Doors Closing

By Frances Macaulay Forde

Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • 72 reads
7 comments
 

An old one - from Uni days (1999), before my Irish lover sent flowers and changed my life, forever.

DOORS CLOSING

How often has the door closed on opportunity for me?
And how many times have I shut it?

‘Well, open it again.’ You say. Not so easy
when it is wedged with prejudice.

Locked with lies about your femininity
and jammed with judicial errors.

I am an opportunist and I do believe
as one door closes, another… you know.

But sometimes, for my sanity, I take
the easy way out. My heart’s the same.

I’m not brave in letting that door stand ajar.
The solid barrier protecting my comfort zone.

A jack-hammer wouldn’t be heard now!
I’m deaf to desire and numb to need.

The woollen blanket around my feelings keeps me warm.
I lock the door, pocket the key, work and love in secret.

Frances Macaulay Forde © 1999

#TakingChances #Poetry #BeforeLove #UniPoetry  

Certificate 18
Poem
Written in Australia
Biography

Comments

Submitted by Turlough on

It's the revolving doors you need to watch out for. And those automatic doors that smack you in the face if you're not concentrating on what you're doing. I've a notion that every door's a trap door.

Turlough

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

I suppose every day ends with a door in the sense that there's no going back, and every new day fresh and maybe unexpected. We all live with regrets or wonders of 'what if …' and regrets of regrets, but have to move on. And so aware of not only our own lack of wisdom and foreknowledge, but also our foolishness and wrong actions, and fears.

Tha is why I know I must and so gald I can, ask a merciful God to handle things, forgive and lead on where He wills for what is left of this present life. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by GlosKat on

A lovely poem Sue, but if you wrote it while you were at University it seems rather sad that such a young person would feel that way when you have all your life, and many doors, ahead of you.

 

Submitted by Frances Macaula... on

Thanks for reading and the comment, GlosKat.

Actually, as a mature-age student studying a BA in Creative Writing with a Supporting Major in Media Studies at WAAPA/ECU, I had quite a lot of life experience behind me; marriage, 2 beautiful children, divorce and 15 years as a single mum.   My degree was my 50th birthday present to myself.  

Highly recommended - you're never too old.  A fellow student was chauffered to Uni every day, aged 82.

 

Soundcloud:  https://soundcloud.com/search?q=FrancesMF

Submitted by Makis on

Hello Frances

Crikey Frances, this sounds a bit glum. I always work on the basis that when one door closes, several more slam shut from the draught. That way you can't get too depressed. Hope the sun's shining now!

 

Submitted by Frances Macaula... on

Sorry, Makis - I didn't mean to be, just facing my reality.   

I spent most of my life working in jobs I had to, as a single mum after a failed marriage, many doors were closed to me.   University was my chance to step through and choose opportunies not previously available. 

With a lot of life experience behind me - including some very tough years... I loved every moment as a mature-aged student. 

 

Soundcloud:  https://soundcloud.com/search?q=FrancesMF

Submitted by Makis on

I hope life is more hopeful now Frances and that you continue with your poetry. It comes across as genuinely heartfelt.