My dad recites As I Walked Out One Evening ...

After chops worthy of James Boswell, my dad recited Auden's As I Walked Out One Evening - his eyes were shining - he spoke each word as though it were a precious name - the poem became a spell - 

The pages of The Sunday Times were unread - my heart was like a hare, dancing under the moon - 

I sat opposite my dad - the telephone waited for voices - 

I walked by the river, past shabby lovers - I saw the crack in my tea-cup opening - 

13.00

February 1 2015

Staunton Road

Havant