poetry – Paul Andrew Sneddon

Timescale

Bed rest.Doctors orders. I’m 46. I’m on a timescale.I’ve got stuff to do. I get up and walk to the kitchen.Come back.30 minutes to recover. Fuck’s sake. I’m listening to Otis Gibbs.Stories of Townes and Guy. Window open.It was sunny 30 minutes ago.Now it’s raining. The ache in my chestreminds me of something.That slipped myContinue reading “Timescale”

Me and the Rain

Open the window at 4am.Listen to the rainfalling on the window. The street.The parked cars.The garden chairI left out last night. Sit in the glowof the streetlight. Just listen. Hear a car race up the street.Too fast. Then it fades. And I’m left with the soundof the rain. The smell drifting inthrough the window. PickContinue reading “Me and the Rain”

River

Content warning: this piece contains themes of depression and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available:Samaritans — 116 123 (UK, 24/7, free)International crisis lines — http://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/ A story about survival. — Paul The wind cuts across the field.The old gatehouse shadowed against the dying sun. Not a soul here.Continue reading “River”

Blue

Part One The light is fading out,The shadows have a new lease of life.I cough once, twice.I sound like a motorcycle engine starting up.I breathe in deep,Fuck.Fuck this. The day never started.I’ve slept.Not much else. My lungs feel like concrete.Every breath is a battle.Wearing me down.Wearing me out. Got the lights down low. I tookContinue reading “Blue”

Me and the Page

I’m not afraid to tell people that I write.In fact I’m not sure I give a fuck. Sitting around worrying what people will thinkwill hollow you out,steal the light from your eyes. You can’t live that way. You shouldn’t live that way. You are welcome to read.If you like it then great.If you don’t thenContinue reading “Me and the Page”