Where I'm From

(after the George Ella Lyons poem , and others. Nice one to try.)


I’m from Marmite sandwiches, orange wedges, bratkartoffel,
sauerkraut, and eat up everything that’s on the plate.

I’m from one country to another,
Lederhosen and white organza dresses, pink and yellow is for girls,
why do you speak funny and where’s your dad.

I’m from skipping, if you miss a loop you’re out,
from dippi dippidation my operation, how many people at the station,
red is for danger and out goes you.

I'm from laterne laterne, sonne, mond und sterne,
our Father which art in heaven.

I’m from ten du Maurier tipped in the flat red box,
lipstick on the stubs and burns on my fingers,
sixpence in my pocket to buy pink sherbet and a raspberry chew.

I’m from Bunty and Mandy, The Four Marys and The Silent Three,
Fifth Form at Mallory Towers and Alma,
who stole the sugar biscuits from a tuck box.

I’m from Grimm’s Fairy tales: Goldmary and Pitchmary, the apple tree calling
Shake me, oh shake me, my apples are all ready,
from Thousandfurs, three wishes and a cloth that’s covered with meat and drink
whenever you say the word.

I’m from waiting for my father to take me skating at Queen’s,
blisters on my ankles, a Wimpy and a strawberry milkshake after,
Battersea funfair, six shillings in my pocket to spend on rides.
I am from always missing him.

I’m from Petticoat and Panstick,
hiding in changing rooms on netball days
and losing your virginity to Tampax.

I am from the Christmas crib, an angel
suspended by elastic from the stable top,
Joseph and Mary looking down,
Jesus on a manger, naked,
a golden ring around his head,
and a donkey who stands and waits
and sees everything.