Two Children's Street

A fond memory of time spent with my younger brother when we were small...

In a dream I reconnect with a long-forsaken street

With me my brother skipping about, smiling sweet

In a slum area this filthy street

Of which my impression is hidden deep

 

A street walked a thousand times

By an ordinary squatter child

Between two blocks of neighbouring ties

Familiar faces met and hi'ed:

Butcher; baker; plumber; shoemaker;

Grannies; babies; badly dressed ladies -

Pyjamas; slippers; hair-curlers; baby carriers...

 

A scummy puddle struck me unprepared

Landing on mud my school uniform glared

At me a chubby hand readily stretched

My bro’s silly chuckles I had fetched

 

My brother now a handsome lad

Sitting a bunch of kids on his lap

This image of him as a child

Wearing that sweet boyish smile

By sheer luck I steal a peek

When it skips about my deepest dreams

Only once

Not for a while

 

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Louisa, I think these little memories that come back to us randomly about our childhood are like gifts. I know when I have similar about my siblings, especially a younger brother no longer on this plane, I linger there a while. They are precious. I enjoyed your poem very much. Hope dear friend that life is being kind to you.

Chris

[Louisa Chan]

Thank you so much Chris!
Love,
Louisa

[Richard Knox]

Oh Louisa,
What a happy memory so clearly communicated here! Your imagery is very powerful and the emotions so strong, made more so by your word choice and cadence. Very nice!
Richard

[Louisa Chan]

Thank you Richard : )
Louisa

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this poem reminds me of my youth in NY...those days playing hopscotch on the cement...
I like that peek into memory...even bad memories remind us that we were young once.
I have a sister...but the memories are worse than the neighborhood was.
I think this can make any reader start reflecting.
j.

[Louisa Chan]

Thank you for your kind review Jacob : )
L

[Louisa Chan]

I miss those innocent times!
L