Just Born 1959 Poem by Terry Collett

I watched through
the open window
of the boys' dormitory
as one legged Anne
crutched herself
across the dew-covered lawn
of an early morning

the young nursing nun
quickly ran after her
and said
where are you going
at this time
of the morning Anne?

Getting some
fecking fresh air
Anne said
without stopping

the young nun
sort of ran beside her
trying to reason with her
but you've only got
your nightie on
and it isn't
that warm yet
the nun said

FECK OFF PENGUIN
Anne bellowed
and crutched onwards

the nun red-faced
ran along side her
the white habit
flapping around her legs

Sister Paul will
not like this
the nun said

Sister fecking Paul's
not doing it
Anne said
pausing briefly
staring at the young nun
who stood a bit breathless

you mustn't use
such language Anne
it isn't nice
for the younger children
the nun said

Anne looked
at the sky
and took a huge
intake of air
and closed her eyes

any other nun
would have stood
her ground
and have ordered Anne
to returned
to the nursing home
but this young nun
just stood gaping
at the one legged girl
standing on
the dew-covered lawn
unsure what to say
or do like a lamb
just dropped
just born.