Booth Centre, 5 December 2019
Asking for help can be the most difficult thing. It seems simple, but there’s a million reasons not to, infinite excuses.
“You’ve got to be ready to ask,” says one of our regular group who’s come through addiction and out the other side.
“It’s not easy, admitting you’re weak,” observes someone else.
“But is it really weak? Everyone needs help, it’s human,” says someone who’s just got a new flat. “I’ve been living out on the street, I needed a lifeline.”
It’s a morning of dancing around these tiny self-made mountains, delicate but terrifying.
Then in the afternoon we start with tears, as occasionally happens. The person next to me is literally shaking. Eyes dark with worry. Tears flood and emotion floods the room. Somehow these tears liberate everyone else, bring them closer to their feelings. And so we write together.
It’s a brittle atmosphere like a family argument, a storm waiting to burst. There’s sadness and anger, lightning strikes of shouting. Then between it all poems grow. People write about letting in simple pleasures. They talk about sunshine, the silliness and joy of just being. Little lines that are fought for so hard, shared and appreciated. Then shouting stops, the tears ease off, we have a strange peace.
Help is too big to put in words
Naked in a big world
Myself to get off the drugs
Help is too big to put in words
Myself to get off the drugs
Mum and dad and me
Naked in a big world
Help is too big to put in words.
Anonymous
I’m touched beyond words by these words. Their makers are so proud, yet embarrassed, yet delighted. There’s a shy grin.
“Maybe I’ll be back next week,” says a new member of our ongoing little club.
“Was it a bit much?” I ask another regular. He shrugs.
“It’s all part of the cake mix,” he says.
arthur+martha 