The Toy Play
Inspired by Mid-term Break by Seamus Heaney
I pulled it to my side
So did he
Pushing and pulling the Honk juggled between our hands
Losing the grip bit by bit I lunged for the plane
Similar to the one flying above us
He wondered what time dad would get home tomorrow.
The neighbours adored him
So did I
Running around with his tiny feet claiming where he set foot
I chased him, trying to hold him
Not letting him go-
I was two steps away-
It passed us so swiftly
The hot wheels unsettling his ground
He still won’t stop.
I wasn’t two steps away no more
My hands interlacing his baby fingers
I pulled him to my side
He was still restless wanting to run
Looking up to tears stinging my cheeks
Looking up to terror stinging mums eyes
Scarless face, Bruiseless legs
Pounding hearts
He didn’t realise how far away he could have gone
A honkless car, haunting our hearts.
