Fay's Voice. Poem by Terry Collett

Fay met me
at end of the New Kent Road
after school

I told her I'd walk
not get the bus
(I'd spent the fare money
on doughnuts that morning)

she was in her uniform
the posh Catholic school
her parents said
she had to go to

how's it going?
I asked her

she pulled a face
usual stuff
had to learn
all about
the Assumption
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
into Heaven
she said

sounds fascinating
I said
glad I missed it

she smiled
no it was interesting
and an item
of our faith
but it's the way
the nun kept on
about it
and pointing
her finger at us
as if we would go to Hell
if we forgot one idea
she said

I know what you mean
Mr J is the same
about science
his beady eyes search us
like some new day Cromwell
what the heck
do I care what chemical
goes with what

we crossed over the road
and down by some shops
I want to show you something
I said

what is it?

you'll see

the last time you said that
you showed me a dead rat
she said

well it was dead
I said

I know but you didn't
have to swing it
by the tail towards me

I smiled
yes crazy thing to do

we came to the shop window
and I showed her
the item

a stamp album?

yes I thought
I'd collect stamps again
I said

she gazed at me
better than firing
that catapult of yours

and it's quite cheap
only 2/-

have you got 2/-?

not yet
but if I do
a few chores
I can get it I guess

lucky you
she said
I do chores
and get nothing
except build up
my bank account
in Heaven
my father tells me
by good deeds

sounds cool
only I like to see
the money now
I said

we walked on and down
Meadow Row
she told me all about
the Assumption
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
and I listened to the sound
of her voice
like some sweet melody
going round
in my brain

and when she'd finished
I said
tell me again.