Today’spoem

THE REMINDER

‘Tread on a line, break your spine, Tread on a crack, break your back.’ Ask any kid, they’ll tell you It’s an undisputed fact. Whatever the truth of the matter This always springs to mind, On the highways and the byways And the alleys that run behind. Wherever I happen to find myself I play this little game, I don’t know if I believe it But I do it all the same. It’s an aid to concentration As you’re walking down the street It forces you to think about Where you put your feet. The other day I came across Some early daffodils, A gesture of defiance Against the winter chills. I lost myself for a moment In this happy accident, I thought: ‘Mum would’ve loved that,’ Then realised what that meant. The ‘would’ve’ cut right through me, A fresh twist of the knife, Another little reminder of The changes in my life. I guess I must have stepped upon A crack within my mind, Or a highway or a byway Or an alley that runs behind. G. Bell, Botley, Hants.