Any Volunteers?
[Under development: 8 June 2005]
Whilst the Quaker Advices may be uncomfortable, they are certain and safe. Life is not safe, and sometimes involves risk-taking. This is brought sharply into focus by Brian Patten's Beckett-like poem Any Volunteers?
· What kinds of risks do you enjoy? (e.g. having a ‘flutter’ on the horses; speeding on the motorway)
· What kind of risks do you take, but might prefer not to? (e.g. engaging in unprotected sex; submitting an inflated expenses (or flexitime) claim)
· What kinds of risks do you avoid taking? (e.g. applying for a different job in case it is worse than this one; travelling without a seatbelt)
Any Volunteers?
He keeps his coat on constantly now expecting
at any moment
To have to rush out into the night
And lay claim to something
We ask, What's up?
He paces round the room he fidget's
unable to sit down
Or take part in any conversation
We ask, Why?
He goes over to the window and staring out at
something
His face changes
We ask, What's out
there?
His mouth opens as if to disclose some revelation
But when we lean forward to listen
It closes again
We ask, What's up?
Amazed he steps back from the window and
glancing at us
Shakes his head he fumbles with the doorknob and turning it
Slams the door behind him
For a moment the room is silent, and then
For another moment.
Then the years pile up.
Perhaps tomorrow one of us tempting providence
Might rise from our chairs and following him
Take a look.
by Brian Patten
