Poetry on Thursday

Because we all need hope, I chose this poem on Tuesday. I hope it works today. 

A Portable Paradise

Roger Robinson 

And if I speak of Paradise,

then I'm speaking of my grandmother

who told me to carry it always

on my person, concealed, so

no one else would know but me.

That way they can't steal it, she'd say.

And if life puts you under pressure,

trace its ridges in your pocket,

smell its piney scent on your handkerchief, 

hum its anthem under your breath.

And if your stresses are sustained and daily,

get yourself to an empty room - be it hotel,

hostel or hovel - find a lamp

and empty your paradise onto a desk:

your white sands, green hills and fresh fish.

Shine the lamp on it like the fresh hope

of morning, and keep staring at it till you sleep.

Robinson, Roger. "A Portable Paradise." A Portable Paradise, Peepal Tree Press, 

You can read more about the poet here, and listen to this poem read aloud by the wonderful Pádraig Ó Tuama here. 

I wish you mindfulness, peace, fresh hope, your own portable paradise, and some poetry as this week winds down.