OK, so I climbed up the tree,

But then I got quite stuck.

Because I’ve put on a pound or three,

And now I’ve run out of luck!

So, if I ask so nicely,

Will you come to get me down?

I’ve got another engagement,

On the other side of town! 

© Caro Ness 2016

Sit still,

And look into the void,

It as if the world,

Stops,

And allows you

To catch up with it.

Beneath you,

Everything mapped out,

As though in slow motion 

So you can absorb each feature,

In real time,

And breathe in history.

© Caro Ness 2016 

Image: http://www.fathomaway.com

Fruit!

What a way to start the day.

A fresh fig,

Sliced in half,

To expose the flesh

And seeds within…

And a basket of blueberries,

With a slight blush on them,

Perfect!

© Caro Ness 2016 

It’s time to celebrate!

So…

A large bucket,

Loads of ice 

And a few bottles,

Chilling…

© Caro Ness 2016

Not all abuse is a punch or a kick,

Some is emotional, mental and sick,

It hides in the shadows, revealing no scars, 

But each little dig’s like being burned by cigars.

Though you know you’re worth something,

Your self-esteem goes,

Without black eyes and bruises,

None of this shows. 

Anger takes over, you drive others away,

When all that you need is for someone to say,

You’re not alone, we are here by your side,

Come out in the open, there’s no need to hide. 

We’ll support not desert you, we’ll help you be stronger,

There’s no need to be out in the cold any longer.

We’ll give you a lifeline, give you a chance,

Come out in the sunshine, come out and dance.

 © Caro Ness 2016 

 Image: talesfromthewetsuit.wordpress.com

I began to believe I was worth nothing at all,

‘Cause your fists and your taunts made me ugly and small,

If someone I loved said I was no use at all,

How could I hope to ever stand proud, free and tall?

I explained all the bruises and endless black eyes,

I called myself clumsy, friends saw through my lies, 

But how do you rescue someone who always complies?

 Then the light finally dawns and your complicity dies.

You stepped over a line when you involved our family,

Our kids didn’t need to be dragged into your bigotry,

There’s no need to subject them to your infamy,

So I finally saw how to completely break free.

I had to acknowledge I didn’t deserve the misuse, 

I walked out one day with a flimsy excuse,

I found numerous ways to gather some proof,

That put you behind bars, for the years of abuse,

Now my kids are safe under MY roof.

© Caro Ness 2016

Image from http://www.nydailynews.com 

A kick, a slap, a punch or two,

‘Ts’ not me, it’s entirely  down to you,

And the stupid things you do,

You know my words are true.
It’s not rape, ’cause I’m your man,

If I want sex, you know I can,

It’s been like that since time began,

So don’t think you should have a plan.
You know I love you to the moon,

But you want things on a silver spoon,

So make some changes and make them soon,

And start singing to my tune.
I want you to look good to men outside,

But don’t go taking me for a ride,

Talk to them, you’re crucified,

I don’t want to look undignified.
You know you’re nothing without me,

And I know you dare not disagree,

You’re lower than the bourgeoisie,

You’ll sink without me, I guarantee! 

© Caro Ness 2016 

You walked into my world on a southerly breeze,

And brought me, unresisting, to my knees,

A visceral instinct, a bolt from the blue,

Told me my future was bound up with you.

I cannot say why, I cannot say when,

But the flame, once ignited, flared up and then,

It settled, it steadied, grew stronger and stronger,

Till my love for you couldn’t remain buried longer. 

Just you and I, yes, you and I,

And a limitless landscape, a boundless sky,

There is nothing that our universe needs more of,

Because it is full to the brim with us and love. 

© Caro Ness 2016  

My aunty brought me down 

the pub,

For a nice pint of beer and a spot of grub,

I’m in desperate need of a juicy bone,

That I can gnaw later, when I’m alone,

Or, better still, a bit of your meal,

Go on! You cannot resist my appeal! 

© Caro Ness 2016 

A full moon

Lends its light 

To an aubergine world

A casual hand 

Has swept blocks

Of colour across the sky 

In tones 

Of indigo

Violet

Purple 

© Caro Ness 2016