Childhood Memories

Walking into my parents'
Newly bought home:
My father holding a carpet and thinking
"That's the same carpet we had at our old house"
and years later- looking at old photos- finding that it was.

Walking down a spiral staircase at my great aunt's home:
As a young child I was rarely left alone:
The feeling of peace I only realise in hindsight:
  The bedtime story, a kiss and then "Goodnight".

Letters A- Z and numbers 1- 20 on my bedroom wall;
The carpet from my old house in the downstairs hall.

Lying in bed hearing the Eastenders theme again.
Tucked up in bed, our parents downstairs protecting us.

  We were safe.

MDC