2010/02/10 Gateway Poem by Margaret Alice

A string of glittering dew-drops around
my head turning me into a magical fairy
being a pillar of society not working well
went to the library, collected old favourites
to read, books I love, return to again and
again through the years

Velvet words enfolding my heart in soft
happiness, escaping the heartache of
my inability to concentrate on a non-
sensical text with calm acceptance; en-
chanting words forming a gateway to a
secret place in my mind

Where I am safe, the bitter-sweet feeling
of Adam and Eve and Pinch-Me, sparkle
of Up on Cloud Nine by Anne Fine, luxu-
riating in the warmth of these tales, de-
lighting in the cathartic dénouement ex-
perienced by the sweet characters

Their confrontation with life inspires new
hope that there is a place for people like
me who cannot master routines and
lose control all the time…


“Adam and Eve and Pinch-Me“ Julie Johnston
“Up on Cloud Nine” Anne Fine