Skin & Blister(For Miss S)

We grin & grimace dropp candle wax onto our fingertips as the storm rattles our window pane angry that we won’t let it in. All night it rages toppling chimney pots with a crash smashing slates it strips from rooftops as we safe giggle & peel off our waxen fingerprints hold them (tiny whirlpools) in our palms those whorls of self unique to each. I wearing my sister’s fingerprints she... wearing mine. ******* SKIN & BLISTER is Cockney rhyming slang for sister. We were so close we could have worn each other fingerprints and as a little boy I was delighted to do so. I was her and me was she. This I guess is something we did to amuse ourselves before...telly arrived. ******* SISTER & BROTHER(for Lyn) Mum expecting sister lets me listen to her bump. I put my finger on (just where you are) & you kick it (pause) ...kick it! Wicked! Now you stare up at me Blind as anything clinging on to my little finger for dear life & come up with it Such a grip! Such a neat trick! I put you ‘gainst my shoulder ...pat. “There, there…pet! ” & you burp all down my back. S**t I even get to change your nappy! You bicycle in mid air & just when it’s on you wee wee yet again & gurgle. We laugh sister & brother.