You steal what you can, when you can. You steal away little moments to yourself. You steal silence from the buzz. You steal music from the film. You steal the warmth from their hands. You steal biscuits from the tin. You steal a look from across the hall. You steal a kiss under the covers. You steal painkillers from the drawer. You steal a nap from the sun. You steal a photo of the dogs. You steal a smile from a sleeper. You steal water from the garden. You steal a flash of light from the dark. You steal fire from the ashes. You steal a book from the shelves. You steal gems from the dust. You steal joy from memory. You steal wisdom from pain. You steal dreams from doubt. You steal ambition from fear. Most of all, you must steal life from itself. It will take everything from you, in the end, so steal what you can, when you can.
Paddy Dobson
12th December 2020