Ingrid sat on the brick wall
of the bomb site
her hands in her lap
her untidy hair
held in place
with wire grips
the plain grey
cardigan and dress
had food stains
here and there
you sat beside her
in jeans
and bought for you
cowboy shirt
the Saturday film
matinée
just seen
suppose I'd best be home
Ingrid said
before Dad gets back
he doesn't know
I went to the pictures
and he'll say
it's a waste of money
but it's only 6d
you said
surely he wouldn't
begrudge you that?
she said nothing
but stood up
and brushed down
her dress
best go
she said
wait a while
you said
let's buy some chips
before you leave
I've no more money
she said
I have
you replied
patting your jean's pocket
*********
the 6 shooter
toy gun
hanging
at your waist
best not
she said
if Dad sees me
he'll go off
the deep end
she stood there
half undecided
chips with salt
and vinegar
and maybe
an onion or two
you added
giving her a look
your head to one side
she bit her lip
as she fingered
her cardigan
but Mum said
not to be late
Ingrid said
sometimes
they throw in
a slice of bread
and butter
you said
especially for kids
if you give them
I'm starved look
she smiled
her hands going
into the cardigan pockets
what if he sees me
go in there?
she said
he won't
you said
he couldn't see
the end of his nose
without getting dizzy
you said
anyway he might not
be back until later
she shrugged
and then said
ok if we're quick
and so you stood up
and walked her
up Meadow Row
and across the road
to the fish and chip shop
and bought
2 bags of chips
and onions
and 2 slices
of bread and butter
because you both gave
that we're starved gaze
you walked her back
down Meadow Row
eating in silence
she eating ravenously
her fingers busy
her mouth opening
and closing
once you'd finished
and you'd stuffed
the waste chip papers
into a bin
by the grocer's shop
she said
thank you
that was scrumptious
and she kissed your cheek
and walked off
and across
Rockingham Street
towards the Square
at the top
by the entrance
with arms crossed
grim face
Ingrid's father
stood scowling
standing there.