Myself

(for all our children)

I am colour-driven and song-driven,

did you know?

I am the world you abandoned,

the dream you erased,

made of toys, sand castles

and insects,

swings, matslides and see-saws.

I am magician too;

I turn you into encyclopedia and prophet.

I am the one who fell,

who bruised a knee and stubbed a toe

tripped over a careless word,

an adult trap,

bled and cried.

I forget easily and forgive too

for I like clinging on to a little finger,

I have things to show

I have things to tell.

I am colour-driven

and song-driven,

did you know?

I do dishes and carry guns

heavy loads too,

twice my size,

look after babies

colour-driven and song-driven

just like me.

I am the you you’ve forgotten,

the you you’ve left behind,

colour-driven

and song-driven,

didn't you know?

[from the collection 'Threads', shortlisted for the Gratiaen Award 2007]