Cat and Mouse

Why do we shun emotion?

Tears and pain

On a train our instinct is to surreptitiously pull our hoody up

And halt the flow

Dart out at the next stop

Cover our face

And make for shelter as if caught in a torrential rain storm

Bad character

Like we haven’t showered for 4 days

Lack of ambition and progress

But no.

Dance in the rain

Sing its tune with pride

Onlookers will stand and applaud

Now adoring fans

Cheering, standing and clapping,

Sparking champagne

You smile, bow and wave

Tears still streaming

Red faced

We all want to be seen

And tears hold up a mirror for us to see ourselves

Tears are the clearest sign of being alive;

That you feel and love and understand

That you’re swimming in self-awareness

Let’s sing our own tears

Why not?

Swirl them around your mouth like a velvety hot chocolate

Don’t play cat and mouse

Seize them

Chew down on their flavour

Because emotions are warm

And you can walk through the desert

But find an oasis deep in the soul

It’s 5.35am

My Dad used to get up for work at this time

I’m making tea and toast

Mema (my cat) is chasing a mouse

I know she’ll catch it soon