‘Surgery and Wrong Patients’ by Ms Paige Turner
My laptop has been undergoing major surgery this Christmas and New Year season. It’s been awful. I’ve managed with Mister Justin Case’s laptop and my phone but it’s just not the same. I’ve been a pain of a patient. We’ve also had that hacking cough and Miss Maddie the granddaughter got a well-timed bout of chicken pox when both parents were off work. We are still walking and breathing. And this is what I wanted to post for the New Year by 13th century poet Rumi.
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
— Jellaludin Rumi
And to say – can you believe – on Sunday 11th November – 100 years to the day that the First World War came to an end – the Fish Hoek, Cape Town low tide (best for walking) was at 11 minutes past 11? Honest.
My short story: ‘Miranda and her Madam’ one of 32 finalists in the African Book Club comp is available on Amazon – collection of short stories entitled ‘The Wrong Patient’.