No matter the storms that you’re facing,
Nor the westerly gales.
No matter whose hand on the tiller,
Nor the wind in your sails.
Keep your eyes fixed on the North Star,
And remember the tales
Of those who sailed here before you
And, though their memory pales,
The demons they faced then no stranger
Than the ones you face now.
So breathe deep, set your face and
Take your place at the bow.
Stephen Tomkins
1 September 2016
Singapore
The import of this meeting overrated cannot be.
I am a little nervous but that’s just ‘tween you and me!
For suitable attire, my whole wardrobe I have scoured.
My new bowtie analysis has left me quite empowered!
I stride into the meeting room, exuding style and poise,
My large piccolo latte shows I’m not one of the boys!
I open up my MacBook, shine the Apple in their eyes,
Confident they’ll all be fooled by my complete disguise!
I funnel feedback down the line, cascading here and there,
The conversation’s now offline – they haven’t got a prayer!
My (Power)Point is made so well they dare not ask a question –
But if they did, I’d beat them down with my raw condescension!
They show their slides, I smile and nod and grant them my approval –
But all the while, I’m plotting my new Boss’ sad removal!
Today, the Emperor’s brand new clothes are still the height of fashion –
It’s great to see them worn so well, with pride and so much passion!
Stephen Tomkins
23 March 2016
Sydney
Photo credits;
blog.injetwholesale.com.au
dreamstime.com
‘Twas I who nailed you to the tree,
Mired in muck, unable to see.
‘Twas I who flayed your sinless back
With my shattered soul, sin-black.
‘Twas I who shaped your crown of thorns,
I, so lost, alone, forlorn.
‘Twas I who hurled abuse at you,
My own self-loathing, gladly spewed.
‘Twas I who lanced your heart divine,
In doing so, I’d broken mine.
And, through it all, you never ceased
To love and so my shame increased.
But when, at last, I too was crushed,
So gently to my aid you rushed.
How could I have been such a fool?
Ne’er again let my pride rule!
Stephen Tomkins
11 April 2016
Sydney
Pondering Poet Pilot 