page 99

Part 2

She scoots down the lane past the Bowling Club.
The green is hidden by another high wall.
Bowling’s a game played by white-clothed old people.
Will she wear white clothes and play bowls when she’s old?

There are jewels that she likes by the Plastics Place,
Bright heaps the other kids haven’t seen yet.
Today she is lucky, she picks up a threepence.
Lollies will help her to climb Pirie Street.

With her pocket of treasures she passes the Parthenon,
Legendary place, and so close to home!
Greek children go there to learn Greek. The child
Speaks fake Greek because it makes Mum and Dad smile.

Pirie Street is very steep. The little girl goes slowly up.
Faith doesn’t come out of her house.
The child gasps, her sweat trickles down.
When she’s nearly done, she gets to the top.

The long, smooth cruise down Brougham Street
Is worth the difficult struggle up.
Her muscles shake. ‘Just balance and ride,
Don’t lower your foot till you get to the Flats.’

The Ionian Flats are close to home.
No Ancient Greek comes out today.
She’s into her street, and the ordinary house
Opens its mouth and swallows her down.