Another from PAULA PARKER

LITTLE GIRL

I remember feeling five  years old

sat on the toilet seat

of my grandmother's flat.

My feet couldn't reach the ground,

my legs swung to and fro.

I was happy.

I sat waiting,

my eyes fixed on the faces 

on my new Muppet show t-shirt.

It had bright orange sleeves and back,

the font was white,

covered with the faces of Fuzzy Bear,

the highly strung Miss Piggy and

a skinny frog.

The TV talked loudly from the front room.

The women who took care of me watched it,

while eating lots of food.

I wanted nothing more.

All of my needs were full

at least for a few hours

by the companions most like me

listening from my favourite t-shirt.

I KNOW YOU THOUGH WE'VE NEVER MET

While staying with friends

for a few days

they lent me

your room - they said

you had agreed.

Your books, your letters

and your hat

and cape are there for my

perusal.

The pictures of you

on the wall

show, lover, father,

mother, child.

And sleeping in

your empty bed

I feel I

know you very well.

A stranger's room -

yet not to me.

I know you though

we've never met.