After lockdown we want safety and freedom—a poem
After lockdown, safety and freedom. Tiny dolls’ house snuggles into a wild tree.
We want mild and domestic.
We want to whip and be wild.
We want to stick safe in a stable.
We want to edge around danger.
We want to embrace
a quizzical stranger.
We want cosy and honey and pink.
We want the fairytale complete
with monsters and villains
and arrows and wands
and chiffon wings.
We did our duty. We did our best.
We played for our team
of 5 million and now
it’s our turn. Safety and freedom:
this is our reasonable request
our bidding, our behest.
Rachel McAlpine 9 June 2020
Wow! A nostalgic moment. That little house by the tree reminds me of how I used to play around this tree stump with the same kind of rootage, creating my own little neighborhood with roads and buildings all around it.
I saw this amazing sight on my walk today and confess that I was always making fairy houses as a child.
Oh, so good to hear, so we aren’t the only ones. I worry that the younger generation with TV, computers and games that creative play might have become obsolete. That must have been nostalgic to you too. Thanks for your lovely posts.
I think there will always be fairy houses in the forests 🧚♂️
I enjoyed the poem – and the options it offered. Something for everyone. I am amazed at what NZ accomplished. You are so fortunate to have such a strong, principled PM.
Yes we are super-lucky. So far so good!
We do want a lot. Great poem Rachel
You said it! Thanks Sadie.
My pleasure Rachel.
Superb! The tiny house protected by the substantial tree is a good analogy for the whole country protecting the individual.
I like your reading of the photo.
Oh that people here would have the patience to wait instead of demanding life as usual! I expect our death toll will continue to rise.