Melbourne Spleen

Melbourne Spleen

 

The aspirational have blind faith in the white man’s law.

When they gather together,

They like nothing better than writing rules,

A bit of catering,

& then talking about people outside the group

& what ‘positive changes’ they can make.

 

Lao-tzu’s disciple Chuang-tzu or Confucius’s grandson Tzu-ssu talked about meddlers.

 

I don’t wanna to die in hospital –

I wanna go off like a cat.

Coz let’s face it:

I’ll be alone,

Surrounded by fluorescent light rented TVs & beeping & bleeping machines.

 

When it’s my time,

I’ll go.

No chemo – nada,

As Einstein.

 

But no doubt,

If I collapse somewhere,

Some meddler will call the ambulance,

Regardless if I insist “NO”;

To inverted commas ‘help’ me,

As if they think They care MORE about Me

& the dignity of ageing

Than I do.

 

As one of those great ancient Chinese philosophers said:

What a lot of mess & complications

Has been wrought by meddlers.

 

 

 

Published & Copyright Malachi Doyle 2026.