Bernadette Hall

In search of happiness

At first we thought there were two islands
and we felt we could be happy on one of them.
Perhaps the little one
which was no more than a blip on the horizon.
But Harry said that sadly it was waterlogged and drowning,
the big river shining like a safety pin.
So we thought, well, what about the other one
but Harry said that sadly it had gone up in smoke.
His brother, he said, had just managed to get everyone out.
And he’d even managed to get the washing machine
and the tumbler drier and the hat rack.
Then Sarah said that the two islands were in fact one.
And we all felt worried.
What about the funny little black and white dog?
Where would she have to run to? And could she swim?

Author’s Note

Sources

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