I would have travelled light
but I like books too much,
would have travelled light
but like music way too much.
I would have travelled light
but I got bogged down in things
and they started piling up;
I saved and hoarded
and would not let go.
Things started to demand
attention and space
and I couldn’t bring myself
to discard what I had,
what the children had used
and played with, things
I used to listen to and read.
I would have travelled light
but it’s too late now.
My friend quite rightly said
if I threw everything away
I’d have got most of it back
again by tomorrow night;
I’m a magnet for stuff.
I would have travelled light
but it’s not my style,
would have travelled light
but then my world
would be empty and I
would only wonder
and stare off into space.
It would have been different
if only I’d travelled light.
© Rupert M Loydell
L’art: Claire Palmer