The fish were called Rodney, yeah, Rodney the fish. Me granddad were called just the same. Me Granddad were now up in Heaven at rest. Me Granny give that fish its name. “It’s not after granddad,” she quickly explained. “I’d not name a fish after him. Although he did love all that water and stuff… your granddad he loved a good swim. And he had them eyes sort of rounded they were, and he were in tanks in the war. And he used to hide when the cat come around… so Tiddles come round all the more.” I watched as the fish swam around in its tank. “It don’t seem to do much,” I said. “Oh, just like your granddad,” me granny replied. “I bet he does more now he’s dead.” So me and me granny we stared at the fish and Tiddles come in from outside. Me gran had a rock which she put in the tank, so Rodney had somewhere to hide. I go round me granny’s each day after school. It’s just what me granddad would wish. And sometimes me granny don’t hear me come in cos she’s havin’ talks with the fish.
As published in The Book Before the Next Book by A B Wyze
You can find A B Wyze’s books HERE
You can listen to AB Wyze’s poetry readings at Beat Radio – the schedule for when AB Wyze is on is accessible HERE. David’s slot is 10.15 to 10.30 each Monday, on the Morning Show – With Ian Griffiths & A B Wyze.
