The Fisherman

Sitting on the beach watching the fisherman
casting their nets, hoping for a catch of the day.
Dreaming of a time when I am ready
to buy my own boat and nets to go fishing.
Equipment is important, as is experience out at sea,
you cannot hope to catch a fish without either.
I spend my days researching the best boats and nets,
watching the fishermen everyday, learning their skills.

The time eventually came when I bought a boat,
my nets were second-hand but in good order.
I spent my days dreaming of that big catch,
casting my nets to no avail, going hungry.
Still I dreamt of the good times ahead,
catching the one that would sustain my life.
Then out of the deep blue sea I caught my fish,
it came in easily, bringing much needed life.

After such a fine catch, I considered myself complete.
I forgot about my boat and nets, not thinking of the future.
They lay abandoned on the beach, bleaching in the sun
as I gorged myself on this wondrous bounty I had snared.
I thought this fish would last me a lifetime,
never thinking that the sustenance would run out.
Run out it did, now I find myself back on the beach,
repairing my nets, patching holes in my boat.

As I carry out my repairs, I look out to sea
watching the fishermen casting their nets once again.
I realise I am still so inexperienced as a fisherman,
having caught just one fish in all my life.
Needing to learn to cast my nets more efficiently,
spending more time assessing the other fishermen’s tactics.
Some seem careless, casting their nets hither and thither,
others seem more careful, waiting for tide and light.

Once again I am ready to go fishing,
to catch the fish of my dreams, sustain myself.
Will I do the same as before? Catch my fish,
abandoning my boat and nets, probably!
Greedy is not how I would describe myself,
one fish at a time is ample sustenance for me.
I do not fish for more when I have fish in my basket,
so I’ll sit in my boat, casting my nets, dreaming.

©2011 Trevor Litchfield

Boy On Step

 

Dad said we would go today,
we would visit mum today.
Dad promised we would go yesterday too.
We didn’t go!
Dad sits crying but he wont tell me why.
He has sat crying for three days.
Everyday he says we’ll go and see mum.

Friends come round, sitting with dad,
they all give him a hug
and I get one too.
They all leave with tears in their eyes
looking at me,
ladies giving me big sloppy kisses.
I just want my mum!

Dad says we might not see mum anymore!
Where is she?
She was in hospital the other day,
she laughed and joked with me
but she was crying.
I asked her why she was crying
and dad brought me home.

Three days since I saw my mum.
She cooks better than dad.
He doesn’t bake cakes or anything!
I’m just going to sit on this step
until mum comes home!
I love my dad but,
I want my mum.

©2011 Trevor Litchfield

Lonely People

 

People sitting alone on the bus,
in the park, in the cinema, at home.
They wait for a life to arrive,
alone with no one to think of them.
Why are so many people alone,
when they could be sharing their life?

Some are alone through choice,
healing from a relationship breakdown.
Some are ready to start anew,
looking for that perfect someone.
Some are waiting for that first love,
with all the excitement that entails
Some are simply alone,
living a life, not prepared to share.

Others are where they are
through no choice of their own.
A partner passed away
through illness, accident, age.
Left behind to pick up the pieces
of two lives tragically become one.

You see these faces every day,
some searching faces for a sign.
You see a yearning in their eyes,
a yearning that perhaps, they see the one
We all do it, looking into lonely eyes,
searching for a smile in return.
We are alone in our bodies, always.
We have the desire to share the worldly.

We may have been hurt,
abandoned by our previous love.
We all have it within us to love,
or love again if necessary.
To share your life is such a gift,
bringing hope and laughter as you share.

So be brave when eyes are searching yours,
smile back with your best smile.
Eyes glinting in the sunlight
may bring something more than love.
Respect, friendship, companionship
are just as important, if not more.
The next time I see your eyes,
I will smile, hoping you smile back.

©2011 Trevor Litchfield

Waiting

The appointed time had arrived,

I stood waiting.

Would I recognise you from the photo,

people passed by.

There you were, walking towards me,

not recognising me.

My photo must either be very bad,

or not representative.

Holding my breath, I walk towards you,

saying your name as I close in.

You look to me, smiling, grateful to see me,

you were not stood up.

We talk hurriedly, where should we go?

A café around the corner.

Our chatter slows down, we scrutinise,

giving each other a once over.

We walk towards the café, talking nothings,

are you as nervous as me?

We enter, find a table and get served our coffees,

we look at each other.

The talking starts, we talk and talk,

like long lost friends.

Our hour passes all to quickly,

I want more.

We leave the café agreeing to contact,

swapping numbers.

Now here I sit, do I call you so soon?

It was only this morning.

I want to talk and talk like we did today,

already I miss you.

I email you, now I await your reply,

waiting!

©2011 Trevor Litchfield

If I were younger

If I were younger,

I could not want you more than I do now.

My desire would be just as overwhelming.

I love the way you play with your hair.

Tugging at it gently as we talk,

Twisted between your fingers, selfconsciously.

Your smile lights up the room,

I can't help but smile with you.

How I wish the day would never end.

We talk, open and honestly.

We are so comfortable together.

Easy with each other, relaxed.

I'm glad I met you,

I would not change a thing.

I am so lucky; you are a friend.

So, I am happy with who we are,

When we met and in an odd way,

I am so glad I am not younger

because we would not be who we are now.

We could not be honest and open,

You might reject. I might disappoint,

Your friendship I cherish,

I could not suffer it's loss.

You are in my heart,

There you will stay until it beats no more.

©2011 Trevor Litchfield

I Am Your Candle

A delicate light comes forth

small yet shapely and defined.

Barely enough to read by

casting long shadows over the page.

'Twas a time when this gallant flame,

oversaw treason and treachery.

It offers seductive splendour,

befitting lovers entwined on a rug.

Extinguished with a breath

it brings strength in the dark.

Not enough to heat a meal,

yet strong enough to melt hearts.

Gifting light when most needed,

imparting spirituality where none exist.

I see your soul through pupils reflection,

I bring warmth to all that wish to look.

For I am the light your heart desires,

I am your candle when you need light most.

©2011 Trevor Litchfield