This poem was inspired a few years ago by fraught attempts to talk like grown-ups when surrounded by toddlers. It isn't bitter - those days pass all too quickly.
A serious conversation
Having a serious conversation
when there are children around
is like
Get down from there, please.
a chain of
Get down.
NOW!
One, two,
Thank you
nearly disconnected
It's all right, you're not hurt.
Starting different sentences
that may not be connected.
Islands of coherence
in seconds of silence which
What are they up to now?
Hang on ....
.... they're OK
and coming back to
earlier sentences
What are you up to?
Answer me, please!
Well, give it back then. It's not yours.
earlier sentences
that you may have already said.
A distracting
BANG!
noise, a comforting hug,
negotiating a two minute
delay to the start of a jigsaw.
I'm talking - wait!
and so much left unexpressed
or forgotten
Can you put your shoes on again, please?
that having a
Where did you put your coat?
serious conversation
is like
Say goodbye.
Say goodbye.
Don't you want to come again?
impossible.
P.F.
