All Ways
A poem written on the aftermath of the right-wing, anti-migrant race riots across the UK in August 2024. It sent my anxiety levels soaring. I had to switch everything off. It was too much. The world becomes quieter without the things that create the noise.
Switch off your phone Turn off your TV sets Uninstall your apps Remove your news feeds You will find that the world becomes quieter Surround yourself with nature Immerse yourself in music Spend time with your family Laugh with your friends Hold your children close Walk your dog Feed your cat Breathe the air Sit in the sun Let the grass tickle your feet and rise between the cracks of your toes Feel the breeze on your face Listen to the leaves rustling in the trees Hear the birds singing Feel the moments of silence around you Sit on a chair Close your eyes Relax the muscles in your face and your shoulders, your chest and your hips, your thighs, your knees, your ankles and feet and toes... Relax entirely Take a warm bath and fill it with your favourite salts and scents Light a candle Switch off the lights Feel the warmth of the water around your ears and your face and your entire body Relax. Leave the bath before it gets cold Dry off with a soft warm towel Once dry, get into bed Switch off the lights Lie flat on your back Close your eyes And sleep Sleep like it is permanent, like the impulse to wake is removed from possibility. Sleep. Sleep. Sleep Be kind to yourself All ways