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.