from my book "This And That And Everything In Between"
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G4W63SV

in the dark is where
I am most comfortable.
it is where
I am my happiest.
it is where
I sit back,
relax
and unwind
after a hell of a day.

in the dark is where
I reflect.
it is where
I sort my emotions.
it is where
thoughts run through my head
like old film
running through
a projector.

in the dark is where
I am in my greatest mood.
it is where
I do my best work.
it is where
I drink wine,
smoke cigars,
write poems
and short stories.

in the dark
there can be
beautiful things.
in the dark
there can be
ugly things.

in the dark
there can be
a lot of good,
but there can also
be a lot of evil
and harm.

in the dark
one can be
left waiting,
wondering
and worrying.
yet in the dark
one can also
find peace,
purity
and wonderful
solitude.

I am
never afraid
in the dark,
nor am I
ever alone
in the dark.
I have
my mind,
my pen
and my paper.

in the dark
there is never
any light.
as there
never was,
never will be,
never
can be
and never
should
be.

All shrubbery around is shaken by the wind
As smoking grey clouds threaten rain.
But I sit snugly in my lounge
Idly contemplating a chicken-breast tea.

The long heatwave is over
For now.
Atlantic air has swept the mugginess
Aside.
Thermometers have settled down
While cooler moisture sooths our very souls.

This lounge of mine presents a landscape too:
Of settee, armchairs and table
Along with dining chairs and TV:
Mountains over carpet savannas.

But the kitchen calls me from next door
So no matter how lazy I feel
I really have to eat now.
This interlude must end
So very soon.

Paul Butters

© PB 29/7/2018.

She’s soft and scented in *****
Aromas of fine wine, upon her skin cruise
She holds her glass steady, then takes a sip
Eyes cast out to sea, under the waves her thoughts slip
As if everything around her, was but a blip
Some passerby wants to ask what’s she thinking
But seeing her so relaxed, instead asked what’s she drinking

Mist drifts amidst tall trees -
Above cool, clear blue pools
And grass splattered with dew.

We too should stay so cool:
Composed and rational even in a duel.
Forget adrenaline
And lose that Cortisol.
Ever see a dog or cat work out
Or do press-ups?
Watch those animals relax
And sleep:
Only springing up when something happens.

Avoid those fiery rages
As much as you can.
Steer clear of hell
With all its fury and flames
And violent eruptions.

Give me a golden pint
Of ice-cold brew.
Any beer will do.
Even without such help
Let us calm our hearts,
Lay back and relax
Even fall asleep for a while.
For we have earned
Our quiet hours
Amongst those misty trees.

Paul Butters

© PB 26\6\2018.