The little girl hunkers down
And holds out her right hand
Just as she has been shown.
Two sun-streaked plaits extending from
Her bright green cycle helmet.

The cat is velvet soft and grey
His fur is thick and inviting.
He pads forward and raises his chin
Then slowly, slowly, rubs his head
Against her outstretched fingers.

She can’t quite keep inside
A little sound of pure delight.

Small dogs on tube trains and
Cats with mashed noses
Wild flow'rs in pavements and
Wind scattered roses

Half-fallen French plaits and
Scuffs to inspect
Scruffy and fluffy, these
Things I collect

Neon marshmallows and
Old crumbs re-toasted
Personal messages
WhatsApp group posted

Unthought-through questions that
I can deflect
Curious, spurious
Things I collect

Daft ice cream flavours and
Not-quite-set jelly
Duvets on sick days with
Sofa and telly

Out-of-place objects and
Tales I project
Happy and scrappy, these
Things I collect

Amongst some trees a sign says Doctor Martens
I walk into the shop
A man in leather with long hair stands behind the bar
I ask for new boot laces, stripy ones if they have them
The biker's face is hard to read
He offers me skull shaped metal studs
As if this is what I had meant
I don't think it was but perhaps I am wrong