I’m not ill
I’m not in hospital
This is what I tell myself
When self-pity comes to call
And negative thoughts are long since barred
Counselling saw to that
I came to see the truth of things
I can still walk out to bat
My world collapsed when Margaret died
It took a while to fall
Gradually everything crumbled
Till I could not stand at all
I couldn’t cook
I hardly cleaned
I looked out into space
Believing that my life was over
The day I could not face
I knew that I must find someone
In whom I could confide
Tell the sorrows of my heart
No more need to hide
In that telling I grew tall
Straightened up once more
Realised the truth of things
I can take the floor
Every word you say today
Everything you do
This our daily challenge
Makes or unmakes you
We stand before the face of God
We never live alone
Listen to the saviour’s voice
Let that be your home
Brian Fahy
26 January 2022
Erris Poetry 