The Toymaker

Freeverse

He always wore that tattered coat,

always black, not a whiff of white.

Those mischievous eyes wore

such a sinister and obsessive gleam.

Were you that toymaker?

Or is it part of my neurotic imagery?

We know your toys can be perfect,

whether creating light or darkness.

Perhaps you are cunning,

or it is I who am so.

Yes, a so-and-so, with eyes

that have light or darkness.

So am I that toymaker,

with a gleam that I wear and bear?

Do I see you, then it, then myself?

Life can be a playroom, filled with colourful toys.

(8 Sep 2025)

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

Plenty of metaphor here Andrew, plenty of scope for interpretation and plenty of light and dark. Your poem has a Halloweeny feel to it. I hope all is well in your world. All good wishes.

Chris

[Andrew John]

Thanks very much, Chris. Long time since we've been in touch - I'm just not getting into the lib/IT as much as I ought.

[Chris Shaw]

No problem. You have gifted me plenty of readings and I am truly thankful for that Andrew. Nice to catch up today.