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Ian Simpson Oct 2016
"Dad, can you Google a sum for me?"
the protagonist cries
and an echo of classrooms
and chalk dust
and taste of sour milk
grab my senses.

I remember the grey days stretch
as we carefully drew out three quarters
of an upturned box placed
carefully over a number
too big to count on our fingers.
Then we pulled each digit apart
like legs from a spider
until the monster was tamed
(or break-time arrived).

I pretend to use the Internet
and explain.
The wisdom did not directly come from me
and it pacifies.
Later:
"...and for frequency tables
the teacher tells us to use calculators."
she concludes, incredulous
there was ever any other way.
And I am as ancient in her eyes
as Henry Briggs was to me at her age.
Ian Simpson Nov 2012
I don't mind
spending my evenings
and weekends
deciphering scrawl
and providing
inspiring words
to build your confidence
but
sometimes I wonder
if my own scratchings
can be understood

— The End —