a week that lasts for years

Hero Worship
by Gwyneth Box

Do you remember how you used to tease,
kidnap my teddy, lock him in a drawer
or hang him from the banisters, ignore
my screams, my tears, my heartfelt "pretty please"?

You mocked me when I fell and scraped my knees;
mine was the losing side in every war
of cowboys, Indians, cops and robbers. Bored
you'd wander off and go and climb the trees
beyond my reach, and I'd be left alone.

Forgetting physical and mental pain
I'd wait impatiently beside the phone
until the next day, when we'd start again.

The years have passed but I still feel the same,
still hoping to be asked to join your games.

© Gwyneth Box 2007