Anne's Departure 1959 Poem by Terry Collett

Anne was leaving
the nursing home
Skinny kid
her one friend
was going
the following day.

So they walked out
the back gate
and onto the beach
for their last stroll.

Anne with her new leg
and walking stick
and the Kid beside her.

Out of all that lot
back there Kid
you are the only one
I'm going to miss
she said.

I'm going
to miss you too
he said.

You mean
miss looking
at my leg stump
she said.

He smiled
no all of you
he said.

I bet the penguins
won't miss me
she said
especially Sister Paul.

They stood
on the beach
and watched
the waves come in.

I like you
for your honesty
the Kid said
you made me
laugh at times.

Be honest Kid
that's the way
don't suffer fools
she said
looking at the gulls
above their heads.

Can I write to you?
he said.

No Kid this is it
this is the end
of our road
keep the memory
not the facade
of pretence afterwards.

Can I kiss
you goodbye?
he asked.

I don't kiss frogs Kid
I might find a prince
she said smiling
and allowed him
to kiss her cheek.

They stood in silence
watching the waves
and gulls.

Best go back
before the penguins
come looking for me
she said.

She walked
with her stick
her new leg
rubbing her stump
the Kid beside her.

As they reached
the back gate
she stopped
and kissed him
on the lips.

Remember me Kid
me 11 you 10
go marry
when you're older
and not a girl
with one leg.

She walked on
and he stood
watching her go
up the lawn
and out of view.

He stood there lost
with nothing more
to say or do.