If We Were Able 1965 Poem by Terry Collett

We met in a coffee bar
it was our lunch break
she from her workplace
me from mine

I got coffees and sandwiches
we sat by a window
looking out

what'd your mum say
about last Thursday
half day and you
were late home from work?
I asked

I said I was stock-taking

what did she say?

Again you only did
stock-taking the other week
and I said I know
but something wasn't right
so we had to do it again

what did she say to that?
I asked

she pulled a face
like she had haemorrhoids
and went off
Tilly said

you didn't mention
us having sex
at my place then?

No thought best not to
Tilly said
she smiled

what time did your mum
come home from work
that afternoon?
Tilly asked

not longer after
I came back
from seeing you off
through the back
I said

lucky break then
she said

yes but she likes you
and I don't think
she would have you minded
you being there
I said

but she wouldn't have
been pleased me being
in your bed stark naked
Tilly said

no I guess not
I said

we sipped our coffees
and ate our sandwiches
I miss you
when I'm not with you
she said

me too
I said

when we were at school
we could see each other
every day in class
now we don't get
the chance
she said

no I know
I said

we sat and ate
a jukebox was playing
a Beatles song

I sensed her near me
her body oozing
a hundred waves
of possibilities
across the table
we would again
if we were able.