Laps 03/10/26

Starter

I struggle with beginnings,

I prevaricate over first steps

and slip on bottom rungs.

Imagined or not, pitfalls are avoided,

detours are taken

and diversions enacted.

They tell me the start is the best part,

boots on the trail and eyes on new skies,

I wouldn’t know, all I see is the path,

and the shelving away of the drop below.

Own

A painting lived here before me,

claiming dust's protection

and a patina of distinction.

It had the bedroom next to mine,

the wall without the sun,

where it seldom looked at me.

In I came with clamourous ways,

filling halls with chatter,

and rooms stuffed full of tat.

It sat and judged intrusion,

yet never will I move it.

For the painted lived here first,

and my love remains a lodger.