it was raining

back then it often did

wellies and yellow coats for both of us

me thomas the tank engine

you danger mouse

the wind nearly blew us over

but we stood firm

in a hundred years they would name stars after us

a bit of wind wouldn’t keep us down

you tore off like you always did

ignoring mums warnings

the safety net of childhood would hold you tight

straight down to the bottom of the garden

i followed shakily

i was still learning my feet

if i hadn’t been distracted

by a cat, a bird, a rock

i don’t remember what it was

then you might still be here

but the pond took you

it had been raining

the ground was loose

a cat, a bird, a rock

a wellie boot drifting

settled on a lily pad

almost serene

my mother screaming

a cat, a bird, a rock

the back of your head

looked so natural

covered in algae

bubbles and foam

like a bath in dirty water

my mum wading deep into the pond

clutching her first born

wailing

and me

still learning my feet

a cat, a bird, a rock.