LIfe – neilhayeswrites

Stranger in a Strange Land.

October 3, 2024October 3, 2024 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

Tell us about a time when you felt out of place.

I wasn’t just out of place, I felt like I was in a different dimension. 18 years ago I arrived in Czechia unable to understand much beyond hello. Now, some would say that my Czech hasn’t improved that much, but I can more than get by. But upon first arriving in this new land I lived with my girlfriend, now wife, plus 5 of her family, none of whom spoke very much English. Talk about stress! I started smoking again just so I could escape and not feel like a fish in a bowl.

I don’t want to make it sound so terrible, I am still here after all, and they all did their best to welcome me. But I did feel very unsure of myself, although never doubting that I had made the correct decision in moving here.

Never Satisfied.

August 25, 2024August 25, 2024 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

What’s your favorite time of day?

The time when I am alone when all is silent all around me. It is only my favourite when life is its normal busy self. If I am alone for too long, then that is just too much of a good thing. Because as much as I crave these quiet times, I am not built to be alone permanently. Luckily, that is not the case and I have my lovely wife and two beautiful children to fill my life with noise and love.

Wildfire

July 17, 2024July 17, 2024 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

Mind in turmoil, spiralling out of control.
Tired and numb, brain seems fogged.
Confusion, difficult to focus on reality.
Through these blinding lights, no focus.

This fire needs to be extinguished.
Emergency!
Seek help.
Ensure that every glowing ember has died.

Pennies

February 1, 2021 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

Pennies won't do,
when your desires are constant.
More means fulfilment,
but only if there is a ceiling.
If the container has no limits,
then when is enough?
Shiny or dull,
what is their value?
Nothing,
while you sit and wish for more.
Something,
when you know your own worth.

Soggy Leaves

January 27, 2021 neilhayeswritesLeave a comment

Ensure it is cooked,
it shouldn't be crispy.
That is what they said,
way back when.
Grey leaves,
swimming in stinky water.
Eat up,
it's good for you!
Arms crossed,
a battle of wills.
Cabbage,
rediscovered as an adult.
All those years of hate,
make it crunchy and tasty.