Walking on Ice

Christmas time, first day on the rink.

Families skate, bonds tight,

Linked arm in arm.

My Daddy takes me on the rink.

Mummy takes photos for a family album.

My baby sister’s first Christmas.

She lays in her pram unaware.

Neither of us know how our lives will change.

An icy chill sweeps through the air,

Mummy shivers, pulls Daddy’s coat tight around her.

Rows often erupt during our family days.

Sometimes mummy finds me sobbing under the bed.

She pulls me tight always saying sorry

I know it will start again tomorrow though

Today though, today seems too good

Until mummy’s face crumples

As she stares at the phone.

Looking up at Daddy

Tears streaming down her face

Daddy drags me over the ice

Mummy is upset, Daddy doesn’t comfort her,

Instead glancing at the screen

Mummy is crying, shouting, slapping

How could you, It’s not what you think

We are just friends, liar.

Mummy and daddy are saying words I don’t understand.

They walk in opposite directions.

I do not know which way to run.

I need them both, I love them both

But mummy is crying, mummy needs me.

Daddy I am sorry, I love you but

Please don’t make mummy cry