WHAT TO SAY OR DO 1962

The school bus stops

and kids get off

and Sheila waits anxiously

by the fence

watching the kids go by

looking at the windows

looking for John

one or two girls

she knows say hello

then move on

then John descends

the steps

and she says

can I hang

around with you?

he stops by the bus

o yes it's you

sorry can't remember

your name

he says

looking at her

Sheila

she says

he walks on

and she walks

beside him

what did you mean

hang around?

he asks

just be with you

when we can

you know

lunch times if we're

on the playing field

or maybe after school

do you live far away?

she asks

they pass by the fence

and entrance

to the girls' playground

he pauses

sure if you you like

I get a school bus

to West Village

where do you live?

he asks

taking in aspects

of the girl

I live in this town

but I can get a bus

to West most days

I think

she says

hoping she can

not sure

he takes in

her dark hair

her glasses

her school tie

untidy

look I'll see you around

at lunch recess

if we're on

the field ok?

she nods

unsure what else

to say

but then says

yes look forward to it

and hopes he is too

but he walks on

and away

and doesn't look back

and she goes

in the girls' playground

on edge

unsettled

watching him

disappear from view

undecided what else

to say or do.

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