ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

There wouldn't be too many forum users who haven't been there, done this

Time To Get Back On The Horse
Sue Pearce

While shopping I will often stop beside the lolly shelf
despite the constant warnings from my nagging inner self
“you know you really shouldn’t, come on, drag yourself away
tomorrow you’ll regret it when the scales bemoan and say-
you really ought to listen to that nagging little voice
your weight is going upwards and I really have no choice
but to reprimand severely, do I have to spell it out
your conscience is your guidance, listen up, don’t make me shout’'.

I reach toward the chocolate shelf, hmmm...honeycomb or plain
No, fruit and nuts my favorite, then I hear that voice again-
“Your body doesn’t need it, just say “No” it’s not that hard
walk away from the temptation, listen up and disregard
all the ads designed to tempt you, boasting taste, superb and fine
it’s a ploy, so don’t be tempted, go on, turn away, decline
for you know that come tomorrow when your clothes are feeling tight
you’ll regret it, no mistaking, don’t give in, you’ve got to fight”.

For a while there’s hesitation…..then I slowly saunter on
‘round the corner to the deli- finally, the guilt is gone
so with purchases completed, I escape to join the queue
at the checkout where a row of tiny Freddos spring to view.
Keeping one eye on the morsels I pretend I cannot hear
as my nagging, guilty conscience echoes loudly in my ear
“Don’t give in, you’ve almost made it, come on, pay the bill and run”
I relinquish as I quickly grab the caramello one.

After all, it’s just a mouth full and I do deserve a treat
it’s a tiny consolation- though my conscience cries “defeat.”
And I ask you, whats the reason for this nagging little sod
such a constant on my shoulder who just loves to jab and prod.
On the way toward the car park I consume the tiny prize
making promises tomorrow I will once again revise
but for now I’ll head on homeward with a feeling of remorse
and a voice that keeps on ringing “time to get back on the horse”

Well done Sue,

A big belly laugh from you Neville-have you been eating chocolate?
Yes-a slab of fruit and nut goes down well-what's your favourite?

Sue

Back on the horse in more ways than one. I love this Sue and I'm sure most of us can see ourselves in that scene - being tempted by something we shouldn't have.

Heather

Hey there Heather-I would imagine a little chocolate would go down well where you are-helps to warm the cockles I believe.
Not long now!

Sue

Life isn't life without chocolate or poetry - nicely done as well - obviously chocolate also gives inspiration So many good reasons to eat it.

I cant think of a bad one Maureen-ahh there's that nagging voice again

Sue

Chocolate, lollies, - all tempting - and off the menu - mostly.

Lots to warm my heart here Sue - beautiful friends mostly. I'll be so sad to leave.

I designed the checkouts that way when I was in the grocery industry Sue good to see they still work.



Bob

One of my facebook friends reckons the voices say " Get out of the lolly isle you bitch "

Bob

For me it was more of a problem getting kids through the checkout Bob-you'd breathe a sigh of relief that you'd made it through without the treats and somehow still had your sanity in tact and whammo-one last hurdle. I often smile when I see a chocolate or something similar with a bite taken out and placed back in the pile-some mother had a win

Sue