I sat down beside him.

"I like cheese on toast, wiv peanut butter on top, and jam,
But...Sardines and tomatoes... That's my fav'rit",
Pulling a face now,Shaking his head,
"Don't like ham".

I smiled.

A four year old boy,
sat in a rubbish strewn yard, rats running around,
Playing with an old wooden toy.
He had dirt engrained hands and face,
Short trousers, scuffed and bleeding knees.
"I falled over, it's only a scratch",
I dabbed at them with my handkerchief.
Tough little blighter,
Knew better than to ask for anything at all with a "Please",

"You're a copper aint'cha...?"
"I can tell.... Mom'll be back soon. She'll give you 'ell".
No I thought, she won't,
She's gone to prison for a long time...Right now, she’s sat in a cell.

I took a deep breath.

"Come with me", I said,
"I'll take you away from here,
I know where you can get,
The greatest sardines and tomatoes you ever saw,
On best bread".

His face lit up.

Not looking back, we picked our way to the broken down gate.
I held his hand tight, to the waiting car I led.