Mum, dad and me 
My parents grew among palm trees, in sunshine strong and clear.
 I grow in weather that’s pale.
Misty, watery or plain cold,
Around the back streets in London.
Dad swam 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 on 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, 
Washing-machine washes our clothes. We save time to eat to tv1, never speaking.
My dad longed for freedom in Jamaica.
I want a greater freedom.
Mum goes to church some evenings and on Sundays.
I go to the library.
Dad goes for his darts at the local2.
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