RITUALS POETRY: ‘THE WAY IT’S GOT TO BE’ BY BEN SWEATMAN

The Way It’s Got To Be

Ben Sweatman

Look, I’ve got to do that before I do this

I’m not having a laugh or taking the piss.

It’s just the way it’s got to be

Please accept this, don’t argue with me!

I go up and down then round and round

Rinse, Spit, Repeat.

Sixteen times I do the same,

When I brush my teeth.

To lock the door and be secure

Lock, Push, Count to four.

Hold my breath and walk away,

When I lock my door.

Shopping goes away in a particular way

Tins, Facing, Forward.

Stacked and stored in neat lines,

When my shopping’s ordered.

On a ledge, jump off the edge?

Abstain, Disdain, Insane.

Repeat the words ‘No You Don’t’,

While I’m waiting for the train.

You see, I’ve got to do that before I do this

I’m not having a laugh or taking the piss.

It’s just the way it’s got to be

Please accept this, don’t argue with me!