This wasn’t the life that was advertised

I am surprised

and yet lies

are a belief of some kind

they advertised this life but it has been unkind.

They teased social mobility

the agility to move into the middle class

but aspirations

fall short

they distort

where realised truths stands the door

to the psychiatric ward

where holidays abroad

stand a benefits trap

a DWP map

with no way out

I doubt

I will find a way

into a future a brighter day.

This life isn’t as advertised

through google goggles

through YouTube models

I don’t have a car

three kids and a wife

I have pain and strife

Pessimism is my crutch

no offers or as much

No one gives me a chance at a job

they just call me a benefits slob

I look after my Dad as carer

they swear yeah

even when diagnosed with a serious mental health problem

they think I robbing

tax payers

and no amount of praying

will solve

when the life as advertised dissolves.

ladies Walk

ladies walk on hampshire cultural trust website

Ladies walk by Daniel Hooks

Walking through greenery
Either side
Of a path
Panoramic vision of Andover town
It’s hard to grasp
That I walked here as a child in a school class
With so many questions
the unusual questions children often ask
Now a man knitted together with reason
and a somewhat logical mind
But always we are out of step with time.
I came through here also on that fateful day when I’d lost my mind
Overcome with sadness that I couldn’t leave behind
I nearly did it, I nearly jumped
Off the bridge which stands in the middle
Another ghost ,another suicide
Another tragedy ,another ended waking dream
An ending all too soon…
But I resolved to face my problems
My friend Chris thought I was going to jump
But though the lump in my throat was massive
My soul rode the storm inside my head
Because to be alive is a wonder
Everyday something to learn
And though hot tears may make eyes sore
I will never take anything for granted
Life is what you make it
And it will never be a chore.

Daniel Hooks
Inspired by Ladies Walk, Andover