FOR JANICE BOTTOMLEY (AGED 9¾)

When we were one, in search of fun,
Your smile made me feel happy.
When we were two I hated you,
When my Mum changed your nappy!
When we were three, I let you be
My friend and share my teddy.
When we were four, you lent me your
Red trike and held me steady.
When we were five, I let you drive
My toy car ‘round our path's bend.
When we were six, my big blue bricks
Were yours - you were my best friend!
When we were seven, you were Heaven
To my little blue eyes.
When we were eight, my garden gate
Was where we liked to ‘Shoo!' flies.
When we were nine you broke your spine
Behind a big ice-cream van.
When I was ten, I used your pen
To keep you in my dreams, Jan.