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It probably sounds bizarre

 

It probably sounds bizarre?

(For Ben Okri)

 

It probably sounds bizarre to you

But when I’m feeling strong

I’m glad for my childhood trauma

 

Because it was balanced, almost

By love & rich & ancient culture & learning

 

When I am strong.

 

That it enabled me

To connect with the world

 

& not just the box of my narrow class.

 

It enabled me

To abstract structurally & spiritually

From my own suffering

 

Principles that sympathize

& not merely empathize

With the Majority/3rd World

 

Without it amazing doors wouldn’t have opened

& I wouldn’t have had such an interesting life

 

That I can now attempt to write something universal

That might mean something

To someone from another culture

 

Because it’s enabled me

To care & be compassionate

& love passionately

Mind, body & soul

 

& share in the common experience of humankind:

 

To wit, to woo, sha la la la

Je ne regret rien!

(I regret nothing)

 

 

Published & Copyright Malachi Doyle 2023.

 

 

 

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