Short

I liked being short. I would sit
On my daddy’s knee and he’d
Bounce me. The stairs were

Vast mountains and I was there
To climb them. My mummy
Would tuck me in every night

After I had struggled into my
Train engine pyjamas. The TV
Would entertain me. I could go

To Andrews house whenever I
Wanted to without ringing up.
We would play in the garden.

My nanny would sing me songs
From Slovakia and I would try
To sing them back to her. I

Would work and laugh at the
Same time. The playground had
Worms in it. And things were big.

Stealing

I found a penny.
It was sitting down so
I painted its picture.
I took the penny to my room.

I threw open the curtains
And the sun said Ah!
Sometimes i put it in my pocket
And take it away.

We go and see things.
I check it is safe.
It sparkles and croons.
My shiny penny.

Prayer to a Cheerless God

O lord of light!
Great butcher of skies!
Conspirator!
Extractor fan!
You have such enormous fingers!