My parents grew among palm trees in sunshine strong and clear. l grow in weather that's pale. misty, watery or plain cold, around the back streets in London Dad swam in warm sea, at my age I swim in a roofed pool Mum she still doesn't swim. Mum went to an open village market at my age. I go to a covered arcade one with her now. Dad works most Saturdays. At my age Dad played cricket with friends. Mum helped her mum, or talked shouting half way up a hill. Now I read or talk on the phone. With her friends, Mum's mum washed clothes on a river stone. Now washing machine washes our clothes. We save time to eat to TV never speaking. My dad longed for freedom in Jamaica. want a greater freedom. Mum prays for us, always. Mum goes to church some evenings and on Sundays, I go to the library. the local Dad goes for his darts at the local. Mum walked everywhere, at my age. Dad rode a donkey. Now I take the bus or catch the underground train. from When I Dance by James Berry