For Jan

She says it’s human nature to ruffle things up
just when they’ve settled down nicely.

It’s how we evolved, she says
how we covered the planet and wiped out other species

who contentedly lived their lives.
Don’t be so hard on yourself, she says.

Early civilisations crossed the Bering Strait
an arduous journey based on nothing but hope.

Some stopped in Alaska, happy to find food,
a constant shoreline

but the restless ones,
the ones who couldn’t bear to sit still

followed curiosity and found South America
made pottery, invented chocolate.

Eventually earned their siestas.
I know, I say, I should lighten up

because what can you say
to a mother who is always right.