He had built a fort for the kids

with wood saved from a skip,

health and safety just a four letter word.

There were heady views over the neighbours,

added extras -

viewing platform

door with no purpose

no safety rails (not an extra).

 

Two old water butts for eyes

with ramps to a different level

like a masterpiece of confusion by Escher.

 

The kids became pirates

on a grounded ship,

stunt men and a maiden

Plastic swords hacked at fresh blossom

and in fantasy the sister was kissed.

 

I grew climbers to shield their view,

waited for a machine gun post,

but no enemy came

so they abused a trampoline,

balls came over the fence

a fusillade.

 

The fort builder split with his wife

the fort slowly rotted

though over - engineered,

viewing platform slumped

an expiring elephant on its knees

grey with age

but still the kids came back for more

a token force on the lookout.

 

They looked out for their Daddy

but he'd retreated on a horse with no name

and his wife didn't understand the game.