I learnt to do this
The first birthday at boarding school
Flip the knife before the cake is cut
It becomes a less effective cutting tool
A long way from London
Sung to by circumstantial friends
A Three Wishes gateaux
Making nugatory amends
The sharp edge pointing skyward
Leaving the graft to its blunter twin
Marking with a shriek
When the knife’s gone in
Jemima Laing 