World Book Day

She made me put my book away
when I was nearly through,
to talk about tomorrow’s plans
and all the things we’d do.

I couldn’t hear her talking
her mouth was making shapes.
I was still on chapter twelve
swinging with The Apes

I didn’t hear her mention
costumes, props and fun.
I was dangling from that branch
In the picture on page one.

So, I didn’t wear an outfit
that showed a favourite cover
or dress up as a character
for my classmates to discover.

I didn’t colour in a spoon
or get up on the stage.
I hid behind the library shelves
and turned the final page.