Back in the 1950s
when you were a kid
your old man sat beside you
in the cinema

smoking
the smoke rising
his eyes glued
to the big screen

taking in
the leading lady
of the film
her assets

the way she moved
you sat there
scrutinizing
the leading man

to see how quick he was
on the draw
how fast he was
with the 6 shooters

and which side
of his body
his carried the gun
or guns

how he wore his hat
hoping he’d not waste
too much time
kissing the dame

when there was shooting to be done
and bad guys to get
and his horse to ride
into the big screen sunset

and he sat there smiling
at the dame
the leading actress
smoke lingering

you digging
into the small tub
of ice-cream
he’d brought you

from the salesgirl
with the lit up tray
( who no doubt
hoped to be

a big screen actress
herself some day)
and staying there
beside him

right through
the cartoons
and the other feature  
until he turned to you

and said
let’s go
this is where
we came in

and he got up
from his seat
and you followed
taking a last glimpse

of the screen
the gunfire
the flashes of light
you and your old man

out of the cinema
into the dark night.