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Regular news and insight from our many poets, writers, educators and facilitators

13 April 2026

Posted by Adeola Sheehy

The Cracks Are Showing

My job is to give you what you need
but your demands fell me like a tree without roots
what you ask is not too much
if we had a staff
or people to lean on when my body tires
when my mind reaches overwhelm
and the world dissolves into white noise

I entered into this bargain
truth be told, it was my idea
why stop now when more would feel complete I asked
I did not know
that while there will always be enough love
time is finite
and so am I

My energy propels me forward
the body a weight I drag behind
how can I say no to ideas I inspired?
You can have it all I promised
not realising I alone
was responsible for the delivery
as the cracks begin to show


Intention is honorable
but reality is stark
I am one woman
and the four of you have the power to rip me apart
you each hold a limb
the core is mine alone
I pull you in toward me
let’s shelter for awhile
I cannot give you the world my dears
if we split me any further

Instead, today we will say no
and no and no and no
I will stop and rest
and gather myself
you will find your way alone.
I am here at this crossroads
returning will be easy
I root down
solid and permanent
a haven
when you need.


Bio: Adeola Sheehy is an Irish/Nigerian Londoner living in the New Forest, with her four home educated children. Writing from the crossroads of race, womanhood, and creativity she uses prose to tackle the questions her mind ponders most and poetry to express the feelings closest to her heart.

You can find her work at https://www.adeolasheehy.com/ and follow her on Instagram @adeola_moonsong




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