Chalk and Cheese

THEY said we’d fail.
Chalk and cheese.
You with your degree
Me, with my CSE in woodwork.

Our first meal, you ordered
Bruschetta and Carpaccio
I had soup, then
Steak and Chips.

That week at Butlins
I loved, you hated.
Weekend in Florence?
Your treat, not mine.

You wrote poetry
I wrote betting slips
You wanted Hertford
I wanted Hackney

You read the Times
Front pages first
I took the Sun.
Started from the back.

My estate was council
Dad’s car was Cortina
You had your own estate
With people that drove.

Lasted twelve years
This chalk and cheese.
Me with black fingernails
You with white gloves.

You wanted Champagne
I bought Cava.
You wanted the world
I could only give you the moon.