Talking to Strangers
I sit beside the river eating ice cream, my bike
against a tree. There are families, boats, a craft shop.
Two boys in football shirts and shorts
dribble a ball between me and the water’s edge.
I ask the bigger one who he supports.
We begin to talk about leagues,
the start of the season, the uncle
who takes him and his brother to matches,
the teams my children have played for.
Both boys move in, come closer, sit beside me.
We live with our Mum confides Matthew
the eldest. She and Dad split up last year
She’s got a new boyfriend now.
Yes, they split up says Adam, who’s seven-and-a-half
and bouncing the ball on the ground between his knees.
Dad’s got a girlfriend and she supports Chelsea.
A family of ducks swims past. We pluck grass.
I feel required to reply. Think of my own separation.
Carefully I say These things happen.
Then, knowing it might not be the truth, I add
Your Mum and Dad love you two most of all.
The boys are lying within my reach.
Adam says There’s a butterfly in your hair.
I bend my head and his silky yellow sleeve
brushes my arm and his breath touches my ear.
He rescues a ladybird on his finger.
I tell them it’ll bring them luck.
Page(s) 21
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