The Good Life

“I opened a book and in I strode. Now nobody can find me. I’ve left my chair, my house, my road, My town and my world behind me. I’m wearing the cloak, I’ve slipped on the ring, I’ve swallowed the magic potion. I’ve fought with a dragon, dined with a king And dived in a bottomless ocean. I opened a book and made some friends. I shared their tears and laughter And followed their road with its bumps and bends To the happily ever after. I finished my book and out I came. The cloak can no longer hide me. My chair and my house are just the same, But I have a book inside me.”

“I thought the earth remembered me, / she took me back so tenderly,”

Recalling a childhood memory of a front lawn, a family home. Father, aunt, tea. Jasmine. Bougainvillea. Grass smells. Crickets. This tranquil vision of a spring night was a memory I used to calm myself in difficult, mentally noisy times. This painting was done a year and a half ago. Grateful to find a little escape in it in this time of uncertainty. Hope you’re all keeping well.