, Treats Me Like A Prince Poem by Louise Tredoux

Panic attack, total confusion, didn’t know
where I was, at least knew who I was, could
not recognize a single street, all shop-fronts
strange, I was lost, a kind lady made me sit
down, a friendly part of town

Thought of Rudi, where could he be, at work
of course, tied up in court, close my eyes,
visualize a golden light, saw a doll, rather
small, beautiful, bought the doll, fear
subsided, quiet in my mind

Hailed a taxi, happy African music, people
smiled, recognised my street, safely home
without disturbing anyone, Rudi will be
proud of my dealing with the crisis on
my own without involving him

Should he smile, I will be delighted; should
he frown, I will be heartbroken - What is
love? The best autocratic way of life, the
lovely challenge of either upsetting
or pleasing a beloved

I love anticipating Rudi’s face when he
comes home, though shocked by my
tales of incompetence, he always
treats me like a prince…