Poetry

Audrey and I are very different people - this is already very apparent. Audrey, like Ian, is a night owl - I am definitely more of a morning person. Audrey likes lots of noise, lots of movement. I tend to prefer activities that are quiet, peaceful and solitary.

Oh, and that reminds me - Audrey is incredibly social. There's nothing she loves more than seeing friends of all ages. And while I love having friends, I also value my alone time very highly.

I love our differences, but I'll admit that when I find something we have in common, it is very precious.

Lately, one of those things I've found is poetry. Most people who know me know I love poetry, if love is a big enough word for it, and up until recently Audrey has shown little interest in the nursery rhymes I've read to her. She will happily listen to stories/rhymes to some extent - every day we read at least a few books together - but still it has never been one of her favourite things.

That was fine with me. She enjoyed reading but it wasn't her number one go-to thing as it had been for me growing up. It's okay for her to like different things to me, and in any case she's only three. Things change, she might get more into it as she gets older and more able to read for herself.

But recently several friends have given us volumes of child-accessible poetry. Poetry that is beautiful and can be appreciated by all ages. A very thoughtful gift! Audrey and I have been reading them a lot, and she is loving them. She listens intently as I read them out loud, and asks for them more than any other book.

It's such treasure, to spend time with her like this doing something we both love. It's been a very bonding experience and a taste, I hope, of what the future might hold for us as mother and daughter.