The Speak Mum Speaks

the speak Mum speaks when she’s on the phone I asked her one time where it comes from she says it’s the speak of her friends from home the speak Mum speaks like floating and laughing and the words are bubbling whispering hurrying she says it’s the speak of where she comes from the speak Mum speaks like singing and dancing like friends holding hands going out to playtime like a playground with everyone jumping I sit small and say nothing I listen and listen to the speak Mum speaks flashing and shining like jewel diamonds and I want some - Helen Dunmore