For An Autistic Child

These lines written for an autistic grandchild also convey a universal condition of behaviour issuing from pre-linguistic grounds. The gesture is simple. The child

snatches a cracker biscuit, shaking off
the smoked fish, and then smiles suddenly
as if amused by some mischievous thought
growing out of a landscape I can't reach,
the unknown pathways lying under speech.
Elaine Feinstein "Christmas Day in Willesden Green" in Cities.

And so for day 944
14.07.2009