21 Menelik Road
for Penny
Hugh plants daffodils where the paths cross.
Four yellow clumps; tied down after flowering,
they increase every year to a vast golden circle.
Nora hangs woollies on the line in the garden.
She makes arms out of tights which she threads
through the sleeves - the jumpers dry in perfect shape.
Tony grows plants on his window-sill,
makes fireworks and rockets;
a wizard big brother, dark, full of power.
Chris is open, clear and blue;
he pedals his tricycle
hour after hour down the ramp to the garage.
You and I are baking cakes.
My mixture is made in a minute or two.
You carve out a well in your finely-sieved flour;
crack each cherished egg, add milk drop by drop.
Joan looks on, praises my speed,
supports your search for perfection.
Chrissie Williams, March 2005