Mum holds umbrella,
keeps daughter safe
from rain that stopped falling
five minutes ago. Daughter holds mum
by the bicep, talks about the weekend,
Nan’s house and Mum’s cupcakes.
Mum and daughter stop
at street corner, daughter lets go of bicep,
runs towards a yet visible school
and friends in uniform talking
about Gladiators and boys.
Mum waves to a back and the sun,
keeps the umbrella up,
protects herself from sudden change.

Carl Burkitt 2024