Daddy

At his favourite beach,

We used to play tag at dusk.

I don’t remember the first time, 

But I do remember the last time. 

He caught me, hugged me beside the chaotic waves.

He wrapped me between his muscular arms

And demanded to stay till the apocalypse. 

Pictures are all that’s left. Everywhere is orange. 

Everything is far away; The sun, the half-sun.

Two shades are imitating fashion shows. 

The north shore is no longer north;

It’s at the centre of my heart. 

The hug was warm enough. 

No need to set a fire, 

To collect sticks to burn 

Or roast potatoes to stuff our bellies. 

Flat on our bellies devouring the potatoes,

The scent of the smoke at his favourite beach

In the warmest spot of mine; 

Between my daddy’s arms.