Everyday Poetry

I woke up a couple of mornings ago with the beginnings of a poem chasing round my head. I was intrigued by how the sounds of the words triggered other words with similar sounds, and just let it play out on the page.  Stories unfurl from the tip of my pen Curl down the page line by line Until they find space, the time to pause, Gather strength, resume their course again. Words race, keeping pace with my mind Running quick; shadows take shape, Become fixed, lead on to the next,  Remaking places, recalling faces from another time. © Copyright 2025. Chris Auger. All Rights Reserved

I found some notes for a poem in another old notebook - I've got far too many notebooks,  no wonder poems go astray! This one was written about 18 months ago, after my son phoned to tell me he'd written off his car.  You phone me two days after, Saying 'Mum. There's no need to worry. I'm fine. But I crashed my  car.' Worrying, I pump you for details: The sudden downpour five minutes from home, The aquaplaning across two lanes, The ditch,  The tree. Your wait for the ambulance At the side of the motorway. Only later do I remember Your shaky voice, made croaky By the crushing life-saving seat belt, As you repeat mantra-like 'I'm OK. And I didn't kill anybody'. Whether it's me or you you're trying to convince Is not clear.  I pack the bag That last week held Easter eggs With codeine,  And try to remember  You don't want your kids to know.   © Copyright 2025. Chris Auger. All Rights Reserved

I was very aware that I didn't have a 'birth' poem for Zephyr, my lovely third grandchild,  when I was compiling my second collection of poems.  Other poems featured him as he grew, so it was not like he wasn't included,  but still it rankled.  So imagine my amazement - and frustration - when I picked up an old notebook this morning and found this inside! Ah well, as my husband said, it'll just have to go in my next book. My charmed and charming grandson, Third child in a closely strung line, Has crept into my heart While my gaze was distracted. Sitting monumental, his Buddha smile Accepting the here, the now, Invites my cuddle-tickle kisses. Such a happy baby. Third time's a charm. © Copyright 2025. Chris Auger. All Rights Reserved.

Another sudden wrench. Someone I've been following on Instagram for a while has 'unexpectedly, suddenly, and quickly passed away', leaving behind a big gap.  I started following her as she was a vibrant, plus-sized woman in her 60s - a fabulous body positive role model. It's odd how close you can become to influencers, even though you don't really know them in any true sense.  A couple of encouraging responses to my comments doesn't count as a conversation, let alone a friendship, but I will miss you Manny.  Her big orange chair stands empty,  no longer needed for her quirky GRWMs featuring sequins, tulle, leopard print, leather, hand painted denim, riotous colours  you'd never dream of putting together but which worked so well with her sass, signature oversized glasses and smile.  She exhorted us all to live loud, to wear what makes you happy,  not to save the special for a special day, reminding us we only have one life to live.  © Copyright 202...

Part of my daily physio to counteract arthritic knees and hip is 20 minutes on the exercise bike. It's actually quite an enjoyable start to the day, giving me plenty of thinking time. Pedalling hard Easing knees, teasing ease, Breeze on my face as I race Towards a distant day Of walking without thought  Without stick or support, Walking out of the door Going further than before Each step bringing more. Legs pound, pound, pound, Thoughts go round, round, round. © Copyright 2025. Chris Auger. All Rights Reserved

After posting on my Instagram page (@chris.auger.370.poetry) about having writer's block, this came to me in the gym this morning,  thinking about what each person's motivation  might be. Chasing dreams Training for a marathon  training for a park run getting out of the house getting an hour's rest from the kids shaping a toned beach body shaping up against low mood fitting back into those perfect jeans fighting back against old age looking for admiring glances looking to be Insta ready feeling muscles working hard feeling anxieties slipping away we're all strengthening, flexing, pushing, we're all chasing our own dreams. © Copyright 2025. Chris Auger. All Rights Reserved