Nima And Benny Again 1967 Poem by Terry Collett

Nima met me
by the fountain
in Trafalgar Square.

I'd not see her
for a few weeks.

She looked
tired looking
and her hair
had been cut short.

She was wearing
a mini skirt
and pink top.

Wondered if you'd come
she said.

Once I got your letter
I decided I would
I said.

(She had my address
but I didn't have hers
not since she moved
back home
after leaving
the hospital.)

Where shall we go?
she said.

I don't mind
I said.

I wanted for us
to have a night out
at some cheap hotel
but my parents
have their eyes on me
and want to know
where I am going
and when I'll be back
she said.

I guess
they are worried
about you
after the drugs
and the hospital stay
I said.

I'm 19
she said
I am old enough
to be my own boss
they just want me
where they
can control me.

We walked along
Charing Cross Road
and entered a restaurant
and sat down.

We ordered drinks
and a meal.

The waiter went off
and she looked at me.

So how are you?
she said.

I'm ok
work's still boring
as hell
I said.

I gazed at her
how drawn she looked.

Are you back
on drugs again?
I said.

No I'm not
she said
you sound like
my parents
I'm not eating
as I should
I don't feel hungry
but I'll try
to eat this meal.

We waited
for the order to arrive
and talked
and drank our drinks.

I watched her
sitting there
her eyes dull
and that shortness
of her hair.