Long Night

Another day reaches it's climax,

darkness shrouds the skyline.

Stars glitter within the dark blanket

Light pollution hides other sights.

Light filters through gaps in the curtains,

proving life goes on when we sleep.

Electricity burned throughout the night,

offering sanctuary from the dark.

The uneaten apple sits on the table

testament to a hunger unfulfilled.

It reflects the artificial light, reddened.

Full of promise, it stays untouched.

Cold coffee stagnates in the mug

resting aside the uneaten apple.

Another sign of desires left discarded,

abandoned to decay in the night.

Shadows fall on common objects,

offering different views to tired eyes.

Shapes unrecognisable yet familiar,

bring different life to the room.

Spectres on the edge of vision,

creep across the room, ghostly.

Headlights travel down the street,

cutting through the gloom of night.

Red eyes stare from one corner,

electric entertainment on standby.

Waiting for light and life to return,

bringing meaning to the room again.

My slow breathing the only sound,

as I sit on the sofa, watching the night.

I think of things to come, things passed,

The night goes on, seconds tick by.

©2011 Trevor Litchfield

My request is simple, my desire selfish

I would love some peace and quiet

Nothing from the outside getting in

Nothing inside but me, my noises.

No distractions but those I desire

I never thought I would want these things

I would like to live my life the way I want

Without fear of interruption or questioning.

There is always a background

Always a noise distilling into my thoughts.

Never a moment without demands!

Always there is more to answer to.

To be in the fields or among trees

Soaking up sunshine, listening to nature

Watching birds flit from tree to bush

Butterflies floating by on the breeze.

These are the sights and sounds I need

To be free and allowed to be me.

©2011 Trevor Litchfield

I simply am

When all around is calm
and life makes it’s leisurely way
through the thoughts in my mind.
I get to a point where I don’t even think,
I simply am!

The day passes, sunlight and clouds,
reflecting the memories recalled.
Of people I once knew,
of places I once belonged
A life lived!

Looking forward to new people,
new places and memories.
The sun shines on these happy thoughts
bringing hope where once lived none
A life to live.

©2011 Trevor Litchfield

To Whom It May Concern

When my time is done
and all are gathered to mourn.
I would like some simple questions answered
on my behalf, though yours may be similar.
About why there is so much stress in this life
applied by many that think they do good?

All I ever wanted was a simple life,
one that left me at peace with myself.
I never asked for anything that I was not due.
I don’t want anything to which I’m not entitled.
Yet everyday the postman delivers misery,
adding another straw to this camels load.

How can I apply my will to someone,
when I feel the way I do?
How can I force a life to bear stress,
when all I want is freedom to be me?
These things are asked of me daily,
One striving for a stress free life,
having to apply pressure unnecessarily. 

So thank you Mr and Mrs do good,
for bringing into my life something unwanted.
Something that will live forever in a heart
you know nothing about.
When your time comes and the gathered mourn
Will you be asking the same questions,
or will you be asking for forgiveness?

©2011 Trevor Litchfield

Leap of Faith

Leap of Faith first appeared on Trev's Telautograph on Thursday 3rd March 2011

Once more I ride into the unknown,
Taking that leap of faith into fates future.
There may be thousands watching,
All I hear is my heart beating in the silence of my head
Will this be the time it all goes wrong?
Will I emerge as a burnt cinder?
Will the crowd go wild before they see my death?

The flames are lit.
I start down the slope,
I know the journey I’m taking is short.
The journey is worth a lifetime of thoughts,
I see the target up ahead.
I concentrate on getting the speed right
This feels as good as all the others
The wheels turn ever faster.
I feel elation as the ramp turns up,
A leap of faith is all I require,
To see you on the other side.

©Trevor Litchfield

Life By Committee

Life By Committee first appeared on Trev's Telautograph on Monday 28th February 2011

Everyone has smiles on faces,
All say they are trying to do their best.
A future is decided by committee,
It’s the best choice for one and all.

Did they listen to the one it concerns?
The one sat quietly in the corner.
Observing without taking part,
All voices louder than hers.

Agreements are made, hands are shook.
More smiley faces as names are signed.
Papers pass from folder to folder,
All designed to make life easy.

Who has to live this decision?
Not those signatures, that’s for sure.
She sits quietly, on her own,
They are adults, they know best.

Now the room is quiet again,
She stares at artwork on the wall.
Lost in a time and place of her own,
Accepting her fate, resigned.

©2011 Trevor Litchfield

Today my tears are for you.

Today my tears are for you. first appeared on Trev's Telautograph on Sunday 27th February 2011

Walking through the estate late in the evening,
The sound of an Ice Cream vans tune
comes echoing over the houses
Shattering the silence.
The Teddy Bears Picnic: Surreal.
The tune reawakens memories of a time lost,
My chest aches at the memories,
Of the fields of tall grass,
As we innocently rolled together,
Flattening long paths,
We held each other close.

Standing in my room, lights out, curtains open.
Street lighting casts long shadows.
The screeching of tyres can be heard in the distance
The estate holds it’s breath
Waiting for the inevitable, metal on metal.
Memories of blood wash through my mind.
We lost you that day,
Yet others walked: Unscathed!
My mind still reels at the loss.
A life lost forever.
Today my tears are for you.

©2011 Trevor Litchfield