I’m dreaming of a place I knew
with red arbutus bark cracked and peeling
writing ancient messages with modern pens
imagining the pens were feathers
dipped in ink

I’m remembering a forest I loved
filled with faeries and elves
English-speaking animals who were my friends
trees that spoke softly in my head
in perfect sync

I loved those days
Playing in the waves for hours
Dancing round the living room to the Nutcracker
Dreaming up games with magical powers
I loved those days

I’m thinking of a time I knew
when fear had a shape I could name
the sound of the waves so loud on the beach
it must be dinosaurs on their way
so run and hide

I’m reflecting on a song I loved
that could vanquish almost any fright
warm hands that tucked me safely out of reach
of all glowing eyed monsters and the tricks
they always tried

I loved those days
Imagination gave vivid life to fears
Sometimes they ran wild but they could be healed
With touch and a sweet wash of tears
I loved those days

I’m longing for a time I knew
when life was more simple and free
the days smiled easily both wild and kind
no need to rush off, time was
gentle and slow

I’m wishing for a time I loved
awakening untamed each morning
with no unnamed beast inside my mind
spurring me onward, though where
I never quite know

I loved those days
Joy bloomed unchoked by invasive species
It blossomed at everything and nothing
My self felt whole and not in pieces
I loved those days

Yes I loved those days
when no formless shadows
at the edge of my thoughts
gathered like rainclouds

Better do something

Yes I loved those days
when no tugboat engine
whirring loud and hot
filled me with pressure

Better do something

Do something
get something done
but nothing is ever enough

Be someone
a race to be run
but time is never enough

I’m dreaming of a place I knew
where climbing a tree cracked and peeling
was a matter of deep satisfaction
the thrill of climbing higher over bark
so smooth and rough

I’m remembering a forest I knew
where I danced like the sun through the leaves
to love life was a natural reaction
alone with the beautiful earth, just being me
was enough

I loved those days
The limitlessness of the mind
The heart and body’s love of play
We are earthlings free and wild
We knew this magic as a child
And I will search until I find
The heart-deep urge to say
I love these days
I love these days