looking through the past forgiveness of hurts

baby steps

take me safely across

sparkling pavements

Before the poetry reading begins

On this December night

In a Dublin bookshop

A friendly Aquaintence enters the room

Where the reading is being held

He approaches my table

We greet each other

Then exchange wishes for a happy Christmas

He adds a hope we will meet again in

The New year

He walks away.

Time spun backwards

Climbing the steps of the mobile library

I was a child again

Browsing book shelves with my mother

shops closed

on childhood sundays

we walk city streets

She is jealous of me

My apartment

My netbook

My writing

How can that be

I am only four foot three

His stories took us

On a tour of Japan

Kyoto

Mount Fuji

While we ate

lockdown birthday alone no cupcakes

He kisses my cheek

Christmas greetings we share

Promises to meet next year

Fleeting moment

Silent tear

listening to him read

imagination places –

me on his lap