That Kiss 1960 Poem by Terry Collett

Fay sat on the grass
in front of Banks House.

Benny sat beside her
he had a book
in his lap open
he had been reading to her.

Do you read
religious books?
she asked.

No although I had a scan
of Pilgrim's Progress
Benny replied.

She looked at him
sitting there
his hazel eyes
and brown hair
with the quiff
at the front.

I mean other
religious books?
she said.

No don't think I have
apart from bit of the Bible
at school in R.E
he said.

I have to read
religious books at home
Daddy doesn't like me
reading worldly books
she said.

Like Treasure Island?
Benny said.

I suppose so
Fay said.

She took out a rosary
from her dress pocket
and showed Benny.

This is my rosary
she said.

She held it out
in her thin hand.

He took it
and held it
in his hand
and looked at the crucifix
at the end
and the white beads.

So this is a rosary?
he said.

She nodded
yes my mum bought it
for me and taught me
the prayers that you say
Fay said.

What prayers?
He said.

She told him.

He stared
at the crucifix
then handed it
back to her.

She kissed it
and put it back
in her dress pocket.

Do you pray?
she asked.

He looked at her
took in her blonde hair
long down to her shoulders
and her blue eyes
looking at him.

Only at school
in assembly
he said.

She nodded her head
and looked about them
at the coal wharf
across the road
up at the flat windows
behind them
then leaned forward
and kissed his cheek.

He smiled
and said within
I won't wash there
for another week.