At Tilly's House 1965 Poem by Terry Collett

I went to Tilly's house
after work
got the bus there
walked the country lane.

Her mother
opened the door.

O its you
she said.

I nodded
in affirmation.

You best come in
she said grudgingly
how was Richmond?

I hesitated for a moment
had she guessed
or was she fishing.

It was fine
I said.

She closed the door
after me
Tilly was in Richmond
the same time as you
she said
standing at the doorway
to the living room.

Was she?
God what
a coincidence
if I'd know
we could have met
I said.

Yes couldn't you
she said
and walked off.

I sat on a sofa
no one else
was there
her sister
and brothers
were out.

After a few moments
Tilly came
didn't know
you were coming
she said.

Thought I'd
surprise you
I said.

You have
she said
she sat down
Mum knows you
were at Richmond
the same time
as I was
although she
doesn't know
we met
I think
she suspects.

I thought she might
by her manner
how are you?
I said.

All right
work is a bore
but it pays my bills
and allows me
to get the clothes
I want and not
what my mother
buys any more.

She kissed me
briefly
and you how are you?
she said.

Better now
after that kiss
I said
wishing her old lady
wasn't there
so we go
and try out
Tilly's bed.