High School 1961 Poem by Terry Collett

Lizbeth put her hands
over my eyes
from behind
in the corridor.

Guess who?
she said.

Bridgitte Bardot
I said.

No it's me
she said
taking away
her hands
and turning me
around.

It was her
red haired
not blonde
and those
piercing eyes.

Miss me?
she said.

Yeah very much
I said
although I hadn't
in either sense.

I was worried
in case Jane
came along
and thought
I was seeing Lizbeth
behind her back.

What are you doing
this weekend?
She said.

Don't know
I said
help out
on the farm maybe.

And when you are
not on the farm?

Don't know
maybe see Jane
I said.

O the virgin Jane
of course
don't you get bored
seeing her
and her nature study
and birdsong
and what have you
Lizbeth said.

No I like birdsong
and what have you
I replied.

You will get bored
with her and when
you do maybe
we could spend
some time together
and you know
get down to it
she said.

Got to go
I said.

Ok Benny
but maybe
I will cycle
over Saturday
and see you
she said
and walked off
along the corridor
just as the bell rang
for after recess lessons.

I walked on
and hoped
she wouldn't
turn up Saturday
and spoil things
but have to see
I mused
and see what
fate brings.