LYDIA MIGHT.

Lydia was glad

to be out

of the flat

her big sister

was rowing

with her mother

her father sleeping off

the night before

her brother Hem

teasing her

beyond tolerance

she crossed

the Square

going by the milkman

and his horse

drawn cart

the horse

with its feeding bag

over its nose

the morning sun weak

but coming

through above

she walked up

and through

heading towards the top

to go to the shops

for her mother

with the scribbled

list of wares

and a handful of coins

she crossed

Rockingham Street

and along by the shops

I was behind her

going to the same shops

(my mother's list

neatly scribed

in my hand)

Lydia seemed

in deep thought

her head down

I tried to catch up

but she was going

too fast

like a gazelle

but once she stopped

by a shop window

I said

you're up early?

she looked

back at me

Mum wanted me

to get these

she said

showing me

the list

plus the flat

is in turmoil

what with my big sister

rowing and Hem

teasing me

I showed her

my list

how about going

to Jail Park after?

I said

see who can swing

highest?

she looked uncertain

if I'm allowed

she said

or maybe

get a bus

to Westminster Bridge

and see

the Houses of Parliament?

I suggested

haven’t got

the fare money

she said

I’ll get some

I said

my old man

is always ok

for a few coins

she nodded

I'll try

she said

we walked to the shops

we needed

and bought the items

on our lists

and I treated her

to a penny drink

at Penny Shop

and as we stood outside

the morning sun

got warmer

and bright

and she said

she would come to Westminster

if she could

or if her mother

said she might.

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