Because

From the provocation: “Why do you want to take part in the Didsbury Arts Festival 2023?”


Because

Because to riff means to roughen the state of the page

Because there’s no time like now and there is no ‘now’

Because I Love Manchester says that West Didsbury is leafy, lively and got it going on

Because I want to, can, can’t not, say yes

Because I want to speak words wet with depth and sing songs with freedom in their feet

Because I’m new to this and I’m getting old

Because you asked, and I felt famous

Because standing on a stage and showing off is a ridiculous way for an adult to behave

Because I’m writing this on a Wednesday

Because chances come in twos and we need to stop them fighting.

Because you thought I was an archaeologist and I’d love to be an archaeologist

Because the world isn’t an oyster, but pearls are bits of grit

Because Didsbury is a word on a map of a purple Metrolink line and the words have got to come out

Because, because, because, “Because I said so!” and we sulked at our mam when the cheese had blue spots and was dry at the edges

Because life is short and I will never be tall enough

 

May 2023

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