The Opposite of the Blues
Perhaps magnetic north has shifted
or el nino
is benevolent now.
It may be a solar flare
firing rogue positively
charged neutrinos
but optimism,
the natural prey of the English
keeps finding toeholds.
The evidence is stacking up;
the car starts first time
and on some mornings, so do I.
I was called Sir without
sarcasm or malice,
won a raffle, the ticket bought with guilt.
I don’t know what it all means but
know enough not to question, but savour
when winds of fortune change.
I’m trying not to panic,
to give any hint this is anything
less than normal
the good table by the window
an upgrade accepted with practised courtesy
dessert on the house.
Those close start to notice
but don’t say it straight out.
Hugs are tighter
and come with sound effects.
Your picture is central
on the mantelpiece,
you are this week’s
favourite uncle,
Dad thinks about the word “proud”.
Your best friend’s wife’s kiss
after years of landing on the cheek
meets you on the lips, and lingers.
Mark Niel writes for the page and performance and is Poet Laureate for his home town, Milton Keynes. Full-time since 2012, Mark conducts workshops and poetry slams in schools and other organisations. Mark is a multiple slam champion and earlier this years made the showcase final of the New Act of the Year competition. His first collection Somewhere South of Normal was launched in March. Website: www.akickinthearts.co.uk Blog: http://www.pawhouseboy.blogspot.co.uk Twitter: @MKPoetLaureate