Room 102

My favourite place
Is not on any map

It is in that special time
Between asleep and awake,
Second star on the right, straight on till morning

It is the secret kiss
On the corner of Mrs Darling's mouth,
And beyond the back of your wardrobe

You can follow a tardy rabbit
Or step in through the mirror,
Making sure to carry a needle and thread
To mend any fallen shadows

Beware old ladies bearing apples
And watch out for the snow
But do not fear too much,
For the purest heart will always prevail
And the ticking alligator
Is really your friend

But carry this with you always, my angel
Never stop tapping the back of your wardrobe
And long after I am gone,
Sleep with your window ajar
And place a thimble on the sill.

Anna Russell

I remember the midwife when I was in labour
An ugly old bitch with skin like crepe paper
"And where is daddy?" she scornfully asks
"With his new girlfriend, smoking grass"
Of course, I don't say this out loud
Telling myself it's because I'm too proud
But then I have to gently remind her
She's got her hand in my vagina
"You're having his baby, why did you go?"
"Two black eyes and a broken nose"
"If that was me I'd have used protection"
"That's cos your face is your contraception."

Anna Russell