Family Secrets

Family secrets are dangerous things,

Like a time bomb that sits in the cupboard under the stairs -

Enigmas which transcend generations.

Until one unwitting soul opens Pandora’s Box

And those hidden butterflies of truth are released,

To flutter where they wish, wings beating dust

From every dark and shady corner.

As I climbed Ingleborough...

Ground disappears behind and before timid footsteps
Travelling on, on, on into the sun
We are no longer alone,
The mountain looms before us as we go.
We wish to turn, to run - but victory lies in front
Glistening like the stream that babbles its way
Unashamedly and without explanation,
Across the earth's fragmented units and lost children.

Why do you tempt me so? Why must you lie there without apology?
You are so beautiful to me, oh victorious conquest
So sweet I must pause to consider and dwell on your presence.
The harsh wind on my face carries your heavy scent and brings pleasure to my soul.
I am drawn forward, an inexorable desire pushes me far beyond,
Into lands I had dared not tread.
But you are here and now my caution is washed away by the chattering water,
That cascades casually along ineffable ravines and lines I cannot cross.