Writings

First Sunny Spring Afternoon of the Year on 2nd April - Finally!

It's been a long time coming but a first pleasant Spring afternoon in Manchester invites a trip back to the sheltered spots of Fletcher Moss Alpine Garden and views through the old rectory stained glass windows.  Amongst the memorial benches bearing the expected English names of people who loved this spot is one which stands out.  This is an Indian name and Kamal Jamal is described only as 'Rogue', an intriguing inscription.  On the arm of his bench is a pebble painted with easter chicks, a sweet cultural change from the bunches of flowers attached on the annual memory day to some other such benches along the walkway.  There was even a big creamy yellow butterfly to view, but although I followed, I couldn't catch its picture in flight, and it didn't alight.        

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Two teddies are now

Both in my keeping,

Gifts to toddler grandchildren, us.

When new, Bruin was purple, larger,

With a deep growl.

My brother's.

Teddy was smaller, fawn,

Mine.

He lost his growl after an unfortunate fall 

And a sink bath.

I loved Teddy with a depth which included emotional guilt.

I was jealous because Bruin was bigger and purple

And  my own ted  must never know of that.

I was the oldest but the girl.

Perhaps that played into who got which bear.

Bruin is no longer purple,

Faded after decades on my brother's windowsills,

At home and in his flat.

For a few years now, both have looked down from

The high shelf beside my daughter's childhood raised bed.

They leaned together, slightly forward,

As if wanting to come down.

I climbed up to get them the other day and soon saw why.

Both lambswool, moths have pecked their back legs into small

bald patches.

It's been a poignant time as my mother has lately died too.

I felt I had let them down, the two teds, 

Neglected while cherished still.

I've dusted them off and put them on the coverlet

Of the single bed below,

Where they seem more contented, two old men together.

Better now, their worn little faces seem to say.