Evocation #22 The Cure of Play

“When the angels come to take T to heaven, 
he will be happy, 
but I will be sad,
So you will need to play games with me 
to help me be happy again.”
Boys took up their task with all seriousness.
Their powers of concentration reminding me of their grandfather.

I see the fear in your eyes - so long ago now.
You knew - numbness and tingling
was more than damage from falling.
We followed the laid out, numbered, filed and scheduled
processes,
appointments,
consultations,
learning the patience of patients.
But...
Such patience can see a rapid decline,
for it saps hope and energy.
The System demands the cost of one’s essence.
Time to rebel!
Bring on a more detailed Mohawk.
Bring on Caffeine-fuelled Research.
Bring on Jokes and Prayers.
Bring on the Fitness Regime any Gooner could be proud of.
Bring on Games.

Online games keep you
occupied and distracted.
Board games enable companionship
when words have gone somewhere else to play.
Story games build elements
of a story unfolding,
allowing the capture of characters.
Imagination is both food for the brain
and product to be deployed.

The intricacies of the games in life
are limited only
by our capacity to relate
with self and others.
No problem for the social magnet
Or was it social magnate?
No - not so much social as a super nova perhaps?
Children desired to play with you
or for you...
Seeking your attention and approval.
Grownups simply wanted
your smile and your words of encouragement,
Which reeked of truth and blessing.

Any conversation could be a delight of play,
your repartee a shining light to lift the soul.
How long did I bask in that sun!
Most people settle for some exchanges to draw from such a well...
I drew from that source for twenty eight years...
And I will draw from it still.

So - pass me your city,
for I will build new layers
upon your playful foundations.
Even though it feels otherwise,
there are really no losers.

(C) A A Koh-Butler, 2020