You are standing on the beach at Carbis
Smiling, spade in one hand, bucket in the
Other. Above your head, the sky is blue
And cloudless.You are wearing the pretty
Pink smocked dress from the charity shop which
Had to be washed every day; worn the next.
No other dress would do. At three years old
Your mind was set. Stiff legs, set lips, no smile
No sparkling eyes, no consolation if
The pink smocked dress was not ready to wear.
But you are no longer three years old and
No longer that child on the beach at Carbis.
You are fifteen and worldly wise but where.
Did my little girl go? Can I meet you
One more time, just one more time on that beach?
See your face as the seagull stole our lunch?
Feel your three year old arms clasping my neck,
Your sweet breath whispering on my cheek;
See you dance as the waves caress your feet;
Watch you run over wide sands towards me
Forever in your little pink smocked dress…