A memory of my mother’s
Tiny me
Disappearing along the beach
To reach
Other people
Despite my over sensitive reactions
To other people’s vocal actions

“Where’s he gone now?”

I always thought I was shy
But the thought that is mine
Is just mine

If you could still see my little footprints in the sand
There and back
Running away from my family
To other families
Testing them out
To see if they fit
Better for me

Running away but running back
Because
Family is important
To me?
Even if
It’s the wrong one

Then I’m chasing my dog
Cleo
Furry ball of grins
My hair a halo
My teeth together
Absolute joy
A tiny boy
A brown dog
Golden sand
The tide
Coming in
Slowly
Creeping up to me
Taking my teeth
My dog
But not my smile
There may be gaps
For seaweed
And crabs
Posts
Barnacles
Sandcastles
Melting
Back
To the sand
My bucket and spade
Inadequate
Defence
But the tide
Has not
Turned