the 1980's

I had all these badges, my Deutscher Jugendschwimmpass, by the time I was ten. Once during lessons I got into a fight with my swim instructor, I was about 5, he was an old man with a beard, he was trying to force me into the pool. I punched him, I pummeled him with my tiny fists. I am pretty sure he hit me back. My mum came along and whisked me away, I did not swim that day.

1980

This soap must be at least 25 years old, we have had it so long the details are rubbed away at the edges and covered in fluff just like the soap itself. Originally it must have belonged to our older sister until a game of 'steal and keep' began. Months might go by until it appeared victoriously, briefly- and then it would be gone again. And somehow I had it in my sock drawer for years and years. Then I gave it to little sister who has kept it now for 7 years, 9 months and a couple of days.