hjd_aitken

Grief has no timeline. My mind replays the past in vivid sentimental segments. Thoughts race to an alien future - a world forever changed by all the junctures you will miss. And then a rewinding, to the reality of now. This punctured present moment passing quietly, without you Written and read by Helen J. Aitken ©2025 www.instagram.com/hjd_poems/ For Mum.

The rollercoaster beckons - One red flag summoned a call to arms and here I am, again. The carriages are crammed but there is space made for me amongst an army of well-meaning medics and fellow fear-filled faces heading to an unknown destination. It moves so fast and I’m afraid to near it yet, I am reassured that it is there That there is a ride, to take trusting there will be light at the end as there was, before. All I can do is hold on and hope I am not not flung into the abyss below - A chasm of collective fear, threatening to consume me. That is not who I am. Unsteady in my knowing I take a step towards this familiar ride, to release what no longer serves me Forced onwards, I fight to stay present It is my only means of control. My mind is both enemy and friend - an internal battle that I cannot lose. Peace, my greatest weapon Written and read by Helen J. Aitken ©2023 https://www.instagram.com/hjd_poems/

Reminiscence When my heart is heavy and the world overwhelms me, I lean into the memory of your gentleness. I trace the limerent line of it with my thoughts and it soothes me, still. An ethereal anchor to another life. Secret solace, from my now Written and read by Helen J. Aitken © https://www.instagram.com/hjd_poems/

I wash my hands and follow rainbows along familiar corridors, past long-studied pictures. I know them all...Written and read by Helen J. Aitken © 2021http://helenjaitken.co.uk/poetry

From the anthology, Our Own Coordinates Poems About Dementia, published by Sidhe Press February 2023 Written and read by Helen J. Aitken © https://helenjaitken.co.uk/poems-about-dementia/

I try to release it But the pain underneath it Is more than I can bear So I hold on to it tightly Some say, rightly Waiting for the feeling to wear... https://helenjaitken.co.uk/mindful-writing/ Written and read by Helen J. Aitken ©

Written and read by Helen J. Aitken © 2021 It feels like the whole world is shouting! Every voice wants to be heard Everyone has an opinion to share My timeline is crammed with their words In a fear-filled world full of stories How do we know what is real? Is there a right way to see what is? Or is reality, just how we feel... https://www.instagram.com/hjd_poems/

Written and read by Helen J. Aitken © 2021 Do you ever have days when nothing seems right? When the world weighs heavy and try as you might There is no shifting the darkness and gloom It fills every moment, every thought, every room... https://helenjaitken.co.uk/poetry

A little ditty, about the time Bertie the Guinea Pig saved Christmas! Discover the full story here: https://helenjaitken.bandcamp.com/track/berties-christmas-carrot Written and narrated by Helen J. Aitken © 2018. Artwork ©Liz Lewis 2018. Music courtesy of The Story Mouse.

Time slips slowly into your majestic horizon, as your celestial beauty seeps into my soul... Written and read by Helen J. Aitken © 2019 http://helenjaitken.co.uk/simple-pleasures-writing-for-distraction/ Now also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3G2Q4S1Zrw

In the cocoon that is made from a memory of your loving, warm embrace; I rest my hairless head upon weakened knees and wipe tears from my lashless face... Written and read by Helen J. Aitken ©2020 https://helenjaitken.co.uk/the-healing-power-of-words/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Sz2u75WMAg

I wish the world felt normal, I want to hug my friends. It’s like the world has lost its filter, as if we’re looking through a lens. Even walking down the street is different, we’ve had to learn to walk alone. We have to stay apart to be together now; mostly, we #StayAtHome... Written and read by Helen J. Aitken © 2020 https://helenjaitken.co.uk/poetry/strange-times/

Bertie guinea pig makes friends with a honey bee called Bernie in this little ditty - a nice introduction to the full 'Bertie and the Buzzy Bee' story. Hear the full story here: https://helenjaitken.bandcamp.com/track/bertie-and-the-buzzy-bee Written and narrated by Helen J. Aitken © 2018. Artwork ©Liz Lewis 2018. Music courtesy of The Story Mouse.

Bertie's chicken friend, Roberta appears in two of Bertie's tales, so what better than a poem all about her! This is also a brief version of the guinea pig story 'Bertie's Happy Easter.' Listen to the full story here: https://helenjaitken.bandcamp.com/track/berties-happy-easter Written and narrated by Helen J. Aitken © 2015. Artwork ©Liz Lewis 2015. Music courtesy of The Story Mouse.

Guinea pig. Even the sound of your name makes me grin with glee! You smell of hay and warmth and love. And every stroke of your fur, soothes me. Your squeaks make me smile, everyday. So small, so full of chat. And when I chat back, you listen! I like that. Written and read by Helen J. Aitken © 2019 http://helenjaitken.co.uk/poetry/guinea-pigs/

I step in and the warmth wraps around my skin, like a favourite blanket. Bubbles dance between my fingers, tiny sparkling mandalas glisten in my foamy palm. A galaxy of colour drops through my hand... Written and read by Helen J. Aitken © 2019 http://helenjaitken.co.uk/poetry/bath-bliss/