Recall me being lost on holiday?
a fair seduced with bright gaudy light.
I held in tears a stranger’s hand all day
you found me howling loudly, cradling tight
remember walking me to school, handheld?
but bedridden, you let me go and I walked
alone, aged five, in Wallsend my fears quelled,
a huge adventure going to school unstalked.
I still remember the last dying day,
your swollen hands so softly held in hope
not sure you knew my heart wanted to stay
you did, blinded but reaching out to cope
All night our fingers locked… our thoughts as one.
you left so gently. I'm still holding on.
I remember being lost on holidays,
Inveigled by a fair ground’s gaudy lights.
Seeking comfort, I held a stranger’s hand.
But you were found at last, cradling as always.
I remember being walked to school, hand held.
Bedridden, you let go and I walked
Alone, aged five, up Wallsend High Street.
A huge adventure, just going to school.
I still remember the last dying days,
Holding your swollen hands in hospital.
Not sure if you really knew I was there.
You did. Blinded but hand outstretched, waiting…
All night our fingers locked… our thoughts as one.
Gently you left. But I’m still holding on.
STORIES IN POTTERY
Bluebirds above the azure lakes
Burleigh cups - willow pattern trees in gold leaf -
Once with mashed Sichuan oolong,
And on their side plates, shortbread tiffin,
While nephews in white laughed loudly and played tennis on the lawn.
George V Silver Jubilee mug and plate (1910-1935)
Found by slum clearance machines
In a small kitchen overlooking the slipway at Wallsend -
The mug was dropped once and chipped
On the stone floor, toasting the returned Mauretania -
The plate was never used again,
The Mauretania was never used again.
Chipped but uncracked ; dust coated, but loved.
Shapes and pictures that hold more than hot tea.
Saucers deep and smooth, or shallow and scalloped
With painted delicate petals.
With oolong long cooled,
Cups with flared bell-mouths buried
Under crumpled newspaper stuffed
In soapboxes advertising Daz flakes
Hadrian,a man of defensive thoughts
Fortified Wallsend to Maryport;
Now fallen down,past its use-by-date
This Roman barrier across our land-
In some folks minds,it still stands!
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