Statutory declaration

As you fill your Hello Kitty 

school bag with your flowery hat 

and your giggles 

As the house overflows 

from too many vague 

animal shapes and squiggles

As you look at me - your 

pet Gruffalo with an air 

of bemused curiosity 

(For I am still more a clown 

than a hero 

and perhaps will be 

- quite happily -

for ever more)

I think of the days 

before you

Before I knew

you were a part 

of my whole 

And let me assure you 

and all else who would listen

You were preceded 

in this world 

by a love story