Can you keep a secret?

You search here
you search there
not finding what you are seeking.
Your desire is strong,
your need unmistakeable.
You'd pay any price;
why are they so elusive?

In your search you may wish
to sail silently across the salty sea,
courageously climb a cloud-covered peak,
foray into a fearsome forest
pace some city-centre streets,
wend your way across wild Wolds,
ride a roaring rocket to outer realms...
But will you find them there?

It can be no consolation
that others are in the same predicament.
The things you all seek
are migrating swallows,
hibernating hedgehogs
lost Arctic explorers..

Now, I've got news for you.
You won't have to do what my father did -
cut up the Radio Times
and string the pieces behind the door.
Can you keep a secret?
Don't tell anyone else!
I've discovered in a little corner shop,
there are,
actually,
a few toilet rolls.

May 2021