I don’t remember the day that sadness
Came to stay with me.
I remember sad things that happened
But then I was happy again.
It wasn’t the day the poorly lady came to stay
In our house and never
Came out of the bedroom.
Mummy used to take her food
But she brought it out again
And I never was allowed to go in.
Mummy and Daddy used to talk softly
And then stop if I came close.
Then the men came and I was told to stay
In my room and play.
When I came out the room was empty
And there were no sheets on the bed.
And I was sad because I didn’t know and I wanted to make her laugh.
They said I was funny though I don’t know what funny is
But I liked them smiling at me.
And I was sad again when there was no breakfast.
I was hungry but they said a man had stolen it
And the police we’re going to catch him.
Bread and milk and cornflakes and a big knife he took
I wanted to say no it was Frosties
And the police could look and follow the trail
Cos they were easier to see than cornflakes.
But they didn’t want to talk to me
And I was sad
Cos I wanted to help.
And I was sad in Bridlington and it rained
And we had to sit in the car
And I had a sausage
But it was sunny when we got home
And I dug a hole
And I was happy.
Daddy shouted a lot
Sometimes at me but
I don’t know what drunk means
Like Mummy said
And I don’t know how old I am
But I know I had a hamster and he escaped
And I was sad
And we found him hiding in Eeyore’s leg
And I was happy.
I like flowers and
biscuits but not with chocolate on
And milky bars make my head hurt.
They said somebody hit me
But I don’t remember and now sadness has been here
A long time
And Mummy and Daddy don’t come to see me.
I am happy sometimes
In the sun
And when I get a toy
But sadness is always waiting for me
Sometimes in the chair
Sometimes on my bed.
He doesn’t have a colour
And he doesn’t talk.
I wish he’d go and maybe I’d remember
Proper happy that doesn’t go
Or maybe sadness would just
Come for a little visit
And happy would be there at night.
But he isn’t.
Still I need a cuddle
So I’ll just cuddle my sad
And have a little cry
And fall asleep in the wet patch.
.
Stephen A. Linstead
Image: Spiritual Haven
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