Grandma!

Grandma!

Walking along hedge lines with you and Heidi. Growling
I wound her – poor dog, but she’d knick my treats back
If I wasn’t quick enough
Hotched up on our knees by the back window
Hedgehog watching secretly, as they scoffed their cat food
And beetled about at surprising speed
When I came to stay

Trips on the bus into town to buy the new best trousers
Quick to respond to keen and prising child eyes
Ready to answer any line of investigation
To put fear to sleep.
You hid the hurt from me. Tidied it away into a box I expect.
Put it next to buttons and threads. But it found a way out

I smelt you waft by the back door when you left.
Did you know that?
Smelt lovely. Perfume layered onto baby talc and mineral oil
Brushed and fluffed
Stepping out to get some-air…….

Easter and autumn jokey lido visits to harden me off
Ta! I’ll keep the leaves company shall I?
Late morning lie in cups of tea in bed
Bean poles in the garden, strung with their beady red flowers
Giant slugs hiding under the water butt
Trowels and trugs beautifully lined up
And smelling clean with your soil. Sandier than ours

Comfortable to remove the bandage
Without fear of rejection.
I was privileged
You were a brave one
Mrs gymnastic doing handstands
Don’t spray me with your hose!
And cheeking the young boys in the pub, at the lunch out, aw, Grandma!
What a treat to be embarrassed
By you