There's one thing I am just not very good at 

I'm certainly not a maths or numbers acrobat. 

 

Despite additional support when I was young 

Anything to do with numbers or maths, may well have been in another tongue. 

 

I still frustratingly struggle now 

People when they realise raise a sceptical eyebrow. 

 

When I see numbers they mix up and jumble 

Inputting telephone numbers I get them wrong, have to redial while my fingers fumble. 

 

I read card numbers slow to give my brain chance to process 

It's painful, embarrassing at times and it can cause me distress. 

 

Little things you take for granted, like reading weight on an old set of scales 

I avoid sums, addition and hate working out the price reduction in shops sales. 

 

It shouldn't be this difficult but my mind can not compute 

Give me words and English and I'm very astute. 

 

I blame the maths teacher who humiliated me as a child 

I wish I'd stood up to him and not been so meek and mild.  

 

Numbers bounce around the page 

I'm glad I didn't entertain being an accountant at any stage! 

 

04/04/18 Natalie Sparnon