Walking away
from the church
down the narrow lane
her sister with another

up front
she said
my mother seems to think
there's something going on

between me and you
what something?
you asked
she looked up front

some one has talked
of you and me
she said
your sister?

you asked
maybe
who else?
you smelt the blossoms

from the overhanging trees
heard bird song
from the hedges
a car went by

church goers
returning home
to lunch or dinner
but what has she said?

you asked
how do I know?
she said
but now my mother

watches me like a hawk
and if it wasn't
that I'm church going
and in the choir

she wouldn't let me out
of her sight
she sighed and looked away
what happens now?

you asked
be careful that's all
she said
what about now here

and us walking together?
she grabbed your hand
and squeezed it
and pulled you to her

and she kissed you
quickly and firmly
that
she said

that and more
and you walked
as if on air
trying to grab

the moment
trying to stuff it away
in your memory box
for later times

her sister looked back
then away again
maybe she's jealous?
you said

maybe she's just trying
to get into mother's
good books
she said

that time
in the woods
behind your house
that time I sneaked out

and we went in the woods
down by the pond
and sat and talked
and we kissed

and stuff
yes
you said
then I think someone saw us

and told her
another car went by
someone waved
you both waved back

it was a good time there
the peaceful pond
the ducks
the birds overhead

that woodpecker we heard
and you thought
of that moment
when as she lay there

in the grass
and you looked down
at her there
that Russian peasant look

about her
that love felt
and her lips
speaking soft

like wings flapping
of butterflies
you saw in her eyes
the white clouds

and blueness
of the skies.