Hallo, Ann let me tell you about your mother, she was much younger than me
and a dancer. She got a job dancing in Madrid, but she was pregnant and
It wouldn’t do. Late pregnancy, but a doctor was paid well and your life ended
before you had dreams. I never saw your mother again, her name was Maria,
perhaps she is still dancing somewhere in Iberia. I never forgot you and think of
you as a girl, hence the name Ann. I nursed you through childhood illnesses,
changed nappies and loved you. Remember the first day at school you wouldn’t
let go of my hand until I promise to sit outside and wait for you. It dawn on you
when you where about twelve, that your dad didn’t cope well with life and you
became rather bossy berating me for swearing and drinking too much. I wanted
you to go to university and become a doctor in a white coat and stethoscope,
or a lawyer defending the poor. I never went to university. But if you wanted to
be a hairdresser or a nanny, I wouldn’t have loved you less. Dear Ann my love
for you is endless, if I live to be very old do not let me forget you; and as I hoist
anchor to start my voyage across endless seas, hold my hand and let me gently go.
