Switch on the kettle. Select your brew.

Warm the pot, infuse, but do not stew.

Put a match to last week’s ghastly news,

falling FTSE, damaging reviews,

add some sticks, an apple log or two

toast a pile of teacakes just for you.

Plan your next escape as you peruse

the Sunday supplement for that dream cruise.

Open Book! let Mariella choose.

Or Poetry, Please! How could you refuse?

Fetch a footstool, kick off your shoes,

plump the cushions, have a gentle snooze.

Let the scent of glowing fruitwood soothe

those troubling thoughts

and heal each hidden bruise.