fresh start 1

The dark oppressive building is out of sight

Hidden behind the oak and chestnut trees

I languish on the bough basking in the light

Nature watching, mind wondering free




The distance clank of wood against the metal

The Noise I hear is Peter hobbling my way

He is calling excitedly the shouting primeval

I jump from my branch that continues to sway




Peter did not look right his eyes were red rimmed

It was more the caliper or the abrasion of the crutch

These pains he lived with daily endured and grinned

Something else had happened that hurt very much




The house you are due searching for you near and far

We shuffle along at Peter's slow pace defiant in my disgrace

Parents day some will go away for me it is quite bizarre

It can not be true I am going away with parents I have no trace




The road with sharp bends and overhanging by trees

Gives no open view from gate at the end to the hall

The facade of the hall in clearing of gardens that please

Behind holds the terrors known to only inmates’ appall




Where the grounds end to house front car park starts

We can see them all, the welfare, fosters, but parents are few

Here boy you fool you look a disgrace get inside depart

Get yourself cleaned and dressed looking brand-new




The scrubbing of hands body and face with malice

The soap of carbolic water cold to the touch

The physical endeavors border on disgrace

It is for their pleasure the actions are tough




The greatest indignity yet to come the wearing of shoes

These past years bare foot no shoes are worn

The crimping of the sole uppers and squashed toes

They are made to fit with the working of a horn




In crippling pain I totter about with shirt and shorts clean

Directed to some parents by the over hanging trees

Matron catches me now explain where you have been

I’ve been playing do I have parents in among these




Your parents are to collect you they are waiting by the bus

I scamper to see three couples, confused now which to meet

Run to the first pair who avoid me declaring you’re one of us

So slowly to the next with a sad smile but with hurting feet







The male his hand waves from side to side, I am not one of those

The last couple must be my parents I have deduced what I know

I walk briskly forward careful not to crease or soil my new clothes

They also reject me I’m not theirs but where else is there to go




I stand perplexed and wondering what else should be done

When a hand claps on my shoulder gently turns me around

I do not recognise them but appear to have found their son

We walk together to the bus that is leaving but where bound?




We walk to the bus there is no holding of the hand

I follow on as if I do not belong with any show of emotion

Walking with a mixture of fear and joy on to the Promised Land

Orderly queue to board the bus, so British with no commotion




The smell of disinfectant overpowering as we board the bus

Seated near the back where the paper bags hang from the seats

As the bus moves the travel sickness begins to overwhelm us

In sickness and discomfort the bus travels on as darkness creeps




Travel through the suburbs the city stretching on ahead

Houses upon houses, streets upon streets, pray for the end of the road

The sick bag full, blistered feet and feeling cold, wish I were dead

Get out, walk to the house with the cracked tile, in the shape of a toad




Kneeling to pray by the side of the bed, oh lord if you’re listening

Please look after Peter, and protect him from the evil house Sister

Please help me to forget my friend, the closeness I am missing

Oh and help me to endure these shoes, and ease this foot blister