(Me)mory

A short poem based upon my childhood as a young Scottish boy in England. Thomas Baillie.

I remember my beginning through my mother’s eyes.

I remember pictures of a child being baptized.

I remember my first memory that I could call mine.

I remember my love for books began at nursery rhymes.

 

I remember that Hogmanay with oor Wullie on my lap.

I remember those dreich nights, how cosy we all sat.

I remember the days of speaking, without a single doubt.

I remember when that ended.

 

I remember pens in both hands, now I only write with one.

I remember stuttering, stammering and being shunned.

I remember being told it was "run" not ron.

I remember when they took my mother tongue.