Each week, during the current lockdown period, we will be publishing a short poem, written by some of our Manx Bards, along with other local writers.

These poems are deliberately short little pieces, written to last about 20 seconds, and can be recited during the time it takes to wash your hands properly.

The idea came from author and publisher Sara Goodwins, who was named the fourth Manx Bard in 2017.

Here she shares her latest short poem.

We will print one poem a week in the pages of Island Life.

l Why not try writing a 20 second poem yourself? Send your own efforts to [email protected]

TIME FOR THOUGHT

While I stand here gently soaping

I can use the time to muse,

Pretend I were eloping

Down romantic avenues,

Make believe I buckle swashes,

Chat with dragons, solve foul crimes,

And, as the water sloshes,

Think again of better times.

Imagination beckons

Weaving tales of days of yore,

But I’ve had my 20 seconds...

Perhaps I’ll wash some more!