I entered this poem into a competition which was judged today.  It wasn’t placed but I’d still like to share it with you. 

The poem had to be no more than 40 lines on the theme of “vision”.

My husband and I own a gift shop with a refillery and coffee shop attached.   We host crafting workshops too.  I’ve always wanted to own a shop and tea room so when the opportunity presented itself 13 years ago, my husband and I left our careers to pursue my dream.

Currently Covid-19 restrictions have forced us to close our coffee shop and to stop our crafty workshops.  However, the increase in customer demand for more items to be stocked in our refillery has led us to rethink our vision for the shop.

I wanted this poem to reflect on the sadness and anxiety of that decision and on the new direction our shop is heading.  I also wanted to convey the point that we must adapt to changing circumstances and change our vision to move forward and overcome our adversaries, even if that means taking a backwards step.

The pic is me on a walk along the lane we live in.  I often talk over my ideas with the cows and sheep in the fields; they’re very attentive and they give good advice too! 🙂

My vision has changed

I had a vision for my future.
A clear path, set straight ahead.
A future I could nurture
and plans of happiness.

But now my dreams are broken,
swept away by a viral tide.
The future of my past has gone,
a new vision I must find.

I look for inspiration.
I see birds and animals in fields.
Nothing’s changed for them, I muse,
their dreams are still quite real.

The sun peaks over the horizon
heralding a brand new start.
And with it comes new wisdom,
new hopes, new dreams, new heart.

And so it is with gusto
I start to dream anew.
The future of my present is now
I know what I must do.

I am my own optician.
I can change my point of view.
A few tweaks and adjustments
and my plans are bright and new.

However it is with regret,
I must take a backwards step.
There’s some I know I’ll disappoint, 
but needs must; I do my best.

This virus has changed everything. 
Nothing can be the same.
But like dawn’s chorus, I will sing:
I’ll play and win this game!

It challenged me to see again
the vision I’d in place.
And with new eyes to the future look;
refocused, smile on face!

I have new plans for my future,
a brand new path to tread.
A future I’m looking forward to. 
There’s happiness ahead!