When I was sick and lay abed

Recently, I haven't been well.  I haven't been able to work.  
The novelty of having loads of spare time, wears off and 

boredom rears it's ugly head.

As the normal daily routines have disappeared, my body 

clock has gone haywire. 
Enforced daytime rests have resulted in sleepless nights, 
when it becomes all too easy to slip into the depths
of self pity.

In an attempt to ward off maudlin thoughts, I try to dredge  

my mind for happy memories.


From the age of 6, I was given elocution lessons, at school.
Every week I would have to memorise a poem and then recite

it to my tutor. 
Miss Cox managed to turn, what sounds like an arduous task,

into one of joy and enthusiasm.
I would look forward to the lessons.
As I lie awake at night, I can still remember the poems.
This one seems apt.


                 

The Land of Counterpane 

When I was sick and lay abed,
I had two pillows at my head,
And all my toys beside me lay
To keep me happy all the day.

And sometimes for an hour or so
I watched my leaden soldiers go,
With different uniforms and drills,
Among the bedclothes, though the hills;

And sometimes sent my ships in fleets
All up and down among the sheets;
Or brought my trees and houses out,
And planted cities all about.

I was the giant great and still
That sits upon the pillow-hill,
And sees before him, dale and plain,
The pleasant Land of Counterpane. 

 Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894).  A Child’s Garden of Verses