How can I ever relate when I'm secure, fed and free to the threatened, hungry and desperate folk who live across some sea? I have never suffered pogroms or seen bayonets in play or had to decide which of my children got a little food today. And what of state rape of women or Rwandan hands cut free how does all of this affect an Englishman like me? Well, I am not innocent or untainted for the guilt is just the same if I prosper in my comfort when my country invented the game.
Tag: Comfort
Safe Passage to Tollesbury
I had to move her now Because the winter was here Sailing her was usually fun When the sun was there to cheer. Blowing wind and heavy rain The boat is severely tossed around Hold on, grit my teeth, look out! We must not go aground. There are no lighted buoys No shapes upon the shore No moon or stars to help us and daylight is no more. I've been so foolish, will we make it? I feel that I have sinned Then a calmness overtakes me as I smell wood smoke on the wind. Can you smell it? I asked my friend Just a trace on the air Someone is burning wood on the shoreline over there. I know where to head if the shore is on the right Keep straight ahead and find the flashing beacon light. There it is! Just a little more Then hang a left into the creek Shine the torch - look there's the quay - And the wind has ceased to shriek. The bonfire burner on the shore Will never ever know The comfort he rendered two frightened men Who were lost in a winter blow.
Reflections
Look back, look back old man to your life climbing the hill over the rock strewn paths you trod to the well where you drank your fill. There was a cost in this journey your ambition often caused offence to your family and friends who showed you tolerance. Your frenzy was a natural thing you had to rush onwards and up give poverty no quarter and try to fill your personal cup. The great relief in getting old is you reflect and can repent you now see all the trees in the forest and regret the pointless energy spent. So - what to do now you care Beg forgiveness, or do you cry Can you smile at the unfortunate? Give them comfort, help them fly? Can you now stop and give some gold to the poor whose hands are out? Can you bend and show some kindness and ease your own self-doubt? Seek peace of mind and solace Relax, get old, don't moan Pick a route that gets you through and know you are not alone.
As I See Things 