I have a recurring dream that I suddenly discover I have not written my dissertation and therefore I cannot graduate. I've had it for years, and it probably comes from supporting higher education students. There is always trauma around getting dissertations in on time, although, back in the day, I was very organised and had mine completed in good time. It's my version of an anxiety dream. Oh, a Gentleman's is a Third Class degree which was considered an adequate level of achievement for a gentleman before they began their Grand Tour of Europe.
SEA CHANGE
There I am again
discovering my dissertation is unwritten
a common enough event in this repeating dream
But hang on
I check the calender
find I have seven days until hand in
And I think
I can do this
thereby sidestepping the sea of shame
And I know a Gentleman’s Third beckons
The poem is called Sea Change because this time I change the script. This is not a big poem. I may try it out at a couple of readings to gauge its reception.
Sachal Vasandani has a new album out on the 14th. Here's a taster Sometimes I Miss.
Until next time.
