Uncertainty 1957 Poem by Terry Collett

Enid's old man passed me
on the concrete stairs
of the flats.

Hello Benny
he said
pausing briefly
eyeing me
with his eyes.

Is Enid allowed out?
I asked.

He looked past me
as if Enid stood
behind me.

Depends what
you are up to
he said
his eyes
on me again.

I'm going
to South Bank
to look at the River
see the boats
and tugs and ships pass
I said.

He raised his eyebrows
not sure that Enid
would be interested
in boats
he said.

I'm sure she'd
like to see
the River pass by
and maybe see gulls
I suggested.

He looked past me again
I have to go to work
you can ask her
if you want
but don't be late back
he said.

No we won't be late
I said.

He nodded
and walked
down the stairs
and out of sight.

I went to the balcony
and watched him
walk across the Square
hands in the pockets
of his coat.

Once he was gone
I climbed the stairs
to Enid's flat
and knocked at the door.

Enid's mother
came to the door
yes?
she said.

I've come to see Enid
I said
see if she wants
to go see the boats
and tugs on the Thames.

Not sure if her father
will allow that
she said timidly.

I've just seen him
he said it's ok
I said.

She looked at me
are you sure?

Yes he's just gone
we met on the stairs
I said.

I noticed a mild bruising
of her left eye.

She stared at me
then called Enid
over her thin shoulder
she gazed at me
then walked to the balcony
and looked down
to see if her old man
was coming back again
but he wasn't
so she came back.

Enid came to the door
and I repeated to her
what I had said before.