ONE OFF CREATURES.

A GIRL AND HER GRANDMOTHER.

Grandmother said when I was a little
Girl we had to watch our P's and Q's and

Be familiar with the thank you and
Excuse me and wear what we were given

And sit at the table in silence and
Sit upright with no slouching back or one’s

Elbows on the table or speaking with
The mouth full and not speak unless spoken

To but it’s all so different now like a
Different world at least to us. Jane smiled

And nodded to Gran for her memories
And potted history but she knew Gran

Had never minded any P’s or Q’s
And wore what she wanted and said what she

Liked whether slouching with elbows on the
Table or speaking out of turn spitting

Out bits of food as arguments ensued
Wearing the latest fashions and speaking

The day-to-day slang and smoking the French
Cigarettes her father had banned and sipping the

Drinks they’d locked away and married the one
They didn’t like or ever want to know

And now looking back Jane remembers Gran
At seventy four getting off the red

And black motorbike outside her door with
A bright blue crash helmet in her hand and

Sparkle in her eyes stern features one of
God’s unforgettable one off creatures.

Author's Note

PAINTING BY PAULA MODERSOHN-BECKER.