MANICHAEAN
10-07-2010, 07:40 AM
"Go in and meet your new brother" my Dad said. Wrinkled little bundle cradled in Mum's arms, plenty of blankets on the bed as there was only an open fire in the living room. It was a cold winter.
LewisTrust Buildings in Fulham, top floor. Pass through the coal storage bunker, open to the elements to go to the toilet. Cold wooden seat and you did not hang around long.
Bomb sites & damaged houses. Flying shores on some still occupied. Smell of masonry dust & damp, rotting pre-war timbers. Anderson shelters ensconced in occasional small front gardens.
Hammersmith, Shepherd's Bush and Kensington Gardens, the end of percieved existence. Rumour has it that there are Londoner's south of the bridges.
A toy black knight for Christmas, with a small lead lance to wedge under his arm. Plastercine as an extra treat.
Uncle Con standing away from the rain under the shabby tree across the road. Long heavy duty raincoat and broad brim hat. "Wher's yer father Timmy?" in a broad Cork accent. Tall raw boned Irishman with an angular profile. Looking to borrow money without Mum knowing.
Auntie Hanna & Mary, likewise across on a visit to the mainland. Sat straight in hard chairs enquiring of Mum if the boys said their prayers regular.
Dad back from Ireland once with a whole pig on his shoulder. Bacon & pork steaks for eternity. Final extinction comprised pigs head soup. Mum had to clean its teeth first with an old tooth brush before it went in with the spuds and the carrots.
First dictionary from Aunt Nell and periodically "Just William" books by Richard Compton. Start of a journey.
LewisTrust Buildings in Fulham, top floor. Pass through the coal storage bunker, open to the elements to go to the toilet. Cold wooden seat and you did not hang around long.
Bomb sites & damaged houses. Flying shores on some still occupied. Smell of masonry dust & damp, rotting pre-war timbers. Anderson shelters ensconced in occasional small front gardens.
Hammersmith, Shepherd's Bush and Kensington Gardens, the end of percieved existence. Rumour has it that there are Londoner's south of the bridges.
A toy black knight for Christmas, with a small lead lance to wedge under his arm. Plastercine as an extra treat.
Uncle Con standing away from the rain under the shabby tree across the road. Long heavy duty raincoat and broad brim hat. "Wher's yer father Timmy?" in a broad Cork accent. Tall raw boned Irishman with an angular profile. Looking to borrow money without Mum knowing.
Auntie Hanna & Mary, likewise across on a visit to the mainland. Sat straight in hard chairs enquiring of Mum if the boys said their prayers regular.
Dad back from Ireland once with a whole pig on his shoulder. Bacon & pork steaks for eternity. Final extinction comprised pigs head soup. Mum had to clean its teeth first with an old tooth brush before it went in with the spuds and the carrots.
First dictionary from Aunt Nell and periodically "Just William" books by Richard Compton. Start of a journey.