No Funny Business 1960 Poem by Terry Collett

Whaur ur ye gonnae?
Mrs Scot said.

Going out
with Benny
Hannah said.

Whaur abit?
her mother asked.

Maybe swimming
in Bedlam Park
Hannah replied.

Again?
Ye only went
lest week
her mother said moodily.

Hannah went
into her bedroom
to find her
swimming costume
her mother
followed her.

Ah guess ye want
some bunsens?
the mother asked.

Just a few pence
for the locker key
Hannah said.

Her mother went out
and Hannah
found her costume
and a towel
and waited.

There was a knock
at the front door
and Mrs Scot answered it.

Benny stood there
she stared at him.

Ye hud best come in
Ah suppose
she said to him.

He entered
and walked down
the passageway
Mrs Scot following
behind muttering.

Hannah met him
by her door
got your swimming stuff?
she said.

Yes and money
he said.

Mrs Scot
got her black purse
and gave Hannah
a few coins
and stared at them both.

Nae funay business
she said.

Of course not
Hannah replied.

They went
to the front door
and went out.

The mother
watched them
cross the Square
and out of sight
down the slope.

What did she mean
no funny business?
Benny said.

Just Mum being
her usual charming self
Hannah said.

Benny let the words
disappear from his
12 year old head.