StorySeep

Inflicted Imagination

I used to believe in Father Christmas
until mum left my present under her bed.
I used to believe in the Easter Bunny
until I saw dad hiding chocolate eggs in the garden.
I used to believe in the tooth fairy
until I found my tooth in the bin.
I used to believe in magic
until Grandpa dropped the coin that had just disappeared.
I used to believe in UFOs
until a farmer was caught mowing rings.
I used to believe in ghosts
until they all became familiar.
I used to believe in God
until I found out there was more than one.
I used to believe in peace
until I repeatedly witnessed hypocrisy.
I used to believe my children would be different
but I just helped place a stamp on a letter to Father Christmas.

Andrew Mansell, December 2010.

I was thinking about a young boy living somewhere in the wilderness. His life revolved around helping his family survive. He had no books, television or access to the internet. I wondered what he would dream about. Would he have nightmares? Would his family pass down spoken stories? I’m left to ponder an imagination with no infliction.

Maybe

I may be rich
I may be poor
I may be sober
I may be on the floor

I may be educated
I may be a dropout
I may be thin
I may be filled out

I may be stylish
I may be carefree
I may be at home
I may be at sea

I may be religious
I may be atheist
I may be passive
I may be a beast

I may be hungry
I may be a bloated
I may be sunken
I may be floated

I may be judged
I may be hidden
I may be strong
I may be bed ridden

I may be excited
I may be sad
I may be a stayer
I may be a fad

I may be like you
You may not be like me
I may agree
You may disagree.

Andrew Mansell, December 2010.