I am of a mind

I am of a mind

To speak of trivial things

The frippery around the edge

Of life

The way of the world

When it is at war with itself

Disguising the pain

With a sing-a-long

Around an upright piano

Black-market perfume

Cigarettes, chocolate

And the hidden extras

That roll off the back of a lorry

When the truth is far darker

Than strained laughter

Recklessly decorating

Mirthless humour

Masking the words

Sad people struggle to say

It is far from easy

To think of the underlay

The uncertainty lurking

In the shadows

Of everyday interaction

When loss is a burden

So heavily weighted

As to bend the strongest of backs

Whomsoever talks first

Is a messenger

Soonest shot

Those who wait

Are misconstrued

Excuses are make believe

In search of a truth

‘Why do you say these things

What do you want from me?’

I can hear you now

Shifting uncomfortably

In your seat

‘It is not what I am here for

I thought we were friends?

When in truth I have

No idea how to make amends

For something I fail

To understand’

But don't they all say that

When all that they want is a peaceful life?

‘Is that possible?’

No, it is only a foolish exercise

Never designed

To give an answer

That will silence

The critics and

So say all of us.