Poem: Like meeting an old friend off the train (February, 2021)

Writing can often be a great way to improve our mental health and wellbeing. This poem was written by a member of our Writing to Recovery group: 

Like meeting an old friend off the train

Like meeting an old friend off the train

Inspiration reached my heart

The sun was bursting into flames

I saw the train depart

 

We laughed together on the platform

Then we walked back down the stairs

Cheered as we saw the ticket office

Thankful for our prayers

There’s more to life than meets the eye

The taxi brought us home

Inspiration gave me new ideas

Like an ocean full of foam

I challenged him to turn away

But the opportunities were endless

You need my help said inspiration

Without me you would be friendless

 

Inspiration shook his head

You don’t have to feel despair

Look at life in a different way

There’s something else to share

Another thought. Another dream

Inspiration was persistent

'I will bring you optimism every time

You think it’s non existent'

 

I laughed at him I waved goodbye

I doubted he was there

It seemed as if inspiration

Had vanished in thin air

The taxi was just a moments thought

I tried to say my prayers

But nothing came to cheer the dullness

I struggled up the stairs

 

I reached the platform in great tears

I no longer  felt elation

I looked upon the railway signs

I was at Depression station

But this time I noticed a golden light

I knew I must not give in

Inspiration had not been a dream

I had felt great strength within

 

As soon as I felt courage to look

I saw the greatest train

And inspiration was truly smiling

He said I’m back again

I suggest we leave Depression station

The express will soon depart

Whenever you have a pen at hand

I will greet you in the heart

There are a thousand ways to sing

And sometimes it can be fun

When every melody turns to dust

To say This is the one

 

I’m like that you see cried inspiration

I may be just a word

But if you can see me in different things

It might not be absurd

Look at anything on your room now

Be strong and feel it’s blast

I’m inspiration I will bring ideas

Pump them into you so fast

Well there it was my revelation

I could never be so friendless

Provided I saw things in different ways.

Inspiration would be endless.

By Richard Candy


If you have written something that you'd like to share with us, you can send it over to laura.andre@health-in-mind.org.uk.