A List Of The Length Of The Universe Poem by Mark Heathcote

She didn't want or need - steady
Her legs were dangling off the pier wall. 
Gazing out to sea at the stars on the horizon. 
Looking back that wasn't her forte. 
In a world of none, could she find one?
Who met with all her unmet desires,
A list of the length of the universe. 
She didn't want babies. 'No, that's not for me.'
I don't need water wings or stabilisers on my bike. 
'I don't want to put on apron strings.
And be called mother or grandma.'
I am far too peculiar and indifferent to others.
To take on any full-time lovers.
And make them illegitimate fathers.
'No, that's not for me.'
Because I am like those castaways.
Who never return or truly come back
Always wanting to be free.
Always with a lover on the other side of a distant sea.