Expectations

Other kids want books, or toys
Or skateboards or
fancy clothes and shoes
or chocolates

But our George
he only wanted - desired - craved
LONGED
for a cherry tree.

Day and night he dreamed of it.
His own, his lovely, his beautiful ...
his wonderful
cherry tree.

He thought about climbing it
He could feel the leaves rustle against him
he imagined building a tree house
and sleeping there

surrounded by cherries.
He thought of the blossom
and the fruit
all ready to be plucked.

He thought of cherries, raw
and cherries pickled
cherries jammed
and taste buds tickled

He thought of cherries on toast
and cherries in pies
and this made him moan with longing
Can you hear his sighs?

The thing is, George never expressed
his wish to anyone.
His Mom, Dad, younger sister, older brother ...
best friend

Nobody, nobody knew how much
he wanted a cherry tree.
So nobody got him one.
So, on his birthday

Though he said 'thank you' quite politely
George wasn't really too keen on the skateboard
the chocolate-box, the pet dog, the frisbee
the Garfield Hoodie, and the fancy shoes he received.