A Letter To Mam by Janet McCusker

Dearest Mam,

It wasn’t me Mam, honest it wasn’t, I know they said I did it but I never Mam.

I only followed George and James, they had already stormed the gate, it wasn’t as if we were going far Mam, we were only going up the road.

The fair was on and you should have seen some of the sights. It was rampacked Mam, there was a brass band and stalls with lots of lovely bits and bobs. We loved it all but couldn’t afford any of it, we had no money mam.

Ohhh and the roast chestnuts they looked so good Mam, and the smell mmmm....

You and the little ones would have loved everything, I just know you would. The twins would have loved the Punch and Judy show and the Swing-boat rides too, and in the middle was a big tent Mam. We snuck around the back and had a peek inside.

Oh Mam there were all sorts going on! We saw jugglers and acrobats and horses but then we had to make a run for it in case we got caught.

Anyway Mam, it really wasn’t my fault, I only followed George and James and the others big boys.

I nearly forgot Mam, John Fowler had a bare knuckle fight but he lost. The other fella must have stood six foot five, so John had no chance because he’s only five foot four in his socks.

I do hope you will still come to see me next week on my Birthday. I’m really looking forward to seeing you. Still come Mam it really wasn’t my fault.