The Bittern Property
was really a dream
with a home and land
in a new environment.

I set seed, planted camellias
lemon and nectarine trees
began a compost heap
and grew vegetables.

Rows of potatoes and pumpkins
lettuce, carrots, parsnips
onions and tomatoes
emerged from a raised bed.

Rabbits, parakeets
crows and magpie-geese
nibbled and pecked
the lush green grass.

Obsessed by my mirage
so real
I failed to see
it was all illusory.

Eventually the conflict
between fantasy
and reality
began to clash.

Overwhelmed by apathy
the evenings
became long and dreary
with nothing to interest me.

Prescribed antidepressants
I somehow existed
as empty days
merged into stressful nights.

Alone
confined inside my home
with nightmare visions
instead of pleasant dreams.

Wakening unwillingly
when sleep retreated
the curse of consciousness
possessed me constantly.

Like an automaton
without an appetite
I could only hope
tomorrow would be a better day.

Referred to a psychiatric clinic
I began to recover
and was discharged
three weeks later.

Despite her responsibilities
Evelyn cared for me
visiting regularly
with Steven and the children.

She sold the Carrum unit
arranged the auction of my Bittern dream
washed my clothes
and brought me fruit and flowers.