It takes two hours to honour those smarter than us And watch them parade across the polished stage To receive award
after award.
Mama sits with the other parents. She looks puzzled because I’m not called Forward for a medal or a trophy. I don’t even get a certificate she can Stick to the fridge.
Clair is sitting next to me Defacing the programme. She sneers when other people win And groans instead of clapping.
There are sports awards.
William wins a swimming medal – gold – And when he sits
Back down he passes the medal Along our row so I can touch it.
Stabbing jealousy makes my head spin, And then there’s guilt in my gut Because William looks so proud, And he has been so nice; He deserves this medal.
I pass it back along the row And Clair turns to me and says, ‘You’re friends with Will?’ And I shrug;
I don’t think we are friends Exactly.
For the finale we stand in our rows Like dishevelled soldiers And sing ‘God Save the Queen’.
I don’t know the words. I just open and close my Mouth and look straight ahead Hoping no one will notice The treason.
