At Every Turn

 

 

Let me turn my attention

To the turns we take each day,

In our language and behaviour

Turning is our way.

 

Our language is full of turns:

A turn for the better or worse,

The former is always good news

The latter is like a curse.

 

You will notice that each turn

Is accompanied by a preposition,

These prepositions are used

As a means of explanation.

 

Otherwise they’d be meaningless

And open to speculation,

At every turn you would express

A need for clarification.

 

So, let’s get a move on

And have a look at each turn

With its accompanying preposition

And see what we can learn.

 

 

I will start with turn out

Meaning people at a funeral,

You’ll be numbered at yours

But you won’t see the people.

 

In our bajan vernacular

Turn out could be a sore foot-

The kind you got as a child

When an injury you forsook.

 

It could be used with traffic

When exiting a minor road,

Be careful when you turn out

Let safety be your goal.

 

Turn out could be a result

Regarding a plan,

It might turn out very well

Or not so good on the other hand.

 

So much for turn out

Now we can turn to turn in:

A term we used for going to bed

When the eyes begin to dim.

 

It is the opposite of turn out

And is also used with traffic,

Be careful also when you turn in

Make safety a habit.

 

Honest Abe turned in the purse

He found along High Street,

Both police and owner agreed

This was an admirable feat.

 

Vehicles often turn over

When they are recklessly driven,

Remember, responsibility is a must

When a driver’s license is given.

 

Turn over a new leaf now!

Don’t you wait for the New Year!

Or something horrible may happen

And that is what I fear.

 

Another positive turn over

May occur in an industry,

If the profit margin is encouraging

That is good to see.

 

 

Turn down may mean the radio

If the volume is too high

Or, a freshly washed teacup

To keep out a persistent fly.

 

It might be the rejection of a request

As in applying for a job

Or a refusal to a street character

That just wants to buy a grog.

 

Turn away is what you might do

If you are approached by a vagrant

Or turn away he would get

If his request is extravagant.

 

Some people turn up for food

But turn up their nose if there’s none,

Whichever one it turns out to be

Some will go for the fun.

 

If you perceive there is danger

It might be best to turn around,

To proceed might be folly

Unlike the kind exhibited by a clown.

 

Turn around could be positive

As in a business that’s doing well

But the turn-around given in some places

Is nothing short of hell.

 

Turn back can be good or it can be bad

Depending on what lies ahead,

If it is good slack not your riding

But if bad, you might end up dead.

 

In the Bible we read

Turn from evil and turn to good,

It’s time to heed that instruction,

I really think you should.

 

 

Turn on and turn off

Are two opposites we use,

Could be the radio or television

Or an emotional excuse.

 

The first case is clear cut

I am sure you would agree,

The second is a little more complex

But that too you should see.

 

Turn through is a directive

If you are looking for somewhere

“Turn through the second gap,”

Is something you could hear.

 

“Don’t turn across the road

It is on your side.

I am going in the same direction

Can I hitch a ride?”

 

All of these turns

Got me feeling dizzy

So, that is all for now,

It’s your turn to get busy.

 

Stewart Russell © March 2020