Speech (for Trinity and Renee)

Speech develops slowly and specially
Shapes form into words which are
Not necessarily the shape expected

But what can you expect when
I am only 20 months old? I
Do my best to get my mouth around

The words you throw at me daily. Some
Easy to mouth; others I look at you
Strangely because you seem to think

I am 20 years old rather than months.
But that’s OK, cause I know you want
To help me grow into this strange speaking

World of adults, and while I can say
Ma, even Oma, and certainly Shazza and have
Recently impressed you with my best

Attempts at hand and foot. I don’t know
How long it will take to get my tongue
Around G-R-U-M-P-S. I mean I love

The man, and enjoy his company, not to mention
His dog – Shazza! – but I fear it will take
Just a little while to say that awkward name.