Searching for inner space a million miles away from Purdysburn's front door.

I begged my feet to keep on walking
down a road I'd never walked before .

The snow fell as my tumbled thoughts escaped imprisoned not by fear or pain .

I was running free from the guilt of life until it called me back again .

My mind like a quiet laundry
washed all of my impurities clean .

Half way between Saintfields Road and the gates of hell if you know what I mean.

I hung up on an invisible line
my heart that none had heard speak .

On a wrought iron gate I saw soft snow implanted by a Robin Redbreast's feet .

Banished like mine from the sky
where I wished I could fly and never return .

Behind my finger I could not hide
on the long road back to Purdysburn .

Fly away my robin redbreast until you find rest in your new home .

Beside me an icy sheet covered the Lagan and I felt so all alone.

The silent peace of trees bleak and bare covered me with soft serenity.

A rekindled spirit refreshed my mind
and returned me to sanity .

Reflections in window panes of institutions are so easily sold .

I bought my way out of Purdysburn
where lives hanging on a thread unfold .

By Paul McCann