Lost Hankerchief 1964 Poem by Terry Collett

Milka's mother
was in the kitchen
making us coffee
and she had

her back to us
and Milka mouthed
how about sex?
was it good?

I mouthed back
yes it was good
and she smiled
and said

can Benny come
to dinner one Sunday?
of course he can
her mother said

without turning around
just let me know when
so I can get
a little extra in

I will let you know
I said
gazing at Milka
her hair

and eyes
and her hand
on my knee
under the table

squeezing it
here we are
here are your coffees
and her mother

placed the two mugs
of coffee on the table
and she smiled at me
and said

I'm just off
to make the beds
and sort the washing
if you want a biscuit

Milka knows
where they are
she can get you
what you want

and then she was gone
and we were alone
in the kitchen
can't get you

what you want
in the kitchen
Milka said
but I can get you

a biscuit if you like
yes that'd be good
I said
the biscuits I mean

and Milka got up
and went
to the small larder
and I watched her

hips sway
as she walked
her legs that went
right up to

and disappeared
I went to my pocket
to get my handkerchief
when I realized

it wasn't there
and searched
my other pocket
no wasn't there either

then it dawned on me
where it must be
o God
I said

what's up?
Milka said
coming from the larder
with a round biscuit tin

my handkerchief
it's missing
so you must have
plenty more

Milka said
I do
but I had it
when I came here

this morning
while we were
in your room
before your mum

came back
from shopping
o God
you don't think

it's in my room
do you? and Mum's
up there now
making beds

and she rushed out
of the kitchen
and up the stairs
I could hear her

footsteps rushing
and then voices
and then silence
and I thought

what excuse would I have
for my handkerchief
to be in her bed?
and my brain went numb

and not a thought
entered my head.