That Red Head 1961 Poem by Terry Collett

See that red head
over in the girls'
playground
Nigel said.

I looked over
to where he
was pointing.

Yes I see her
I said.

I've heard she's
up for it
he said.

Up for what?
I said
seeing Lizbeth
talking to another girl
by the fence.

You know it
Nigel said
sex.

O I see
I said
hoping she wouldn't
wave to me.

I looked away
at the other boys
in our playground.

Wouldn't mind
giving her one
if she's that keen
he said.

Give one what?
I said
wishing he'd move
from the fence
and stop staring
to where she stood
yaking with the other girl.

Have sex with her
he said.

I gazed towards her
she wasn't looking
to where we stood.

You know her?
he said.

No can't say I have
I said.

I wonder if she's red
all over or if
she's dyed her hair
he said
staring at her.

No idea
I said
but she was
although I never
told him that.

I'd seen her that time
when she undressed
to tempt me
(unsuccessfully)
and she was red
there too.

Wonder what
her name is
he said.

No idea
I lied
wanting to walk away
but he stayed
and she looked over
and waved.