Poetic Letter #3

22-10-14
For the runner of the forest...

Words meant just for me warm the hearth faster than most,
As they curl like wisps around my ankles
Cementing me to a reality they make.

You mentioned ‘Mr Inspiration’,
And I find it odd that your muse be male whilst you are not;
Muses are so often associated with the female –
I myself once equated mine to Mary Poppins –
That hearing yours called ‘Mr’ just adds to the mystery that is you.

It is a pity that pictures take 1000 times more practice than words.
Words seem to fall into place for me,
Whereas pictures, seen perfectly in my head, do not come out as planned.
I see the need for practice of that sacred art,
But do not forget that sometimes words need as much practice if not more.
To get the right degree of metaphor-simile-vocabulary ratio
It is vital to practice when you can.
I prefer challenges or contests as they stretch the imagination to the limits
Whilst offering a reward for excellent work not found in normal circumstances.

Thank you for your kind words regarding what spark I have left in me,
They mean a lot coming from a ‘stranger’s perspective’.
I have heard that the stranger’s eye can see more than the closest heart,
Or maybe I just made that up to sound fancy.

A school that seeks to instil reading is a good school,
And age matters not to a book.
I would read during school breaks and during class when work was finished,
Much to the chagrin of certain teachers who thought the time would be better spent making friends.
Don’t be too much like me,
Absorbed in books with no time for friends of the real kind,
You will regret it when you are older
And there is nobody to invite for coffee or movies.
Find the happy medium,
Even if it is murder mystery after midnight and friends before.

Illness new friend? I am sorry to hear that and I wish you well.
I myself am suffering from bad toothache at the moment,
While bipolar and depression are controlled by medication taken nightly –
Something that helps me sleep or else sleep wouldn’t find me.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are also medically managed,
So I know what it is like to be ill,
Though thankfully nothing too serious these days.

Sweet sustenance is not good for my sugar,
Nor my teeth,
But I love it anyway.
It’s been too long since yoghurt graced our fridge;
You have reminded me to get more this payday.
I bought tea today –
Vanilla and chai spice –
A very soothing and delicious combination;
You might find that I am a great fan of tea
And have several flavours tucked away in my cupboard for enjoyment.
Is this an enjoyment you share or is it my own?

Music soothes but I need silence to sleep.
I wish I was like others who can listen and sleep at the same time,
But I concentrate on the music and become all the more awake
Which defeats the purpose.

I ask you, too, to forgive the length of this,
But it is so easy to write to you and my thoughts seem to flow endlessly in return to yours.
I have discovered that I enjoy writing letters very much
And am glad I found this group.

I am broken but I am healed in a way.
I have the greatest friends who helped me through,
And even though it prompted a long stay in the psychiatric facilities my country has to offer
It is mostly over now.
I just remember come that time,
And come Christmas when families are supposed to be together.

I hope I have given you something to reply to, Forest-Runner,
Caterfly.