Thoughts On A Blue Rectangle by Bob Sheed

Arts Richmond

Online - 21 June 2020

THOUGHTS ON A BLUE RECTANGLE

He taught me how to swim, me dad,

his hand beneath me chin, ‘there lad!’

he said, ‘no need to fret,

t’water’s warm and not too wet’.

So off I splashed in hope and fear,

knowing that me dad was near

did nought to calm me thrashing legs

that open’d and shut like clothing pegs

and when I saw him on the side

‘you’ve left me on me own!’ I cried.

‘Keep going, son!’ he shouted then,

‘you’re doing fine’ and sometimes when

I think about that glorious day

my dearest memory is the way

his hand was surer than a crutch –

the only time I felt his touch

*(Yorkshire accent)

by BOB SHEED