This collection is written for those of us who remember our beginnings and recognize how defining moments shape us. The evocative narrative takes us from a child's early perspective on life to the very edge of adulthood. Superstition and religion, mystery and gossip are interwoven with love and learning. Poignant moments punctuate the here and now, only to be fully understood much later: mum huddled in the tin tub; the teacher's smack; the joy of Black Beauty; the self-conscious swagger of a teenage boy. Such are 'the patterns left in the grass'. As the child grows, the vista widens on relationships and possibilities. 'It's enough; it's too much . . .'

"In these vivid, utterly memorable poems, Jules Whiting takes us by the hand, and leads us back to a childhood that is both her own and everyone's. She evokes smells and tastes, fear, excitement, and wonder with astonishing clarity. This is a collection to return to, time and time again."

"These poems will charm anyone who grew up in modest circumstances. There's the tin bath in front of the fire in which the children then Mum bathe with Camay soap. Schooldays are made cruel by dyslexia, resulting in rulered palms. In childhood games: 'We fight each other with broken branches / ... clunk our sticks / in battle', '... playing kiss chase'. There's the outside privy and 'the crispiness of Izal' toilet paper. Later nuns teach the dangers of boys then the uncertainties of growing up: '... your tongue between my lips / ... making me stiffen in alarm'. An irresistible delight."