watch yourself
and let your true self stand.

Little lies.
Purposeless perhaps.
Arguably with little effect,
but nevertheless, flowing
off the tongue and keypad
with little thought.
Born of habit.
Born of a child's need
to be on the front foot.

Little lies,
building up into a facade
behind which I hide
my ineptitude.